Socorro Independent School District Parent Information Session: DNA Initiative October 2014 [DNA] Digitally Nurturing Academics First of its kind! All Socorro High School 2014-2015 Freshmen Authentic learning experiences in all subject areas that will prepare students for college Ruggedized Laptop Usage Fee Training for Students and Teachers http://tinyurl.com/o7kppj2 Why Now? “Digital learning can serve as the catalyst for transformational change in education.” - Jeb Bush, Former Governor of Florida Digital learning opens the door for students beyond the four walls of the classroom and provides opportunities for: Critical Thinking Communication Collaboration Creativity Overview of the Initiative • A district pilot initiative to issue a laptop to every freshman at Socorro High School will create transformational, digital age instruction and increase student achievement. • The initiative is driven by Strategic Direction One: Safe and Supportive Learning Environment Strategic Direction Two: College and Career Readiness Overview of the Initiative • A digital device in the hands of our students will engage them in highly interactive learning. • Used alongside district curriculum with appropriate technology tools and resources, the laptops will allow teachers to create individualized instruction that is student‐centered. • Students will become the producers and evaluators of knowledge, not just consumers. Type of Device Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Usage Charge Maintenance/Repair Account = $40 per year, decreased in $10 increments for subsequent years. Payment must be made in full or in installment payments to receive a device. Non-refundable Loss/Theft Charge The student must file a police report, if the device is lost or stolen. If the device is unable to be recovered in working condition, the student will pay a $100 replacement fee before receiving another device. Parents/guardians accept financial responsibility for cost related to damage due to purposeful action or gross negligence. Acceptable Use Policy Socorro ISD offers Internet access for student use. The Acceptable Use Policy outlines the use of the SISD system. Prohibited Actions Bypassing the filter Using another student’s username or password Sharing passwords (other than with parents) Downloading or installing software that has not been approved Tampering with hardware Using non-approved chat rooms, IM, or social networking Hosting non-approved web pages Accessing inappropriate material Social Media Be Smart Online Digital Citizenship • NEVER give out personal information • NEVER use parent’s credit card without permission • NEVER share passwords with anyone (other than your parents) • NEVER arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you met online • DO NOT OPEN an email if you do not know who sent it • DO NOT CLICK on banner ads or pop up ads on websites • NEVER USE bad language or send threatening email Laptop Care Use your laptop for instructional purposes and always abide by the District’s Acceptable Use Policy. Walk with lid closed, never open. Do not apply stickers, skins, or additional labels to the device. Do not change the physical structure of the laptop. Keep away from food and drinks. Bring FULLY charged laptop to school daily. Do not leave laptop unattended. Do not damage or remove identification labels. Windows 8.1 Laptops will all be equipped with Windows 8.1 Students will create a Microsoft OneDrive account via their classes at SHS Parents will need to monitor downloads App purchases will not be reimbursed by the District Meet Windows 8.1 Distribution Process • 150 Students Per Day by Alpha • 3 Areas – Gym A, Library, Cafeteria • 50 Students Per Area November Needed Paperwork • Usage Fee Receipt • Loan and Damage/Loss Agreement • Parent Signature is Required • Payments can be made prior to distribution date at the school’s business office. • Students will not receive a laptop without payment. Usage Fee Thank you! http://tinyurl.com/o7kppj2