2021SouthMS_Harrisbu Rg_SD[76].pdf

Harrisburg South Middle School (HSMS) is a unique educational institution that fosters a culture of empowerment, creativity, and lifelong learning. The school's focus is on relationships, where learners drive the level of empowerment, creating and consuming knowledge. The iPad is the primary tool for this creative learning environment, where learners collaborate with peers, community, and the world.

The school's vision is to empower learners to impact the world, and its demographics include 610 learners in grades 6-8, with a one-to-one iPad environment since 2015. The staff is 100% Apple Teacher certified, and the school has implemented various technologies, including Apple TV and MacBook Air devices.

The school's framework for learning includes iLearn, iPractice, and iMaster, where learners create mastery artifacts of learning using various iPad tools, such as Keynote, Garage Band, Clips, and iMovie. Teachers provide support and guidance to help learners succeed with their creations, breaking down projects into manageable steps and encouraging problem-solving.

HSMS has also developed three Design Thinking courses, Idea Foundry, Impact, and Venture, which provide learners with an entrepreneurial space to elevate learning agility. The school is currently exploring augmented reality, virtual reality, coding, and other technologies to further enhance learning.

The school measures successful learning through reflection and conversations, and has been recognized for its innovative approach to education. HSMS has a strong network of personal connections with experts from around the world, which provides learners with empathy and support in their designing journey.

The school's learners have achieved various successes, including traveling to Utila, Honduras to conduct plastic pollution research and educating the local community. HSMS is also part of a longitudinal research study with South Dakota State University, which aims to explore the school's innovative approach to education.

Overall, Harrisburg South Middle School is a unique and innovative educational institution that is redefining the way learning takes place, and its focus on relationships, creativity, and lifelong learning is paying off in terms of student success and community impact.