Basehor-Linwood High to provide laptops for all students

Archive for Tuesday, July 28, 2015

July 28, 2015

Basehor-Linwood USD 458 is preparing to launch a 1:1 laptop initiative at Basehor-Linwood High School this fall that will equip all students in grades nine through 12 with a MacBook Air provided by the district.

At the BLHS Back to School Night, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24, information on the implementation will be shared with parents and students, along with a distribution timeline.

“We are continuing with infrastructure updates at our high school and at the District level in order to be prepared for the rollout,” said Lisa Lund, the district’s technology director. “Our technology department is currently completing those tasks and preparing the laptops for student use, so we are anticipating a mid-September distribution date.”

This initiative complements the iPad implementation at Basehor-Linwood Middle School that began in the 2012 - 2013 school year with sixth grade students.

“The Board of Education had the vision to continue the 1:1 initiative as the first group of sixth graders will be freshmen at BLHS this year,” David Howard, superintendent, said. “We think it is imperative that our students obtain the technology skills required for college/career and to compete within the ever-changing pace of the global economy.”

Howard said the laptop purchase was made out of the capital outlay fund, and the district was able to finance through Apple with a lease, paying half now and the other half over next four years. Currently, the district runs an Apple platform, and as a result, the staff is already familiar with the MacBook Air device. Apple also goes above and beyond with support and longevity of their products, district staff said.

The USD 458 Board of Education has approved a MacBook Take Home Fee of $65, which enables each student to use the device both at home and at school. This is not a mandatory fee, but opting out means the laptop stays at BLHS at all times throughout the year.

“I’m pleased the board made this commitment to our students,” Sherry Reeves, BLHS principal, said. “It helps us bridge the gap between high school and the expectation of college/career readiness. We hope this will allow our students to experience digital citizenship and gain technological confidence before they make the jump to college or into a career.”