Achievements in Education Richmond County School System receives Verizon Innovative Learning Schools awards

The Richmond County School System (RCSS) received three awards from the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) initiative for efforts to support equitable and effective uses of technology in classrooms. Two RCSS employees were recognized for their achievements and the school system received the “Model for Sustainability” award.

“We are proud of our schools and project leaders who have been instrumental in providing our students with laptops, at-home Internet connectivity, and training for our teachers and students,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, associate superintendent of academic services at the Richmond County School System. “We believe this work can transform learning and inspire our students.”

RCSS was one of three school systems that received the “Model for Sustainability” award out of 94 districts in the initiative. RCSS was recognized for its collaborative team structure at the district level and the ongoing impact of the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM), a framework used to enhance learning through the targeted use of technology.

In addition to the school system, two employees were recognized. Langford Middle School VILS coach Tangayika Bouttry was named “Stellar Coach” for her leadership within the initiative and innovative approaches to engaging with students, including a digital learning café that introduces technology in a relaxed setting and a student technology team. Additionally, RCSS technology support specialist Crystal James was named “Stellar District IT Leader” for her strong implementation support, her ability to resolve problems quickly, and her efforts to build a cohesive instructional technology infrastructure across schools.

The Richmond County School System joined the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative in February 2021 with five participating schools, A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, Hepzibah Middle School, Tutt Middle School, Langford Middle School, and Spirit Creek Middle School. The initiative provides schools and staff with free technology and access, extensive training and support, and opportunities to network with other information technology professionals to develop engaging and sustainable teaching and learning plans for students. RCSS joins more than 560 schools from across the country as a member of the initiative.

Recovering Reconstruction: A Community Workshop

KEYNOTE: FRIDAY, JULY 7 at 6:00 p.m.

WORKSHOPS: SATURDAY, JULY 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars for this important two-day event to be held at the Springfield Baptist Church in beautiful downtown Augusta, Georgia.

On Friday, Dr. Déanda Johnson will give a keynote to open the two-day event followed by Saturday workshops with:

•Dr. Steven Berry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

•Robin Waites, Director of Historic Columbia Foundation, Columbia, SC

•Christopher Barr, Reconstruction Era National Historic Park, Beaufort, SC

•Dr. Valinda Littlefield, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

The event is free, but please RSVP HERE to save your seat! Scroll down on the ticket page and to us know if you’d like to enjoy a free lunch on Saturday. The lunch is available to the first 75 registrants, so don’t be late!