Clarification on Device Requirements for BYOD
We thank all families who are choosing the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology option. Your willingness to do so will go a long way to ensure all students have access to technology at the beginning of the school year. Following are some clarifications for the technology device requirements/guidelines:
- Any student in grades K-12 may use a Chromebook, laptop or Apple Macbook
- Tablets/IPads and smartphones are not acceptable devices
- All students must use Chrome as their web browser
- Students should wait until the week of September 14 to bring their device to school
- Important for all parents: Please log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal to sign off on the BYOD user agreement or the Parent Acknowledgement form
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School year. As you know, parent access to up-to-date information about your child’s education is critical and student access to technology is more important than ever. So please be certain to take the time to carefully read the following information.
To ensure all students are able to access learning, all SPS students will have access to a technology device and a Wi-Fi hotspot, if needed. Due to a nationwide supply chain issue, we currently do not have enough devices for every student and are encouraging parents to have students use their own devices when possible, as part of a “Bring Your Own Device to School Initiative.”
Power School ParentPortal Account
Most importantly, you must have a PowerSchool Parent Portal Account to complete the required documents for your child to obtain access to technology, or to use their own technology, as part of our district’s 1:1 Technology Initiative. Please click HERE to sign up for a PowerSchool Parent Portal account, if you do not already have one.
Parent Acknowledgement or User Agreement Form Required
In order to obtain an SPS issued device, parents need to sign a Parent Acknowledgement form. Parents whose child will be using their own device will need to complete a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) User Agreement form. Completion of these forms are required in order for the device to be issued or used in school. Both forms are accessible in the PowerSchool Parent Portal (It is available under the “Forms” button of the left side menu when you log into your account). Additional instructions are linked here. If you have more than one student in the Stamford Public Schools, you will need to complete the E-Form for EACH student linked to your Parent Portal account.
Device Requirements for BYOD
- Grades K-8: Chromebook devices (Minimum device recommendations: 11” screen, Google Chrome Operating system, 4GB ram, 802.11 b/g wireless, 32GB storage)
- Grades 9-12: Window based laptop (Minimum device recommendations: 11” screen, Windows 10 Operating system, 4GB memory, 802.11 b/g wireless, 40GB storage, Virus protection)
Distribution and Activation of SPS Learning Devices:
Distribution of SPS provided devices will begin this week and continue until all students have the necessary equipment to access learning. Devices will be distributed, as follows:
- Students participating in the Hybrid Model will be issued a device beginning the week of September 14. Students planning to bring their own device should wait until the week of September 14 or until directed by their school.
- Students participating in the Distance Teaching and Learning Academy must schedule an appointment for pick up on September 3 or 4, between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please contact your child’s districted school to schedule an appointment.
At-Home WiFi Access:
- Any family without Internet access will be provided Internet connectivity via a Wi-Fi Hotspot. Parents can request a Wi-Fi hotspot by contacting their child’s districted school to schedule an appointment.
SPS Designated Digital Platform
- All SPS teachers will utilize Google Classroom as the district-approved digital learning platform. Each teacher will create a Google Classroom for your child, and it will become a primary means for teachers to design instruction, assign and collect work, assess student learning, and provide feedback to students and parents.
- Google Classroom will be integrated into learning on a consistent basis, and will connect students’ learning in-person and at home.
- All SPS teachers will utilize Google Meet as the district-approved video conferencing platform. Students are expected to dress appropriately when video conferencing, display their full name in the conferencing tool profile and have their cameras on during instruction.
SPS Technology Support
In an effort to provide technology support to students and families:
- Technology tutorials are available on Parent University link on the Teaching and Learning Resources page of the District website.
- Please contact the Technology Integration and Support Specialist (TISS) at your child’s school. See List of Technology Integration Support Specialists by School.
- Visit the COVID-19 Reopening Page for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the SPS 1:1 Technology Initiative and the use of devices within our schools.
Information from Stamford Public Schools