Principal's Message: Chromebooks, what's up with that?

Happy Thursday!

KMS staff distributed almost 500 Chromebooks during the January 24^th Laptop distribution event, WOW!! For any families that were unable to make it, don’t fret. Today, we have been handing out Chromebooks to all students that couldn’t make it last night. 

“My child has a computer at home, do we really need a Chromebook from school?” This is a great question that we have fielded over the last several weeks, and the answer is, yes. Prior to being a 1:1 campus, our students had access to a computer in some of their classrooms and would use them when needed. Beginning this week there will not be a “bank” of computers for students to check-out and use while in class. Therefore, students having their computers with them each day will allow for digital textbooks, Mathia, written assessments, summative tests, and a litany of other instructional tools that we will be able to implement now that we have reliable access to technology in the hands of each of our students. Moreover, the dedicated use of a school issued Chromebook will allow our students to have direct access to all resources at home. 

“What happens if my child loses or the computer breaks?” This is also a common question and a good one at that. We have complete understanding that accidents will happen, which is why our Chromebooks are covered by a warranty. So, if your student has a computer that gets broken, do not panic! Drop by the office, we’ll get some info, and will replace it with a new one. If a computer is lost for any reason, please let us know. KMS will have 620 computers on campus that all look the same, and in my experience, lost computers are usually found quickly. 

Important dates:

• January 25th, 1800: At Congress Center Ramstein (Formerly the Haus Des Buergers): DoDEA Europe’s Swing and Sing Festival. You can also see a live stream via the DODEA Europe Facebook page. Check it out!
• January 31^st, 15:30-16:30, KMS Library: School Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting. The SAC serves as an advisory role. This will be our first meeting with newly elected members. Our initial agenda will be to get input on what areas of focus would be valuable for our community. 
• February 1^st: Yearbook photos for any students unable to get pictures done in the fall. Students who have their picture taken will be provided with a 1 page handout on how to access photo’s through the photographer.  
• February 5^th - NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress; Nation's Report Card) 8^th Grade Only 
• February 8^th - Spelling Bee (after school 3pm)
• February 14^th: Installment # 3 of our admin community outreach. This edition of Coffee with Admin will have a special Valentine’s flare. View the Coffee with the KMS Admin flyer. 
• February 15^th – Student Council sponsored Dance. 

Have a great week!

Jason