Dear Parents,

This summer, the Greendale Schools’ wireless network will be upgraded to provide robust access that will allow increased numbers of devices to get connected at school. As a result, this fall we will be inviting students to “Get Connected” to our network. All students in grades 6-12 will have the option to bring their own technology to school to use for their learning. The Greendale Schools currently allows student-owned devices in the classroom, but until now, aging wireless access has limited the possibilities.

The “Get Connected” initiative will be a pilot for 2012-13 and will complement the technology currently in place in our schools. Because the school will continue to provide access to school-owned computers and devices, bringing a student-owned device to school is not a prerequisite to learning. It will allow more students to “Get Connected” to our filtered Public network using the digital tools that they already own and use.

We acknowledge there may be some concern about students being left out because they will not have a device to bring to school. Please know, that the Greendale Schools will still provide access to computer labs, school-owned devices and software already in use in our classroom for students who choose not to participate in the “Get Connected” pilot.

The Greendale Schools will review the “Get Connected” pilot program during the 2012-13 school year. Surveys will be conducted throughout the year for future planning, and families will have the additional opportunities to engage during this pilot. This will help the school and families understand what is working and what changes might be necessary to improve the experience for students, families and faculty.

We are not mandating any purchase or use of these devices by students, and thoughtful consideration should be given to whether your student is ready for the responsibility and trust associated with bringing these devices to school, as the school district will not be responsible for the devices should they be damaged or stolen. Student lockers are provided for securing devices, and teachers will work hard to remind students about keeping their devices secure and safe.

Parents may ask what kind of devices we recommend. While we don’t make any recommendations about specific brands or devices, they do need to have Wi-Fi capabilities and be portable. Students will access all content through the district’s web filter, and any device that has a phone connection will need to turn it off during the school day. A variety of devices are already used in the high school, and a list of preferred features is included with this letter.

You should also know that the Greendale Schools will be offering Google Apps for Education for the 2012-13 school year. This will provide filtered email, collaboration and productivity tools for both students and teachers. Cloud-based computing like Google Apps for Education allows students to access their information from any computer or device with a web browser.

Further information regarding this opportunity will be communicated this summer. Look for informational meetings during registration at Greendale Middle School and Greendale High School.

What do you mean by “Get Connected”?
For the purposes of the Greendale Schools, “Get Connected” means allowing filtered wireless access to a privately-owned wireless and/or portable electronic piece of equipment such as laptops, notebook, netbooks, tablets/slates, iPodTouches, e-Readers, and smart phones.

Which device should students bring to school?
The Greendale Schools does not recommend any particular device. However, we will be providing information on the capability of various devices to allow students to fully engage in the curriculum. If a certain device or software program is needed for a particular class, we will provide it for the student.

How will my son’s/daughter’s device be used in the classroom?
Schools must challenge students with rigorous, personalized academic learning experiences that foster innovation and creativity. Students will engage in a cohesively integrated curriculum, access information, and apply it to solve authentic problems in a collaborative manner. We believe equitable access to technology will aid our students in becoming information producers rather than information consumers and self-directed learners and collaborative team players.

Educational activities expected on the personal devices may include:

• Producing documents, spreadsheets, and/ or slide shows
• Working in Google Apps for Education for various purposes such as to discuss a concept or collaborate on a project
• Video and audio recordings
• Taking photographs
• Using on-line polls and assessments
• Viewing video instructions
• Reading books and magazines
• Using educational apps
• Accessing student records, grades and assignments
• Make a quick voice note to themselves with the daily math assignment on their device
• Take notes into their device during class and organize digital notebooks and folders
• Maintain a calendar for assignments and activities
• View a teacher’s webpage
• Access the Internet during class to research for projects or group efforts
• Create blogs to discuss reading assignments
  

Are students required to participate in the pilot?
Participation in the pilot program is not required. The District will still provide access to all computer labs, school-owned devices and school-owned software. The “Get Connected” pilot will allow the District to test the infrastructure and network. Additionally, teachers may identify gaps in device capabilities and curricular needs.

Can students use their personal email account?
Student users shall not access or use individual email accounts at school. All student email collaboration shall be done through teacher moderated accounts. The Greendale Schools will be transitioning to Google Apps for Education for the 2012-13 school year for the purposes of providing filtered email, collaboration and productivity tools for students and teachers.

What if my child’s device is stolen or damaged? What recourse can I take?
Students bring electronic communication devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal items. The school will not be held responsible if an electronic device or other item is lost, stolen or misplaced. Some devices have a device locator; it is recommended that you enable this feature if possible.

Is it required that my child use the School wireless? Can they use their own 3G or 4G service?
Students with a personally-owned device will need to use the our Public wireless network. Our Public network is filtered and complies with Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

My child is bringing a device to school for instructional purposes. Will they have access to things they normally do with district equipment?
You child will have access to any of the web-based software the school currently uses (databases, library search tools, etc.) Software may run differently on different devices for varying reasons. All students will have access to Google Apps for Education.

As a parent am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device, etc.) to my child’s device?
Currently we are not requiring any additional software for school use. Virus protection is always advised, but not required. Device location software is not required but is always a good idea. While on the Greendale Schools network, students will be monitored through the District’s web filter, so there is no need for additional filtering software.

Renee Albrecht
Business Education Department, Greendale High School
Kim Amidzich
Director of Assessment & Learning
James Arens
Media & Technology Specialist
Ryan Jonas
Technology Manager
Joshua Bartelme
Student
Keith Bohlin
2nd Grade, Highland View Elementary School
Bridget Brown
English Department, Greendale Middle School
MaryEllen Conrad
Media & Technology Specialist
Julieane Cook
5th Grade, College Park Elementary School
Julie Hahm
Science Department, Greendale High School
Ben Hubing
Social Studies Department, Greendale High School
Dan Johnson
3rd Grade, College Park Elementary School
Teresa Kubenik
Special Education Aide, Greendale High School
Ann Patzen
District Database Coordinator
Sandy Speare
Library Media Specialist, Greendale Middle School
Logan Smith
2nd Grade, Canterbury Elementary School
John Weiss
Principal, Greendale Middle School