LAKESIDE SCHOOL
9th Grade Parent Curriculum Review and Laptop Information Night
March 22, 2001
7:00 p.m.
McKay Chapel
Summary Notes
LAPTOP INFORMATIONAL EXCHANGE
Bruce introduced the following panel:
Michael Asbridge, Director of Technology
Elaine Christensen, Assistant Director of the Upper School
Bob Henry, 8th Grade Social Studies/English Teacher
George Hutchinson, Board President
JJ Leary, 8th Grade Parent and Member of the Laptop Task Force
Marcia Mullins, Middle School Assistant Director
Bernie Noe, Head of School
Larisa Oldmixon, Laptop Program Director
Marianne Picha, Director for Communications and Facilitator of Laptop Parent Discussion
Prior to the laptop discussion, Bernie asked everyone to take a moment to read a copy of his letter dated
March 21, 2001. The letter, which was sent to all Lakeside parents, addressed some of the concerns and
thoughts about the laptop technology.
Bernie noted that there have been strong opinions on both sides—for and against (and even in between). It
has been a healthy dialogue and he appreciates the parent community's voices. The school needs to be
viable and a productive community and the school wants to hear. All that has been said will be taken into
account. With this information, the school hopes to make the best decision for Lakeside and its students.
Parent: I am disappointed in this evening's format. I thought you were going to make a presentation.
There has been very little in terms of presentation. I have read the written materials and the letter. Is that
it? Why are you recommending this?
 Bernie: We have sent a number of materials home hoping to augment awareness and a better
understanding of the laptop program.
Parent: In reading over the (NWREL - Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory) report, the laptop
experience suggested that the pilot program was met with "modest success." There is no mention of the
merit of student learning and no mention of Lakeside collecting data. Where are the studies on which you
based your decision to implement the laptop program?
 Bernie: When Lakeside decided to have the pilot program, it was to determine after a one-year study if
this was valuable for the students. The second task force felt that there was enough merit to go into a
second year. Next year (2001-02) the laptop program will be far more successful for teachers and
students. I can’t say anything more than what is in my letter. In talking to teachers and students, the
program is successful and we (the school) would not move further if it was not successful.
 Bob: We were able to come into the program with our feet running. There was no confusion as to
who is going to get to a lab. As a teacher, I am able to try out curriculum designed around laptops. I
am encouraged by what I see. I can communicate in and out of classroom, in the cafeteria, and in the
library. I can work with one or many students at the same time. The laptop program does hold
promise and my course is better because of it.
Parent: I see the size of a backpack and can't imagine stuffing another item (laptop) into the book bag.
 Larisa: The school is looking into the possibility of finding digital CD textbooks.
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Bernie: In addition, the school is looking at the option of buying textbooks for the library in which
students may check out and use.
Marcia: Students have become more thoughtful in what they bring to school. As more and more work
is done on the computers, there is a lighter load. Students learn how to manage. This year with the 7 th
grade faculty using laptops for a second year, there is a greater opportunity in terms that technology
can enhance the learning.
JJ Leary: My daughter has had a laptop for three years. I was disappointed with the 7th grade pilot
program. Then I was asked to be a part of the task force. I was sorry to see a lot of email because I
thought the process was thorough and impressive. My stepson knows nothing about a laptop, whereas,
my eighth grade daughter is very knowledgeable and engaged. She is not afraid and uses the laptop as
a tool. Her math book stays at home.
Parent: There is a real concern about the weight of the student's backpack; it is a real standard health
issue. A student should not be carrying around this load. Is there some kind of policy? Students are
listening less to parents; they might listen to other respected adults. It is not an issue of being anti
technology. Will the educational benefits substantiate to merit every student to have a laptop?
 Bernie: What is the cost benefit of $2,000 to make this worthwhile? There is a substantial gain to go
ahead with this. The student can carry the laptop around everywhere. It is a powerful, learning tool
(e.g., organization, research, collaboration, etc.). We will have a standard platform with which to
incorporate into curriculum. I would love the laptop to be smaller but, hopefully, we will have some
digital CD textbooks available to help lessen the weight in a student's backpack.
Student: In math class, we use the TI80 calculator. Because of our lack of understanding, it seemed like
we were spending too much time learning how to press buttons or running into technical difficulties. It
seems like technical problems take up time–class time. Will technology problems be an issue once we get
the laptops?
 Larisa: The school will be offering classes (either taught by other teachers or myself) to help prepare
faculty and students ahead of time so that there are no problems.
 Bob: Last year (7th grade) there were problems—down time, electrical, set up to get up and down in a
timely fashion, etc. This year we are no longer waiting to hook up. It is fairly automatic and quick
even though there are still electrical issues. The technology aspect is solid and moving ahead.
Student: We have learned that there is a smaller laptop available on the market or how about the handheld PC like the one used by Chrix Finne. Why was that idea shut down?
 Michael: We spent a long time looking into what it would take to use such a device. The hand-held
PC doesn't run a full version of the programs and it would need network infrastructure. This would
constitute the need to hire more personnel. Unfortunately, the fate of these devices is really more
questionable than a regular laptop. One of the smaller laptop models (lightweight notebook) does not
include a CD or floppy drive which would have been an added cost of $1,000.
Parent: How much time in school/classroom are students going to be spending on the laptop? The only
advantage to the laptop program is that maybe I will have time to get on the computer at home.
 Bob: In my English class, we are working with exercises on a daily basis; in History we use the
laptops every day (e.g., taking notes, doing presentations, etc.) We designed a program to do this and
made it necessary.
 Elaine: As an English teacher, I can see using the laptop every 2 to 3 weeks for research, exchange of
paper (free write and revise papers) or working on a grammar things. Students would be bringing their
laptops to class.
 JJ Leary: My daughter is on her computer during frees. She has real ownership of it; it is a very viable
part of her learning.
Parent: Were there any problems with students fooling around on the laptop, chatting and/or
e-mailing?
 Bob: Yes, we know this activity takes place, but when we are in class the students are asked to be
focused and on task. I don’t detect distraction or lack of communication; it is something we talk about.
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Parent: What about the physiology aspect to using a laptop at such a young age—eyes, hands? What have
you learned about the physiology effects on people?
 Marianne: No, I don't have any data. But I have looked into the issue of eyestrain and its effect over
long periods of time. The laptop is not set up for a student to sit for 4 hours at a time in front of it.
 Elaine: I have been working with adults in the school, one of which is Tamra Patton (Upper School
PE/Athletic Trainer). She is hot on that topic—what are risks and how can we litigate them?
Student: I would like to make a comment about the concern that a laptop will hurt you. I carry 3 bags—
PE, musical, and a book bag—on certain days of the week. Why would it be a concern for a student to
carry another bag?
Parent: A laptop is an actual physical machine worth $2,000. At the Middle School, the classrooms are
pretty much centralized in one building. At the Upper School, the classes are spread out in various
buildings. To say to a student to be careful is not a realistic statement. It is a safety issue—laptop sitting
in bag in Bliss or sitting in the gym. Has this been thought of?
 Elaine: I have been working with Student Government on these issues. The facts as they are known
are: (1) There are enough lockers for every student in reasonable locations. (2) Laptops do fit into the
lockers. (3) The new Ackerley Center will provide lockers that will latch and lock. The kids were
concerned about the security of their laptops and book bags during after-school sports/activities. One
option is to use a centralized room in the gym (i.e., blue room) to lock up students' bags. In addition,
Student Government suggested hanging hooks at waist level around the campus so that students could
hang up their backpacks and laptops and get them off the floors. Assembly issues have not been
thought through yet
Parent: What about travelling to off-campus games?
 Elaine: There is no clear answer. Students may leave their book bags here at school or put them into a
trunk of a car or a locked trunk on the bus. The school wants to put something in place but not spend a
lot of money if no one will be using it (i.e., hanging hook).
 Bernie: Every student will have book locker and a PE locker. There will be two places to lock during
the day.
Parent: How does the faculty feel about this (laptop program)? Will we loose faculty over this program?
 Bernie: I met with faculty and the majority felt that too much was going on and that we should phase
in and move slowly. A couple of faculty members do not want to do laptops nor do they feel the need
to do this. There are faculty leaving for a whole lot of reasons (e.g., retirement or unhappy about one
thing or another), but no one has come to me saying they are leaving because of the laptop program.
Parent: Is there a curriculum in place once the laptops arrive?
 Bernie: We have a curriculum design up through 9th grade. The question is, "do we recycle through
10th 11th, and 12th grades?" The laptop is an educational tool. I don't know the capabilities/skill levels
of my students. If I know all students have the book, I will teach from it.
Parent: Since we are giving choices about digital CD books, do the students have a choice about whether
or not to leave their laptops at school? Some students are under the impression that they have to haul them
back and forth. If students can leave their laptops at school, how secure will they be?
 Elaine: Student book lockers and buildings are locked and a student could carry a disk back and forth.
Parent: What are the limits/levels of technology support if a student has his/her own laptop?
 Michael: We are trying to figure this all out.
Student: I am new to Lakeside this year. I am wondering what you mean by the word "successful." I
thought the goal of Lakeside was to provide a higher learning experience.
 Bernie: A laptop is a powerful tool/device. It will improve your learning in a variety of ways (e.g.,
writing application in math configurations). We will do the program to improve education not
diminish communication and learning.
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Student: What does the board make decisions when the majority of students are against having laptops?
 George Hutchinson: The guiding principle of the Board of Trustees is to do what is best for the
students. All decisions are based on that premise. As an 8 th grade parent, I have had two years
experience with my daughter using the laptop. She has asked me if she can be allowed to keep her
machine for next year because she is familiar with it. It is a valuable indispensable tool. We are able
to do many things as a family outside of school because she is able to take her laptop with her. The
Board is not aware that a majority of students do not want this program. If that is the case, please let
the members know your feelings. The feedback from those students who have had laptops for two
years is that they do not want to give them up.
 Bernie: I would want nothing more than to have everybody supporting the program. I will end up
doing some things that will not be popular. I feel that the laptop is a useful, valuable, educational
tool—a seamless part of education. I seem to think that there will be a better understanding about this
powerful tool down the road (i.e., five years). This tool will be incorporated into learning—facilitate
and educate.
 Elaine: In working with Student Government representatives (across all grade levels, 9-12), they were
vehemently opposed until they had an opportunity to go to the Middle School and visit classes. They
came back with a different perspective. They saw the value and the open possibilities. This visitation
experience revealed what they did not know how to do.
Parent: Will there be collaborative curriculum development? At what point will each teacher be required
to use a laptop?
 Bernie: Faculty will work together and plan out curriculum. With the PNAIS self-student, scope and
sequence will be happening in every grade level (5-12). We are working on vertical and horizontal
integration. This makes it possible to do work on collaborative curriculum. Grants (up to $112,000)
will be available this summer to faculty to work on technology. I am asking faculty to make the laptop
program a "good faith effort."
Parent: I would like to know the reason why you decided not to phase laptops versus slamming them into
the Upper School. If laptops were phased into 7th grade and then 8th grade, why not into 9th grade next
year?
 Bernie: The feedback and concerns (from the three parent laptop informational nights and from the
faculty and department heads meetings) will be reviewed by the Department Heads group next week.
This group will make a recommendation to Board of Trustees, which will meet one week from next
Monday to make a final decision. We do hear real concerns and we would like it best and feel more
confident about the decision of laptops if parents were 'gun ho' and more supportive.
 Trustee (Matt Griffin): We could easily phase it in slowly but we worry about sending your students
off to college without having had the opportunity to learn on the laptop.
 Student: I have access to a PC and a MAC at school plus I have a computer at home. Having a laptop
is not a tool I need nor do I wish to do homework in a car. The decision to buy a laptop should be
made by the student and his/her family.
 Parent: There is a caution about phasing in. My daughter comes from a laptop school. In 7 th grade,
she had teachers who were using the laptop; the next year, she did not have the benefit of teachers
knowing or building laptop technology into curriculum. To me I do not see the benefit of phasing in.
 Bernie: If phased into 9th grade, the following year everyone would be implemented.
Parent: What about the "nub" (toggle mouse) problem and what if you hit the wrong key? Was there a
reason for the particular choice in laptop (Toshiba)? What about lighter and larger screen models? Have
you looked at Dell?
 Michael: Based on fact, the 7th and 8th graders have had a good experience using the Toshiba with the
features you are describing. We can get a touch pad but to get a good one would cost a lot of money.
The Compaq computer was a disaster as per other schools' experience using this laptop. The most
important things to remember when buying a laptop is to have a minimum level of specifications and a
solid support program to do better hardware support. Yes, we have looked at a Dell and we're still
looking.
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Parent: It would be wise to get feedback from parents—do they support or not?
 Parent: I would like to say a word about changes. Lakeside School is a superior school and the
teachers do an excellent way of educating our children. There is room for experiment and we need to
take uncomfortable risks and challenges. I would encourage us to give laptops a try as an educational
experiment to improve teaching and learning. There is so much potential to do even better then what
we are doing now. I am pleased with the new direction of Lakeside.
 I am pleased with the new direction of Lakeside. There is intense work to be done at Lakeside—
support and training of faculty, parents and students—and time to make this dream come true.
Parent: I have been a part of the Parent Diversity Committee and there seems to be a glaring lack of
diversity initiative or cultivation in terms of development.
 Bernie: This is a concern, too. We have work to do in community service, curriculum development,
diversity, global community; we need to do all we can to help our students adjust to life in a world
which is different from the one in which we grew up. We need to do this in a slow and cautionary
way. Technology will help us keep in touch with all parts of the world; it will help us nurture a vision
of diversity and not inhibit it. We want to be educationally responsible in what we do and we want to
get students ready for this world.
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