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Posted in Principal's Message.

Principal's Message - 2019 January

Principal's Message - January 2019

Dear Parents,

Fremont High students have been issued a Chromebook computer for their use in the classroom and at home. As part of a multi-year plan, the Weber School District began to provide Chromebooks to students in the fall of 2018, with four schools participating. Fremont High School is included in the second phase of the initiative, which includes four more schools. This opportunity provides many exciting possibilities for our students and their teachers.

As we prepare students to succeed in the 21st century, we know they need to be:

  • digitally literate
  • inventive thinkers, problem-solvers, creative decision-makers
  • clear and effective communicators and collaborators
  • self-motivated and engaged learners
  • connected to the world around them and positive contributors to their communities

Superintendent, Jeff Stephens said, “The excitement is not that every student has their own computer. Rather, it is the enriched teaching and learning that occurs with this infusion of technology. The potential for technology to revolutionize teaching and learning is only limited by the boundaries we establish. It truly is an historic time!”

While we are excited about the increased learning possibilities now available to our students, we also understand there are questions and concerns about the distribution of the devices to students. We’ve tried to answer a few of these questions for you and provide resources where you can learn more.

A Few Facts That Parents Should Know

More information including an overview of the district initiative, resources, products to purchase such as protective cases, replacement costs and available insurance for lost or damaged devices, and general FAQs, can be found on the district website at  http://wsd.net/one-one/main.

Some students have asked if they can use their own laptop or tablet instead of being issued a Chromebook. Students may continue to use whatever device they choose at home; however, no personal devices can be used at school. Chromebooks should still be charged each night and ready to go for classes.

District-assigned Chromebooks will have three advantages over personal devices: apps and programs purchased for WSD students, tech support, and filtering.

The district works diligently to ensure that each student has a safe learning environment while using the internet. Regardless of its location, each Chromebook is configured to connect to the district’s web filtering system prior to accessing the Internet. Our web filtering is updated on a regular basis in order to ensure your student has maximum protection while online.

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook which they have been issued by the school, just as they are responsible for textbooks and other equipment loaned to them by the school.

Students will receive training on care and use of their Chromebook by their classroom teachers.

Care and general information will be available on our school website (soon) and the district website (now).

Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the writing lab (Mrs. Lowder) for assessment. If a loaner is needed, one will be issued to the student until their device can be repaired or replaced.

Repairs that include defects in materials or workmanship may be covered under warranty. Students or parents may be charged for damage that is a result of misuse, accidents, or abusive handling.

Parents are encouraged to consider participating in the Repair Assist Program offered through the district. Information can be found on the district website at  http://wsd.net/one-one/repair-assist-program. Premiums can be paid through the MyWeber site or through the school bookkeeper.

All students are required to take their Chromebook home each night for charging. Chromebooks must be brought to school each day in a fully charged condition.

Chromebooks should be treated as carefully as students treat their other personal devices, such as phones or tablets. They should never be left or stored in an unsupervised area such as locker rooms, unlocked classrooms, library, hallways, common areas, cafeteria, vehicles, on the bus, school grounds, or bathrooms.

Chromebooks and/or passwords should never be loaned or given to another student under any circumstance, as per the AUP policy

Comcast offers a high-speed, low-cost internet service for eligible low-income households. This is not endorsed by the district or FHS; however, if you are interested, you can find more information at https://internetessentials.com/.

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We appreciate your patience as we begin this implementation. We have spent time making necessary preparations to ensure a smooth experience. We also understand there may be a few bumps to work through in the beginning. We’re confident that this opportunity will provide your student with advantages for his or her future in the workforce, learning skills and trades, or at the university.