Bright Local unveils new technology program

The Bright Local School District is taking steps to enhance its overall technology, thanks in part to a one-time state grant.

BLSD Superintendent Ted Downing said this week that when he arrived at Bright Local, there were a list of issues and concerns following a districtwide survey. Among those concerns were the school cafeterias, transportation, elective courses, communication and technology.

“The board and I feel like we’ve addressed many of these concerns,” Downing said. “We’ve addressed the cafeteria issue and made changes. We’ve added buses. Our communication with parents and the community is better and we are adding electives. We are updating security with additional security cameras. The technology is being addressed now.

“Since this (grant) was one-time money, the board looked at the best route to go,” Downing said. “We can sustain the new technology and build it into the budget.”

The district plans to implement one-to-one iPad initiatives for the 2016-17 school year in grades seven through 12.

“Students today need personal technology that provides them with an opportunity to learn anytime, anywhere,” Downing said. “Our goal is to have a personal iPad in every student’s hands to use at home and at school to provide access to new information, to promote critical thinking and creativity, to customize learning and to facilitate 21st-century skills that our students can apply in today’s world.”

All families who will have students in grades seven through 12 for the 2016-17 school year will be required to complete an iPad Program Order Form and return the form by Tuesday, Dec. 15 so the school can anticipate the number of iPads that need to be purchased.

Families will be able to purchase the iPads through the school district at cost and tax-free.

Families have the following options to participate in the program:

• The student owns an iPad privately and brings it to school and uses it according to the district’s acceptable use policy. Acceptable iPads include iPad Air and iPad Air 2.

• The student purchases an iPad Air (32G) from the district at a reduced cost of $424 and maintains ownership after graduation. This must be paid in full by Aug. 12, 2016.

• The student purchases an iPad Air (32G) from the district on a payment plan. The first payment of $140 is due by Aug. 14, 2016. Payments of $83.50 will be due based on the payment schedule.

• The student may opt to use a school-owned iPad. An annual $140 maintenance fee must be paid by Aug. 12, 2016 for the 2016-17 school year.

• If the student does not participate in the take-home part of the program, he or she can still use an iPad every day at school after their acceptable use policy is signed (this means a parent and student still must attend one of the scheduled meetings in August in order for the student to have access to an iPad at school).

(The last two options are pending available revenues.)

“We welcome families to attend one of the information sessions to ask questions and find out more details about this exciting opportunity for our school district,” Downing said.

There will be outreach meetings on the following dates and locations: Marshall United Methodist Church on Nov. 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and at Belfast United Methodist Church on Nov. 30 from 7-8 p.m. There will be additional meetings on Dec. 2 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Bright Elementary and at Whiteoak High School from 7-8 p.m.

“At Bright Local Schools, we are committed to preparing our students as digital learners and critical thinkers and appreciate your support on this exciting initiative,” Downing said.

In addition to the technology upgrades, the district will be introducing scheduling changes next year that will have Whiteoak High School dismissal at 2 p.m. and Bright Elementary dismissal at 3:30 p.m.

“This gets everyone home a half hour earlier,” Downing said.

For more information regarding the new technology program, contact Luke Stevenson or Travis Bogart by calling the school at (937) 442-2241 or visit http://www.bright.k12.oh.us.