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Berlin Intermediate launches student 'Apple Vanguard' program to train 5th and 6th graders as tech leaders
Summary
Berlin Intermediate School presented a new student leadership program that trains 5th and 6th graders to support classroom technology and teach Apple‑based skills to peers. Staff said 54 students applied and 33 were selected for the pilot.
Berlin Intermediate School on Jan. 21 described a new student leadership pilot, “Apple Vanguard,” that trains upper elementary students to help teachers and classmates use district Apple devices and software.
The program, presented to the Worcester County Board of Education by principal Dr. Gallagher and staff members Amanda Center and Megan Kater, recruited 54 applicants and selected a 33‑student pilot cohort: 17 fifth graders and 16 sixth graders. Staff said Vanguard members meet about two hours per session (fifth and sixth grade meet separately), learn “Apple behaviors” that emphasize collaboration and “yes, and” creative building, and practice skills in Keynote, Procreate and other Apple apps so they can support peers and provide classroom demonstrations.
Why it matters: District staff said the Vanguard model aims to expand student leadership, free teachers to differentiate instruction and create a student think tank that can offer classroom‑level ideas for tech integration.
What the program does Amanda Center and Megan Kater outlined lessons used in the pilot: logo design in Keynote, collaborative problem solving, and “nudging success” — instructional techniques that encourage students to guide classmates to problem solve rather than doing the task for them. Student presenters said they were already helping classmates and using editing and presentation tools to demonstrate learning.
Program logistics and next steps Staff said the pilot uses existing Apple devices; Berlin Intermediate already holds Apple Distinguished School status and 19 staff members are Apple‑certified (a recent high‑level staff certification count referenced in the presentation). Staff also reported internal professional learning for adult staff (Apple Learning coaches and executive coaching) to support student leadership. The school plans to continue the pilot this year, to share outcomes with district staff and to explore an adapted student certification the school hopes to integrate into a 6th‑grade keyboarding/course sequence.
Ending Board members, including William Buchanan, expressed interest in visiting a Vanguard session. The school said two more Worcester County schools — Snow Hill Middle School and Snow Hill Elementary — are working toward Apple Distinguished status.
