iPad Updates - Please Review

Hello RMA families, 
 
Rowlett Middle Academy is focused on ensuring that each student has access to the technology necessary to be successful in their class. All students will be assigned a school-owned Apple iPad to be used at school or at home for all their classes and assignments. Each family will pay an annual rental fee of $ 50 for their iPad. This fee will also cover a repair if necessary (ex: broken screen, damaged headphone port, etc.). Any additional iPad repairs will cost an additional $ 50 each. Students will keep the same iPad as long as they are students in RMA.
 
Below is the secure link to make iPad rental payments. The expectation of the school is to receive this amount before September 1st Families who need support to pay this fee can contact the Administration for help.
 
 
IPad pickup will begin on Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14 from 9am to 3pm. Students who are 100% eLearning from home and Tuesday / Thursday hybrid schedule students will be able to pick up their iPads. All other students will receive their iPads on the first day of school. More details on the collection process will be sent next week. Please contact the main office if you have any questions regarding iPad pickup.
 
***EDITED TO ADD:
 
We have had a few parents reach out with questions about the iPad Fee so we wanted to clarify a few things.
As you know, RMA students have enjoyed the benefit of 1 to 1 technology on campus since we opened our doors. The COVID-19 situation actually shone a light on the inequity that exists for many of our students who lack sufficient technology to complete assignments at home. So, it was determined that it would be beneficial for all students to be able to take their school-issued iPad home on a daily basis. 
Not only does that assist students without technology at home, but it is beneficial to ALL students as they now have the exact same programs and apps available at all times. A school-managed device means safe searches and regular updates to ensure the student is always able to safely access what they need to be successful.
Now, as you can imagine, iPads get dropped or cracked from time to time. Unfortunately, this meant that, in the past, RMA families were occasionally charged significant fees to cover the cost of the damage to a student's iPad. With the added risk of transporting the devices to and from school each day, administration thought it made sense to invest in an insurance option that would defray the cost of any damage incurred both on campus or at home. The $50 fee will cover one repair... such as a broken screen, damaged headphone port, etc.
Of course, RMA does not want this fee to be a hardship to any of our families, so we strongly encourage you to reach out directly if this is a hardship. If you have any questions or feedback about this fee, please also feel free to reach out to administration.
 
Thank you,
 
________
 
Hola familias de RMA,
 
La Academia Intermedia de Rowlett se centra en garantizar que cada estudiante tenga acceso a la tecnología necesaria para tener éxito en su clase. A todos los estudiantes se les asignará un iPad de Apple, propiedad de la escuela, que se usará en la escuela o en el hogar para todas sus clases y tareas. Cada familia pagará una tarifa de alquiler anual de $50 por su iPad. Esta tarifa también cubrirá una reparación si es necesario (por ejemplo: pantalla rota, puerto de auriculares dañado, etc.). Cualquier reparación adicional del iPad tendrá un costo adicional de $50 por cada una. Los estudiantes mantendrán el mismo iPad mientras sean estudiantes en RMA.
 
A continuación estará el enlace seguro para realizar pagos de alquiler de iPad. La expectativa de la escuela es recibir esta cantidad antes del 1 de agosto. Las familias que necesitan apoyo para pagar esta tarifa pueden comunicarse con la Administración para obtener ayuda.
 
 
La recogida del iPad comenzará el jueves 13 de agosto y el viernes 14 de agosto de 9am a 3pm. Los estudiantes que son 100% eLearning desde casa y los estudiantes de horario híbrido de martes / jueves podrán recoger sus iPads. Todos los demás estudiantes recibirán sus iPad el primer día de clases. La semana que viene se enviarán más detalles sobre el proceso de recogida. Por favor, comuníquese con la oficina principal si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la recogida del iPad.