CHAPARRAL’S VOLUNTARY LEARNING WITH LAPTOPS PROGRAM

We implemented our voluntary Learning with Laptops program when our school opened in September 2001. Approximately 75% of all grade 3-4-5 students at Chaparral Elementary School bring their own laptop computer to school every day. This year, many students joined the program or upgraded with the purchase of a newer laptop to use at school. Our program continues to evolve and improve each year as we learn how to make the most of technology as a learning and teaching tool.

We have entered into a partnership with the Apple Store at the Shops at Mission Viejo. Our goal is to streamline the process for families who wish to purchase a computer and join the program. We want to offer “one stop shopping” where families can purchase a computer and get it ready for use at school all at one time. In order to do this, everything families purchasing new computers and joining the program for the first time need to do is handled by our partners at the Apple Store.

There are three steps involved when joining the program. All three steps can be taken at the Apple Store:
1) Purchase a current laptop computer recommended for our program.
2) Purchase the recommended software for our program -- Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc) and Inspiration.
3) Have the Chaparral image installed on your laptop to allow your child to connect to the school network, thereby providing access to filtered Internet and printing capabilities.

Students may join our voluntary Learning with Laptops program at any time -- not just at the beginning of the school year. Some students receive a laptop for a birthday present, as a holiday gift, or at other significant points in their life.

Laptops are used by approximately 75% of the students in each of our grade 3-4-5 classrooms. Desktop computers in each classroom are also available for other students to use.

The Apple Store is very aware of our laptop program and can professionally assist you. You can purchase the computer and software there. The Chaparral image will be added to the computer at the time of purchase at the Apple Store, so that students can use their computer right away at school.

During the school year, students experiencing trouble with their laptop can still turn it in to our computer technician at Chaparral for a checkup, free of charge. However, if the laptop needs to be re-imaged, this will take place at the Apple Store. Students who already have a computer and are already in the program, and need an image for whatever reason, will now do so at the Apple Store.

The Apple Store offers discounts for families with children at Chaparral and all of our laptop schools in Ladera Ranch. Simply identify yourself as a Chaparral student to avail yourself of the special offers.

Purchasing your laptop:
If you plan to be a new participant in our program, plan on having your laptop in your hands by the time school starts on opening day. See the Apple Store at the Shops at Mission Viejo for special pricing. Stay subscribed to the Chaparral ListServ to receive further updates.

The laptop comes to school and goes home every day with your child, every weekend, every winter and spring break, and all summer long.

Parents, please remember that you are not required to purchase a laptop computer. This is a voluntary program.

All students will have access to computers at school whereby technology is integrated into the instructional program based on our State’s and CUSD’s rigorous content and performance standards. However, with students’ having their own laptop, the learning possibilities are endless -- anytime -- at school, home, or anywhere.

Questions
If you have any questions regarding the implementation of Chaparral's Voluntary Learning with Laptops Program, please feel free to contact Kevin Rafferty, Chaparral's Principal.