Chromebooks
The Chromebook practices at Hosford have been evolving as we switch to Chromebook carts in the classroom.
Why did we move to Chromebook carts?
At the end of last year, middle school principals across the district advocated for Chromebook carts in the classroom instead of passing out them out for students to take home. Too many students lost their Chromebook, didn't charge it, lost the charger or just didn't care for the device. Our goal was to increase the number of students who have a working Chromebook during class. Hosford had about 18% of students without a working Chromebook on a daily basis because of damage or loss. At $515 dollars a Chromebook, this is a huge expense for our district, and impacts student access to curriculum materials.
Distribution of Chromebooks
Close to the start of the year, we learned that we would not be receiving a Chromebook cart for each classroom, but instead would be receiving enough carts to house the devices at a 1:1 ratio. This resulted in the shifting of our bell schedule. Chromebooks are passed out in 1st period. We took one minute from each class period to build in 7 minutes at the end of the day for students to return to their 1st period class and check their Chromebook back in.
This allows first period teachers to get a report of any issues. When students report an issue with a Chromebook, we are able to distribute a loaner Chromebook to the teacher for the student to use the next day while the other Chromebook is repaired. If Chromebooks are lost, it increases the likelihood of recovery since it has only been a short period of time and in the building. Students receive the same Chromebook each day, unless they are using a loaner due to malfunction or loss.
Practices to try and prevent loss/damage
We know that the $515 dollar fee to families is significant and want to set our students up to be successful in managing this expensive device. To help with that, we are prompting all students to put their binders and Chromebooks in the lockers before lunch. This will prevent accidental damage at recess or lunch, and prevent students from accidentally picking up the wrong binder at the end of recess or lunch.
Teacher Practices & Homework
Hosford does not assign homework. We know that students have activities and families to enjoy afterschool, so we work hard during the day. Students will have ample time to complete assignments during class. If students do not use their time wisely or need extended time as an accommodation, students make check out their Chromebook for night use. We are still determining this practice, so stay tuned.
Family Monitoring of Student Progress
In last year's family feedback survey, we heard that with Canvas and ParentVue, and varied use across the Hosford campus, that it was challenging to know where to look and how to tell if your child was on-track academically. To help families navigate where to look, we are developing a one page document with links that will be updated weekly to tell what students are working on and where to look to monitor student progress. This will be shared in next week's newsletter, so stay tuned!
Canvas
The one page document described above will eliminate the need to follow your child in Canvas - except for Social Science classes. Our Social Science teachers post grades in Canvas, and post mid-term and end of quarter grades in ParentVue. If you'd like to follow your child's social science class, You will need to create a Canvas account using a student pairing code. Accounts can be created by going to https://lms.pps.net/ Please review this guide to learn more.
Binders and Folders
We heard from families and observed that students need more support organizing themselves as learners. Hosford has invested in their support by purchasing sturdy multicolored folders for each student, and 100 zipper binders for students who do not have one. Each subject area will be using the same color folder across grade levels and prompting students to use the folders for important papers. We will also do folder clean-outs during class. The zipper binders will allow students to zip up their pencils, pens, folders and Chromebooks and travel into class ready to go! The binders have not been delivered yet, but we expect them any day now. If your child needs one, we will make sure they get one.
