Do I have to supply a device for my son to bring to school?
Yes, you must supply either a Windows 10 or Mac OS device for your son.
What device should I purchase?
The device you purchase for your son must be a Windows 10 or Mac OS device with a minimum 8-hour battery life rating. Below are the minimum and recommended specs.
Minimum Specs
Processor: Intel Core M3
Hard Drive: 128 GB
Ram: 4 GB
8 hour battery life
Operating System: Windows 10 or MacOS
Recommended Specs
Processor: Intel Core i5
Hard Drive: 256 GB HD
Ram: 8 GB Ram
8 hour battery life
Operating System: Windows 10 or MacOS
Recommended Devices for BYOD
Any New Device in the Microsoft Surface Family
Surface Go
Surface Pro i5 128GB HD 8 GB Ram
Surface Laptop
Surface Book
Any New Macbook
Macbook Air
Macbook i5 128 GB HD 8GB Ram
Macbook Pro
What software is required?
Cathedral High School will provide the required software. We will provide Office 365. We will also require permission to install software to be used in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to provide protection software on the device to prevent malware and viruses.
When can my son use his device at school?
A device must be used for educational purposes under the direction and supervision of school personnel. Usage is not guaranteed and is based on the discretion of the teacher.
What happens if my son runs up cellular charges while using the device at school?
Students must use the school WIFI network. Use of a 3G/4G (mobile hotspot) network is prohibited. Any cellular network charges due to unauthorized use will be the responsibility of the parent. Students caught using a mobile hotspot may face consequences.
Will my son be able to access inappropriate content?
BYOD will allow students access to the school WIFI network. The network is filtered to block access to inappropriate content. However, no filtering system is perfect. If students inadvertently access content that is unsuitable, they should inform their classroom teacher. In addition, if students use a 3G/4G network (mobile hotspot), we cannot filter or monitor the traffic on that connection. Students caught using a mobile hotspot may face consequences.
Is it possible for my son to perform all their schoolwork using their device?
No. Use of the device will vary depending on the learning outcome. Some assignments will still require students to complete the work by hand or using traditional instructional materials such as printed books. In some cases, the teacher may have a system for handing out and accepting work electronically, however this will vary depending on the situation.
Will my son be able to text friends during class?
Use of the device will be limited to educational purposes. Students may exchange messages under the direction and supervision of school personnel as it relates to the assignment. Any unauthorized exchange of messages is a violation of the BYOD policy.
Can I contact my son using their device during school hours?
Contacting your child during school hours via text messages, emails, phones calls, or other digital means can disrupt the learning environment. If you need to contact your child, please phone the school office.
Is the school responsible for loss, theft, or damage?
No. Your son is responsible for the care and security of their device. Use of school cameras will not be used to track down lost or missing devices. We recommend purchasing a service plan that covers damage. If the device is compatible with a case that provides protection while using the device we highly recommend buy a case for the device.
What recourse do I have if my son’s laptop is stolen?
Theft is the responsibility of the owner. Contact school administration if your son’s device is stolen. To aid authorities, it is advised that you label the device, record device details such as make, model, and serial number, and install tracking software. It is also recommended that parents contact their insurance company to obtain hazard and/or theft coverage.
What happens when my son’s battery dies?
Your son is responsible for bringing their device fully charged to school each day. As stated in the device requirements, battery life must be rated for a minimum of 8-hours. No charging stations will be provided. Failure to bring device fully charged may result in consequences.
What happens if my son forgets their device at home?
Your son is expected to come to school prepared to learn. Students will be encouraged to store their files using a web app, making their work accessible through any device with the Internet. If deemed essential, your son will be able to access their work using a school owned device. However, if this is not available, your son must find an alternative way to complete their work.
Does my son have to share his device?
No. Your son should not lend his device to another student. It is for their exclusive use. From time to time, an assignment may have a collaborative component in which students work together in partners or small groups. In this learning situation, your son will maintain sole use over their device.
Can a teacher confiscate or search my son’s device?
Yes. School personnel can confiscate a device if they suspect a breach of the BYOD policy. If there is suspicion of inappropriate content or misuse, the school can search the device with the expressed consent of the parent.
Will cyberbullying increase now that students have devices while in school?
Digital citizenship is an important element of the BYOD initiative. Students must learn how to behave responsibly when using technology. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated and is a direct violation of the existing Code of Conduct.
Will my son have access to technical support while at school?
Your son must be familiar with how to use their device. Teachers are not IT support staff. Instructions will be available to explain how to access the school WIFI network. However, school personnel will not troubleshoot hardware, software, or network issues.