Grade 11 & 12 BYOD Information

Since implementing 1:1 at the high school, the program has expanded into elementary and middle schools. We have also observed many grade 11 and 12 students bringing their own device to school instead of using their NPS issued device. In order to financially sustain the 1:1 program throughout the district and to be fiscally responsible (ensuring devices aren’t issued if they are not needed) we have made this adjustment to the 1:1 Program.

We are not including grade 9 and 10 students in the BYOD model because of the needs of state testing. The vast majority of students complete their state testing requirements by the end of grade 10.

As is currently the policy, we do not provide daily loaners to students. We expect all students to bring their device (whether it is NPS provided or a personal device) to school on a daily basis.

Devices issued to students are Chromebooks which make use of web-based software. Students will be able to access web-based software using their personal device and their Newton Public Schools Login. We recommend students use Google’s Chrome Web Browser for better compatibility with Google for Education applications. Students will continue to have access to more specialized software through computer labs at the high schools as needed.

Teachers will be expected to plan lessons that are compatible with NPS issued Chromebooks which use web-accessible software tools. Personal Chromebooks and/or more powerful Laptops will be able to meet this need. While we cannot prevent students from using additional software they personally own, no student will be penalized for not having access nor given any advantages for having access to software beyond that provided by NPS. 

Yes, students will be able to access the visitor network within schools.

Directions will be provided on how to connect a personal device to the NPS network, however we are not able to provide technical assistance or repairs to personal devices.

The district is not responsible for any damage or theft of student owned equipment. Theft or vandalism of any kind should be reported immediately to the students' House Office or to the School’s Main Office so school administration can take the appropriate steps.

Students are expected to act appropriately in school this includes only using technology as instructed by their teacher no matter what device they are using. All student device use, including personal device use, must adhere to the district Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines.

Internet access within the Newton Public Schools is filtered at the Network level; however, this is more limited than the filtering provided specifically on NPS issued devices. Families wishing to filter content further should install filtering software on their child’s personal device.

Yes, but not sufficiently to fully fund a 1:1 program in grades K-12. We also have observed many high school students using their own device instead of the district issued 1:1 Chromebook.