K-1 Students Switch to Chromebook Tablets

District 401 has been providing students with their own learning devices through a 1:1 technology program since 2018, starting at Elmwood Park High School. Elm Middle School followed in 2019, and both elementary schools joined in 2020. 

This year, Kindergarten and first-grade students are switching from laptops to Chromebook tablets for the first time! This change promotes easier day-to-day use for the younger students. The tablets offer a more intuitive, user-friendly way to navigate lessons and activities than the previously used laptops. Teachers have already given great feedback, noting they are “lighter, easier, and faster.” 

On Friday, Aug. 21, district instructional specialists began making their way from classroom to classroom, passing out devices and helping students get started. Since then, Dominique Byrnes, Jamie Kanas, Paul Uhler, and Vanessa Woof have visited each K-1 classroom across both John Mills Elementary and Elmwood Elementary to personally introduce students to their new tablets. Beyond simply handing out the devices, the team gave presentations and demonstrations to help students learn the basics—from turning on their tablets to understanding how to properly care for them. 

From John Mills to Elmwood, this technology rollout is one for the books! The students are thrilled about the new opportunities the devices will bring.

Want to see more photos? Check out our SmugMug galleries below! 

John Mills - Ms. Anaya’s Kindergarten Class

Elmwood - Ms. Canales’ Kindergarten Class