Just got back from the High School. Our high school wrote a grant for all the students to receive laptop computers to use daily at school and home. It was approved, and now both my children have computers for their school work.
I have mixed emotions about this. I wonder about how staring at a computer all day will affect their eyesight, to say nothing of their ability to actually look at a teacher and learn from a breathing person. But, I know the world is a computer world in many ways, and students need to learn to navigate their way through websites to do research and to do the work required of them when let loose into the real world.
We had to sign a release that basically makes us liable for the cost of the computer if our child blatantly damages it. It was said, "We understand that accidents happen, but if the computer is destroyed; then you are liable for the cost." If the computer breaks down, they have backups for the kids to use until their computer is fixed. The students are supposed to bring their computers with them daily, fully charged. If they do not, they will be disciplined as if they did not turn in their homework.
For families that do not have internet access, the district has arranged a deal with Comcast to provide internet services at their home for $10.00 a month. For those of us with internet services, there is not discount from our ISP.
I hope this goes well.
In the meantime, I am drinking a glass of chianti and hanging with my peeps until they start school tomorrow morning. It will be the first year that my son and daughter will be going to the same school, as this district has schools that go k-2, 2-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Son and daughter are just far enough apart that they were always starting different schools. So, this year-for the first time ever-they will get on the bus together. I will be teary-eyed to see my son's last first day and my daughter's first day of high school.
What's up with the rest of you? This is an open thread. Please feel free to offer up your thoughts on the day, the start of school, computers, or anything else you wish to share. The bar is open, and the bartender available!