Is the school district giving a laptop to each student? The District is implementing a 5-year plan whereby students in grades 6 though 12 will be loaned a laptop during the school year. The initiative is beginning at Monticello Middle School in October. The program will enhance creativity among students, and thusly, enhance the ways in which educators engage them through a variety of teaching methods. Most importantly, the program will increase equity in the accessibility of technology for all students. Back to the Top


How will students use their laptops at school? Laptops are powerful instructional tools that will provide the opportunity for students to access information and learn in a variety of ways. Dependent upon the lesson, teachers may utilize the instant access to videos, tutorials, news databases, and other curriculum materials. In addition, part of the District’s motto is “College Ready. Life Prepared.” Web-based learning has become a way of life in college classes and our students will become comfortable and confident in this area prior to even entering college. Students are engaged by the ability to create using digital tools. Software on Apple laptops is specifically tailored to multimedia production. Back to the Top


How will students use their laptops at home? Taking their laptops home will allow students to extend their work and learning beyond the school day. Much like a textbook, additional time with this instructional tool will allow students to continue work on projects, delve into further detail about a lesson presented during class, and position them to be more familiar with all of the functions and software the laptop offers.

Increased access to information can be beneficial and provide a variety of additional resources to which students may not currently have access, such as library databases. Students will use such resources to research, develop projects, and create products which demonstrate their learning. Back to the Top


Do students have to take a laptop home? Although the District strongly encourages this option, students do not have to take their laptop home. The decision to take a laptop home is one that must be made by each family. Parents/guardians of Monticello students are asked to attend a special grade level roll out meeting in October. At the roll out meeting, parents/guardians must sign a consent agreement that establishes the responsibilities for both students and parents/guardians. Only those students whose parent/guardian has provided written consent will be allowed to take the laptop off of school property. Back to the Top


Will students use their laptops in all subject areas? Laptops will be a powerful tool to effectively enhance classroom lessons and support learning in many ways. As lessons crafted by individual teachers differ, laptops will assist in the classroom instruction in a variety of ways. Some classrooms will use laptops extensively, while others will utilize them less frequently. It is important to remember that this is a pilot year. Both teachers and students will be learning how to best integrate digital technology into their subject areas. Back to the Top


We understand that schools are required to restrict access to Internet content during the school day. Are there any restrictions when students use their laptop at home? Why? Parents/Guardians will play a key role in the success of our technology initiative. While in school, the District blocks inappropriate material and social networking websites. However, students are going to have the opportunity to access the Internet at home, the library, and within the community in the same manner as adults. This initiative allows students to be educated as good digital citizens and to effectively use technology. The laptop is to be used for educational purposes only and students will agree to several responsibilities and expectations prior to receipt of the laptop. We trust our students to model the expectations put forth, and request our parents/guardians also discuss family expectations and ground rules for going online when not in school. Noncompliance with responsibilities or a violation of the acceptable use policy may result in the loss of technology privileges and/or disciplinary actions. Back to the Top


Who is responsible if the laptop is stolen, damaged or lost? The laptops are covered under the District’s insurance policy. Students and families are responsible for all damage or loss that is caused by neglect or abuse in the same manner as any other school resource that is provided to students. Students are being provided a sturdy carrying case for their laptop, which is suitable for walking home, riding the bus, and normal everyday use.

Laptops are the property of the District and loaned to students. If a laptop is damaged, principals will investigate, the same way as any other report of damaged District equipment. It is understood that an infrequent accident can happen, which is why we are impressing upon students the importance of special care for this digital tool. Willful destruction of District property will be handled according to the applicable sections of the Rights and Responsibilities of Students Handbook/Board Policy 5133. Back to the Top


What happens if the laptop does not work properly? Students should inform their teacher immediately should a laptop not function correctly. A procedure has been established where the laptop is examined and if needed the student will be issued a loaner laptop until repairs are made. It is important all problems are shared in a timely fashion so that learning is not disrupted, and the District is made aware of any technical difficulty students are having so it may be corrected appropriately. Back to the Top


Why does the laptop have to be returned at the end of the school year? The laptop computer, charger, and carrying case are being lent to the student borrower for educational purposes only during the academic year, and are assigned in a similar fashion as textbooks. Laptops will be collected at the end of the year and serviced during the summer months. The same laptop will be issued to the student the following school year. Back to the Top

If you have additional questions please contact Dr. Joseph S. Micheller, Director of Educational Services, at 216-320-2008 or J_Micheller@chuh.org.

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