Take Home Device Protocols

Our effort at ensuring technology represents a healthy and constructive aspect of students’ lives has prompted some changes to our systems of distributing take-home technology devices, specifically Chromebooks. At the elementary level, where devices are generally not issued for the purpose of completing routine assignments, schools will provide devices only upon a specific request by a family based on particular needs of that child’s household. As students transition to the secondary grade levels, which is 6th grade at all upper schools and 5th grade at the Amigos School, families may opt-in to having their child’s device travel to and from school. From 7th through 12th grade, families who prefer their child’s Chromebook remain at school must opt-out of the take-home designation.

The purpose of this distinction is to provide a period of time in which the student and the family may gain familiarity with the responsibilities that come with having access to a device. Regardless of the choice made as students begin their secondary years, during school time, the use of the device will always be limited to specific educational purposes with intentional instructional objectives.

These policies are being put in place for the express purpose of ensuring both equitable access to technology and the opportunity to build healthy relationships between our students and the platforms at their disposal. Additional communication and opportunities to discuss the role of technology and students’ education will be forthcoming across all CPS schools.