Ensuring our students are college ready and life prepared means they are competent in using digital tools and technology. The vision of the Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District is to Prepare All Students for Success in A Global Economy (P.A.S.S.A.G.E.). The Teaching and Learning with Technology Initiative (One to One) is being instituted to further this vision and help prepare students for their future, a world of digital technology, global information, and instant communication. Increasing access to technology is essential for that future, and laptops, within a wireless learning environment, help students to learn at their full potential and to prepare for college and the workplace.

By 2012, all middle and high school students will learn in a wireless environment with laptop computers. Over the course of a 5-year implementation process, all CH-UH students in grades 6 – 12 will be learning with Apple laptop computers as their instructional tools. The program will enhance creativity amongst our students, and thusly, enhance the ways in which we engage them through a variety of teaching methods. Most importantly, the program will ensure equity in the accessibility of technology for all students.

The rollout of laptops begins in October as a pilot program at Monticello Middle School. The pilot program begins on October 1 for Monticello 8th grade students at a special meeting for families at 6:30 p.m. Monticello 7th grade students will receive their laptops at an evening meeting on October 6, and 6th grade students will receive their laptops at an evening meeting on October 13.

A middle school was selected as the pilot site, as opposed to Cleveland Heights High School, due to the size of its student population and campus. In order to ensure the program’s success, the high school would have posed more challenges on a larger scale as opposed to working out issues with a smaller building and student population. Beginning on a smaller scale and then ramping up in a defined sequence provides the time to work with teachers and students to make certain we are maximizing the potential of these new and exciting resources. When this year’s 8th grade class moves to the high school next year, their laptops will travel with them.

Parents/Guardians will play a key role in the success of our technology initiative. It is critical for the parent/guardian to attend the introductory meeting with their student. These meetings will provide key information about student and family responsibilities, Internet safety, and laptop safety and care.

Student and parent/guardian attendance is required at the October roll out meeting in order for laptops to be taken off of school grounds. Parents/guardians of Monticello students are asked to attend a special 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. As this is a tool for learning, the District encourages all parents to consider this option. The laptops are being used as an instructional tool, similar to a textbook, and taking their laptop home will allow students continuous access to this learning tool after the school day.

Students are responsible for the physical care of their laptops, in addition to the appropriate use of the laptop. Students are responsible for the proper care of their laptop during the school year. Students will be assigned the same laptop each year when school begins. Damage to a laptop will be investigated by the school principal, the same way as any other report of damage to District property or equipment. When laptops are distributed, we will discuss safety and proper techniques to travel with laptops, and the expectations for proper handling, with students and families.

As a component to being responsible with the laptop and technology, students are also accountable for properly using the tool for educational purposes only. 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 as adults. This initiative allows for them to be educated as good digital citizens and the effective use of technology. The laptop is to be used for educational purposes only and the 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.

The CH-UH District, not the student, is the owner of all laptops. Laptops, and all associated hardware/software are the property of the CH-UH City School District. 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.

Several sources will assist the District in funding this initiative. State funds required to be used to purchase curriculum materials are being reallocated to finance the leasing of the laptops. In addition, Federal E-Rate dollars provided to the District are being used to add wireless capability at each Middle School.

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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