Jan 16, 2011 - 2915 Hall Street, SE · Grand Rapids Michigan 49506. Telephone ... school with a digital device that posi
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
January 16, 2011
Dear EGRPS Families, It is with great excitement that we announce the rollout of the Engage 1:1 program for East Grand Rapids High School beginning in the fall of 2012. This rollout is defined by our students coming to school with a digital device that positively supports their learning; hence, one student to one device. Our Strategic Plan includes preparing students to navigate successfully in the 21st Century. Over the past two and a half years, we have had 12 classrooms in grades 2-12 piloting the Engage 1:1 program. Our pilot teachers have seen an increase in student engagement and collaboration during this time. Pilot teachers have found new ways to assess student learning. This program has also provided increased opportunities for differentiating instruction to better meet student needs. With the success of our pilots, we are expanding the Engage 1:1 program and are encouraging high school students to bring a laptop, tablet, or netbook to school starting in the fall of 2012. Other grade levels, including grades 3-8, will also be encouraged to bring a digital device in future years as we expand our program. Parents will be able to choose from a menu of options for providing a digital device for their child/children. These options are: • Use device from home • Purchase a device • Lease a device • Participate in our scholarship program As we eagerly anticipate the possibilities and opportunities this 1:1 program will provide, it is also important to clarify that we are not switching to a “virtual school” model. We have outstanding teachers and we remain committed to the importance of effective instruction, classroom discussion, and other forms of teaching and learning. Technology will be used as a powerful tool to support learning and teaching whenever applicable. For more information about the Engage 1:1 program, visit our website at www.egrps.org/engage. In addition, we would like to invite you to the following opportunities to learn more about our Engage 1:1 program: 2/15/2012
Parent/Student Information Night and Hardware Vendor Fair
High School PAC
7:00 p.m.
5/2/2012
Parent/Student Online Safety Course
High School Library
7:00 p.m.
We believe that a 1:1 environment can positively impact student learning and accomplish our mission of educating and inspiring each student to navigate successfully in a global community. Sincerely, Sara Magaña Shubel, Ph.D. Superintendent SMS/jmm
2915 Hall Street, SE · Grand Rapids Michigan 49506 Telephone (616) 235-3535 Fax (616) 235-3256 www.egrps.org
