1 to 1 Computer Initiative

July 2016 Dear Parent, The West Chester Area School District’s 1:1 computer initiative is continuing – and growing! Students in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 will now receive laptop computers to use in school and at home.

The Technology Department has been hard at work over the summer preparing the laptops for distribution during the first two weeks of school for grades 8 and 9. Students in grades 10 and 11 that did not elect to keep laptops over the summer will receive laptops during the first two weeks of school. Principals will share more information on the laptop distribution process once school starts.

Students will be receiving Dell laptop computers that will be preloaded with Microsoft Office Suite, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Students will also receive a carrying case and a copy of the WCASD 1:1 Handbook. I strongly recommend you review this handbook, as it contains important information on the program. You can also read the handbook online by clicking here.

Each laptop was purchased with a 4-year warranty and accidental damage insurance. While you do not have to purchase additional insurance, you are responsible for covering a portion of the warranty and insurance costs. The discounted rate for those that pay by Friday, August 26 is $50. After August 26 the rate increases to $55. You can pay with a credit online by clicking here to access the PayForIt System - be sure to select the Technology Cost Sharing option. You can also bring a check to the Technology Office in the Spellman Administration Building: 829 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Click here to download the payment form. Bring the completed form with you, and be sure to include your child’s name and school in the memo line.

In order to ensure that your student receives his/her laptop during the first two weeks of school, we strongly recommend submitting your payment by August 26. Students that retained their laptops over the summer must also submit payment, and must do so by August 26 in order to keep their account active and maintain full use of their laptop. If the fee is a financial burden, please contact the Technology Office via phone: 484-266-1050 or email: one2one@wcasd.net.

Students who do not participate in the warranty and insurance cost sharing program will not be permitted to take the laptop outside of school. Since one of the biggest benefits of the 1:1 program is the continuity of learning between school and home, we encourage you to participate so that your student can take full advantage of this opportunity.

Many parents have asked whether their student can use his/her own personal laptop in school. Our Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) program is easy to set up and there is no charge. Detailed information about the BYOT program is available on the Technology website. The District can accommodate both PC and Mac computers, however students will need to be sure they submit assignments in a digital format that can be read by teachers.

If you have any questions after reading the WCASD 1:1 Handbook, please email: one2one@wcasd.net.

Sincerely, Mary Beth Clifton Coordinator of Instructional Technology West Chester Area School District mclifton@wcasd.net