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Technology Resources

Technology

Remain Curious – Take Chances – Learn from Failure

Kris Hagel
Cheif Information Officer 

Mel Benner
Coodinator, Innovation & Technology Support

Laura Durkin
Admin Secretary

Innovation & Technology Support Location:
14015 62nd AVE NW
Gig Harbor, WA  98332
Telephone: (253) 530-3711

In today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation and educational technology are essential in creating equitable learning environments for all students. At Peninsula School District (PSD), we believe that integrating technology with innovative practices empowers students to remain curious, take risks, and succeed in a dynamic future. The role of the Innovation & Technology Support team is to ensure that every student has access to the tools, resources, and skills necessary to thrive, actively bridging the digital equity gap. By providing digital access and supporting teachers and students, we extend learning beyond the classroom and create opportunities for all learners to succeed.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where every student is equipped to harness the power of innovation and technology to become curious, resilient learners. By embracing cutting-edge practices, we will cultivate environments where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

Digital Access, Design & Use

The 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) charged school systems to focus on addressing three key divides that limit the potential of technology in education:

  1. Digital Access Divide: Ensuring equitable access to devices, connectivity, and digital resources for all students.
  2. Digital Design Divide: Enhancing educators' ability to create tech-enabled learning experiences.
  3. Digital Use Divide: Encouraging dynamic and critical uses of technology to enrich learning.

You can explore the full plan Link to NETP Full Plan.

For families, this means ensuring every student has the tools and skills to thrive in a digital learning environment. We focus on providing equitable access to devices and internet connectivity, empowering both students and teachers to engage meaningfully with technology, and promoting a balanced approach to digital citizenship and safety.

A key part of PSD’s Vision and Beliefs, is to develop ways to bridge the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don’t, ensuring all students can succeed in a technology-driven world. Both families and schools play a crucial role in supporting students' responsible and innovative use of digital tools by partnering to fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

FAQs and Resources

  • We support one-to-one access to all PSD students through a variety of devices by student grade and need. 

    Grade/Program Device Access Model
    Transitional Kindergarten  
    Kindergarten Students in Kindergarten will be assigned an iPad for their exclusive use in the classroom. These devices will stay at school and be used for instructional purposes.
    1st – 5th Grade Students in 1st Grade will receive a new Chromebook device for use throughout their elementary career at PSD. In 5th Grade they will swap that device for a new Chromebook that they will use throughout middle school. These devices will stay at school and be used for instructional purposes unless specific cirucmstances/events/assignments dictate they go home with students (to be determined by building leadership in partnership with Technology Support).
    Eagle Quest  
    6th – 8th Grade Students in 5th Grade will receive a new Chromebook device for use throughout their Middle School career at PSD. During 6th -8th they will need to maintain care and usage of this device in a take-home model. 
    9th – 12th Grade Students in 9th Grade will receive a new Chromebook device for use throughout their High School career at PSD. During 9th -12th grade they will need to maintain care and usage of this device in a take-home model. 
    Community Transition Program  
    Running Start  

     

    Why are Chromebooks being sent home with students?
    We aim to create a learner-focused environment with voice, choice, and opportunities for innovation. Providing Chromebooks to students in grades 6 -12 enhances equitable access to learning tools, extending education beyond the classroom.

  • 1. What information will students receive about their devices?
    Students complete a Chromebook orientation course covering device management, digital citizenship, and resources. Parents can access this course through Schoology.

    2. How is internet safety ensured?
    We use Securly for web filtering, consistent with federal regulations and community standards, both at school and at home. Parents can also apply additional controls through their internet service provider.

     

  • Our system leverages the Schoology, learning management system. This tool is used to support secondary and some elementary schools, in creating dynamic, student-centric learning, web-based access to their curriculum. This tools interactive features and accessibility tools provide increased student access and instructional design supports.

    Additionally with Chromebooks, students engage in active learning, digital citizenship, problem-solving, and global collaboration by using other supplemental educational technology software.

  • Parents should set expectations for online behavior, monitor device use, create rules for electronic use at home, and engage with their child's digital learning. For more information and resources to support at home expectations you can explore our Digital Citizenship & Wellness Page.