Ring has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School by the multinational technology giant, a distinction awarded to a select group of institutions worldwide that exemplify innovation, leadership, and educational excellence through technology. Jamestown’s C.V. Bush Elementary School also received this recognition.

Ring joins a global network of just over 1,000 Apple Distinguished Schools — including only 500 in the United States — recognized for their efforts to make learning more personal, creative, and connected. The recognition celebrates how Ring educators have used technology not simply as a tool, but as an integral part of how students learn, think, and collaborate.

“This honor reflects the dedication of their teachers, principals, students, and staff to using technology not only as a tool but also as a means to personalized learning,” said Jason Kathman, JPS technology instructional coach. “It showcases their innovative spirit and their belief in the potential of our students to achieve at the highest levels.”

For fourth-grade teacher Marcella Centi, the recognition represents a moment of pride — and a reflection of years of hard work and innovation by Ring’s staff and students.

“I would like to think it is a reflection and celebration of the genuine effort, creativity, and commitment we’ve all put into stepping a bit out of our comfort zone and making technology a meaningful part of learning — not just an add-on,” Centi said. “Our students aren’t just using devices; they’re using them to think critically, collaborate, and create in ways that make learning deeper and more personal. Technology opens doors for our students to express themselves and show their understanding in unique ways.”

Over the course of her career, Centi has watched technology transform classrooms.

“When I started, we had four Mac machines taking up a large space in the room and offering a limited number of programs–primarily to reinforce or practice previous learning,” she said. “We now have one-to-one devices that are integrated into many facets of our day and allow, not only for adaptive, individualized practice, but for students to create products to showcase their learning in unique ways.”

Centi’s students use iPads to create videos, collaborate on projects, and even film green-screen segments — like “covering” Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as reporters broadcasting live from the Wonka Chocolate Factory.

“We’ve also used technology in science to do Minecraft activities where they built ecosystems that connected to the unit we were studying,” she added. “What I thought was really fascinating was that some of my kids who don’t shine in traditional paper-and-pencil presentations had the most intricate and creative ecosystems.”

C.C. Ring Elementary School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative use of instructional technology across grade levels.

Whether working on adaptive math platforms, green-screen storytelling, or Minecraft-based science simulations, Centi says technology helps every student find a way to succeed.

“They’re working at their pace,” she said. “The kids who can think of a definition quickly and add detail do that. The kids who are struggling a little more will use speech-to-text to get the job done at their pace.”

In second grade, Carley NeGron says technology has helped her students take ownership of their learning — and explore their creativity in new ways.

“As a teacher, being part of a school recognized as an Apple Distinguished School is incredibly rewarding,” NeGron said. “It celebrates how our Ring community uses technology to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. We’re proud that our students are not just using devices, but truly thinking, creating, and collaborating in meaningful ways.”

Every day, NeGron’s students use tools like SeeSaw, Waggle, and Freckle to complete work interactively and independently.

“They’re able to utilize text-to-speech features, so they can access work without me standing right next to them reading it,” she said. “On my end, I’m able to give them feedback as they submit assignments to me. They also use adaptive platforms that tailor reading and math practice to their level.”

In creative writing, her students use image generators to design characters based on descriptive adjectives — and for enrichment, they use iMovie and Keynote to produce weather reports, animal research projects, and more.

“We definitely have a few fun projects up our sleeve as the school year goes on!” NeGron added. “Some of our reading units allow us to tap into technology and do things like creating weather reports on iMovie and Keynotes about an animal that they researched.”

The Apple Distinguished School recognition also reflects a collective effort across grade levels, teachers, and leadership at Ring to make technology an everyday part of student learning — not an add-on.

“Our teachers have worked incredibly hard to integrate technology in ways that are meaningful, creative, and empowering for students,” said Michelle Trussalo, Ring Elementary Principal. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire school community — from our staff who continually learn and grow, to our students who inspire us every day with their curiosity and creativity. We’re proud to see that work recognized on such a global stage.”