New Laptop Program to Launch Next Fall for Chaparral 6th-graders

Next fall, sixth graders will delve into the digital with individual laptops provided by school and the Chaparral Community Club.

The program will provide about 200 students with personal HP laptops that will be kept at the school and used by students during the day.

District officials say the program aims to expand instruction but also meet the needs of a changing technology landscape.

"Today’s students learn differently and research has coined them ‘digital natives’," Lead Technology Teacher Jen Alcazar said.

Principal Ron Thibodeaux said that the school ultimately aims to provide one laptop per student.

The computer program will be coupled with a teaching platform called Blackboard that allows teachers to develop curriculum and assignments that are managed through a Web interface.

“If we are to continue to meet the needs of all students who walk through our doors," Alcazar said, "then we must modify our instructional practice to meet these unique needs."

Chaparral will hold an informational meeting for parents about the computer program on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the school's gymnasium.

For any more information about the program or meeting, the district asks that you contact Jen Alcazar at (909) 861-6227 or jalcazar@walnutvalley.k12.ca.us