Dear Parents/Guardians;

2017-18 Bring Your Own Laptop Program

Dear Parents,

We are excited to continue the Bring Your Own Laptop program started in September 2016.

This program provides students the opportunity, at the teacher’s discretion, and with parent support, to use personal laptop computers to support learning

in the classroom.

We believe that the use of digital technologies to improve student learning is a key part of being an innovative school that prepares students for lifelong learning.

Bring Your Own Laptop Benefits – “If students are going to design and drive their own learning, they must possess the tools to do so.”R. Cooper

  • Improved access to online resources and digital tools (free WiFi daily)
  • Enhanced opportunities to learn appropriate digital communication and citizenship skills
  • Additional opportunities to create digital projects
  • Access to assistive technology
  • Ability to collaborate during class time on digital presentations documents
  • Building capacities in organizing and tracking their learning, as well as utilizing online tools such as Google Classroom and Fresh Grade.

Device Recommendations

In order to participate in this project, students are asked to bring a basic laptop school that meets the following minimum requirements:

  • Chromebook laptop (this is the schools top choice as it least expensive)
  • (
  • Windows or Mac laptop not more than 4 or 5 years old (Windows 10 operating system or newer; Mac OS X 10.12 operating system or newer). Please do not purchase a new expensive computer).
  • Battery that is capable of holding a charge for at least 3 hours
  • Internet capability
  • Working microphone (and also a webcam if available)
  • Headphones
  • Case or sleeve for protecting the laptop when it is inside a backpack or bag to increase the lifespan of the computer
  • Charging power cord

Where to Purchase your device

Parents are welcome to purchase their device from any supplier. The school district has arranged special pricing with Staples Canada. You can find more information on their packages, replacement and warranty by visiting (the Clayburn website, Opportunities tab, then Chromebook).

Please Note

An expensive laptop (e.g., Microsoft Surface Pro or Macbook Air) is not needed. No purchased software is needed as the school will be using Google Apps for Education.

All students are expected to take the laptop home each evening.

A small number of district provided laptops will be available for those families facing financial hardship. If a family is not able to provide their own laptop, please contact the school Principal, Mrs. Pollastretti, to arrange for an alternative. Students borrowing school district devices are responsible for damage and loss and will be assessed accordingly for repair and/or replacement.

Additional Information:

  1. Students will be taught the appropriate use of technology with clear guidelines around expectations and consequences[SB1].
  2. The district firewall, which provides website filtering, will be in place for students while using their computer at school (not at home).
  3. Parents and students are asked to review the “Student-Owned Device Handbook.” Here is a link to this document as well as consent forms:
  4. We strong encourage purchase of the extended replacement warranty.

[SB1]It would be a good idea to get on the same page about this before September…common doc or ?