By Kevin McLaughlin
During the grade assemblies, many students were surprised to hear Ms. GM and Mr. Samuelson talk about how students will no longer be allowed to bring their own devices from home, but instead will be required to use a school-issued Chromebook. Students dominated the Q and A session with questions about whether or not it will be mandatory to use the school Chromebooks.
So far, students have been allowed to use any device from home they want, Macbook, Dell, even an iPad or cell phone. Even with many students using the school WiFi from their own devices, there have not been any major internet connection problems. This is why students were initially frustrated, wondering why we could not continue with something we’ve been doing since September.
At press time, director of technology Mr. Jay Strumwasser had not returned an email for comment, so some students are speculating about the reasons for a possible mandate, with some students believing it had to do with security and student account monitoring.
At a recent parents meeting, Ms. GM noted that she and Mr. Samuelson have already received many emails regarding students using school issued Chromebooks.
She assured parents and students that for the rest of this school year, students will be able to use their personal devices.
“We encourage students to use their district issued Chromebook; however, they are not required to at this time.”
She also noted that if a student opted to not receive a school issued Chromebook at the beginning of the year, they can still get one if they wish.
But the question as to whether or not students will be forced to use school-issued Chromebooks starting next school year remains unanswered.
