Just a sample of what I began to work on for a building-based, 1:1 program at our middle school.
For this school year, we are excited to share that the Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School will launch a 1:1 program employing Google Chromebooks during the school day.
Students in third and fourth grades have been working in a similar 1:1 environment with Chromebooks for the past several years. Because of the success of this approach at the elementary level, all students in grades five through eight will have an assigned Chromebook this year. Each morning, students will pick up their Chromebooks from a charging cart in their homeroom. Students will be responsible for their devices throughout the day and will return them to their homeroom charging cart at the end of the day.
Respecting and caring for their Google Chromebook will align with the building’s “Core Values”, in which students follow expectations and care for not only people but also school property (i.e., Google Chromebook). In the event of accidental damage, there will be spares available. Per the Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School Handbook, Section 2, if a device is stolen or intentionally damaged, the matter will be handled through the administrative office in the same manner as the theft or damage of other personal property.
Google Chromebooks are affordable ($250 each) and secure. These devices will support students in the latest collaborative and productivity tools available from Google. These devices enable deeper engagement across all areas of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
As a student parent/caregiver, you may be wondering whether you can provide your child with their own Chromebook from home. Given that the district is responsible for the maintenance and management of all school Chromebooks, we are not allowing students to bring their own Chromebooks at this time. As much as we embrace students bringing their own devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to supplement their education by recording and editing videos, for example, we want to ensure that this program provides the most secure and safe environment for our 1:1 program.
Thank you so much for your support as we embark on this exciting adventure. As a reminder, one of the most critical aspects of our district’s vision is to embrace environments for innovation. Moving toward a 1:1 environment at the middle school is one step closer to realizing our vision for all of our students.