Dear Parents/Guardians:

            Advancements in technology over the past 20 years have dramatically changed how we live our lives every day.  The district is committed to ensuring that every child is provided the tools and experiences they will need to stay globally competitive in today’s world.  It is this reason that all students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will be receiving their own iPad to learn, grow, and become technologically advanced. 

            All Middle School and Related Arts teachers received their iPads in December 2014.  Since this time, our teachers have been engaged in professional development to increase their understanding of how the iPads can transform their classrooms.  Students will be introduced to virtual classrooms designed in iTunes University.  In iTunes U, students will find a wealth of information pertaining to a specific subject created by their teachers.  As educators we have been leaning about the SAMR scale; meaning technology can act as Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, or Redefinition.  It will be our goal to transform the classroom environment with the use of the iPads to allow for Modification or redesigning of assignments, and Redefinition or creation of new tasks previously inconceivable! 

            The amount of time spent utilizing the iPads will vary.  Students will not spend all day every day on their iPads.  Instead teachers will make the time spent on the iPad meaningful, individualized, and engaging so achievement is attained at the highest level.  The district has already selected tools and Apps that will be appropriate to the needs of all learners.  Additional Apps or programs will always be reviewed for educational benefit before being introduced to students.  Students and parents, at this time, will not have the ability to download games and Apps on the iPads.

              A great deal of time has been spent preparing for a smooth and successful introduction of the iPads into the classroom.  It is natural to have a great deal of questions and concerns.  In order to address your concerns, an iPad handbook has been developed as well as a Question and Answer worksheet to assist you (please see on the left).