2013-06-04 1:1 Announcement Letter
June 4, 2013
Dear Parents,
It is with great excitement I share news that Seneca High School will be implementing a 1:1 student laptop program at the start of the 2013-2014 school year. “1:1” essentially means every SHS student will have their own laptop device to use for the entire 2013-2014 school year.
When implementing the 1:1 laptop initiative, we have two major goals we want to accomplish. One, we hope to see an increase in student’s academic success, and two, prepare our students with the necessary technology skills to compete in the 21st Century. Our staff and administration is well aware that placing a laptop device in the hands of our students will not assure that our educational goals will be met; however, because of the research and time our staff has invested over the last two school years, we are extremely confident our students will be better prepared for all post-secondary opportunities. A detailed report with specific background information about this initiative has been posted on the main page of our school website at www.senecahs.org. Please take a moment to review that information.
Our IT Department has also created an interactive chat room for parents. Those that have questions about the 1:1 initiative prior to the August meetings can go to our website and post questions. Our IT department will return answers as quickly as possible. Those wanting to post questions should go to our school website, look for the Seneca 1:1 Laptop Project tab and click where it says, “Read more.” Next, find the “Quick FAQ Section” and click on the Q & A tab, which will get you to the screen where you can post questions.
In addition to the information provided on the website, Seneca High School staff will be providing summer informational meetings for parents and students. These meetings are not mandatory, but highly recommended. During these meetings, parents and students will have an opportunity to learn about the specific laptop device and all expectations as it pertains to daily use. Following this presentation, SHS staff will be available to parents for a question and answer session. A schedule with specific dates and times for each graduating class is available at the conclusion of this letter. We are hopeful you will add these dates to your summer calendar and join us for the informational session this August.
As part of our registration fees, each family will be required to pay a $100.00 technology fee. During the August informational meeting, staff will discuss all financial options for families that are interested in purchasing the laptop after their student has graduated from SHS.
In conclusion, this is an exciting opportunity for our students and staff of Seneca High School. We look forward to seeing you all at our training in August and please do not hesitate to use the chat room on our school website to address any questions you may have.
Respectfully,
Marty Voiles
Principal
Seneca Township High School
Student/Parent Meeting Information
Parent Information Meeting – on the meeting dates listed below, parents and students will have an opportunity to:
- Attend a presentation by SHS staff and learn about the laptop device and how it will be used by staff and students during the 2013-2014 school year.
- Review, sign and turn in the Acceptable Use Policy
- Pay the $100.00 technology fee.
- Receive the laptop computer (if proper paperwork is signed and turned in.)
Monday, August 12th – Students and the parents in the Junior and Senior classes should attend a meeting, by appointment only, at one of the three available times; 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., or 6:00 p.m. You can schedule your specific meeting time by contacting the main office at 815-357-5000, after Monday, June 10th.
Tuesday, August 13th – Students and the parents in the Freshman and Sophomore classes should attend a meeting, by appointment only, at one of the three available times; 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., or 6:00 p.m. You can schedule your specific meeting time by contacting the main office at 815-357-5000, after Monday, June 10th.
Wednesday, August 14th – Students and parents that cannot attend meetings on 8/12 or 8/13 can attend a make-up session, by appointment only, at one of the two available times; 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. You can reserve your specific meeting time by contacting the main office at 815-357-5000, after Monday, June 10th.