Q: When did the laptop program start?

A: A report, along with a proposal, was given to and accepted by the Board of Education in the spring of the 2003-2004 school year. During the summer of 2004, laptops were ordered for 7th graders and teachers. All staff received training in late August and started the year using electronic gradebooks and attendance on a database called Powerschool. Throughout the 2004-2005 school year, staff received weekly training sessions on the use of the software applications. Intensive staff development took place specifically for all 7th grade teachers over a weekend in February and three full days in March. Consultants from Apple were used to facilitate many of the workshops focusing on best educational practices and the integration of curriculum through the use of technology.

Q: When did students receive laptops?

A: Following staff development and upgrades to our network, the students received their laptops on April 1, 2005. Students were trained and given expectations for proper use. The laptops were successfully used in classrooms until early June.

Q: When will they bring them home?

A: We wanted to ensure students have a good understanding of how to use their laptop before sending them home. Current 8th graders will take them home starting October 10.

Q: Does this cost anything?

A: No, there is no fee to use the laptop. The District has an insurance policy on each computer. If the laptop is damaged while in school, the District will cover the cost of repair. However, if the laptop is damaged while at home, there is a $250.00 deductible that will be charged to parents. This would be the only cost associated with the project.

Q: Will I be able to use my home computer dial up service with the laptop?

A: Yes, please contact your provider to obtain a disk for us to install into the laptop. Students will not be able to load any programs onto their laptops at home. Students should bring the disk to school as soon as you receive one.

Q: What if I don't have access at home?

A: Not all assignments and projects will need the internet to complete. The computer room at the Middle School is open at 7:00 a.m. every morning. Students may come and have wireless access at that time.

Q: What if I don't want my student to bring home the laptop?

A: We will provide storage for them in school. They will need to be at school at 7:00 a.m. to use the computer room to complete any on-line type of assignments. They are permitted to take the high school bus to school for this purpose.

Q: What is the responsibility as a parent?

A: We have permission slips on file from last year. We ask that you update and return them to the main office. If we do not receive the updated permission slip we will restrict the laptop to school use only. The permission slip states that you assume responsibility for any computer use at home. We request that you exercise the use of all parental controls set up by your service carrier. We need you to be certain that the laptop is being used for educational purposes. Computers are randomly checked at school through their "history" to ensure students are not visiting inappropriate sites. The laptop will be removed from any student using it inappropriately. If the history is ever erased, the laptop will also be removed.

Q: What can parents do to help make the project successful?

A: We ask that you monitor your child's academic progress. In order for us to evaluate what we do, we need you to participate in our surveys and questionnaires we send or set up online pertaining to the project. We will also need your support during the upcoming budget season to ensure the laptop program remains as part of the District's operating budget. An extremely cost effective process has been designed to make this an affordable addition.

Q: What can students do to make this project successful?

A: The design of the laptop program surrounds student academic growth. We need students to view the laptop as an educational tool and not a toy. We need them to be responsible and care for the laptop. We also need them to be responsible and mature enough to not be inappropriate while doing school related work. This will be a powerful learning experience that is truly a privilege. We also will be looking to students to stretch their thinking and look beyond the confines of traditional textbooks. This opportunity allows limitless access to the world of information.

Q: What are our expectations?

A: It is our expectations that all students will learn and grow at their own pace through the use of technology. We expect students to be more organized and create a higher-level quality of work through the laptop. To restate our goal - we expect to raise the level of student achievement.

Q: Why are we doing this?

A: The ultimate goal is to increase student academic achievement. However, of equal importance is the opportunity to train our students to be technologically literate. We are in a position to prepare students for jobs that don't exist as of yet. The best predictions say those jobs will involve technology. The more skills that can be acquired at a young age, the more successful they will be in the future.