Apple Distinguished School

In 2017 and again in 2019, Oak Lawn Community High School was named an Apple Distinguished School.  

Apple defines a distinguished school as one who's leaders, faculty, and the extended community have a clear vision for how their technology-rich environments support learning goals. School leaders have established elements for continuous innovation that include culture, team, capacity, community, finance, and measurement. Supporting their school’s vision is an ongoing process that requires thoughtful planning, practice, and improvement along the way. They use iPad and Mac products to inspire student creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. And they cultivate environments in which students are excited and curious about learning.

"This distinction from Apple just validates the outstanding work of our teachers and students. Since the adoption of the iPad program, the teaching and learning at OLCHS has been redefined and transformed and has reached higher levels. I am excited to see what our students and teachers will produce next."

Dr. Jeana Lietz, Principal

 

 

In 2019, Apple recognized two Oak Lawn Community High School staff members, Janet Meyers & Jennifer Wargin, as Apple Distinguished Educators.  In 1994, Apple created the Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE) program to recognize K–12 and higher-education pioneers who are using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning. These are the educators who are looking to change the world. They are active leaders from around the world helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac to make learning deeply personal for every student.

Student Internship Program

OLCHS offers a unique credit-bearing internship program that puts students to work in customer service while offering the latest training in iPad technology. The team offers a wide-range of services for students and staff from assisting with battery issues to exploring new apps to cracked screens. Students study various customer service models to develop their own customer service model, becoming the iTeam. iTeam members also set-up the iPad for each new student and demonstrate how to use the important apps, providing new students with a friendly face that helps them start their new school experience on a positive note. iTeam students speak Arabic, Spanish, and Polish and regularly assist our students who are English language learners. This program provides iTeam members with both technology application and customer service experience while at the same time providing a valuable service to new students.