Apple Distinguished Schools

John F. Kennedy Elementary School and Saddle Rock Elementary School have been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Schools for 2025-2028 for inspiring, imagining, and impacting teaching and learning schoolwide through continuous innovation.

The Great Neck Public Schools is proud to announce that two elementary schools have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools for the 2025–2028 program term. John F. Kennedy Elementary School and Saddle Rock Elementary School have earned this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.

District and building leaders praised staff, students, and the school community on this recognition, which reflects the district’s commitment to leveraging technology as a key component of innovative learning and student success.

“At JFK, we want our students to leave our school feeling confident as problem solvers, collaborators, and creators,” says Principal Ron Gimondo. “By integrating technology thoughtfully, we are not just preparing our students for future careers—we are preparing students to shape the future.”

“Saddle Rock students and staff live by our guiding rules for living, which are values that inspire us to create a joyful, inclusive, innovative place to learn and grow,” explains Principal Luci Bradley. “We are honored to be recognized for the creative ways our school uses technology to support student discovery and digital citizenship.” 

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.

According to GNPS Technology Director Dr. Justin Lander, the district’s 1:1 iPad initiative, first implemented in 2017, has transformed how teachers approach instruction. “Our job as educators is to meet students where they are and adapt to the specific needs of each student. Using iPad devices makes that possible in ways we could have never imagined.”

Schools all over the world are using iPad and Mac to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.

The Great Neck Public Schools is proud to have a total of three elementary schools honored as Apple Distinguished Schools. John F. Kennedy and Saddle Rock join E.M. Baker Elementary School, which was announced last year as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024–2027 program term.

"This recognition celebrates the innovation, creativity, and dedication of our students and staff," praises Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert. "Thank you to our entire school community for supporting programs that keep the Great Neck Public Schools at the forefront of technology in education and empower our learners to thrive in a digital world.”