EMAIL DETAILS

Dear Parents,


As you know, the laptop pilot has been extended through the next school
year for all incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. After studying multiple
points of feedback from parents, students and teachers, significant
changes will be made to enhance the program.


Comments from program participants showed that the Toshiba computers
currently used by 7th graders are too heavy and are difficult to
transport, especially for students who walk or ride public
transportation. The Companion Touch computers currently used by 6th
graders are a bit too small, especially the keyboard. Therefore, for the
2010-2011 school year, all 6th through 8th grade students will receive
brand new Asus netbook tablet computers with a 10" screen and almost
full-sized keyboard. This computer is a nice compromise between size and
performance. Laptops will be stored in protective sleeves which can be
transported in the student's backpack. Follow this link for more
information about this computer:
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=xK9O0XZhFswxrTrn


Another important change that was called for in the comments concern the
amount and types of training that we offer to students and parents. To
begin next year, all students will be required to attend "Out of the
Box" training before school begins in September. One parent must attend
this training along with their child. Students will receive their new
laptop and be able to take it home when this training is completed. To
sign up for a training date, please click this link:
http://sfs-outofthebox.eventbrite.com/. A make-up date, scheduled for
September 7th at 2:15PM, is available for all families who cannot attend
any of the other training sessions. This "Out of the Box" training is
crucial to ensure students are ready on day one. In addition, students
will receive regular training throughout the school year to focus on
skill development and problem areas indicated by this year's data.
Teachers are receiving intensive training during the summer and numerous
formal and informal training sessions throughout the school year.
Parents will be invited to attend both live and webinar training during
the year on a variety of topics such as "How to find homework
assignments." Watch next year's Tuesday letter for times, dates and
topics.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Brumley at
brumleym@sidwell.edu.