September 7th, 2015
Dear Families,
This year, each of the 7th grade Humanities classrooms will be equipped with a set
of 24 MacBook laptops. This technology will allow us to conduct more classroom
research, to pursue computer-based projects (Power Point presentations, I-Movies, web
pages), and to use technology to enhance student understanding (on-line quizzes, Visual
Thesaurus). The Humanities teachers are committed to using these computers as tools to
improve the quality of classroom pedagogy.
We would like the students in our classroom to make a similar commitment to
these computers. We would also like to make sure that the use of these computers is
educationally appropriate and that students treat them as tools for growth and learning,
not as toys or distractions. Since these are classroom laptops, each computer will be
shared amongst four students, one in each Humanities section. Students must practice
courtesy and respect for privacy when they use and share this technology.
In each Humanities classroom we will be reviewing the school’s computing
policy and some of our own classroom policies for these computers. These policies are
attached, and we are requesting both a student and parent/guardian signature indicating
that you have read, understood, and agreed to these policies.
Finally, we would like to make a quick suggestion for each student. Because each
computer’s hard drive will be re-imaged on a frequent basis, students need to be careful
about saving their information and documents. The Humanities teachers recommend that
students frequently back up their files on their flash drives. Students should also store
their documents on the school’s file server as a back up.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. We look forward to an exciting
year!
Peggy Doyle
Joe Drogos
Elisha Neely
Sam Nekrosius
7th Grade Humanities Computer Policy:
1. The computers are to be used only for Humanities studies in tutorial and in
Humanities classes. Students should use the computer lab for work for other
classes.
2. The computers should not be used to play games, check email, IM/Gchatting,
or browse the web, unless it is directly related to our work in Humanities. Misuse
of computers, even if they are owned by the student, will result in loss of
computer privileges.
3. Students may not consume food or drink in the same area as the computers and
must keep their hands clean when using the laptops.
4. Students are responsible for returning their computers to their assigned dock.
5. Because these computers are being shared, maintaining battery power is
exceptionally important. Students will take the responsibility to plug in the
computers whenever possible, as well as practice battery saving measures, such as
dimming the screen, opening only one program at a time, and closing the
computer when it is not in use.
6. Students are responsible for saving any necessary materials in secure locations
(on a flash drive or the school’s file server, not on the computers’ hard drives).
7. Students should respect others’ privacy and not search through students’ folders
or delete any documents on the computers’ hard drives.
8. The Humanities teachers understand that accidents happen. We can keep the
computers running smoothly if students can be honest and report any computer
issues or repairs that may be necessary.
9. Students should be mindful of paper use and only print something once and
only when certain it is necessary. If a larger print job is necessary, students should
ask their teacher for directions and assistance.
Student Signature: __________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature: __________________________________________