iPad Info Session for Morristown HS Freshman Parents

Last year, as part of a continuing pilot program, the Morris School District purchased about 400 iPad2 tablets for the entire seventh-grade at Frelinghuysen Middle School–as well as seventh-and-eighth-grade teachers. They received them in October.

The Diocese of Paterson, which oversees Assumption School in Morristown, announced last year that they and four other schools are receiving Apple iPads this school year. Nearly 350 students in grades 6-8 will be receiving iPads through the support of donations and state grants. 

Now it's the freshmen's turn.

The 1:1 iPad program will extend to the 9th grade in the 2013-2014 school year. On Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Morristown High School Auditorium, there will be an information session about this new program.

"This program will provide every 9th grade student with a district-issued iPad in early September for use in school and at home. Students will be using the iPad on a daily basis to access curricular materials, to connect with classmates and teachers, and to electronically submit assignments," said Interim Principal Ethel Minchello in a letter.

At a recent school board meeting, Superintendent Thomas Ficarra said that “We’re probably the only public high school I know that is moving to the “1to 1” iPad initiative. That opens up the door to move away from student-centered learning."

"We recognize the need to maintain a strong partnership with you and are sending this letter to strongly encourage you to attend our iPad Parent Information Session in order to be fully informed about the program as parents/guardians of rising 9th graders.  The iPad Parent Information Session will provide an overview of the entire program highlighting the following:"

• How the iPad will transform teaching and learning.

• How students are expected to adhere to both Morris School District and the high school’s policies governing the use of technology.

The district’s 1:1 iPad program is part of the school's plan to ensure students are ready in the 21st Century. In addition to be able to read critically and express key understanding in writing, students need to be informational and media literate.  

This program will get students on track to being college and career ready as well as "foster blended learning environments" in which students combine learning with online interactions.  

"By placing powerful technologies into the hands of classroom stakeholders, the 1:1 iPad program will enhance the high school’s capacity to address the dual challenges of meeting expectations detailed in The Common Core and preparing students for the complexities of living in the digital age."