1:1 Chromebook Initiative

Paragould School District has been steadily moving toward the day when each student is issued a digital device as an instructional tool just as the district supplies textbooks and other materials. During the Spring of 2015, the Board of Education approved the purchase of Chromebooks for PSD students. This will provide equal access to information, learning resources, and digital tools which will foster an environment of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Chromebooks seamlessly integrate with the Google Apps for Education suite of productivity and collaboration tools. This suite includes Google Docs (word processing), Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawings and Forms. All work is stored in the cloud. The students will have access to Chrome web apps and extensions from the Chrome Web Store as well as many online resources. Students in grades 7 - 12 will be allowed to take the laptop home each night. Grades K - 6 will leave the laptop at school.

Chromebooks will be distributed at mandatory parent meetings before school starts in the fall for grades 7 - 12. Chromebooks will be assigned for grades K - 6 when school starts. The student and parent/guardian must sign the Acceptable Use Policy before the Chromebook will be assigned.

Students in grades 7 -12 are encouraged to use their Chromebooks at home and other locations outside of school. A wireless Internet connection will be required for the majority of Chromebook use; however, some applications, such as Google Docs, can be used offline. The students’ ability to get full benefit from their assigned computer will be much greater if they have wireless Internet access. Many local businesses, public locations, restaurants and the public library offer free wireless access for after school Internet availability.

We hope that you share our excitement of being able to offer the laptop computers as an instructional resource to students in the Paragould School District. Students will gain access to up to date information and will be able to use this information to enhance learning. In addition, their technology skills will increase and better prepare them for higher education and the workforce.

The site was created to share information regarding our 1:1 initiative with students, parents, community members, and other stakeholders.