Dear 5th and 6th grade parents,
Due to global supply chains being broken since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, and the large increase in demand for devices, it has become nearly impossible for our school to purchase three complete class sets of Chromebooks. The order we placed for students in grades 4-6 in early June is now estimated to be delivered in December. Fortunately, Chromebooks are available to purchase individually both online and in stores.
Given these circumstances, and that many middle schools have a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policy, we would like to provide you with the option of purchasing a Chromebook for your child to bring to school. To help families with the cost of a Chromebook (typically $300-$500), RGS will provide a one-time $100 Books and Supply credit if you decide to purchase your own Chromebook.
If handled carefully, a Chromebook can be used for 3-4 years. This means your child should be able to use the device through 8th grade. New Mexico’s tax-free Holiday is this weekend (Aug. 7-9), which will provide additional savings.
Families who decide not to purchase a device will be issued a Chromebook to use for the school year (we have been able to purchase a limited number of Chromebooks). School-owned Chromebooks would need to be returned at the end of the school year, as we have done with iPads in previous years.
Below are details and logistics. If you are comfortable moving forward and purchasing a Chromebook, please complete the following form: BYOD Chromebook Registration.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Dave Ritzmann
Director of Technology & Facilities
BYOD Chromebook FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Chromebook? How does it differ from a Mac or Windows laptop?
Chromebooks are much like Mac or Windows laptops, but the operating system is ChromeOS (which is Google), instead of Microsoft Windows or Apple’s MacOS. ChromeOS is a lightweight operating system and because it does not use a lot of resources, it does not require a lot of memory or an ultra-fast processor to run. Because ChromeOS is a Google product, it is tightly integrated with Google Apps, which avoids many compatibility issues sometimes found when using other operating systems or devices. The cost of a Chromebook can also be significantly less than a Windows PC or Mac laptop.
Is purchasing a Chromebook required for 5th and 6th graders?
No, the BYOD program is completely optional. If you decide not to purchase a Chromebook, we will issue one to your child to use for the school year (the same as we have done in the past with iPads).
Do we need to purchase a Chromebook? Can my child use a Mac or PC laptop?
No, even though students will be using different brands & models of devices, Chromebooks (running ChromeOS) provide a common platform to use Google Apps for Education. It also allows us to manage the devices which can include rollout of updates and additional apps.
If our family already owns a Chromebook, can my child use it at school?
Yes, provided it meets the minimum requirements (see below). Please note that we will join the Chromebook to our domain to manage apps and settings for the duration of the school year. Depending on your current configuration, this may limit certain features. These cannot and should not be changed. We will remove your device from our domain when the school year ends. Student data is stored in the cloud and can be transferred to another account (this process is independent of the device).
What brands/models do you recommend?
We do not recommend specific brands or models, but each Chromebook must meet these minimum specifications:
- Intel Pentium or Celeron processor (or AMD equivalent)
- 2gb RAM (memory)
- 16gb hard drive (storage - this is only storage for the ChromeOS and apps. Student docs, etc.. are stored in the cloud).
- 14” maximum screen size (11-13” models are recommended as they are typically lighter and more mobile - remember your child will be carrying the device to/from school everyday)
- Built-in camera (standard on almost all Chromebooks)
Other Features: A touch-screen and “flip” or “2-in1” models (where the screen flips completely backwards, so the Chromebook works like a tablet) are optional. Higher-end Chromebooks may have an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor, which are faster, but unnecessary for the work students will be doing. These features will add to the cost of the device, provide limited benefits to learning, and are not recommended.
A case or cover is recommended to protect your Chromebook. The cost ($20-30) is much less expensive than repairing or replacing a device.
Where can Chromebooks be purchased? Any store that sells electronics has Chromebooks. This includes, but is not limited to (in no particular order), Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Google. You might also check manufacturer websites, like Dell.com, HP.com, etc.. (or simply google “Chromebooks”).
If you are considering purchasing a previously-owned Chromebook, be sure to distinguish between “Used” and “Refurbished/Factory Refurbished”. “Used” is typically “as is” (like something you would find on eBay). There is nothing wrong with purchasing a used device, but keep in mind it most likely has not been worked on by a technician or tested. “Refurbished"/“Factory Refurbished” models have been checked by a technician and tested to be sure they are in good working order. Some devices are graded on a scale (A/B/C) to rate the overall condition (mainly if there are dents, scratches, etc..). Many refurbished models include a warranty from either the manufacturer or company that refurbished the device.
Should we purchase Insurance/Accidental Damage Coverage?
Students/families are responsible for all damage/loss to student-owned Chromebooks. Please be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1-year, but usually only covers manufacturer defects). You may also wish to purchase accidental damage coverage. This can be purchased through many manufacturers or retailers (be sure to check the details as some have deductibles, a limit on the number of claims, etc..). Some homeowners insurance policies may cover a Chromebook (even if it is at school most of the day) or your insurance company may offer a policy for the device.
What about the RGS Responsible Use Policy?
The RGS Technology Responsible Use Policy (RUP) fully applies to student-owned devices. This is the policy you/your child have signed in previous years when iPads were issued to students. A key difference is students/families are fully responsible for repairing or replacing damaged or lost devices. As we have done in the past, the RUP will be distributed during the first few days of school, discussed with students, and you and your child will be asked to sign it. This will need to be done before your child can bring his/her own Chromebook to school (in previous years, an iPad could not be taken home until we had a signed RUP on-file).
Charging your Chromebook
Your child’s Chromebook will need to be charged at home every night. Chromebooks typically have an average run time of 10 hours or more, so there should be no need to charge it during the school day. Students are responsible for coming to school each day with their Chromebook fully charged and student-owned Chromebooks should not be left at school overnight.
Will RGS repair a broken Chromebook or offer any service on them?
No, all repairs will need to be taken to the place of purchase, a computer repair store, or where you have warranty or accidental damage coverage (per their directions).
What happens if my child's Chromebook needs to be sent in for repair? RGS will have a pool of Chromebooks to loan to students in the event they do not have a Chromebook to use. Classroom rules will apply if a student forgets his/her Chromebook at home or forgets to charge it overnight.
What if our family already paid our Books and Supply fee? How will we receive the $100 credit?
Please email Dave Ritzmann and he will submit a check request to Anne Moses, Director of Finance and Operations. Once verified, a check for $100 will be issued to you.
How long will BYOD Registration be open?
The registration form will remain open for at least the next few weeks. A reminder will be sent next week with a specific deadline. This is necessary so that we know which students will be bringing their own device and how many Chromebooks we need to purchase and configure.
Have a question not answered above?
