Ladera Ranch Elementary Home

Laptop Update

 

Some of you may be contemplating a purchase of a MacBook laptop computer to join our Voluntary Learning with Laptops Program, or, you may wish to replace an iBook that your child has previously used in the program with a new MacBook. The platform supported at school is the Apple MacBook, or iBook. 

Laptop Computer Program

Laptop Program

Students with their Laptops

How It Works


Our voluntary Learning with Laptop Program continues to evolve as we learn how to make the most of technology as a learning and teaching tool. Students use laptop computers to complete everyday assignments.

We have a partnership with the Apple Store at the Shops at Mission Viejo. Our goal is to streamline the process for families who wish to purchase a computer and join the program. We want to offer “one stop shopping” where families can purchase a computer and get it ready for use at school all at one time. In order to do this, we hand all operations over to our partners at the Apple Store.

Parents can take all three steps to join the program at the Apple Store. You can purchase the computer there. You can also purchase the required software (Microsoft Office, Inspiration). The Ladera image will be added to the computer at the time of purchase at the Apple Store.

If you purchase an iBook or MacBook at another location, you can turn it in to the Apple Store to get the Ladera image. There is a $50 charge for this service.

Students experiencing trouble with their computer can still turn it in to our tech at school for a check-up, free of charge. However, if the computer needs to be re-imaged, this will take place at the Apple Store. Students who already have a computer and are already in the program, and need an image for whatever reason, will now do so at the Apple Store. 

The Apple Store offers discounts for families with children at Ladera Ranch schools. Simply bring your child’s school ID to avail of the special offers.

Key Details

  • New base model- 13” MacBook $1,049; iBook still okay if you can find one.
  • Purchase Microsoft Office ($149) and Inspiration ($70) Software at the Apple Store. This software belongs to the family and can be loaded on other family computers.
  • The Ladera Image is added at the Apple Store at the time of purchase at no charge
  • Computers that need the Ladera Image put back on their computer can do so at the Apple Store for a $50 fee.

STUDENTS RETURNING TO THE PROGRAM

For those families who have children returning to the program, or have had children in the program previously, your child does not have to do anything to his/her computer except normal maintenance. Refer to the manual that came with your computer. Laptops will not have to be re-imaged for August.

If you plan to be a new participant in our program, plan on having your laptop in your hands by the time school starts on opening day. See the Apple Store at the Shops at Mission Viejo for special pricing. Stay subscribed to the LRES ListServ to receive further updates.  Click here to subscribe to the LRES ListServ.

The laptop comes to school and goes home every day with your child, every weekend, every winter and spring break, and all summer long.

Parents, please remember that you are not required to purchase a laptop computer. This is a voluntary program.

All students will have access to computers at school whereby technology is integrated into the instructional program based on our State’s and CUSD’s rigorous content and performance standards. However, with students’ having their own laptop, the learning possibilities are endless -- anytime -- at school, home, or anywhere.

If you have any questions regarding the implementation of Chaparral's Voluntary Learning with Laptops Program, please feel free to contact Mrs. Gwyn, Ladera Ranch's Principal.

The latest in Laptop News

 LAPTOP PROGRAM NEWS:

 

Snow Leopard Wireless Issues For CUSD

As some of you may already know, the newest Apple OS (Snow Leopard) 10.6.1 does not support the type of wireless networking protocols that we employ at CUSD. This has caused a problem, as any computer with Snow Leopard will not be able to stay connected to the wireless network. We have submitted a technical request to Apple to see if there is a fix in the works that would allow renewed connectivity. We are awaiting their reply Unfortunately, without significant expense for new network hardware, this is not a problem that our district can resolve quickly. In the meantime, we can provide network cables for students that did end up with a Snow Leopard system, so that they can connect to available ports within the classrooms.

Student Laptop Updates Required

As a reminder, one of the criteria for being part of the Learning with Laptops program is that the computer be kept updated at all times, by the parents/students This just means that they should be at the most current level of their installed OS For Tiger systems, that is 10.4.11 and for Leopard systems, that is 10.5.8 Again, we do not want students moving to Snow Leopard- 10.6.x., if at all possible. The parents can do this by going to the Apple website or the Apple Store staff can assist them.

Apple Store Temporary Closure

The Apple Store in Mission Viejo will be closed for about 8 weeks, so in the meantime, all Learning with Laptops students can go to the Irvine Spectrum Apple Store to get the services that the normally received at the Mission Viejo Store.

Printing from Student Laptops

Students are not allowed to print at school.  All homework should be printed at home (and laptops should be charged each night).