Muntinlupa Science High School has joined the ranks of the world’s most innovative schools.
Named one of this year’s 31 Pathfinder schools in the world by Microsoft Partners in Learning Innovative Schools Program, it was noted for having a vision for expanded IT learning and showing its commitment towards educational reform and development.
Microsoft honored Muntinlupa Science High School in the Worldwide Innovative Education Forum (IEF) in Salvador, Brazil last November. The awardees bested 104 nominees from 41 countries.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus lauded the school for maximizing the use of technology and making a contribution in the community. “May other schools here and abroad draw inspiration from your achievements and innovative projects,” he declared.
According to Microsoft, the DepEd school demonstrated strong school leadership in increasing the use of Information Technology (IT) in everyday operations and extending their knowledge to other teachers and students in the larger Muntinlupa community.
With the recognition, the school gains access to the latest Microsoft technologies and toolkits that will aid it in preparing to become 21st century learners. The school also receives mentoring from worldwide education stakeholders.
School principal Madeline Ann Diaz said they have two mentors—two principals, one from Singapore and another from Australia— who guide them in their school projects. They also actively participate in a monthly online forum with other Pathfinder schools where they have lectures and discussions.
She added: “My principle is to learn, lead and share. My goal is to learn as much from these programs and lead my community and then, be able to share to others.”
She hopes that in the future, she will also serve as a mentor for other schools in the country to cascade the innovative programs she has learned.
Many teachers in Muntinlupa Science High School have integrated technology in their work and have availed of affordable laptops through the cooperatives in the school. Using IT, the teachers are able to make the preparation of lesson plans more efficient, making possible easy access and sharing among the faculty as well as other online communities. The school is a Microsoft partner since 2004.
Diaz involved her faculty not only in integration of IT but also in values formation that redound to the benefit of the community. “With inspired work, teamwork and hard work follow as a matter of course.”
Some notable student projects include the Adopt-A-Reader program during their Citizens Army Training days. Diaz explained, “Our high school students go in the community and find children in elementary grades who have difficulty reading and help them. With the use of laptops, they teach reading and make it very interactive and fun.”
Students from the Muntinlupa Science High School have even sent kids to school through World Vision. They have blogs to share their experiences and to encourage others to help out.
The school also offers computer courses such as troubleshooting and computer repairs every Saturday for returning OFWs, out of school youths and other teachers. After an intensive training, students in this course go out to repair computers in nearby schools. The training helps them in getting further accreditation, in finding employment to finance their studies or in setting up their own internet shops.