Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre and Lisa Jackson, Vice-President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives for Apple, visited the school to see Jefferson’s classrooms transform into 21st century learning environments after students received new iPads.
In an effort to boost academic achievement while preparing students for college and careers, the District and Apple have begun distributing iPads to students at five schools.
The participating schools including Jefferson, Bursch, Carver, and Kelly elementary schools and Walton Middle School received Apple grants through the White House’s ConnectED Initiative, which aims to increase student achievement and bridge the digital divide.
They are among 114 schools nationwide and five out of the sixteen schools in California selected for this prestigious Apple grant.
Principal Mario Marcos said the entire Jefferson school community is excited to see how the new devices will impact the lives of their students.
“With Apple technology in the hands of our students we really have an opportunity to transform the way we do instruction,” he said. “More than ever our students are going to develop their capacity to be innovators and creative thinkers, and that’s what is needed in the 21st century.”
He added that the school was honored to welcome Lisa Jackson and Dr. Dre as guests.
“It was wonderful to have them here seeing our students engaged with the iPads on the first day they get to use them in class. We’re thankful to Apple and our guests for this opportunity.”
Aspiring musician and Jefferson Elementary fourth-grader Chris Munoz was star-struck after meeting Dr. Dre when the hip-hop icon. Chris said he wants to learn how to make music just like his musical hero using his new iPad.
“He’s my favorite rapper,” he said. “I’m excited about the iPad because I can try to make movies and music. I think I can learn better with the iPad.”
