Info FAQ

What is 1:1?

A 1:1 program represents the most comprehensive technology integration program available for instructional purposes.  It requires that every student and teacher involved has direct access to a personal computing device at all times.

Why are we doing this?

Bismarck Public Schools has an obligation to prepare all students for an ever-changing world, that sees technological advancements happening at a rapid rate.  21st century students need to harness technology to be effective creators, problem solvers, collaborators, and communicators.  They must use technology to collaborate with others in communities beyond their own. We believe that every student has a right to an education that prepares them for further education and future employment, and develops the success skills that they need as citizens of the 21st Century: 

• • • Critical Thinking  - analysis, interpretation, problem solving, and reasoning are essential in today's world of work.  1:1 access places all of these at a student's fingertips anytime, anywhere.  
    • Communication - students can articulate their thoughts, ideas and questions in real time with the teacher or other students.   
    • Collaboration - the ability to work with others in diverse teams is necessary in today's global society.  With Google Apps for Education (GAFE) and other similar apps, students can connect with peers, teachers, and others as they work together on projects for classes.  Opportunities for immediate feedback and authenticity are provided.  
    • Creativity - students are able to demonstrate mastery of learning objectives through videos, slideshows, graphic representations, etc.  Students design their own new and worthwhile ideas, while possibly refining or improving others. 

What is our goal for the students?

Our Mission: "Empower every learner to thrive."

Our Vision: "Together, our strong relationships build inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environments that create agency and inspire a passion for learning, excellence, and discovery."

In order to achieve that Vision, we need students to be:

• Flexible
• Adaptable
• Self-Directed
• Globally Aware
• Productive
• Critical Thinkers
• Creative
• Collaborative
• FLUID WITH 21st CENTURY TOOLS

Students are expected to act in compliance with BPS Policies:  (available on www.bismarckschools.org under “School Board & Policies” tab)

• ACDA - Responsible use of Technology  
• FFI - Student Responsible Use

There is no cost to students.  Chromebooks and chargers are provided by the school at no charge, and are owned by the Bismarck Public School district.

All BPS students (K-12) are provided 1:1 access to a school issued device.  It is recommended that students use this device for their school-related work.  Should a family wish to opt-out of the district provided device and provide their own this option is available as the district does support Bring Your Own Device in grades 6-12.  Note that use of a district computer will be necessary for some testing applications.  The school district assumes no responsibility for personal devices while on school premises and we can’t guarantee the functionality of all district applications on personal devices; nor can we troubleshoot personal devices.

Each student (K-12) will be issued a Chromebook early during Fall Semester.  Students will be issued use the same device from 5th-8th grade.  Students will be issued a new device in 9th grade for use through 12th grade.

BPS takes student data security very seriously.  All online tools that are linked to your student’s account have been vetted and approved by the school board for student use.

Each student has access to a district-provided Google apps for education account.  Students should use this cloud account to store their school work in Google Drive. Work saved in Google Drive is accessible to students from other devices, and saving work to their BPS Google Drive also helps prevent students’ work from being lost in the event that their Chromebook malfunctions or needs to be replaced.

Bismarck Public Schools cannot provide internet access within a private home setting.  Libraries, schools and other public buildings have public access outside school hours.   

Low income families may qualify for the Midco Lifeline assistance program which helps families that meet certain income criteria access home phone and internet services at reduced prices.  The Midcontinent Lifeline Assistance program provides phone subscribers with free installation and reduced monthly rates.  Eligible Internet subscribers can receive Midcontinent Broadband service (12 Mpbs x 1 Mbps) for $9.95 per month with no installation or modem fees.  For additional information contact the Lifeline Assistance program at 1-800-888-1300. 

You can also contact your school building who will get you in touch with a social worker. BPS has a limited supply of hotspot devices that Social Workers can use to provide access.

K-8th

1:1 for K-8th grade is “building-based.”  This means that students will have access to and be responsible for their individual device during school hours, but the intent is that these devices remain at school.

In certain circumstances, a K-8th grade student may need to take their Chromebook home. This agreement needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the school prior to the student taking the device home.

9th-12th

Yes, students are encouraged to take their Chromebooks home so learning can take place beyond the walls of the school. The district internet filter will function anywhere the student has internet access, including at home or a personal hotspot.

Bismarck Public Schools is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and maintains a content filter and firewall for all Internet enabled computers.  The Chromebooks are filtered and students will be responsible for all Internet usage per the Bismarck Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy.  All websites (browser history) will be tracked and filtered through the school district.

Bismarck Public Schools participates in internet filtering services to help restrict access to internet content that is obscene, pornographic, or harmful as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Although a filtering system is in place to limit user access to potentially objectionable material, no filtering system can provide complete protection and it is the user’s responsibility to access internet resources appropriately. Users accessing the internet through personal cellular connections or other non-district networks and who are on/using district owned/rented/contracted property (including busses) and/or at district affiliated events must adhere to the same filtering restrictions by avoiding internet sites that would be prohibited under CIPA, including those with visual depictions that are obscene, show child pornography, or are harmful to minors. Staff are responsible for supervising students using internet resources.  Concerns/problems with the district filtering system should be reported immediately to the District Technology Department (701-323-4040).

K-8th

Building-based student Chromebooks are learning tools; the expectations for care and financial responsibility for intentional damage and/or loss are generally the same as for school-issued textbooks, musical instruments, calculators, or other school-issued equipment. Student responsibility for any accidental damage will be determined by the building administrator on a case-by-case basis.

9th-12th

If a student-issued device is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, parents/guardians will be responsible for the replacement cost of a new device, just as they are responsible for lost or stolen textbooks. If the device is damaged due to negligence and not covered by the warranty, parents will be responsible for the cost of the repair. Every Chromebook will contain an asset tag and become part of the district google management program for identification purposes and to help prevent devices from being lost or stolen. Bismarck Public Schools strongly encourages students to purchase and use a Chromebook case to protect the machine and minimize repair costs.  The HP Chromebook requires a 14 inch case.

To view a breakdown of potential costs for negligent damage to BPS Chromebooks, see this sheet.

Please have your student contact their building help desk or Library for Chromebook assistance.