What is the plan?
All Jenkintown students in grades K-12 will be issued a Google Chromebook. The district adopted a $25.00 technology fee for the MS/HS to help us maintain the quality of the devices we provide the students and helps with minor repairs and damage to the machines. The fee also helps with the cost of purchasing new Chromebooks so we can maintain our 1:1 environment. There is no technology fee for our elementary school students..
Why are we doing this?
To be consistent with our Mission Statement, The School District of Jenkintown has an obligation to prepare students for an ever-changing world, that sees technological advancements at a rapid rate. We believe that every student has a right to an education that prepares them for further education and/or future employment, and develops the skills that they must have as citizens of the 21st Century: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. As a 1:1 district, we strive to ensure that every student in every class has opportunities to learn in an engaging environment reflective of the world that surrounds all of us.
What will this cost and who is paying for it?
Just as the district currently provides high quality textbooks and other instructional materials for students, the district will supply quality devices to meet the instructional demands of today’s learners. Devices are instructional tools, and the district is looking closely at the spending patterns on current instructional materials and supplies, in order to reallocate some of those funds towards this initiative.
What if the device is lost or damaged?
If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, parents will be responsible for the replacement cost of a new device, just as they are responsible for lost or stolen textbooks. If the device is damaged due to negligence and not covered by the warranty, parents will be responsible for the cost of the repair.
I don’t want my student to have a Chromebook. Can I opt out?
No. These devices are an integral part of classroom instruction, and without a device, students would be unable to participate fully in classroom activities and assignments.
I’m concerned about my student accessing inappropriate information on the Internet. What are you doing about that?
The School District of Jenkintown is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and maintains a content filter and firewall for all Internet-enabled computers and equipment. Regardless of physical location (in district or out), the Chromebooks will have all Internet traffic monitored and filtered by the district.
Will faculty or staff be able to access or control the webcam on the devices?
No. Faculty and staff will not have access to remote control the webcam in anyway. This would include times when students need help or are working collaboratively with an application.
Do I need to have Internet service at home for this device to work?
Regardless of device, Internet access is becoming more and more important to the educational process. Teachers are continually finding and using information, resources, tools, and programs on the Web to enhance their curriculum. While the Chromebook can be equipped with off-line apps that can be used when the device is not connected to the Internet, there may be some projects and assignments that do require Internet access.
How do the Chromebooks connect to the Internet?
The Chromebooks being purchased by the district will have built-in WiFi, so they can connect to any available WiFi network. They will be set up to automatically connect to the WiFi network in both schools, but will also be able to connect to any home or public WiFi network.
Are there any low-cost Internet plans for our homes?
Comcast is currently offering an Internet Essentials plan for families that have students that receive free or reduced lunch. You can learn more here: http://www.internetessentials.com/default.aspx.
What are the policies and procedures?
Grades 7-12 Chromebook Policies & Procedures