Students entering Kindergarten to 3rd grade

We currently have no requirements for devices in these grades. We are looking at the potential of implementing iPads at the 2nd or 3rd grade level and then adding the Bluetooth keyboard/case for 4th and 5th grade. This will not be an additional requirement for the 2018-2019 school year.

Students entering 4th grade

Parents are asked to provide a recent model Apple iPad which supports the latest version of iOS along with a rechargeable Bluetooth case/keyboard. Students will continue to use this same device in 5th grade.

Students entering 5th grade

Since laptops were the recommended device for last year’s 4th graders, your 5th grade child can use the same laptop as last year if their battery life can last 4-6 hours when fully charged. if you need to purchase a new device, then use the 6th grade recommendations below and plan on your student using that device for four years.

Students entering 6th grade and beyond

We are recommending a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or newer. These devices allow students to have the best classroom experience. The keyboard is required, and the pen is optional, but as teachers are trained with their new Surface Book 2 devices, the pen will be used strategically as needed. If desired, you can opt for the lower cost Microsoft Surface Go which is a smaller, less expensive alternative to the Surface Pro. If purchased new in 6th grade, this device will last for several years.

Where to Purchase

Soon, you can purchase new equipment that meets all requirements from the LCS technology store. Doing so will give you the best available price due to our bulk purchasing power. You can also use the store to purchase add-on accessories that we have tested for compatibility with the required devices. The time required to create the online store makes it impossible for us to open it by the start of this school year, so we have researched some of the best places to purchase the required equipment.

• Best Buy – They will match pricing and offer educational discounts. They also provide 0% financing through a Best Buy card if you would like to make interest-free payments on your device purchases.
• Microsoft Store – Microsoft frequently offers discounts that may provide better pricing than educational institutions receive. You can check educational pricing online or at a physical Microsoft Store.
• Amazon – This is the stock market pricing option. Sometimes the pricing is high, sometimes it’s low, but the return options are good if there is an issue.
  
  

Management Tools

We are constantly looking for ways to better manage student devices when they are inside LCS walls. To provide the most secure and reliable school network, we will be installing some tools that allow us to configure Wi-Fi and push applications to student devices more efficiently. We are also looking at better tools for internet filtration, content management, and classroom management that might require additional installs on student devices throughout this school year. We will continue to use our current tools in the interim.

Have Questions?

We’re here to help! If you need additional assistance, please contact our Director of Technology, Mr. Chris Nelson, using the button below.