This is a reminder that at the May 11th school board meeting, the school board officially approved the transition from a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model to school-managed, school-issued Chromebooks starting in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. This transition will begin next fall for any student that will be in grades 5-9, with plans to extend into grades 10-12 in the following school years. Students currently in grades 9-11 will not be affected by this decision.

Please note that any students currently in grades 6-8 who are utilizing the BYOD model will no longer be permitted to use a personal device next school year. These students will be required to transition to a school-issued Chromebook for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

Over the past several years, BYOD has provided flexibility for students and families. However, as technology continues to play an increasingly important role in teaching and learning, we believe that moving to a consistent, managed device for all students will provide a better educational experience and improve support for both students and staff.

Next year, each student in grades 5 through 9 will be issued a Chromebook by the school for educational use throughout the school year. These devices will be managed and monitored by the district to ensure appropriate educational use, internet safety, and compatibility with classroom learning tools and programs.

This transition will provide several important benefits, including:

Consistent Learning Environment & Equity: Ensures all students have equal access to the same high-quality devices and resources, removing variability across classrooms and eliminating software compatibility issues.
Enhanced Classroom Management: Teachers will be able to utilize tools like Securly Classroom to monitor student screens, guide website access, and keep students focused and engaged during instructional time.
Seamless Integration: The school-issued Chromebooks are fully optimized for the Google tools our students already use daily, including Docs, Slides, Drive, etc.
Increased Safety and Security: Built-in virus protection and automatic updates will ensure that devices are always secure, up to date, and protecting student data.
Improved Technical Support: A standardized device streamlines technology management, allowing our IT staff to provide faster troubleshooting and repairs, which reduces technical barriers for both students and staff.

Additional information regarding Chromebook distribution and technology fees will be shared with families later this summer.

We appreciate your partnership and support as we continue working to provide students with high-quality learning experiences and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world. We are excited about the opportunities this transition will create for our students and staff.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the technology office.

Stewartville Public Schools

Stewartville Public Schools

5-9 Grade Chromebook Reminder