It is clear that technology costs for our children will be an ongoing expense through elementary school, high school and college given the nature of their educational world. Computers are now less an extravagance and more of a core element for learning. The technology that parents are being asked to provide, while substantial, can be amortized over the Middle School career.

• We currently are recommending Apple Macbooks for all Middle School students. We still welcome Windows laptops (that meet or exceed the specification) but do not recommend them at this time.
• Chandler Middle School families have three options relative to laptop purchase:
  
  
  • A specific Apple bundle, arranged by the school
  • A specific Windows bundle, arranged by the school
  • Purchasing from a 3rd party of your choosing, carefully matching (or exceeding) a hardware & software specification published by the school.

On May 05, 2008 we have announced pricing for our "bundles" for 08/09. Existing parents should have received an email with prices and purchase procedures. Parents of new students will receive notification via email or hard copy by Friday May 9th. If you receive neither please contact Trevor Spicer via email at: tspicer@chandlerschool.org. These “bundles” are available to all Chandler families through our technology vendors but may only be used as part of the school's laptop program for the classes of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Timing your laptop purchase to coincide as close as possible to the beginning of your 6th grade school year means that you will get the most “bang for your buck” through the end of 8th grade.

For families wishing to purchase a laptop other than those offered at discount we have defined a hardware and software specification that parents can use to make purchasing decisions. Laptops meeting the specification will be able to be used as part of the program. If you are considering a laptop purchase in the near future and would like the tech department to “sign off” on the machine prior to purchase please contact Trevor Spicer. tspicer@chandlerschool.org