Laptops

I realize the new policy on laptops has things stirring, but we are working to make sure the system runs smoothly and doesn't stress families out. Our rationale for allowing laptops to go home on a limited basis was simply that the old policy was not working. In addition to extensive damage, most students were not using laptops for school work. Instead, they were being used primarily for social networking, often times in a hurtful manner. We didn't see the point in being a part of that. We are stepping back this year. I am not sure middle schoolers are developmentally ready to have all the freedom and responsibility that comes with a laptop at home every night. They haven't learned yet how to make great decisions. We feel middle school should be a time of learning how to use laptops, to navigate the online world safely, and to manage time effectively. We are working on ways to smooth the school/home transfer of any electronic data or work students might need so that the system is workable and smooth for everyone. In the meantime, we are going to have 10 laptops available to be checked out of the library overnight if students need a laptop to ease some of that pressure.