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Educational Technology, Device Distribution, & BYOD at Cresthill
Please scroll down to find 1:1 Initiative Information and Materials
Why Chromebooks
An important consideration.
In short, they're 1.) inexpensive, 2.) aligned with many of the learning tools that our students already employ (e.g., Google Classroom), 3.) are supported by the district (with purchasing and warranty options), and 4.) have been part of the overall learning culture of our building long enough to build a solid "comfort level" for student and staff usage. If you bring your own Chromebook, it must be updated to the most recent operating system (OS) in order to adequately connect to the CMS wifi.
Student Google Accounts
Powerful online learning and teaching.
Students and staff in Douglas County are frequent users of the tools afforded in the Google Suite. If you haven't already, have your student give you a tour of some of the work they are already doing (working on, collaborating on, and saving and sharing) in their district Google Apps account. Ask him or her to sign in here and give it a whirl.
What "BYOD" entails.
Our BYOD Initiative:
Consider this to be a strong invitation for your student to bring their own device with them to CMS. In looking ahead, we recognize that the best way for us, as a building, to "shore up" the foreseeable technology needs is to invite families to consider purchasing a device for now and for the future. Students are already bringing to Cresthill their own learning devices (e.g., Chromebooks). We would like to extend the invitation for others to do so as well.
Purchasing Options
The District and The Chromebook
Because we have become so well-versed as a learning community in the Chrome "realm" -- and because these versatile devices are so cost-effective -- we encourage you to consider a Chrome device. Consider the support and warranty aspects as well!
Purchasing Connections:
Connection Parent Purchases (Chromebooks)
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the high-flyer questions . . .
- Are students required to have a device? No. BUT, it is strongly recommended that students bring their own. If it's financially feasible, families should consider the long term benefits of their student owning their own device.
- Will students have a place to keep their own device safely stored-away when not in use? Students typically keep their packs with them or nearby in most classes. During lunches, students are expected to keep their packs at their feet under the lunch table.
- Will my son or daughter be on their device all the time at school? No. We have a nice balance and mindset of "use when appropriate and necessary" in place in our building.
- Will my son or daughter use their device "enough" to justify a purchase? Most definitely, yes. Between all of the classes, teachers, projects, engagements and other elements that make up the learning experiences at Cresthill, your child will find good opportunity to make this money-well-spent. Also, many students see the longevity of their device -- if taken care of -- last well into high school!
- Who is in charge of my child's device at school? Well, the short of it is, your child. This is a great time for kids to learn that with great privilege comes great responsibility. We already have a number of students who effectively and without issue bring their own device from home, log on to the district's secure wireless, and do their work.
- Does this change anything with the current cell phone policy? Nope. we will continue to expect that students keep their cell phones either on silent mode or off in their backpacks (unless needed for specific, teacher-directed classwork) from opening bell at 7:30 to the end of the day at 2:50. If a student cannot abide by this expectation, the cell phone will be taken to the main office to be picked up only by a parent at the end of the day.
- Will my child and I be responsible for repairs or replacement should the device we borrow from the school be damaged or stolen? Definitely. All students sign an agreement to this end when they check out a device from us -- one that has been thoroughly cleaned, prepared, and is in excellent condition at check out.
If you have other questions or concerns, please contact our Professional Learning Specialist, Mark Wakefield, at mdwakefield@dcsdk12.org
Digital Citizenship & the 21st Century Learner
A few thoughts . . .
College and workforce readiness requires that students use 21st Century skills and tools. Almost one in four college students will take an online course, and technology is embedded throughout the workday of many careers.
Our goals at Cresthill Middle School are to...
- Maximize Student Potential
- Educate and prepare students for the 21st Century.
- Use technology in meaningful and engaging ways.
- Allow for educational connections on a global scale.
Students must know how to...
- Navigate vast amounts of information on the web.
- Critically analyze the large variety of sources.
- Be mindful of their digital footprint.
Student 1:1 Initiative
In order to support our ever-changing, we will be providing each student (who is in need of technology tools) with a school-owned laptop. This site is where you can find the necessary forms and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will assist in getting your student a device or laptop. If you have opted to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), please be aware that DCSD (and CMS) will not provide any support or repairs to your device. If your BYOD is not working, please contact Cresthll Technology Support to check out a CMS-owned device for your home use or contact Indira Narayanasamy at inarayanasamy@dcsdk12.org or 303-387-2800.
Technology Loan: Family/Student Agreement
Please click on the icon to the right.
It is the responsibility of all families and students to read, complete, and sign the accompanying "loaner" agreement. Please complete this document and share it back (either scanned and filled in or filled-in directly) to inarayanasamy@dcsdk12.org. Please have this form completed as soon as possible and either emailed in or ready to turn in prior to August 7th. (En Español)
In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District’s Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Catherine Franklin, Interim Compliance Officer, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, complianceofficer@dcsdk12.org, 720-433-1285. Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.