We are Proud to be Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School
At MST, student-centered experiences empower learners to take ownership of their educational journey through voice, choice, and agency. Instruction is designed to help students set goals, solve problems, and monitor progress with digital feedback
Our ADS Journey
MST’s Apple Distinguished School journey began with a commitment to using technology as a tool for innovation, creativity, and real-world problem solving. As a STEM magnet grounded in the Engineering Design Process, we implemented a 1:1 iPad environment and built staff capacity through 100% Apple Teacher certification.
Over the past three years, we have deepened integration by aligning Apple tools to problem-based learning, computational thinking, and student agency. Students use iPads to code robotics, design solutions in Tinkercad, and create products in Keynote and iMovie. Milestones include the launch of our student-led Tech Team and the use of digital portfolios for goal setting and reflection.
Today, classrooms are dynamic, student-centered environments where learners collaborate, take risks, and design solutions that extend beyond the classroom.
1:1 Stories of Impact
From Idea to Impact: Designing for Community with State Farm
During the 2024–2025 school year, MST Magnet Elementary launched an innovative Capstone project led by Ms. Ashleigh Edney, empowering 3rd and 4th grade RAP students to become designers, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Using iPads and Apple Keynote as an entry point to coding and app design, students developed foundational skills in user interaction, navigation, and choice-based design while addressing real community needs.
Students identified problems rooted in empathy and service, designing apps such as digital fidgets to support anxiety and comfort-choice tools for children in hospitals. Through an age-appropriate engineering design process, students researched, ideated, prototyped, tested, and refined their work—integrating literacy, technology, and social-emotional learning.
Building on this success, MST expanded the project in 2025–2026 through a partnership with the State Farm STEM Program, Richardson ISD, and Richardson High School. In this model, MST students serve as clients, defining app features and goals, while high school computer science students act as developers. Using their iPads, MST students collaborate, provide feedback, and engage in iterative design cycles to ensure their ideas come to life.
Through monthly sessions held at Richardson High School, the State Farm corporate campus, and RISD facilities, students experience authentic professional environments and real-world collaboration. This work exemplifies how iPads empower students to move from consumers to creators—designing solutions that have purpose, impact, and relevance beyond the classroom.
Vison
At MST, technology enhances learning by empowering students to think critically, create authentically, and solve real-world problems. Using iPads, students engage in coding, robotics, and 3D design through tools like Swift Playgrounds and Tinkercad, while also creating and sharing their learning through Keynote, Clips, and iMovie.
Learning is driven by voice, choice, and agency, with students tracking progress through digital portfolios and collaborating across flexible learning spaces. These experiences develop the 4 C’s—communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—and prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
What's Next?
MST will continue to expand innovation by fully integrating the Engineering Design Process across all classrooms and deepening problem-based learning experiences. Students will increasingly use iPads to code robotics, design and prototype solutions in Tinkercad, and bring ideas to life through 3D printing and digital creation tools.
We will grow student leadership through our Tech Team, expand STEM lab opportunities, and enhance outdoor learning spaces to support authentic, hands-on learning. Additionally, we aim to strengthen and expand partnerships with industry and community organizations to further enrich real-world learning experiences for our students.
Through standards-based grading supported by digital tools, we will continue to strengthen feedback and student goal setting—ensuring every learner is equipped to lead, design, and innovate with confidence.
Apple Integration Mentorship Program
MST educators and RISD Apple Learning Coaches were featured in an Apple video recognized at the November Board meeting, highlighting innovative teaching and coaching practices. The video reflects MST’s culture of continuous improvement, with staff serving as ALCs, participating in the Apple Integration Mentorship Program, and earning Apple Distinguished Educator recognition—driving innovation and student impact. Here is the video link:
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we become an Apple Distinguished School?
MST underwent the Apple Distinguished School application process in the spring of 2022 and was selected in September 2022 as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2022–2025 cohort. We are currently in the renewal process. Our application highlighted the intentional integration of Apple technology, student-centered learning, and a strong focus on innovation, creativity, and real-world problem solving.
How has our school benefitted from being an ADS?
The ADS process provided clarity and focus around our vision for teaching and learning, pushing us to think bigger about what is possible for our students. Since being recognized, staff engagement in Apple professional learning has grown significantly, leading to deeper instructional practices, increased student agency, and a stronger culture of innovation across the campus.
How did we build faculty capacity to reach this status?
MST builds faculty capacity by setting clear expectations for innovation from the start. During recruitment, we prioritize candidates who are committed to earning Apple Teacher certification and creating authentic learning experiences. We foster a culture of continuous growth by celebrating staff achievements, investing in professional learning, and encouraging teachers to take risks and “fail forward” as they design innovative, student-centered lessons.