John Street School, Polk Street School and Washington Street School are pleased to announce they have been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the September 2026-December 2029 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.
Schools all over the world are using iPad and Mac to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
“This incredible achievement highlights the innovative spirit, dedication and
commitment to excellence that define our school district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jared Bloom said.
“This year, we’ve challenged ourselves to be balanced, bold and built for tomorrow –
and our intentional use of Apple iPads and MacBooks are an important part of bringing that vision to life,” Director of Technology, Innovation & Data Systems Casey Hauptman said. “Apple technologies give our students and educators the flexibility to create, explore, collaborate, and approach learning in new ways.”
The Franklin Square Union Free School District is a public elementary school district in Nassau County, New York, serving prekindergarten through sixth-grade students across John Street School, Polk Street School, and Washington Street School. Guided by its motto, “We Can! We Will! We Do!”, the district is rooted in five foundational pillars: Innovation, Academic Excellence, Joyful Learners, Connectedness, and Care. The district aims to inspire curiosity and critical thinking through technology, STEAM, coding, and makerspaces, while providing rigorous, high-quality instruction to ensure every student reaches their highest potential. Anchored by a strong sense of community, the district fosters joyful learning experiences and maintains safe, supportive environments where diversity is valued, relationships are nurtured, and the whole child – mind, body, and heart – is empowered to thrive