Sandy and I worked with the fabulous 3rd and 4th grade teams to firm up our orientation, iPad policies and how to use iFiles. Thanks so much to all our fabulous teachers, WE ARE ALMOST READY!!
Check out the note Mr. Wirht sent out in the BPOV:
November 1, 2012
Dear Parents,
During the Late Start Day on Thursday, the teachers discussed the implementation of the LEAP (1:1 iPad) program on the Bridge Point campus. Next week, Grades 3 and 4 will receive enough iPads so each student will be assigned one for use to support instruction. These grades will “pilot” the program and troubleshoot issues associated with the implementation. All grade levels will have one class set assigned to them to share among the classes. The design is to fully implement 1:1 iPads to all Bridge Point students by the end of the school year.
Many classes encourage “BYOT”….Bring Your Own Technology…for school use. This voluntary option has enhanced learning for many students. Other students bring their own technology for their own purposes. We have been impressed over the years with the responsible way the students have managed their devices. However, we have found that clear expectations shared by all connected to Bridge Point diminish questions and minimize some heartburn. Last Spring I shared our policy for the presence of private digital devices on campus that the students bring from home. The policy works. Please read the following and reinforce with your child. Common understanding goes a long way.
Bridge Point Policy for Digital Devices from Home
1. All devices are welcome on campus
2. Devices may not be used or be out of backpack at any time unless expressly directed by a classroom teacher and under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher.
3. Devices must remain in backpack while waiting for Morning Assembly to begin and, of course, during Morning Assembly.
4. "BOOK or NOOK or eReaders" (including iPad apps) are permitted while waiting for Assembly to begin. Individual students may use a Nook or digital reading tablet, including iPads, ONLY to read a book. Only one person may use the device.
5. Devices used in violation of this policy will be confiscated by Bridge Point staff and returned to student at the end of the day. Repeated confiscations will result in return to parent only.
6. Dismissal – Devices must remain in backpacks. Visible devices while waiting for pick up will be confiscated. A student needing to call a parent during dismissal must FIRST receive direct permission from a Bridge Point staff member.
7. Students who demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to adhere to digital device expectations will be prohibited from bringing any digital device on campus.
As I wrote last March, it is a challenge to comprehensive list a set of expectations…there are always unanticipated loopholes that are skillfully exploited! Bottom line, we have found the need to explicitly define our expectations. Learning can be interrupted because of confusion over what is okay and what is not okay. We will continue to explain to students the details and reasoning behind these common sense expectations. We will expect students, and ask families, to be cooperative and to support the letter and spirit of our efforts.
Should you have any questions, suggestions or concerns, please connect with me. Technology changes fast and issues arise in a hurry. Together we can take full advantage of new and expanding technologies to strengthen learning and increase students’ capacities. Thank you.
Sincerely,
M. Bradford Wirht
Principal
Check out the note Mr. Wirht sent out in the BPOV:
November 1, 2012
Dear Parents,
During the Late Start Day on Thursday, the teachers discussed the implementation of the LEAP (1:1 iPad) program on the Bridge Point campus. Next week, Grades 3 and 4 will receive enough iPads so each student will be assigned one for use to support instruction. These grades will “pilot” the program and troubleshoot issues associated with the implementation. All grade levels will have one class set assigned to them to share among the classes. The design is to fully implement 1:1 iPads to all Bridge Point students by the end of the school year.
Many classes encourage “BYOT”….Bring Your Own Technology…for school use. This voluntary option has enhanced learning for many students. Other students bring their own technology for their own purposes. We have been impressed over the years with the responsible way the students have managed their devices. However, we have found that clear expectations shared by all connected to Bridge Point diminish questions and minimize some heartburn. Last Spring I shared our policy for the presence of private digital devices on campus that the students bring from home. The policy works. Please read the following and reinforce with your child. Common understanding goes a long way.
Bridge Point Policy for Digital Devices from Home
1. All devices are welcome on campus
2. Devices may not be used or be out of backpack at any time unless expressly directed by a classroom teacher and under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher.
3. Devices must remain in backpack while waiting for Morning Assembly to begin and, of course, during Morning Assembly.
4. "BOOK or NOOK or eReaders" (including iPad apps) are permitted while waiting for Assembly to begin. Individual students may use a Nook or digital reading tablet, including iPads, ONLY to read a book. Only one person may use the device.
5. Devices used in violation of this policy will be confiscated by Bridge Point staff and returned to student at the end of the day. Repeated confiscations will result in return to parent only.
6. Dismissal – Devices must remain in backpacks. Visible devices while waiting for pick up will be confiscated. A student needing to call a parent during dismissal must FIRST receive direct permission from a Bridge Point staff member.
7. Students who demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to adhere to digital device expectations will be prohibited from bringing any digital device on campus.
As I wrote last March, it is a challenge to comprehensive list a set of expectations…there are always unanticipated loopholes that are skillfully exploited! Bottom line, we have found the need to explicitly define our expectations. Learning can be interrupted because of confusion over what is okay and what is not okay. We will continue to explain to students the details and reasoning behind these common sense expectations. We will expect students, and ask families, to be cooperative and to support the letter and spirit of our efforts.
Should you have any questions, suggestions or concerns, please connect with me. Technology changes fast and issues arise in a hurry. Together we can take full advantage of new and expanding technologies to strengthen learning and increase students’ capacities. Thank you.
Sincerely,
M. Bradford Wirht
Principal
