Educational Technology, Device Distribution, & BYOD at Cresthill

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.

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.

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)

Lenovo Devices (coming soon)

• 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