X:1 FAQ

Pingree has a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program for students that we call X:1. Students can make a personal choice about what type of device to bring to school as long as it meets our minimum requirements. Pingree utilizes cloud applications such as Schoology, Gmail, and Google Drive. Cloud applications are generally operating system neutral and are available on most types of devices.

Students are required to bring in a fully charged personally owned device each day in the same way that they are required to bring other learning support materials like textbooks, pencils, notebooks, etc. It is not optional.

No. As long as the device is functioning properly and meets our minimum requirements, a student may use a device that he/she already owns. Please see minimum requirements and pros and cons of devices here.

The devices will be purchased and owned by families.

A limited fund is reserved for Pingree students who may need financial support to assist with required additional expenses related to their educational experience. These might include, but are not limited to, textbooks, digital device and device insurance, field trips, and transportation. Students who currently receive financial aid for tuition will receive first priority. Students not receiving financial aid may also apply for financial assistance with these expenses. Please contact Mary Dyer in the Admission Department at (978) 468-4415 x362 or mdyer@pingree.org by June 10 to get more information.

• An extended warranty is recommended.
• Regarding theft, we suggest that each family check to see if their homeowners or renters insurance will cover the theft of a digital device. We recommend theft and hazard insurance since warranties do not cover abuse, theft, or accidental damage. Students should file a report with your local law enforcement agency since most insurance policies require a police report be filed. Worth Ave. Group and SquareTrade are examples of device insurance companies. You can also get insurance from stores such as Apple (iPads only), Dell, Best Buy or Staples if you purchase your device there.
• Generally lost devices are not covered by either a warranty or insurance!!
  • Mac laptops and iOS devices that are connected to an iCloud account can sometimes be found by using Find my iPhone or through iCloud.com.
  • Android tablets also have Android Device Manager
  • Laptop location apps are also available.
• If a student is left without access to a device due to it being broken, lost, or stolen, he/she should request a short-term loaner device from the Learning Commons until the student's device is repaired or replaced.

It is critical that students have a backup of computer data. For this reason, the Tech Department encourages the use of cloud-based applications like Google Drive, DropBox, iCloud and Carbonite as a way to backup data. Another option is for students to purchase an external hard drive.

Backing up files daily is ideal, but weekly is acceptable. Beyond that, you run the risk of significant data loss.

There will be a required August meeting for all new students to ensure that their devices can access the school’s network, including the printers as well as review good practices such as backup routines.

Throughout the school year, the Tech Department will hold regular office hours in the HUB and offer basic troubleshooting support for students. Through the Service Learning program, a group of students is currently working with the Tech Department with creating helpful tech tips, populating a student tech support website, and offering student tech support in the HUB during breaks.

One of the goals of our X:1 program is to insure that all students have access to the necessary resources to complete school work, including having an appropriate device and the access to information it provides . Students should be prepared to use their device for school and homework. Some homework assignments will require students to use a digital device, while other homework assignments will not.

Whether or not a device is used in class on any given day depends entirely upon the teacher's discretion about the best tools to use for instruction. Sometimes teachers lecture, while at other times they engage students in discussions, panels, or simulations, ask students to read silently or aloud, work in groups, or go on field trips. A digital device is a very powerful tool for engaging in scholarly work, but it is not the only tool that teachers use to deliver high-quality learning experiences here at Pingree.

This will be handled according to each teacher’s policy in the same manner as when students forget their textbooks or assignments. While the Learning Commons has loaners for students with broken devices, students should not rely on being able to use a loaner should they forget their devices at home.

Devices may be used anywhere on campus, but there are situations when it is not appropriate to use them, such as during Morning Meeting, assemblies etc. Use of devices at any point during the school day is subject to our Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Please reference the Pingree Student Handbook for AUP details.

While students are expected to come to school each day with their devices fully charged, Pingree will have charging outlets and station for student use. Students must bring their device’s power adapter if they would like to make use of the power outlets and secure charging station. Students are expected to use their devices in a way that conserves power so that they are available for use during classes. Students should be sure to charge devices at regular intervals as needed. The following areas will have charging stations:

• Learning Commons
• Dining Commons
• Classroom locker areas
• All classrooms

We realize that devices will not be in use at all times. Students should never leave digital devices unattended in open view. A student may have a friend monitor a digital device while he/she steps away for a moment, but he/she should be sure to return immediately. When unattended, digital devices should be stored in a locked locker.

All digital devices and accessories, including charging cables, need to be clearly labeled with a student’s first name, last name, and year of graduation. This will make it easier for devices to be returned if lost. We encourage the use of stickers as a way to visually customize digital devices.

• Anti-virus is required for all computers running the Mac or Windows operating systems. Free versions of antivirus software are available for both Mac and PC, e.g. AVG, Sophos for the Mac
• Many of the tasks that students will perform on a regular basis may be completed using a web browser, e.g. Schoology and the Google suite of tools that includes a word processor, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Audio and video editing software is required. Audacity is a good multi-platform audio editor; Windows Movie Maker is included with Windows systems; iMovie is included with Macs. There are many audio/video apps for tablets.
• A web browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox is required. It is good practice to have access to two or more browsers on a digital device. Google Chrome is the prefered browser at Pingree.

Yes. If students have administrative rights to their devices they may install their own applications, provided that such applications do not violate Pingree's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). We always recommend running software downloads and updates at home as a way to prevent network congestion and slowdowns.

We have high expectations for honorable behavior within our community. Our teachers are among the most engaging and gifted professional educators in the field. The workload for students is significant. Off-task behavior of any kind is often self-correcting.

The teacher can also, of course, tell students at any time to "close your device" to be sure that potential distraction is not available.

In addition to following the Pingree School Acceptable Use Policy, students are expected to adhere to each teacher’s individual classroom policies governing the use of technology. Violations of the AUP as well as classroom behavior expectations will be addressed by individual teachers as well as through the Dean of Student’s Office.

Pingree adheres to industry-standard wireless security practices and protocols, and keep up-to-date on all new developments and security threats. We also have a firewall and website blocking and filtering capabilities. In addition, we run Gmail and utilize Google’s built-in antivirus service and spam filtering on the school's Gmail accounts.

Correct! Most student backpacks are too heavy. But adding a device can actually help alleviate that problem. More and more textbooks are becoming available in electronic form. Depending on the class, students may have the option to purchase a digital textbook.

Pingree is committed to providing a varied professional development program to support teachers in taking full advantage of what technology has to offer to empower teaching and learning.

Computer kiosks are available in the Learning Commons for student use. The Digital Photo Lab is also be available for student use when classes are not in session.

Students may print from their devices using Google Cloud Print. These printers include the library color copier, the HUB color printer, the Digital Photo Lab, the Writing Center printer and the ERC printer.

Please click here for a list of minimum requirements and recommendations.