Why should I purchase my own laptop?

In order to sustain our award-winning one-to-one (1:1) laptop program, Fisler School’s goal is to have 90% of families purchase and bring their own laptops. The District may discontinue or phase out the laptop program at Fisler School if not enough families are willing to purchase their own laptops.

What happens if my child does not bring their own device (BYOD)?

If your child does not bring their own device, then a District-owned laptop will be provided to them. However, if providing District-owned laptops to students becomes financially unfeasible for the District due to the number of students who do not BYOD, then the District may choose to discontinue or phase out the laptop program at Fisler School.

How do I borrow a laptop? Can anyone borrow a laptop?

Yes, any student can borrow a laptop. Please indicate on the school survey that you would like to borrow a laptop from the District or let the front office know. However, if providing District-owned laptops to students becomes financially unfeasible for the District due to the number of students who do not BYOD, then the District may choose to discontinue or phase out the laptop program at Fisler School.

When will the survey go out?

The school survey will go out to families in April/May. Please review the survey carefully before you answer. Your choice matters! In order to continue our 1:1 laptop program, Fisler School’s goal is to have 90% of families commit to bring their own laptops. The District may choose to discontinue or phase out the laptop program at Fisler School if not enough families are willing to bring their own.

What is Fisler Foundation’s (FFAST) role in purchasing laptops?

The Fisler Foundation (FFAST) is a non-profit organization that is separate from the school and the District. The Foundation educates families on the purchase of new laptops. 

Why Apple? Why not a PC?

Apple MacBook laptops have already been integrated into the curriculum at Fisler School. Providing a BYOD Apple MacBook laptop will allow your child to fully participate in educational activities and allow teachers and technicians to appropriately support your child’s device. If you bring a device that is not recommended, you may encounter system or software incompatibilities and support issues.

Why are you recommending a laptop in 3rd through 8th grade?

We are recommending laptops in the higher grades because of the limited functionality of iPads in advanced digital learning.

Why do we have laptops in 3rd grade?

We have laptops in 3rd grade due to our Computer Science Pathways program. Complex coding begins in 3rd grade and iPads are not compatible or sufficient to run these programs. Fisler’s goal is to have 90% of parents in 3rd grade and beyond support the program by bringing their laptops to ensure that the 1:1 laptop program moves forward. The District may choose to discontinue or phase out the laptop program at Fisler School if not enough families are willing to bring their own device.

Will we own the devices?

Yes, you will own the laptops you purchase and bring to school. If you borrow a District laptop, those devices belong to the Fullerton School District.

What if I decide to bring my laptop mid-year?

Students are free to bring their own laptop at any time during the school year. Please submit a Tech Ticket and take the computer to Fisler School’s Tech Team when requested.

We purchased a laptop to bring to school…now what?

Families will bring their newly purchased laptops to school on a designated day prior to the first day of school, and the District will set up the laptop with appropriate management software and applications for the school year.

What does it mean to “set up the laptop with management software and applications”?

The Fullerton School District or Fisler School own licenses to various software packages. By pooling these licenses together, the licenses can be provided to students to use while in the laptop program. The District management software allows the District Techs to easily install software and updates, provide safety features such as the comprehensive web filter that protects students from accessing prohibited sites and material, and manage software by grade level or class, which means less time with computers in Tech hands instead of your child’s. We strongly recommend that BYOD laptops be included in the management system.

What happens to my computer when it is “set up with management software and applications”?

When new laptops are brought in to be set up, the hard drive will be erased and the MacOS will be reinstalled to ensure that all students are using the same version of the operating system. A student account is created and the laptop is added to the management system, which then installs all of the software applications, sets up safety features, and installs the comprehensive web filter. Because the laptop is erased, families should back up any personal documents, music, pictures, projects, etc., before bringing the laptop for set-up. Families must also sign out of any personal AppleIDs in System Preferences (iCloud), Music, and the App Store.

What will happen at the end of the year to the laptop? Will someone remove the laptop from the management system and remove the software?

If you borrowed a District-owned laptop, you will return it to the school at the end of the school year. If you have a BYOD laptop, generally they stay in the management system with all software over the summer and are simply “refreshed” in the fall (updated software), but families can request to have the management and software removed. Techs try to accommodate these requests before school is dismissed, but some “exit” processes may carry over into the first week or two of summer due to workload. Students moving to high school or leaving Fisler School do take priority. Families are responsible for backing up all personal and school files when BYOD laptops are removed from the management system or “exited.”

What happens if the student leaves the school?

If you have borrowed a District-owned laptop, then it and all equipment (charging adapter, laptop bag, etc.) must be returned to the school in good condition before the student leaves. If you have a BYOD device, the family should back up all personal files, photos, music, projects, etc. and turn in the laptop to the school Tech to be exited from the management system. The laptop’s hard drive will be erased and the MacOS installed; the family can then set up the device accounts as they wish.

What is the difference between laptop minimum requirements and recommended laptop specifications?

Minimum specifications are for those students who are planning to use an older model laptop they already own. Recommended specifications are for students who choose to purchase a new laptop and need guidance on which to buy. The Fisler Foundation will only recommend laptops for new purchases.

Do I need to purchase the recommended laptop?

The recommended laptop specifications will give your child the best educational experience. If you choose to bring in a laptop that does not meet these specifications, please note that you may encounter system/software incompatibilities and support issues.

I have a 4-year-old laptop. Can that device be a BYOD?

Please bring your laptop to Fisler and the Computer Technician will let you know if your laptop will work properly with the MacOS, management system, and software applications that will be installed. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, please note that older MacBook models may experience system/software incompatibilities. If after bringing in an older model laptop you decide to upgrade, please bring your new device to Fisler School to be set up properly.

Can I upgrade from the laptop recommendation?

Parents are free to purchase upgraded laptops that exceed the recommended specifications. The recommended specifications are more than sufficient for all students. Once students get to 6th through 8th grade you may find that an upgraded laptop with more memory and storage provides a better experience for your child, but the recommended specifications work for all students in 3rd to 8th grade.

What about laptop repair?

The District can provide support for laptop repair. Parents will be provided a quote on the cost of any repair for a laptop that needs servicing.

What if I have an Apple Warranty?

The District is an Apple Authorized Service provider. If your laptop is under Apple Warranty the District can provide service under the Warranty.

Do I need AppleCare+ for my student’s new MacBook?

For new MacBook purchases, AppleCare+ is a good idea if the family is able to purchase the add-on care. AppleCare+ extends your coverage to 3 years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and adds up to 2 incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months (with affordable service fees). In the event of an expensive repair, the cost of AppleCare+ and the service fee may be substantially less than the cost of the replacement part alone.