Technology Times

The school years of 19/20 and 20/21 will certainly go down in the record books as some of the most challenging and peculiar years in recent history. No doubt, there were many challenges and difficulties; however, I am so grateful for all that we were able to accomplish in spite of all that.

If nobody has said it to you recently, thank you so much for all that you've done as parents! Your support was critical in everything that we've done during this pandemic. Your positive impact cannot be overstated. Thank you!

As we approach summer, I know that parents and students alike are feeling some sense of relief. I hope there is even a sense of optimism for continued improvement for next year. It seems like things are moving in the right direction. Let's hope we keep this momentum.

Before we say goodbye to the 20/21 school year, there are a few things you will need to know. This edition will outline end of year technology requirements and discuss some other considerations for the summer.

Every year we do a Chromebook collection from students that are graduating. These Chromebooks are sent out to be repaired or "refreshed" so they can be used again in the fall by another group of students so it is important that we get them back in a timely manner.

This year, Senior Chromebook collection will occur on Senior Class Day, Wednesday June 16th. Collection will take place between 8:00:-9:00 AM in the main atrium glass entrance. Please make sure to bring both the charger and the Chromebook.

The school has sent out more information with regards to this. Please keep an eye out for that.

Students in grades 4-11 will be allowed to keep their Chromebooks for the summer. Having access to these devices allows for the following:

• Continued use of district software resources at home
• Participation in summer programs as needed
• Ease of transition from one school year to the next
• Ability to work on summer projects such as summer reading, enrichment, or honors

While keeping the device over the summer has many great benefits we are asking for your help in making sure that students are responsible with these devices over the long break. Please take steps to help them keep chromebooks in a secure place.

Our Chromebooks do have a warranty that the district provides which allows for one accidental breakage per year at no charge; however, we hope to not have to use it during the summer before the school year gets underway. Also, please be advised that the warranty does not cover Chromebooks that are lost.

*If you know that you will be moving or not returning to Lewiston-Porter please contact your child's school to let us know. Chromebooks should be returned no later than June 24th.

All iPads will be collected from students at the end of this year. If it weren't for the current quarantine protocols in place, we would have collected them sooner; however, we needed to make sure everyone had a device in the event of a quarantine.

On Friday 6/18, all students must bring iPads and chargers to school. The teachers will check them in and they will be kept in the classrooms for the remainder of the year. Please send the charger along with the iPad on that day.

During the summer, the iPads will be serviced and prepared for the following school year. Any student involved in a summer program will still have access to an iPad while on campus.

Chargers:

Please send the charging cable and the charging block that was given to your child. In most cases they were given genuine apple charging blocks and/or cables. If they did not receive a genuine charging cable or block, it was a very specific type that we know will work with the iPad and our charging stations. Please do NOT send back generic cables or chargers.

Students that are enrolled in our remote learning classes will need their devices through the last day of school. With that being said, we will have times set up for remote students to drop off their iPads and chargers on June 24th and June 25th.

*Please follow your teachers' directions with regard to how, when, and where that drop-off will occur as it will revolve around their schedules and the schedules of your classes.

I have had a few parents that were interested in continuing some work over the summer using software like Lexia, Reading A-Z, Zearn, and others. Generally you can continue use of these programs through July. Once we get into mid August we start to make changes for the next school year and you may lose access at that point. Until then, you may use them if you choose.

Director of Technology and Data

Please email or call over the summer if you have questions or need assistance.

Email: nhill@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com
Phone: 716-286-7295