July 22, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
I hope you are having a wonderful summer! It is a very active and exciting time for our two high schools as we prepare to implement the second year of the student laptop initiative. We would like to give you more specific information regarding guidelines, insurance, and laptop distribution procedures. Please be sure to review this information with your daughter/son prior to the start of the school year.
Guidelines for Use of Student Laptops
The laptop computers that will be issued to all high school students are the property of Lower Merion School District. Students are responsible for the appropriate use of these laptops both at school and at home. The laptops are for the use of students for educational purposes. All commercial, illegal, unethical and inappropriate use of these laptops is expressly prohibited.
Students are to comply with copyright laws. Downloading games or software is expressly prohibited. Only District licensed software is to be installed on the laptops.
The maintenance of laptops is the student's responsibility. If laptops need repair or maintenance students are to report to the Technology Center in their building. Vandalism to any laptop or accessory is strictly prohibited. Students must present school issued picture ID when they bring their laptop in or pick up from repair.
Students should refer to the Student Acceptable Use Policy and their Guidelines. Any violation will be subject to discipline as outlined in the Harriton and Lower Merion Student Guide.
Insurance Information
Insurance is $55 per student with a $100 deductible for theft or damage. The deductible is charged for each loss and is in addition to the insurance payment. Families who participate in the Free and Reduced lunch program will have the option to forgo the insurance cost yet still have their student(s) laptop covered under this insurance agreement. However, families in the Free and Reduced lunch program will be required to pay the deductible charge of $100 for each theft, loss, or damage claim.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to pay the $55 insurance premium prior to the start of the school year through Paypal. This account can be accessed at http://www.lmsd.org/insurance. Students whose parent/guardian chooses not to utilize PayPal for payments must bring a check for $55 to Advisory on September 8, 2009. No uninsured laptops are permitted off campus. If a student without laptop insurance takes the laptop off site and it is stolen or damaged, full replacement or repair cost is the parent/guardians responsibility.
High school teachers will distribute laptops during Advisory period on September 8, 2009. Laptops will have a label containing the student's name and other information specific to the laptop for identification.
If you have any questions, please visit the link for “One to One Learning” on the homepage of the District website, www.lmsd.org.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. The One to One initiative represents an outstanding learning opportunity for our students. We look forward to introducing the initiative at Lower Merion High school and continuing the success of the program at Harriton this year.
Sincerely,
Steven R. Kline
Principal
