I hope this letter finds you well, and enjoying the spring weather. With an eye on the end of school, I write to you on the subject of the school-issued iPad. I want to bring to your attention the second parent survey, procedures for students to return their iPad, as well as present to you the option for continued use of the device next school year.
Continued Feedback
As I reflect on my opening presentation to you about the iPad pilot, I recall describing the various learning curves that would likely take place at Lexington High School as we issued these powerful electronic devices to students. At that opening presentation, you completed an initial survey that provided us helpful information as a starting point. (Actually, students and participating teachers completed a similar survey as well). At this time, we are asking you to complete a follow-up survey that will assist us in evaluating this year’s implementation of iPads, and identifying those areas that require additional attention. Please use the link below to complete the survey on-line before May 17th.
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PYSYH6R
End of the year procedures:
Students will need to turn in their iPad, cover and charger at the end of this school year and cannot take it home with them for the summer. Obviously, most classes that are integrating the iPad will continue to use it right up until the final exam in June. Students will be required to turn in their iPad, cover and charger after their final iPad class exam. Students will be able to turn it in to an administrator or technology staff member that comes to their exam room, or to the main office. It is extremely important that you help us by reminding your student to turn it in after their exam and to back up essential information by emailing to a personal address and/or saving it to Dropbox, Googledocs, etc. The classroom and support teachers will also be vigilant in emphasizing this message. I do have to remind you that this is a very expensive device which you will be financially responsible for should the student fail to turn it in before departing for the summer. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me.
Next school year:
We recognize that some students have found the iPad very helpful in organizing their school life, and have developed positive strategies that utilize the device. There will be no formal iPad supported classes for our rising juniors. However, if you (and more importantly) your student feel that having this device next year is essential to the continued academic growth and success, we can work together to re-issue the iPad to them next September following this procedure:
1. You must communicate to me in writing your wish to have the iPad re-issued to your student by June 10th. You may complete the attached iPad 2013-14 Request Form and submit it to me. (Click here to download the iPad 2013-14 Request Form .) Alternatively, you may use the request form as a guideline and write your own letter of request.
2. Upon receipt of your request, I will have a brief conversation with the student before the last day of school to talk about their experiences with the iPad, as described your request.
3. I will communicate to you if your student will be re-issued an iPad and the next steps for September.
Some points to consider if you choose to make this request:
I thank you in advance for your continued support, communication and collaboration, and patience during the various “learning curve moments” that occurred this school year. If, at any time, you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email at agoldberg@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us.
I wish you a successful end of the school year.
Sincerely,
Associate Principal
