Students and teachers will receive devices, internet access and innovative learning programs

In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes three schools in Norwalk Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year

On September 29, three Norwalk Public Schools middle schools will join Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, which addresses barriers to digital inclusion. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program provides free devices, internet access and innovative learning programs to help give under-resourced students the technology, education and opportunity they deserve.

Nathan Hale Middle School, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and West Rocks Middle School are among 246 new schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2021-22 school year, equipping nearly 183,000 new students with technology resources and bringing the program’s impact to more than 500 schools nationwide. A total of 2,015 devices will be provided to these schools as part of the program. The market value of the Verizon Innovative Learning program’s investment in the 1:1 device schools is on average over $2.3 million per school.

“Ensuring that all students are future ready for college, career and globally engaged leadership is an important priority of the Norwalk Public Schools Strategic Plan,” says NPS Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella. “We are proud to join the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools initiative, which will help our students develop critical technology skills, preparing them for future success.”

Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning from anywhere—in the classroom, at home or in hybrid learning environments. Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement.

"Verizon is proud to welcome Norwalk Public Schools to the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program,” said David Lamendola, Director of State Government Affairs - Connecticut & New York.  The transformative program will help address barriers to digital inclusion through the use of technology and prepare students to acquire the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.  Verizon Innovative Learning Schools will be a great resource for the students of Norwalk's Public School system."

Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education model, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools also equips each school with a technology coach and provides professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative helped prepare them for remote learning, allows for more individualized instruction and elevates student engagement. Students have reported that assignments are easier with the use of technology, and having it improves their confidence in the things they can do. *

WHAT: To celebrate Norwalk Public Schools’ participation in the program, a kick-off event at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy will feature local middle school students receiving their own devices. Administrators and program leaders will discuss why hands-on learning experiences using technology—particularly in middle/high school—is so important to academic achievement and lifelong success. Teachers and students will demonstrate how this technology will be used in classrooms this year.

WHEN: September 29 from 4 to 7pm

WHERE: Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, 21 Hunters Lane, Norwalk, CT

WHO:  NPS Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella

NPS Assistant Superintendent for Digital Learning & Innovation Ralph Valenzisi Education Administrator for School Improvement and Support, K-12, STEM Tina Henckel

Norwalk Board of Education Members

Digital Promise Associate Director of Professional Learning Cameron Lineberger

Digital Promise Technical Project Manager for NPS Shibrie Wilson

*92% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning helped prepare them to teach remotely

*92% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning helped them explore new ways of teaching

*88% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning allowed for more individualized instruction

*84% of teachers said that Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced student engagement

*59% of students believe assignments are easier when using a device

*54% of students believe that having the technology improved their confidence in the things they can do

*Source: Westat (2020). Westat (2019)

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About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon's award-winning education initiative, addresses barriers to digital inclusion and is a key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. Since 2012, the program has provided free technology, access and innovative learning programs to under-resourced schools, enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. In 2021 Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that will provide free access to immersive XR educational experiences to all K-12 teachers nationwide. The company is committed to providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.

About Norwalk Public Schools

Norwalk Public Schools is the number one city school district in the state. Our mission is to provide an excellent and equitable education so all students graduate future ready as civically responsible, globally engaged and positive contributors to an ever-changing and diverse world. Our district's rich diversity is a key part of our strength, with Norwalk students representing a variety of backgrounds and cultures. The Norwalk Public School system is focused on building a more equitable and just world where each and every Norwalk student is prepared for all aspects of life.