Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device and it provides a 1:1 student-to-device environment in every classroom. This allows teachers the opportunity to create activities, leveraging the power of internet tools and resources to differentiate instruction and personalize learning for every student. Students develop skills such as: managing distractions, practicing responsible online communication, demonstrating digital citizenship and learning cybersafety practices.

A portable device with a physical keyboard such as a Chromebook, Windows laptop or MacBook are suitable for BYOD. Tablets and phones will not work for BYOD. Ideally the device should be not be older than six years for optimal performance.

Chromebooks are a top choice because they are lightweight, cost effective and available from a variety of manufacturers at different price points. They are at low risk for viruses, have an operating system that automatically updates, and are easily configured to access our school network. Chromebooks have a  6-8 hour battery life and 10-second startup time. 

Please note that other devices may have issues connecting to the district network.

Please ensure that the device you choose can access the student's DCSD Google account and be able to add the DCSD Secure WiFi.

As a school district we purchase most of our devices through DHE, a local company. You are welcome to shop from them as well through their website, email (sales@dhecs.com), or phone (303)290-6050.

Points to Consider in Purchasing a Device:

• Age: Devices older than 6 years may not perform well in the classroom.  This may affect the student's ability to participate in class and complete assignments. Please see the recommendations listed above. 
• Battery life: Students should be able to get through all of the day on a single full charge. 
• Size: If the device is too big, it is less portable. If the device is too small, it is less efficient for the student to work on.
• Protection: A solid case or dedicated laptop sleeve in a backpack can protect a device from bumps while in transit and from daily use.
• Start slow: Do not purchase every accessory and peripheral available for a device. Get only what is needed and expand as necessary.

• Students are responsible for bringing their fully charged device to school each day.
• Students need to be able to access their DCSD email and Google apps on their device. 
• At school, students are expected to use their devices in accordance with all school and district policies. For more information, please review the Student Code of Conduct policies regarding technology use and personal devices.
• Students and their parents are responsible for maintenance and upkeep of personal devices.
•  The school is not responsible for any maintenance, loss or damage of devices.

• Ensure your student can access their DCSD email/Google account on the device they will be bringing into school. Chromebooks set up with Family Link will require parents to allow the addition of the DCSD account to the device. 
• Student devices should be labeled with their first and last name.
• Students are responsible for bringing their fully charged device to school.
• Students should have protection for their device via a laptop sleeve or dedicated laptop compartment in the backpack.
• Students must take care to not drop or toss their backpack as damage to the device can occur.

Students can receive basic support for their personally owned device in the Library from our tech support staff.  We are available for technology support for student owned devices to help ensure access to district WIFI and district approved applications and websites to support their course content.  Any other issues or damage will not be supported and should be taken care of at a home level.
Tech questions can be sent to Brittaney Lupo at blupo@dcsdk12.org.

If you are unable to provide a suitable device for your student, Ranch View does have a limited number of Chromebooks we can check out to students.

You can request a device by reading and filling out the Ranch View Middle School Student Chromebook Loan Request form. Chromebooks and chargers will be checked out to students at the beginning of the school year and throughout the year as needed.