August 10, 2020


Dear Parent/Guardian of an Elementary School Student,

As we enter the 2020-21 school year, we now know that we are beginning the year in Phase 1: Distance Learning. We do not know how long Phase 1 will last, but we know that having online access will be critical to student success not only during Distance Learning, but in Phases 2, 3, and 4 as well.

We have polled our families, and you told us that most of your children have access to a device and the internet at home. Last year some of our elementary school families asked us if they could borrow a device, and we were happy to loan out devices to those who needed them. We are planning to do that again for families who need a device at home.

There are 3 ways that families can provide online access for their children during Distance Learning:
  1. You can access Distance Learning from a device that you already have at home.
  2. You can borrow a District-owned device for your child to use at home during Distance Learning.
  3. Just as at the middle school, where 2/3 of the parents choose to purchase a device that their child can use at school, you can choose to purchase a device for your child to use this year and beyond.
Parents can buy a device or can use a device that they already own. Again, this has been the primary choice of our parents in our middle school, and we are very appreciative.

For elementary students, we recommend the 2nd generation Lenovo 300e Chromebook.

If you choose to purchase a device directly on your own, you can choose this or a different model. Please note that we do recommend a Chromebook over an iPad or a laptop, as such devices are more economical and durable, and as we can, if you choose, assist with applying restrictions to limit software installation and to apply internet filtering on Chromebooks, whereas we cannot offer this for iPads, laptops, or other types of devices. Whatever device you choose, it should be a 2018 model or later, with the following features:
  • Touch screen
  • A screen size of at least 11.6”
  • Front-facing camera

Insurance is available from a number of independent insurance companies, including many that can be found online. It is recommended that parents research multiple options and review each policy in detail before selecting a coverage option. Various policies cover different types of damage and can be purchased for different amounts of time. Insurance may be purchased for personally owned devices only; it cannot be purchased for District-owned devices.

During Data Confirmation, which begins today, you will be asked to indicate whether or not you wish to borrow a District-owned device for your child. We ask that you complete this process as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly. If you are in need of a device, we ask that, if you can, you consider  providing a device for your child so that we can maximize our resources; as in so many areas, we appreciate your support in this effort.

Thank you.
Mike Matthews, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Manhattan Beach Unified School District
325 S. Peck Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310)318-7345, x5900
[310-318-7345, x5902]  [mmathews@mbusd.org]  [www.mbusd.org]