1:1 FAQs

Which device will my student be using?

Students in TSD will use a 1:1 device assigned to them. Starting in 3rd grade, they will keep those devices until they reach the next device deployment grade level. Devices will follow students as long as they are TSD students.

• Kindergarten students will use iPads.
• 1st grade students will use either iPads or touchscreen Chromebooks depending on their school. First-second mixed-grade classes will use Chromebooks.
• 2nd-12th graders will use Chromebooks.
  • Non-touch devices are being phased out from 3rd-12th.
  • Students in 4th-6th grades may have a touch screen device.

Who owns the device?

All iPads and Chromebooks referred to as “Student Devices” are the property of Thompson School District. Students are responsible for the devices while they attend schools in TSD. Devices may be inspected or repossessed at any time and without notice.

Why these devices?

I.T.S. routinely evaluates the needs of the classroom and the market availability of devices.  During the 25-26 school year, I.T.S. reviewed its current device fleet, and they recommended a review to ensure efficiency and sustainability of TSD's Tech4All 1:1 program. A team that includes a committee of: teachers, Librarians, I.T.S. and leadership representatives explored the options available, and the following determination was made.

Beginning in the 26-27 school year, device assignments will be updated to:

• Kindergarten: iPads
• 1st grade: iPads (except mixed grade classes)
• 1st-2nd mixed grade classes: Touch screen Chromebooks
• 2nd grade: Touch screen Chromebooks
• 3rd grade: Non-touch screen Chromebooks
• 4th-6th grades: Mix of touch and non-touch screen Chromebooks
• 7th-12th: Non-touch screen Chromebooks

What happens if the student transfers schools inside TSD?

Students should take their device with them to their new school.

What happens if the student transfers to a school outside TSD?

Devices should be turned into the school or Support Services Center when the student leaves the district.

What happens if my student forgets to bring their device to school?

If a student forgets to bring their device to school, they are still responsible for completing their course work. In many situations, schools may provide a loaner device. Check with your own school for any specific policies they may have related to this.

Can students bring in their own personal device instead of using the TSD provided device?

District policy requires that the students use the district-assigned devices at school. There are many benefits to having all students in a classroom using the same device.

• Consistent devices and instructional applications allow teachers the ability to provide more seamless instruction with fewer disruptions.
• Vetted instructional applications, along with district management and district web filtering tools that are installed on district devices.
• Classroom management software (Securly) works on district devices allowing the teacher to focus student browsing as needed. This allows classroom teachers to monitor device activities during school and keep students focused on the learning task. The district web filtering tools allow us to provide a safe environment for students on that device whenever they access the internet (at school or at home).
• Support and repair for these devices is available.
• Students must use a district device for state testing.
• TSD devices and apps are a part of the TSD curricular experience and Strive 2025 strategic plan. Please connect with your principal to discuss any concerns.

What happens if I break my device?

Students should alert their teacher to submit a repair ticket so their device can be fixed. Families can see the cost of repairs on our Repair Information page. Each school will be placing fines in Infinite Campus to cover the cost of the device repairs. 

What happens if the device is stolen or lost?

If a district device is lost, the school's library staff or tech facilitator should be immediately notified. They will submit a ticket to I.T.S. who will assist in trying to locate the device. If the device is unrecoverable, then the family may incur the costs of replacement. If a device is stolen, the same procedure will be followed with the addition of a police report being filed.

Will the Chromebooks be labeled, or marked, in a way that would make it easy for someone to return a lost laptop?

All district equipment has an asset tag attached to it with a unique number and the text “THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT R2-J”. This tag can be used by staff to identify the device, where it belongs, and who has it checked out. In the case of student devices, the asset tag is placed on the bottom of Chromebooks and the back of iPads.

What happens if the student's device gets damaged?

The student should report damage immediately to their school's library staff or tech facilitator. A ticket should be submitted to report the damage. School administration will determine whether the student should be charged for the repair.

If Chromebooks are being repaired, how will students still participate in class?

Schools will have a limited supply of loaner devices. In the event that a student device gets damaged and turned in for repair, the student will be issued a loaner device until their device is repaired or replaced.

What if we do not want the Chromebook at our home?

TSD wants students to have access to learning at home and beyond the four walls of the school. Your student's Chromebook is protected by Internet-filtering by our district, no matter its location, and our filtering software is likely more restrictive than other devices at home. Discuss options with your school's leader.

What if we don't have internet access at home?

Learn more about low-cost internet provider options and how to utilize your student's device in "offline mode."

What restrictions will be set on the device by the district?

The district provides web filtering no matter the device's location.  As a companion piece to this software, TSD offers the Securly Home App which gives families additional control over filtering and monitoring while the device is at home.

Is it possible to set additional restrictions at home?

Yes. TSD employs two device management platforms and they both have a parent portal available. iPads are managed with Jamf Parent and Chromebooks are managed with Securly Home.

How can I be sure that my student is using their device appropriately in or out of school?

Parents may have legitimate concerns about students using digital devices appropriately and responsibly. Some suggestions are included below.

• Communicate with the teachers. Ask what kinds of activities you should be expecting to see your child doing when using their device.
• Establish a homework area such as the kitchen rather than an isolated area. Check in with your student occasionally while they are using the device for homework.
• Set healthy digital habits by creating a charging area in a common room in your home (i.e., kitchen, family room) but not in the bedroom.
• Set usage limits. Even though the district is providing this wonderful learning tool, we appreciate and respect that families can and will set device usage boundaries for their student. Please see some digital citizenship resources for parents provided by our Library Services team.
• Set a time limit. Make a decision with your child that the device use needs to end at 8:00 p.m. each evening (or whatever time you feel is appropriate). Learn about Securly and how it can assist with this.

I'm about to graduate. Can I keep my Tech4All device?

Yes! Graduating students are eligible to keep their device. To have your device removed from TSD's management systems and allow you to access your personal accounts, please have a guardian complete the Device Retention form in Infinite Campus.