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TechConnect
July 28, 2008
Dear Middle School Families:
We hope the summer has been restful thus far. We are writing to let you know that the MacBook laptops have arrived; and we are excited to begin this process with your support! We plan to begin the imaging process (software installation, etc.) in the near future. We have been planning intensely for the implementation of the 1-to-1 laptop program and wanted to take a few minutes to get you up to speed. Each laptop will have a protective plastic case (color-coded by grade level) that students can feel free to decorate/personalize. This case should be left on the laptop at all times. We have made provisions to supply students with a lock for their lockers (which must be used at all times) and a shelving system for safely storing the laptop in their lockers when not in use.
We are asking families to be responsible for supplying a laptop-ready backpack to transport the laptop to and from school and to be used in school as needed. Students will not be issued a laptop unless they have an approved laptop-ready backpack. Many retailers both online and in stores carry backpacks that will accommodate the Apple MacBook 13.3 inch laptop. Please specify this particular model when selecting an appropriate bag.
We have created a list of bags that will fit the MacBook 13.3 inch laptop from popular online retailer eBags.com. Please visit this link to view laptops that will work for student. These bags are available in many retail stores as well as online.
We anticipate that families will have many questions about the upcoming 1-to-1 laptop program. We will have an FAQ sheet available at Registration/Orientation to answer questions such as how to connect to home printers and home wireless networks (details to follow). We are also planning to offer an evening program in early September for a general Q&A.
Generally speaking, we want students to feel ownership of the laptops. We will encourage students to store documents, projects, music, and photos on it. (Caveat: students should back up their hard drives and data/files regularly at home on an external hard drive to prevent loss of personal data!). Students will have the ability to backup school-related documents and files but not personal music or photos. We will configure the computers to disallow all administrator rights (installation or removal of software, changing system settings, etc.). We also plan to install and use Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) to monitor student use while at school. The WA Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) will be strictly enforced at all times at school. Random “computer checks” will take place throughout the year to insure that students are adhering to these expectations.
As the summer months begin to creep toward August, we are truly excited about this innovative and engaging pilot program and look forward to a successful year with you and your students. Middle School faculty were brought together in early June for a day of training, professional development and planning for the 1-to-1 laptop program. The Middle School at WA is leading this movement towards 21st century teaching and learning. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Regards,
Antonio Viva
Associate Head of School
John F. Fox
Director of the Middle School
Dear Middle School Families:
We hope the summer has been restful thus far. We are writing to let you know that the MacBook laptops have arrived; and we are excited to begin this process with your support! We plan to begin the imaging process (software installation, etc.) in the near future. We have been planning intensely for the implementation of the 1-to-1 laptop program and wanted to take a few minutes to get you up to speed. Each laptop will have a protective plastic case (color-coded by grade level) that students can feel free to decorate/personalize. This case should be left on the laptop at all times. We have made provisions to supply students with a lock for their lockers (which must be used at all times) and a shelving system for safely storing the laptop in their lockers when not in use.
We are asking families to be responsible for supplying a laptop-ready backpack to transport the laptop to and from school and to be used in school as needed. Students will not be issued a laptop unless they have an approved laptop-ready backpack. Many retailers both online and in stores carry backpacks that will accommodate the Apple MacBook 13.3 inch laptop. Please specify this particular model when selecting an appropriate bag.
We have created a list of bags that will fit the MacBook 13.3 inch laptop from popular online retailer eBags.com. Please visit this link to view laptops that will work for student. These bags are available in many retail stores as well as online.
We anticipate that families will have many questions about the upcoming 1-to-1 laptop program. We will have an FAQ sheet available at Registration/Orientation to answer questions such as how to connect to home printers and home wireless networks (details to follow). We are also planning to offer an evening program in early September for a general Q&A.
Generally speaking, we want students to feel ownership of the laptops. We will encourage students to store documents, projects, music, and photos on it. (Caveat: students should back up their hard drives and data/files regularly at home on an external hard drive to prevent loss of personal data!). Students will have the ability to backup school-related documents and files but not personal music or photos. We will configure the computers to disallow all administrator rights (installation or removal of software, changing system settings, etc.). We also plan to install and use Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) to monitor student use while at school. The WA Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) will be strictly enforced at all times at school. Random “computer checks” will take place throughout the year to insure that students are adhering to these expectations.
As the summer months begin to creep toward August, we are truly excited about this innovative and engaging pilot program and look forward to a successful year with you and your students. Middle School faculty were brought together in early June for a day of training, professional development and planning for the 1-to-1 laptop program. The Middle School at WA is leading this movement towards 21st century teaching and learning. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Regards,
Antonio Viva
Associate Head of School
John F. Fox
Director of the Middle School
5/28/2008
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