ConnectEd December 2016 | Page 7

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High schoolers receive iPads , continued support

Garland ISD is driving digital learning with the distribution of nearly 17,000 iPads to high schoolers this fall . Known as Ready 1:1 , the initiative encourages students to be innovative , creative and prepared for 21st-century jobs .
While most other districts require students to attend the school closest to home , Garland ISD gives its students the unique opportunity to attend any campus .

It ’ s called Choice of School , and it allows families to customize education based on individual interests and learning styles .

Families with students in grades 5-11 can make their top three selections from Jan . 30-Feb . 28 . The Elementary Choice of School period for prekindergarten-fourth grade students runs March 23-April 21 .
Selections should be made online via Skyward Family Access . New students are encouraged to enroll via Skyward during those dates as well .
Scan the QR code for more information .
A process that began with the district ’ s Strategic Plan , the 2014 Bond-funded iPads were rolled out through English classes in just over one month . Campuses then celebrated the deployment by hosting parades and rallies .
But a successful delivery is not Ready 1:1 ’ s sole purpose . With an adoption rate of more than 90 percent at each high school , ongoing support will be offered throughout the year .
Expanding students ’ access to the Internet , Late Nights at the Library extend hours to 8 p . m . one night a week each at Garland , Naaman Forest , North Garland and Rowlett high schools . The Wi-Fi Partners program also asks businesses to provide students free access to their Wi-Fi system . More than 100 businesses currently display a sticker on their storefronts to show they enrolled in the program .
To get a list of Wi-Fi partners , as well as parent tips and more , visit the district website at bit . ly / iPadready .

February

alendar

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Go Red for Women

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Signing Day
National African American History Month

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1:1 Parent Technology Night

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National PTA Founders Day Fourth Grading Period Ends

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Fifth Grading Period Begins
A + UIL Academics Meet AP Math Study Session

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AP English Study Session

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PTA Rally Day at the Capitol
december 2016