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Technology Resources

Innovation & Technology Support

Remain Curious – Take Chances – Learn from Failure

In today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation and educational technology are essential in creating equitable learning environments for all students. At Peninsula School District (PSD), we believe that integrating technology with innovative practices empowers students to remain curious, take risks, and succeed in a dynamic future. The role of the Innovation & Technology Support team is to ensure that every student has access to the tools, resources, and skills necessary to thrive, actively bridging the digital equity gap. By providing digital access and supporting teachers and students, we extend learning beyond the classroom and create opportunities for all learners to succeed.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where every student is equipped to harness the power of innovation and technology to become curious, resilient learners. By embracing cutting-edge practices, we will cultivate environments where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

Kris Hagel
Cheif Information Officer 

Mel Benner
Coodinator, Innovation & Technology Support

Laura Durkin
Admin Secretary

(253) 530-3705

Innovation & Technology Support Location:
14015 62nd AVE NW
Gig Harbor, WA  98332
Telephone: (253) 530-3711

Digital Access, Design & Use

The 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) charged school systems to focus on addressing three key divides that limit the potential of technology in education:

  1. Digital Access Divide: Ensuring equitable access to devices, connectivity, and digital resources for all students.
  2. Digital Design Divide: Enhancing educators' ability to create tech-enabled learning experiences.
  3. Digital Use Divide: Encouraging dynamic and critical uses of technology to enrich learning.

You can explore the full plan Link to NETP Full Plan.

For families, this means ensuring every student has the tools and skills to thrive in a digital learning environment. We focus on providing equitable access to devices and internet connectivity, empowering both students and teachers to engage meaningfully with technology, and promoting a balanced approach to digital citizenship and safety.

A key part of PSD’s Vision and Beliefs, is to develop ways to bridge the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don’t, ensuring all students can succeed in a technology-driven world. Both families and schools play a crucial role in supporting students' responsible and innovative use of digital tools by partnering to fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

FAQs and Resources

  • We support one-to-one access to all PSD students through a variety of devices by student grade and need. 

    Grade/Program Device Access Model
    Transitional Kindergarten  
    Kindergarten Students in Kindergarten will be assigned an iPad for their exclusive use in the classroom. These devices will stay at school and be used for instructional purposes.
    1st – 5th Grade Students in 1st – 5th  Grade will be assigned a Chromebook for their exclusive use in the classroom. These devices will stay at school and be used for instructional purposes.
    Eagle Quest  
    6th – 8th Grade  
    9th – 12th Grade  
    Community Transition Program  
    Running Start  

     

    Why are Chromebooks being sent home with students?
    We aim to create a learner-focused environment with voice, choice, and opportunities for innovation. Providing Chromebooks to students in grades 6 -12 enhances equitable access to learning tools, extending education beyond the classroom.

  • 1. What information will students receive about their devices?
    Students complete a Chromebook orientation course covering device management, digital citizenship, and resources. Parents can access this course through Schoology.

    2. How can parents support their child's use of technology?
    Parents should set expectations for online behavior, monitor device use, create rules for electronic use at home, and engage with their child's digital learning.

    3. How is internet safety ensured?
    We use Securly for web filtering, consistent with federal regulations and community standards, both at school and at home. Parents can also apply additional controls through their internet service provider.

    4. Where can parents find additional resources for online safety?
    Helpful websites include Common Sense Media for parental guidance and tools.

  • LOW-COST INTERNET OPTIONS IN PIERCE COUNTY

    We know that many students and their families depend on the Internet, whether at school or at home, so they can do homework, search for jobs, access financial or government services and much more. As educators, we know that having the Internet at home is critical to ensuring that your child can stay connected to online assignments, classmates and teachers.

    This is why we would like to make you aware of three low-cost options that are available for families who are eligible for the National School Lunch Program, receive HUD housing assistance, or are a low-income veteran who receives state and/or federal assistance.

    In addition to the resources listed above, organizations and business within the Peninsula District have opened up their businesses and agreed to support our students with free Wi-Fi.

    If none of these options will work for your family, please contact your child’s school directly as other options may be available.

  • Our system leverages the Schoology, learning management system. This tool is used to support secondary and some elementary schools, in creating dynamic, student-centric learning, web-based access to their curriculum. This tools interactive features and accessibility tools provide increased student access and instructional design supports.

    Additionally with Chromebooks, students engage in active learning, digital citizenship, problem-solving, and global collaboration by using other supplemental educational technology software.