BYOD
As you may be aware, Chatfield High School has implemented a "Bring-Your-Own-Device" (BYOD) program for incoming 7th through 12th grade. As the reliance on quick and easy access to online resources increases, we find ourselves using portable devices and tablets in the classroom on a near daily basis. These devices have also become commonly used at home for school related coursework and research. With careful consideration, we feel that a BYOD program will fit best starting at the 7th grade level and is a simple transition from the 6th grade iPad program. A primary benefit of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to begin using the type of device/platform that they are most comfortable with. This freedom of choice will become increasingly important as students will begin to rely more heavily on their ability to use technology in creative ways.
The program itself is quite simple: Every student needs to bring a device to school starting the first day of school. This device will be used on a regular basis in the classroom and for assignments at home. The device itself can be something you already own and need not be brand new.
The School District does supply a license for Microsoft Office and Office 365. Office can be installed on up to 5 different devices. Students can login anytime at https://portal.office.com and user their school email address and the password they use to login to school computers.
When looking to purchase a laptop, here are some basic guidelines-
A) Is a WINDOWS based laptop (not Android, Chromebook or Macbook)
B) The battery holds a charge and lasts the entire school day
C) Has a keyboard or ability to connect to one
D) Can access a wireless WIFI network
E) Has at least an 12" screen size, touch-screen is NOT required. (touchscreens use more power and cost much more to repair)
F) If you purchase a name brand laptop, the district tech department will be able to assist in repairs. As such, if you purchase a no name, generic laptop from amazon or sites like Temu, unfortunately, we will not be able to assist in repairing it since parts are not available for those devices.
As part of the BYOD program, we will be providing basic tech support and repair for BYOD devices. We may be able to replace broken screens or keyboards with your only cost being the parts needed for the repair. Having this support will drastically reduce your need to have the BYOD device serviced elsewhere.
Your participation in the BYOD program is very important to your child's success in this digital world and we want to make sure that EVERY student has a device. If your family qualifies for the free or reduced lunch program and you cannot afford a device, please contact the High School Principal, Mr. Nelson, to discuss the options available to you. To find out if you qualify for free/reduced lunch, contact Rinnea Kreter in the District office.
We appreciate your continued support of technology in your child's life and encourage you to read through the 1-to-1 handbook from last year’s iPad program. Many of the tips provided in the parent's section of the handbook will help make this transition easier. The handbook is located here: https://tinyurl.com/chatfield1to1
Sincerely,
Damon Lueck
Technology Director, Chatfield Public Schools
damon@chatfieldschools.com