Mayfield Junior School’s Dean and Educational Technology Team Featured at Apple Event
In today’s changing world, technology plays a fundamental role in how we learn, connect, communicate, and create. At Mayfield Junior School, the thoughtful integration of technology is a key component to the school’s K-8 educational program and focus on educating the whole child.
Apple invited Mayfield’s Dean of Academic Life, Nicole Wirth, Education Technology and Design Coordinator, Erika Sears, and Education Technology Specialist, Kissy Linao, to present at the online event “Spotlight on Success in Catholic Schools.” Mayfield’s trio was asked to share their expertise and insights with educators from the West Coast. They discussed how technology at MJS supports student success and bolsters academic preparation and community engagement.
Dr. Jeff Oldfield, an Apple Education Leadership executive, began the event by asking how schools use educational technology to support their school communities.
“We know the impacts of the pandemic created significant challenges for all schools,” reflected Wirth. “At a place like Mayfield where the sense of community plays such a large role in who we are, our focus from Day 1 has been to explore ways to equip our students and support our faculty to better connect with the world around us.”
Mayfield’s approach to integrating technology across the school community has been comprehensive. Educational Technology staff members provided direct support to students, and traditional in-person events were re-imagined and delivered online in support of COVID-19 guidelines. Mayfield provided faculty members professional development opportunities at “Keep Calm and Learn Something New” lunch-time sessions. Wirth and Sears also hosted parent education classes and produced an EdTech-themed vlog providing faculty helpful teaching tips.
Kissy Linao previously taught in the Lower School and is now part of Mayfield’s Educational Technology team. “As a teacher, I felt supported in so many ways, and I was able to move past my comfort zone because of the collaborative nature in which technology is utilized at our school,” said Linao. “Now, I am using this experience to help faculty members with curricular planning and goal setting, and you can see the enthusiasm across the board.”
School leadership, faculty, and staff remain committed to providing Mayfield students with all of the elements of a Holy Child education.
“Everything we do is to help build, reinforce, and strengthen relationships with our students,” said Erika Sears. “In any curriculum enhancement, we are very mindful of the social-emotional aspects of learning. Our mentality is to utilize technology as a tool where it makes the most sense.”
About Mayfield Junior School
Founded in 1931 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and located adjacent to historic Old Pasadena, Mayfield Junior School is a leading Catholic Independent school serving Kindergarten to Eighth-Grade students. Mayfield is distinguished by the Holy Child educational philosophy of developing the whole child as an intellectual, spiritual, creative, and athletic person. Mayfield’s educational program best prepares students for high school and beyond. Learn more at www.mayfieldjs.org.
