Immokalee Middle School (IMS) is celebrating the success of its leader in the way of digital innovation. On January 28, Principal Ryan Nemeth was recognized at the Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando as one of three Innovative Principal of the Year finalists in the state of Florida by the Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders. Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton was on hand to introduce Principal Nemeth as a finalist.

Nemeth was honored for his use of digital tools within the school. “Whether its allowing students to work collaboratively processing new content together, having teachers collaboratively plan using those resources, or making connections to the outside world, the use of the students’ one-to-one laptop along with the interactive whiteboard, MimioFrame, and audio enhancement allow for an extension of learning in one big package that can be transcribed throughout the day and at home,” shares Nemeth.

MimioFrame. Audio enhancement. Laptop computers. These digital tools, woven together, increase engagement within the classroom and offer Immokalee’s students one of the best learning environments possible. In fact, every sixth grade student at IMS has been assigned a laptop to use at school and at home. This allows for them to continue their learning outside of the school day and helps them to complete assignments. It also proves beneficial to parents.
“Because I don’t have a computer at home, I use her laptop to go into Parent Portal and I’m able to check her grades,” shares one IMS parent. “When she brings her laptop home, it’s basically the same thing she’s doing at school, so whatever notes or whatever was taken at school, it’s on there.”

Nemeth explains, “Students take pride and ownership of their learning by bringing the tools to and from school each day and I think that’s a huge emphasis.”

We applaud Principal Nemeth and his commitment to student achievement and digital innovation!