FCPSOn is going to charge $50 a computer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, 8:32, for the robust and helpful post.

I first learned about the plan to issue laptops at spring IEP meetings for my DS. I have significant concerns because we already have issues with my DS and screen time. I've got significant controls on all devices (he's not my only kid but the only one who can't seem to exercise good judgment). The school had absolutely no information other than all students would receive a laptop and that they would receiving more information/training over the summer. I see this as another way FCPS can demonstrate its ignorance and inability to implement a program with the needs of kids with SN in mind.

I'm seriously pissed about the $50 fee. I'll have 3 kids in HS at the same time and while we don't get FARMs, it seems I'm already paying fee after fee after fee. At least those other fees are for activities/electives my kids chose to participate in (and I agreed to). I can see providing laptops to kids who don't have robust access to technology at home but I have seen nothing that supports issuing them to every student.

Don’t tlyoh realize that You are paying $50 because you are subsidizing the kids who are FARMs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Better just get used to it. When they get to college not only are you told which computer and software to buy, you are also told from whom you must purchase it.

The University where my oldest is at requires each student to have a new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Pencil. Already have a combination of those items at home? Tough, gotta buy them again! Has your kid never used a Mac and only knows how to use a PC? Eh, they'll figure it out. Want to buy them at the Apple store on your own? Nope, has to be purchased through the university. They say this is to ensure that every student gets the best tech support services available but we all know it's because the University is getting some kind of kickback.

What the hell university is this??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better just get used to it. When they get to college not only are you told which computer and software to buy, you are also told from whom you must purchase it.

The University where my oldest is at requires each student to have a new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Pencil. Already have a combination of those items at home? Tough, gotta buy them again! Has your kid never used a Mac and only knows how to use a PC? Eh, they'll figure it out. Want to buy them at the Apple store on your own? Nope, has to be purchased through the university. They say this is to ensure that every student gets the best tech support services available but we all know it's because the University is getting some kind of kickback.

What the hell university is this??

Apple U?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better just get used to it. When they get to college not only are you told which computer and software to buy, you are also told from whom you must purchase it.

The University where my oldest is at requires each student to have a new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Pencil. Already have a combination of those items at home? Tough, gotta buy them again! Has your kid never used a Mac and only knows how to use a PC? Eh, they'll figure it out. Want to buy them at the Apple store on your own? Nope, has to be purchased through the university. They say this is to ensure that every student gets the best tech support services available but we all know it's because the University is getting some kind of kickback.

What the hell university is this??

Apple U?

I wouldn’t allow my kids to attend this “university.”

[Anonymous]

has anyone been able to opt out at a late date?

the computer they sent is painfully slow and nearly non functional. It doesn’t contain any special software for school use. They only use google docs and google classroom. My son has switched to bringing his own computer.

I’m not happy to be paying $50 to keep a brick in my dining room for 9 months. I would much rather they charge every student a $25 “technology fee” and use that money to buy computers to lend to the kids who need them. 80% of kids at our school do not need the issued laptop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:has anyone been able to opt out at a late date?

the computer they sent is painfully slow and nearly non functional. It doesn’t contain any special software for school use. They only use google docs and google classroom. My son has switched to bringing his own computer.

I’m not happy to be paying $50 to keep a brick in my dining room for 9 months. I would much rather they charge every student a $25 “technology fee” and use that money to buy computers to lend to the kids who need them. 80% of kids at our school do not need the issued laptop.

I don't know about opting out at this point, but you might want to make sure your DC won't need the computer for SOLs, etc. first. We were considering passing on the school computer but when I called tech. services with questions one of the issues they brought up was testing...personal devices would not be allowed for that. Of course, I've come to find out that my kid might not even have any SOLs this year, but what's done is done and DC actually prefers bringing the school issued laptop back and forth rather than the personal one.

[Anonymous]

If you do not pay, they still have to teach your child
If you refuse the computer, they still have to teach your child

If you do not have internet or cable or tv or a phone, they still have to teach your child

[Anonymous]

If your child has an IEP and has ATS in his/her IEP - specifically a word processor/computer - it is illegal for FCPS to charge you the $50 fee.

It is a violation of IDEA 2004.

Contact your superintendent and fight this.

In FCPS, the superintendent is Scott Brabrand. FCPS has already admitted that this billing should never have gone through.

In addition: These are not high-end computers - nor are they all new, and they will depreciate year after year of use. The $50 fee per student is paying for way more than tech - especially since that charge will occur year after year. Something stinks and I'd like to see an accounting. What made $50 the magic number?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child has an IEP and has ATS in his/her IEP - specifically a word processor/computer - it is illegal for FCPS to charge you the $50 fee.

It is a violation of IDEA 2004.

Contact your superintendent and fight this.

In FCPS, the superintendent is Scott Brabrand. FCPS has already admitted that this billing should never have gone through.

In addition: These are not high-end computers - nor are they all new, and they will depreciate year after year of use. The $50 fee per student is paying for way more than tech - especially since that charge will occur year after year. Something stinks and I'd like to see an accounting. What made $50 the magic number?

If this is illegal, how is this permitted? We CAN refuse then, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child has an IEP and has ATS in his/her IEP - specifically a word processor/computer - it is illegal for FCPS to charge you the $50 fee.

It is a violation of IDEA 2004.

Contact your superintendent and fight this.

In FCPS, the superintendent is Scott Brabrand. FCPS has already admitted that this billing should never have gone through.

In addition: These are not high-end computers - nor are they all new, and they will depreciate year after year of use. The $50 fee per student is paying for way more than tech - especially since that charge will occur year after year. Something stinks and I'd like to see an accounting. What made $50 the magic number?

If this is illegal, how is this permitted? We CAN refuse then, right?

There's no negative reprocussions if they try.