About the 1-to-1 Program

What is the 1-to-1 Program?

Excellence in modern education requires that technology with Internet access be readily available and integrated into the educational program.
The goal of the Secaucus 1-to-1 Program is to prepare students for their futures in a world of digital technology and information.
The program provides each student in grades 3 - 12 with a Chromebook for use in their classes and at home for homework and, if necessary, remote learning.
All students in these grades are required to participate in the program.

Why are all students in Grades 3-12 required to use a District Chromebook? What are the benefits?

With the integration of digital technology necessary to prepare students well for work and study after high school graduation, Chromebooks have been identified as an essential school supply for all students today. Because these tools will be used in all classrooms and subject areas, we have planned to assign one to each student in grades 3-12.

Also

Students have access to district licensed applications matched to grade and subjects taken
All students work on the same device, supportable by teachers and IT
Teachers can manage and assist students in the classroom and remotely
The district can apply age appropriate web filtering in and out of school
Equitable access to technology

Why can't students bring their own device to school?

The assigned Chromebooks are provisioned with particular software tools and secure browsers identified as necessary for certain required school activities. School Chromebooks may only be used upon log in with a school district username and password. These school accounts are under the district's administrative control with students' actions and history recorded.

Furthermore, personal devices

will not be granted access to the internet
prevent teachers from managing the student's activities
are not guaranteed to be compatible with class lessons and applications
cannot receive any technical support in the event of a problem

What about devices for students in grades K - 2?

How can a parent ensure these Chromebooks aren't contributing to too much screen time for students?

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us, "All children and teens need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), physical activity (1 hour), and time away from media.

Designate media-free times together (e.g., family dinner) and media-free zones (e.g., bedrooms).
Children should not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones." Use their online tools to build a Family Media Plan. (In English and en Espanol).
Remember, too, that not all screen time is created equal. Creative production and active pro-social communication are generally less problematic for teens than passive consumption of videos and games.

Common Sense Media also offers thoughtful responses to many questions around the use of screens by children that may be a good place to start when considering how screens are affecting your child.

How can a parent ensure that their child is practicing safe internet browsing?

The web filtering provided on Chromebooks is consistent with both Federal regulations (CIPA), as well as current community standards and sites considered unsafe to visit (e.g. malware, proxy sites).

We use Firewall Filtering products and Aristotle for filtering. The web filtering categories currently blocked include some of the following:

Non-educational games
Social media
Guns and weapons
Adult content
Pornography
Violence and Hate
Gambling
Terrorism/Radicalization

All computers/devices on the district’s network and off are subject to the web filter. As Chromebooks travel home with students, there is programming on the devices that forces use of the district’s filter (Aristotle Student) when not on the district’s network.

If you have questions on how to take control of the technology in your kids’ lives, we recommend Common Sense Media’s ‘Parent Concerns’ web resources

Parents/guardians are also key partners in monitoring and keeping students safe online.

What if the student doesn't have wireless access at home?

Several options exist for using the Chromebook away from schools,even for families who do not subscribe to wireless access.

Comcast and Verizon provide low cost internet for qualifying families. See here for more information:

Comcast : https://www.internetessentials.com/
Verizon : https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/account/manage-account/lifeline-discount

Please contact the school to let us know if you have no internet access at home.

Why do some student's chromebooks may appear to be a different model then others?

Devices are issued based on model availability.

You may notice that some of the Chromebooks appearing in our students' hands may look different from other models provided. Please rest assured that, while the physical appearance of these devices might vary, their functionality and the support they offer for school instruction remain consistent.

These Chromebooks are equipped with the same software and capabilities, ensuring that students can seamlessly continue their learning activities and access all necessary educational resources.