Canton Public Schools: Letter To Families Regarding Student Devices During The Summer

Press release from Canton Public Schools:

Leah Comins

June 8, 2021

Dear Canton Families,

The Technology and Digital learning team want to wish you a wonderful summer. We all know the impact that this last year has had on everyone including staff, students, and families. We realize the idea of technology fatigue is real and we are excited to start September with a more balanced approach to the role technology plays in teaching and learning. One positive step the district took during this global pandemic was the ability to move swiftly through our 5 year plan to become a 1:1 device district. When school starts in September, we will be 1:1 in grades K-10. Both students and staff now have the necessary tools to engage in rich, innovative and engaging learning experiences.

As we approach the summer, we want to provide you with information regarding your child’s school issued device. Please note; all students in grades K-9, except grade 2, will be keeping their device at home for the summer.

• For all our students in grades 3-9 that received a school-issued Chromebook, the Chromebook will stay with your child for the next few years until the device is ready to be replaced. Students will be keeping their Chromebook throughout the summer.
• For all students in grades K and 1 that received a school issued iPad, it will stay with your child until they have completed their Grade 2 school year. Students will be keeping their iPad throughout the summer.
• For all students in grade 2, we will be collecting their iPad at the end of the school year. As students transition into grade 3 they will be issued a Chromebook in September. Our Digital Learning Specialists will be working with students on learning and adapting their educational technology use to a Chromebook once they start grade 3. We are asking that your student bring their iPad, case, and charger, labelled with your child’s name, to school to be returned on the day instructed by your child’s teacher. Current RLP grade 2 families will be emailed information next week about time and date options to return their child’s iPad after the last day of school.

Both the school-issued Chromebook and iPad are tools used in the classroom and at home. We recognize many students participate and engage in various learning activities through the summer and want them to have a device to use as needed. Linked here, is a great resource created by our Tech team for keeping your device safe and secure during those summer months.

It is also important to note that even during the summer months, your child’s school-issued device is still monitored by Securly, the district’s filtering and monitoring system. It is important to remember that these devices are the property of Canton Public Schools and should only be used by the student it was issued to. Families will be given additional information about school-issued devices including an updated device agreement and expectations for use and care in September.

In the event you have a question or concern, please feel free to reach out to the CPS Technology Department via email at [email protected] and a member of the Technology Department staff will get back to you in a timely manner.

Again, have a restful, joyful summer and we look forward to seeing you in September.

Sincerely,

Julianne Shore
Director of Technology and Digital Learning

This press release was produced by Canton Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.