Program Details

Most students in Ponder ISD will receive their own digital device to utilize as part of teaching and learning in the classroom. The device is an instructional tool that allows for critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. The type of device issued varies by grade level.

• Pre-K
  Issued individual iPads

• K-5th Grade
  Issued individual Chromebooks which stay at school and are charged on charging carts in the classroom.

• 6th-12th Grade
  Issued individual Chromebooks and AC chargers. Students take the Chromebook home each night to complete assignments and are responsible for bringing it back to school the next day fully charged. 

Required Documents and Forms

The following forms are provided during student registration and are required to be completed prior to a student receiving a device.

• Chromebook Guide (High School, Junior High School, and Elementary K-5)

• Chromebook Agreement Form (High School, Junior High School, and Elementary K-5)

• Acceptable Use Agreement (All Campuses)

Repairs for Damage

Students will receive one annual accidental repair free of charge. Each repair thereafter in the same school year will require a $75 repair fee. Repairs due to intentional damage or damage from gross negligence will be the responsibility of the student/ parent. Lost devices must be paid for if not recovered after 30 days.

Background

Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, Ponder ISD implemented an instructional program which provides students with modern technology on an individual basis. The goal of the program is to create a learning environment that is consistent with advancements in technology and that helps facilitate both a creative and collaborative environment that challenges our students to become critical thinkers and problems solvers in the world in which they live.

Although the hardware components were first distributed in August of 2015, preparation began several years before with teacher professional development. Small cadres of instructors were formed each year to study best practices, focus on instructional design and tools, and become comfortable utilizing technology as a tool for teaching and learning. These groups are known as our Future Ready Cadres and still continue to be held. In 2019-20, we refreshed our Chromebook fleet. In 2020-21 we replaced iPads in K-2nd grade with Chromebooks.

Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, each staff member and student were provided with Google G Suite for Education accounts. This enabled them to work, learn, and collaborate digitally using the online G Suite platform. The goal was to allow them to become familiar with the platform prior to issuing devices.