FONTANA, CA – For the third time and second year in a row, Southridge Tech Middle School has been recognized as a trailblazer in educational innovation and for transforming the foundations of teaching, learning, and preparing students for lifelong success with a redesignation as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2024-25 school year.

Southridge Tech was first named a Microsoft Showcase School in 2018, then again in 2023, and has since been applauded for bridging the technology gap and providing students access to digital platforms that enhance learning. The school will receive a Showcase badge, an educator community team, an invitation to the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert & Showcase School Welcome, and more.

“This designation as a Microsoft Showcase School is a significant achievement because it reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire staff to integrate technology in meaningful ways that enhance the student-learning experience,” Southridge Tech Principal Amber Knight said. “We are proud to carry on the traditions of Southridge Tech, where innovation and student success go hand-in-hand. This is a recognition of the collaboration between our teachers, students, and community, and it drives us to continue excelling.”

Since 2018, Southridge Tech’s implementation of Microsoft programs and technologies has bolstered student achievement across the board. At Southridge, all classes regardless of subject benefit from Microsoft advancements and resources, with teachers using the tech to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

Southridge’s MIE experts on staff play critical roles in ensuring campus-wide success by driving the school’s tech advancement, offering instructional support, modeling and planning lessons, and providing onsite professional development opportunities for staff.

Students at Southridge Tech benefit from an on-campus afterschool robotics program and esports team. Knight shared that the school’s long-term goal is to build stronger partnerships with local tech companies and programs, offering students greater opportunities to engage with real-world applications.

Southridge Tech also aims to expand its focus on equity so all students are equipped for success, with plans to introduce the Girls Who Code program to encourage female students to explore career opportunities in coding and technology, Knight added.

The Microsoft Showcase School program provides schools with an opportunity to engage with Microsoft, receive support from local Global Training Partners, and engage with like-minded school leaders to deepen and expand academics using the Microsoft Education Transformation Framework.

“Southridge Tech’s third designation as a Microsoft Showcase School is truly remarkable and is a testament to the incredible educators, staff, and administrators who strive to make these achievements possible,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “It is invaluable to receive cutting-edge practices and up-to-date insights from a global network of schools and experts, and we are so thankful to be part of the movement to ensure students are prepared for an ever-evolving future.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUSD_MICROSOFT1: From left: US Engineering League instructor Johnathan Alvarado and Southridge Tech sixth-graders Ethan Espiricueta and George Jacob program a robot during an afterschool robotics program. Southridge Tech has been named a Microsoft Showcase School bridging the technology gap and providing students access to digital platforms that enhance learning.

FUSD_MICROSOFT2: Southridge Tech Middle School eighth-graders Angel Lopez, left, and Leonardo Contreras take part in an afterschool robotics program. Southridge Tech has been redesignated a Microsoft Showcase School for the second year in a row.

FUSD_MICROSOFT3: Southridge Tech sixth-grader Zyo Cervantes and librarian Robert Brock celebrate successfully programming a robot during an afterschool robotics class. Southridge Tech uses tech to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity and has been named a Microsoft Showcase School as a result.