Document Receipt Student Name (please print) ________________________________________________ Grade ______ Parent Name (please print) ________________________________________________ Please initial beside each document after receiving. __________ Responsible Use Policy __________ Usage Fee __________ Free WiFi Access Locations __________ Apple Notebooks Points of Emphasis (Care, Use and Safety Guide) __________ Websites for Parents __________ Frequently Asked Questions ________________________________________________________________ _________________________ Parent Signature Date

--------------------------------------- Office Use Only ---------------------------------------

Payment Receipt Usage Fee $25.00

Date Payment Type Payment Amount Receipt # Balance ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________ ____________ Cash Check #_______ ________________ _____________ ________________

Digital Passport Initiative Newsletter 2013

Limestone County Schools

Digital Passport Initiative – What and Why?

“Teachers using the combination of laptops-plus-professional development to streamline classroom management and create a smooth flow between group and individual instruction.” This is 21st century learning, (McCrea, 2010).

Why Apple? With so many choices in the marketplace today for technology why did Limestone County Schools decide on Apple MacBook Air for students?

First, the school district looked for a total solution not just a device. Our district sought out the best educational tools (hardware and software), professional development for our faculty and staff and a vendor who could demonstrate experience supporting large scale 1 to 1 computing environments in k12 education. Our goal is and has always been to support our learning environment.

What is 1:1 Computing Beginning in the 2013-2014 school year, Limestone County Schools will seize an important opportunity for the students of this community. In the Winter of 2013, we will embark on Phase I at Blue Springs Elementary with all third and fourth grade students; they will be granted a laptop for every student. This type of one laptop for each student is referred to as 1:1 computing in an educational environment. The students at Blue Springs in partnership with their teachers, administrators and support personnel will kick-off Limestone County Schools’ digital conversion process known as DPI. The Digital Passport Initiative name was selected because our approach to this conversation process is about utilizing technology as a student’s passport to 21st century learning.

What is a Digital Passport Initiative (DPI)? Limestone County Schools is focused on providing resources for our grades Kindergarten to twelve students and staff to become immersed in A Digital Conversion. The purpose of the Digital Passport Initiative is to employ technology in ways that improve teaching and learning through increased student engagement while teaching the Alabama state approved curriculum standards. It is imperative to note that this project is a curriculum and instruction project, not a technology project. Through this paradigm shift in methodology, we are changing the way teachers teach and students learn, while utilizing an advanced set of technological tools.

These technological tools, wireless access to teacher and student learning management system, Moodle, interactive whiteboards, teacher infusion of web 2.0 technologies, and so much more are the vehicles Limestone will use to transform teaching and learning. Mobile computing devices will significantly enhance the level of student interest, motivation, and engagement in learning. McCrea in her article, Making the most of 1:1 laptop initiative The Journal: Transforming education through technology, 2010, found that “teachers using the combination of laptops-plus-professional development to streamline classroom management and create a smooth flow between group and individual instruction.” This is 21st century learning.

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Technology alone is not a panacea, thus the real focus is how we engage our students with this instructional tool to get results and add value to their academic performance. In time our grades three through twelve students, who will be participants in the 1:1 initiative, will take their laptops home daily to complete assignments, homework, projects, and for research. Teachers and students will use a learning management system–tools called Moodle to clearly identify key learning experiences and activities, which can be accessed any time. The laptop, in coordination with cloud-based technologies like Google Apps for education, will provide students and staff constant access to the most current information available through the Internet as well as multimedia tools, which supplements materials presented in textbooks and by teachers. As technology is integrated and infused within our instruction, digital content in the curriculum becomes a vital resource for students and teachers. The use of computers as an instructional tool is becoming increasingly important, just as technology continues to increase in importance in our everyday lives and in the workplace. Some research suggests that many of the jobs that our students are exploring today may not be available in 20 years. This means our students must become lifelong learners.

Moving into a constructivist model of teaching and learning, students are gaining valuable critical thinking, problem-solving and higher-order cognition skill all 21st century skills. With laptops at their fingertips, staff and students are becoming more globally aware. Students approach learning differently now. Crumley, in McCrea (2010) noted that “individual laptops also motivate students to tackle content that previously may have presented challenges for them” a benefit for all of our students. With our Digital Conversion, research, project based learning, and inquiry/problem solving activities will become second nature to Natick students.

The Limestone Schools believes, however, that there is no substitute for the learning provided by qualified, trained and digitally savvy teachers. A digital conversion does not mean to replace teachers and our conversion to the use of digital learning modes is only as good as the teachers and staff who design learning experiences and deliver quality instruction. Education in Limestone County Schools will seek to rely on digital technologies and platforms to deliver a mix of live, electronic and distance learning. This type of learning is called blended learning.

Any vendor can sell us a computing device. But when we start asking for specific software that will allow students to easily create digital content not just consume it we are often referred to expensive third parties vendors who may or may not be able to satisfy our needs. When we ask about professional development for teachers, many don’t offer training that caters to the needs of a classroom teacher in k12 education. Too many vendors focus their training programs on the physical device and not how it is used in teaching and learning. As a result, most vendors are best suited toward selling hardware which is only part of the solution. Apple is well versed in all these areas and is able to deliver a complete solution. This is the reason why Limestone County Schools and many other k12 school districts in Alabama and around the country have made the strategic decision to work with Apple.

Software Advantage: Apple’s ILife Suite of software provides teachers and students the ability to express themselves and create digital content with ease which can be integrated into any area of the curriculum and also shared with the community. It is by far the easiest software to create digital content and will only run on Apple equipment. Robust Hardware: Apple’s hardware is not only robust and durable but has become a district standard here in Limestone County. The district has decided to equip all our faculty and staff with laptops. Setting a district wide standard will allow us to stock spare parts, certify technology staff to perform all repairs in district, and simply training programs for teachers, staff and students. By giving our students and teachers the same tools the focus is on learning and not on the tools.

Professional Development: Apple’s professional development is by far one of the best examples of why we chose Apple. Professional development is not a one time event when we make purchase decisions but an on-going process. Over the next three years we will conduct numerous professional development activities with Apple which will allowed us to continue to expand our use of everything Apple has to offer.

Demonstrated Experience in K12 Education: Apple has been an innovative and proven leader in k12 education as we have witnessed this in the numerous site visits we have made both locally and around the country.

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2013

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LIMESTONE COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY

TECHNOLOGY RESPONSIBLE USE The board provides its students and staff access to a variety of technological resources, including laptop computers. These resources provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within the school community and with the larger global community. Through the school district’s technological resources, users can observe events as they occur around the world, interact with others on a variety of subjects, and acquire access to current and in-depth information. The board intends that students and employees benefit from these resources while remaining within the bounds of safe, legal and responsible use. Accordingly, the board establishes this policy to govern student and employee use of school district technological resources. This policy applies regardless of whether such use occurs on or off school district property, and it applies to all school district technological resources, including but not limited to computer networks and connections, the resources, tools and learning environments made available by or on the networks and all devices that connect to those networks. A. EXPECTATIONS FOR USE OF SCHOOL TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES School district technological resources may only be used by students, staff and others expressly authorized by the Technology Department. The use of school district technological resources, including access to the Internet, is a privilege, not a right. Individual users of the school district’s technological resources are responsible for their behavior and communications when using those resources. Responsible use of school district technological resources is use that is ethical, respectful, academically honest and supportive of student learning. Each user has the responsibility to respect others in the school community and on the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. In addition, anyone who uses school district computers or electronic devices or who accesses the school network or the Internet using school district resources must comply with the additional rules for responsible use listed in Section B, below. These rules are intended to clarify expectations for conduct but should not be construed as all-inclusive. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in disciplinary action, including revocation of user privileges. Willful misuse may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution under applicable state and federal law. B. RULES FOR USE OF SCHOOL TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES 1. School district technological resources are provided for school-related purposes only. Acceptable uses of such technological resources are limited to responsible, efficient and legal activities that support learning and teaching. Use of school district technological resources for political purposes or for commercial gain or profit is prohibited. Student personal use of school district technological resources for amusement or entertainment is also prohibited. Because some incidental and occasional personal use by employees is inevitable, the board permits infrequent and brief personal use by employees so long as it occurs on personal time, does not interfere with school district business and is not otherwise prohibited by board policy or procedure.

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2. School district technological resources are installed and maintained by members of the Technology Department. Students and employees shall not attempt to perform any installation or maintenance without the permission of the Technology Department. 3. Under no circumstance may software purchased by the school district be copied for personal use. 4. Students and employees must comply with all applicable laws, including those relating to copyrights and trademarks, confidential information, and public records. Any use that violates state or federal law is strictly prohibited. 5. No user of technological resources, including a person sending or receiving electronic communications, may engage in creating, intentionally viewing, accessing, downloading, storing, printing or transmitting images, graphics (including still or moving pictures), sound files, text files, documents, messages or other material that is obscene, defamatory, profane, pornographic, harassing, abusive or considered to be harmful to minors. 6. The use of anonymous proxies to circumvent content filtering is prohibited. 7. Users may not install or use any Internet-based file sharing program designed to facilitate sharing of copyrighted material. 8. Users of technological resources may not send electronic communications fraudulently (i.e., by misrepresenting the identity of the sender). 9. Users must respect the privacy of others. When using e-mail, chat rooms, blogs or other forms of electronic communication, students must not reveal personal identifying information, or information that is private or confidential, such as the home address or telephone number, credit or checking account information or social security number of themselves or fellow students. In addition, school employees must not disclose on school district websites or web pages or elsewhere on the Internet any personally identifiable, private or confidential information concerning students (including names, addresses or pictures) without the written permission of a parent or guardian or an eligible student, except as otherwise permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Users also may not forward or post personal communications without the author’s prior consent. 10. Users may not intentionally or negligently damage computers, computer systems, electronic devices, software, computer networks or data of any user connected to school district technological resources. Users may not knowingly or negligently transmit computer viruses or self-replicating messages or deliberately try to degrade or disrupt system performance. 11. Users may not create or introduce games, network communications programs or any foreign program or software onto any school district computer, electronic device or network without the express permission of the technology director or designee.

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12. Users are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized or unlawful activities, such as “hacking” or using the computer network to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized or unlawful access to other computers, computer systems or accounts. 13. Users are prohibited from using another individual’s ID or password for any technological resource without permission from the individual. Students must also have permission from the teacher or other school official. 14. Users may not read, alter, change, block, execute or delete files or communications belonging to another user without the owner’s express prior permission. 15. Employees shall not use passwords or user IDs for any data system for an unauthorized or improper purpose. 16. If a user identifies a security problem on a technological resource, he or she must immediately notify a system administrator. Users must not demonstrate the problem to other users. Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access. 17. Teachers shall make reasonable efforts to supervise students’ use of the Internet during instructional time, to ensure that such use is appropriate for the student’s age and the circumstances and purpose of the use. 18. Views may be expressed on the Internet or other technological resources as representing the view of the school district or part of the school district only with prior approval by the superintendent or designee. 19. Without permission by the board, users may not connect any personal technologies such as laptops and workstations, wireless access points and routers, etc. to a district owned and maintained local, wide or metro area network. Connection of personal devices such as iPods, smartphones, PDAs and printers is permitted but not supported by LCS technical staff. The board is not responsible for the content accessed by users who connect to the Internet via their personal mobile telephone technology (e.g., 3G, 4G service). 20. Users must back up data and other important files regularly. 21. Those who use district owned and maintained technologies to access the Internet at home are responsible for both the cost and configuration of such use. 22. Students who are issued district owned and maintained laptops must also follow these guidelines:

a. Keep the laptop secure and damage free. b. Use the provided protective computer bag at all times.

c. Do not loan out the laptop, charger or cords. d. Do not leave the laptop in your vehicle. e. Do not leave the laptop unattended.

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f. Do not eat or drink while using the laptop or have food or drinks in close proximity to the laptop. g. Do not allow pets near the laptop. h. Do not place the laptop on the floor or on a sitting area such as a chair or couch. i. Do not leave the laptop near table or desk edges. j. Do not stack objects on top of the laptop. k. Do not leave the laptop outside. l. Do not use the laptop near water such as a pool. m. Do not check the laptop as luggage at the airport. n. Back up data and other important files regularly. LCS will at times perform maintenance on the laptops by imaging. All files not backed up to server storage space or other storage devices may be deleted during this process. C. RESTRICTED MATERIAL ON THE INTERNET The Internet and electronic communications offer fluid environments in which students may access or be exposed to materials and information from diverse and rapidly changing sources, including some that may be harmful to students. The Board recognizes that it is impossible to predict with certainty what information on the Internet students may access or obtain. Nevertheless school district personnel shall take reasonable precautions to prevent students from accessing material and information that is obscene, pornographic or otherwise harmful to minors, including violence, nudity, or graphic language that does not serve a legitimate pedagogical purpose. The superintendent shall ensure that technology protection measures are used and are disabled or minimized only when permitted by law and board policy. The board is not responsible for the content accessed by users who connect to the Internet via their personal mobile telephone technology (e.g., 3G, 4G service). D. PARENTAL CONSENT The board recognizes that parents of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using media and information sources. Accordingly, before a student may independently access the Internet, the student’s parent must be made aware of the possibility that the student could obtain access to inappropriate material while engaged in independent use of the Internet. The parent and student must consent to the student’s independent access to the Internet. In addition, in accordance with the board’s goals and visions for technology, students may require accounts in third party systems for school related projects designed to assist students in mastering effective and proper online communications or to meet other educational goals. Parental permission will be obtained when necessary to create and manage such third party accounts. E. PRIVACY No right of privacy exists in the use of technological resources. Users should not assume that files or communications accessed, downloaded, created or transmitted using school district technological resources or stored on services or hard drives of individual computers will be private. School district administrators or individuals designated by the superintendent may review files, monitor all communication and intercept e-mail messages to maintain system integrity and to ensure compliance with board policy and applicable laws and regulations. School district personnel shall monitor on-line activities of individuals who access the Internet via a

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school-owned computer. Under certain circumstances, the board may be required to disclose such electronic information to law enforcement or other third parties, for example, as a response to a document production request in a lawsuit against the board, as a response to a public records request or as evidence of illegal activity in a criminal investigation. F. SECURITY/CARE OF PROPERTY Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Employees are responsible for reporting information security violations to appropriate personnel. Employees should not demonstrate the suspected security violation to other users. Unauthorized attempts to log onto any school system computer on the board’s network as a system administrator may result in cancellation of user privileges and/or additional disciplinary action. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other systems may be denied access. Users of school district technology resources are expected to respect school district property and be responsible in using the equipment. Users are to follow all instructions regarding maintenance or care of the equipment. Users may be held responsible for any loss or damage caused by intentional or negligent acts in caring for computers while under their control. The school district is responsible for any routine maintenance or standard repairs to school system computers. G. PERSONAL WEBSITES The superintendent may use any means available to request the removal of personal websites that substantially disrupt the school environment or that utilize school district or individual school names, logos or trademarks without permission. 1. Students Though school personnel generally do not monitor students’ Internet activity conducted on non-school district devices during non-school hours, when the student’s on-line behavior has a direct and immediate effect on school safety or maintaining order and discipline in the schools, the student may be disciplined in accordance with board policy. 2. Employees Employees’ personal websites are subject to the LCS procedure on Employee Use of Social Media. 3. Volunteers Volunteers are to maintain an appropriate relationship with students at all times. Volunteers are encouraged to block students from viewing personal information on volunteer personal websites or on-line networking profiles in order to prevent the possibility that students could view materials that are not age-appropriate. An individual volunteer’s relationship with the school district may be terminated if the volunteer engages in inappropriate online interaction with students. H. DISCLAIMER The board makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. The board will not be responsible for any damages suffered by any user. Such damages include, but are not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries or

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service interruptions, whether caused by the school district’s or the user’s negligence, errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The school district specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet services. Legal References: U.S. Const. amend. I;; Children’s Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. 254(h)(5);; Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2522; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. 6777 Approved:______________________________

Limestone County Schools Parent/Guardian and Student Guide for

Student Laptop Usage Fee 2014-2015

• The fee will be $50 per year for one student, $40 per year for siblings who are both involved in DPI, and $25 for students on free and/or reduced lunch.

• The fee is payable when the computer is assigned to the student.

• A payment plan can be set up if a student is unable to pay the full fee upfront.

• Should a student withdraw, a pro-rated refund will be issued, provided the laptop is in operational order and in good condition.

• Funds will be used to provide for the repair and maintenance of the computers.

• LCS will provide a protective computer bag for the laptop’s protection and must be used at ALL times.

• Willful and deliberate damages to the computers will cause Limestone County Schools to charge the student/parent the full cost of the replacement or repairs of the computer. Such cases may be turned over to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department.

• ALL damage incidents will be investigated by administration.

• The Usage Fee will NOT cover repairs from issues resulting from:

-Damage caused by use with non-Apple product -Damage resulting in a broken screen. The $50 Usage Fee will be deducted from actual cost of the screen. Subsequent broken screens will be charged at full cost. -Damage caused by accident abuse, misuse, flood, fire, earthquake, or other external cause. -Damage as a result of a pet. -Damage as a result of the violation of the Responsible Use Policy (i.e. involving food, drink or other liquid on or near the laptop). -Damage as a result of negligence (i.e. the laptop is placed in an unsafe location or position, misuse or laptop not handled properly. i.e. Drop Damage). -Damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Apple. -Damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. -Damage to a part or product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple. -Consumable parts, such as batteries, unless damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship. -Damage that is cosmetic, including, but not limited to scratches, dents, and broken area around ports, that does not otherwise affect functionality or materially impair your use. -Any issue when the Apple serial numbers have been removed. -Loaning your laptop or charger to another student. -Leaving the laptop or charger unattended will void the Usage fee and the student will be responsible for paying for a replacement.

Damage, Repair and Replacement Agreement !!

!!1. Lost/Stolen – the device will be permanently disabled. Any reported theft will be fully

investigated and report to authorities. !2. Intentional Damage – Students/Parents are responsible for full payment of intentional

damages to the device. This includes your own or another student’s device. !!

Damaged Devices Lost Devices

1st occurrence up to a $50 fee 1st occurrence $250 fee

2nd occurrence $50 fee or repair fee, whichever is higher

2nd occurrence $350 fee

3rd occurrence $300 fee or repair fee, whichever is lower

3rd occurrence full cost of device

Apple Notebooks Points of Emphasis

1. Notebook Temperature Zone Your Apple notebook works best from 50 degrees to 95 degrees. You should store them in places with temperatures in that zone, but they work best at room temperature. 2. Your New Notebook Be sure to fully charge your portable when you plug it in for the first time, and then run Software Update to ensure you have the latest software. Apple periodically releases updates that may improve battery performance. 3. Standard Maintenance For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it is important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her MacBook Air on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing. If on the other hand, you use a desktop computer at work, and save a notebook for infrequent travel, Apple recommends charging and discharging its battery at least once per month. 4. Long Term Storage If you do not plan on using your notebook for more than six months, Apple recommends that you remove and store the battery with a 50% charge. If you store a battery when it is fully discharged, it could fall into a deep discharge state, which renders it incapable of holding any charge. Conversely, if you store it fully charged for an extended period of time, the battery may experience some loss of battery capacity, meaning it will have a shorter life. Be sure to store the ejected battery at the proper temperature. 5. Optimal Setting You can choose to use your Apple notebook in a way that maximizes its battery life.

Energy: The Energy Saver control panel offers several settings that determine power levels for your PowerBook. Your portable knows when it is plugged in, and runs accordingly. When on battery power, it will dim the screen and use other components sparingly. If you change this setting to maximize performance, your battery will drain more quickly.

Brightness: Dim the screen to the lowest comfortable level to achieve maximum battery life. For instance, when watching a DVD on an airplane, you may not need full brightness if all the lights are off.

AirPort Wireless: AirPort consumes power, even if you are not using its features to connect to a network. You can turn it off in its control panel to save power.

Bluetooth Wireless: Likewise, you can turn off Bluetooth to maximize your battery life, as it also consumes power when not in use.

Applications and peripherals: Disconnect peripherals and quit applications not in use. Eject CDs and DVDs if not currently accessing them.

6. MacBook Air: Care, Use, and Safety Information x Carrying Your MacBook Air

If you carry your MacBook Air in a bag or briefcase, remove any small, loose items (such as paper clips, staples, or coins) that could accidentally get inside your computer through an opening, such as the optical drive slot, or get stuck inside a port.

x Important: The MacBook Air power adapter port contains a magnet that can erase data on your credit card, iPod, or other device. To preserve your data, keep magnetically sensitive items away from the power adapter port.

x Cleaning Your MacBook Air Follow these general rules when cleaning the outside of your computer and its components: Shut down your MacBook Air, detach the power adapter, and remove the battery. Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computerʼs exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray any type of liquid directly on the computer. Donʼt use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.

x Cleaning Your MacBook Air Display Follow these general rules when cleaning the screen: Shut down your MacBook Air, detach the power adapter, and remove the battery. Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or paper with water only and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen.

Free WiFi Access Locations in Athens

306 Barbecue 1331 Highway 72 Arctic Chill 616 Highway 31 South Athens-Limestone County Public Library (need library card and pin # to access)

405 South Street East

The Big Easy 800 Highway 72 East Bojangle’s 1316 Highway 72 East Burger King all locations Burrito Express 1260-G Highway 72 East Casa Blanca all locations Catfish Cabin II 906 Highway 72 East Chick-fil-A 1291 Highway 72 East Fiesta Mexicana 600 South Jefferson Street Krystal 1412 Highway 72 East Lawler’s Barbecue all locations LuVici’s 105 Jefferson Street North Pablo’s on Market 216 Market Street Ruby Tuesdays 21366 Athens Limestone Lane Starbucks 1286 Highway 72 East Subway all locations The Village Pizza 15728 East Limestone Road Wendy’s 1603 Highway 72 Zaxby’s 221 French Farm Boulevard

Please help us to keep this list up to date!

If you visit a location in Limestone County that has free WiFi and is not listed above, please let us know so the business can be added to our list. However, if you visit a business above that no longer offers free WiFi, please also let us know so we can make changes to our list.

Frequently Asked Questions What does 1:1 mean? 1:1 is shorthand for one-to-one. This means there will be one laptop for each student. Limestone County Schools refers to the initiative that provides a laptop to each student in your school as the “Digital Passport Initiative.” Why is Limestone County implementing 1:1 at Blue Springs? LCS believes preparing students to succeed in the 21st century and competing with students around the world requires digitally literate students with strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills who are connected with the world around them. The Digital Passport Initiative will allow students to develop skills in the classroom and practice those skills in the home. Students will be able to take their laptop home, which strengthens the school-home connection. Who is responsible for loss, theft or damage while the student’s laptop is away from school? Similar to any other instructional material, the student is responsible for their laptop. Teachers will work with students on responsible use and safekeeping of their laptop. Each device comes with a protective backpack for safekeeping. Students should immediately report a lost or stolen laptop to their teacher. Damaged devices will be evaluated by the school to determine whether it can be repaired. How many schools are participating in the Digital Passport Initiative in 2013-2014? What about in future school years? Blue Springs Elementary School is the only school selected to participate in the 2013-2014 school year (e.g. Phase 1) based on the quality of campus infrastructure and campus leadership interest. LCS intends to expand the 1:1 program to third and fourth grade students district-wide next school year. What research supports the implementation of a 1:1 program? Other districts, such as Mooresville Graded School District, NC and the Houston Independent School District, TX have implemented 1:1 programs. LCS is allowing students to take laptops home and is implementing a thoughtful and robust teacher development program. There is evidence that with the increased use of student and teacher technology, student engagement and interest increases, as does student achievement. What if my student moves or transfers during the school year? Each laptop is the property of LCS. If a student moves or changes schools during this school year, the student will need to return the device to the campus. All laptops are returned to the campus at the end of each school year. Does my student have to bring the laptop home if there is already a device at home? All students are able to use their laptop at school and at home during the week and on weekends. To ensure compatibility, and because many software applications and documents your child will be creating will be saved on their laptop, the district encourages the primary use of the LCS laptop at school and home.

What is the consequence for a student improperly using the laptop/school network? Improper use of technology will result in consequences such as discipline, detention, and/or limited use of their device. Please refer to the district’s technology policies. How was the specific laptop device selected? Many manufactures and models of devices were evaluated. The laptop that provided the best security, value and durability was selected. Does a student need to have a printer to print out assignments? Printers are not necessary. Assignments will be shared with teachers and among students using Moodle, a learning management system. How are students protected from inappropriate content? Each device is pre-loaded with district-approved filtering software. Inappropriate websites will be blocked using filters installed on every device by the district. Students should follow the expectations outlined in the district policies and procedures and report any accidental inappropriate material to their teacher or administrator. However, the most important filter is parental supervision. Parents are offered training on Internet safety and are shown how to check a student’s history on the laptop. How long does the laptop battery last? What if a student’s laptop battery runs out during the day? Students are advised to plug in their laptop every evening at home to ensure that it is fully charged each day. When students are not using the device during the day, they will power down their device to conserve its battery life. Classrooms are equipped with electrical outlets for recharging as needed throughout the school day. What if a student doesn’t have access to the Internet at home? LCS recognizes that students may not have access to the Internet. So, the Blue Springs campus is equipped with wireless Internet inside and outside the building. Additionally, the public library has Internet as well. Attached, you will receive a list of sites that provide free Internet. Does the Digital Passport Initiative eliminate the need to bring textbooks home? Students will continue to have access to textbooks for classes. However, over time the use of the traditional textbook may lessen, as most textbooks will be available digitally to students on their laptop. Can my student “opt out” of the 1:1 initiative? Yes, there is an option to opt out of the 1:1 initiative. However, LCS believes that your child will benefit tremendously from having a device to assist them in achieving at high levels and the district encourages all students to participate. Please contact your principal if you have additional questions. What if I don’t know anything about how computers work? LCS values the school-home connection. Students are “tech savvy” and are great technology teachers to adults. Have your student show you what they are working on using their laptop, their

school’s website or how to view grades online. LCS encourages families to routinely engage and observe their student’s technology use. Will there be parent support and training offered? A mandatory overview training is required at the beginning of each year for parents and students. Parent training is offered throughout the year at the school level. In addition, Apple.com offers many online tutorials. Other resources online have great tutorials as well. Additional information will be provided once dates and locations have been selected. How will the Digital Passport Initiative impact students with special needs? Students with special needs will benefit from having a laptop. Based on their unique learning needs, devices may be equipped or modified to include adaptive software and programs. Is there a cost to parents associated with their child receiving a laptop? Each student is required to pay an annual $50 usage fee to receive his or her laptop. Can any family member use the laptop? No, each student will be assigned an individual username and password. Parents are encouraged to access their child’s account and monitor their child’s usage and progress. Will students keep the laptops over summer break? No, laptops and bags will be taken up near the end of the school year. Will parents need to purchase additional items for the laptop? Not necessarily, but it is recommended that students have the means to back up documents for future use (i.e. A thumb drive). A Brenthaven laptop bag will be provided free of charge to each student. What if the laptop stops working at home (after school hours)? LCS students can contact the Apple help line or bring the laptop to the school’s help desk during school hours. How much does it cost for the Digital Conversion? A variety of funding sources are used to be able to implement the Digital Conversion. Initial start up costs revolve around network infrastructure, staff development and planning. Ongoing costs are built into the operational budget. Student and teacher laptops are estimated to cost approximately $2.5 million a year. How much Bandwidth does BSES have? LCS has 1GB Fiber connections to each school from the Technology Department and a 500 MB pipe to the Internet.

Wi-Fi Access offered at Clements Baptist Church

Access Code: CBC Guest

Two Locations:

1. Main Connector – Entrance at our main office doors.

Main Connector Times:

Time: 3:00 – 4:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Time: 3:00 – 5:30 Wednesday

2. Parking Lot – Small parking lot located between buildings outside main office doors.

Parking Lot Times: Parking lot is available anytime. !What Clements expects from the Parent/Guardian…

• A parent or guardian must be with his/her child at all times, even in the parking lot.

• No child must be left unattended or will be asked to leave.

• Clements Baptist Church assumes no responsibilities for lost or stolen items.

• If you decided to use the inside locations, you will need to sign in at the main office when you enter the building.

• Parents, if your child’s siblings are with you, they must stay with you and not roam the halls. You will be in a work environment with our staff.

• Clements Baptist Church is not responsible for your children in case of accidents of any kind.

• Please be aware that at any time we may need to close due to setup for events and conferences.

What Parents/Guardian can expect from Clements Baptist…

• Communication: If there is a change in our hours, we will do our best to communicate that in a timely matter.

• Quite Environment: We will provide plenty of space (tables & chairs) for your child.

• Courtesy: As our staff may take the time to introduce themselves, we understand your child has work to finish.

• Help: If you are your child needs assistance getting online or just has a question, any of our staff will be glad to help.

!Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________Date:_______________

Clements Baptist Church / 8690 US HWY 72 West / Athens Al 35611 / 256-729-1328

Websites for Parents on the Digital World

1) Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/user/login?destination=educators/1to1/phase1

2) Cyberwise http://www.cyberwise.org/About-Us.html

3) OnGuard Online (Homeland Security) http://www.onguardonline.gov/

4) Be Web Smart (for the analog parent in a digital world) http://www.bewebsmart.com/

5) Parent Further http://www.parentfurther.com/technology-media

6) Kids and Technology: Tips for Parents in a High-Tech World http://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/matte/pdf/cdcelectronicregression.pdf

7) Net Smartz (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents