To: Exiting 8th grade/rising 9th grade families
Subject: Technology Information for families transitioning to high school this fall
High school is right around the corner, so we’d like to provide you with some background about your student’s technology experience for the next four years. From grades 9-12, Andover families have the following three choices:
Family Device Purchase (Bring Your Own Device or BYOD)
In grades 9-12 students may use any of the following devices:
- A Windows based device running Windows 10 or later
- A MacOS device (such as a MacAir or MacPro) running MacOS 11 (Big Sur), MacOS (Monterey) or later.
- A Chromebook device running the latest version of ChromeOS
Families that choose to purchase a device may select any manufacturer and virtually any style of device. Most devices built within the last five years will have suitable requirements. We recommend that families consider ruggedized devices that can stand up to adolescent choices as well as devices with 6-8 hours of battery life, a built-in camera and speakers. Nice-to-have features include touch screen, larger screens, higher resolution displays, pen input, tablet mode, multiple cameras and so forth. Don’t worry very much about particular processors, almost any recent vintage device will work. If you have a choice, extra memory (8GB or more) will make the biggest difference. In terms of size, the “sweet spot” is 11-15 inches. Larger devices are heavy and difficult for students to transport each day.
Rent a Chromebook
If you prefer not to purchase a device, you may rent a Chromebook directly from the town.
- You will be provided a new Chromebook suitable for your student.
- The rental fee includes repair and replacement provided by Andover IT.
- Students may keep the device year-round until they leave Andover Public Schools.
The annual fee per student is $130. For details on the benefits and limitations of the program see: https://aps1.net/2320/Your-Students-Devices. Families may reserve a rental Chromebook up until Friday June 10th. Devices will be available during the week of August 29th. If you are interested in this program you may place your order at: https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55647
Loaner Chromebooks for families with special circumstances
Families with financial considerations can contact your school principal any time after August 1st to discuss obtaining a low cost/no cost Chromebook loaner device. Loaner devices will be provided to schools roughly two weeks prior to the start of school. Each school will coordinate a family distribution plan.
Specific questions can be addressed to the Technology team at etech@andoverma.us.
Paul J. Puzzanghera
Chief Information Officer
Town and Schools of Andover MA
30 Whittier Court
Andover MA 01810
cio@andoverma.us
Follow me on Twitter @AndoverCIO