RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Personal Chromebooks for Every Student in Grades 7 - 12

Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) starts the 2023-2024 school year in an unprecedented way, providing Chromebooks to each student in grades 7 through 12 with the goal to ensure equitable access to devices for learning, student achievement and well-being.

Each RCDSB-owned device is dedicated to one student for the duration of their time from grades 7-8 and 9-12. Students are able to take their Chromebook home each night, over the weekends, on holidays, and through the summer. Upon graduation or leaving the RCDSB, all Chromebooks will be returned to the school.

Funding for the Chromebook initiative was approved by the Board of Trustees over the 2021-2022 school year and accelerated as a result of Rethink@Secondary community consultations. Chair of the Board, Susan Humphries said, "This investment puts digital resources directly in the hands of Intermediate and Secondary students, providing them important tools to compete in our ever changing world."

Educators at the RCDSB are dedicated to instruction that meets the varied learning styles of students. In addition to other methods, technology is an effective way to support learning, allow students to share their work and invite collaboration. Students are empowered to grow skills including: communication, digital citizenship, creativity, critical thinking and responsibility. 

 Full time access to  technology is an advantage in managing assignments, and especially useful when students are away from school. Superintendent of Information, Communication Technology (ICT), Renald Cousineau shared, "With each student having individualized devices, it creates equitable and consistent access to technology that further supports students in their learning." 

Assignments can be downloaded at school, so home internet is not mandatory. 

Opeongo High School Library Assistant, Erin Bennetto and Vice Principal, Vicki Wilson present students with brand new chromebooks for personal use
 

The deployment effort has been a huge undertaking. Staff in the RCDSB ICT department worked tirelessly over the summer to have thousands of devices loaded and ready with protective cases to mitigate damage. Gratitude is extended to both board and school staff across the District that assisted with this initiative. 

An FAQ to help answer common feedback is available on the RCDSB website at www.rcdsb.on.ca.