IDEA’s first day of school is just around the corner and we are excited to start the new school year with you! Our campuses have been busy preparing for the start of the school year and will be sharing information with families on how and when to pick up their scholar’s learning materials from school.  

 To support your child on their path to and through college, IDEA will provide you with materials to engage in learning from home, including items such as workbooks, textbooks, and a personal technology device through our 1:1 technology program that your scholar will use throughout the school year to connect with classmates and their teacher.  

 Our Pre-K and Kindergarten scholars will be receiving a Chromebook tablet, 1st through 8th-grade scholars will receive a Chromebook laptop and every college preparatory scholar will receive a Dell laptop. This device will enable your student to learn new content for their grade level from home.  

What to Expect: Campus Communication  

 IDEA is asking families to pick up each student’s learning materials and technology device from school. You should be on the lookout for instructions from school on how and when to pick up your scholar’s materials. 

 Campuses will notify parents directly when items are available for pick up via Remind, Facebook, or phone call. To abide by all public health safety measures, campuses will set specific time slots for parents to come and pick up materials. Keeping your time slot will be an important way to ensure everyone is safe and abiding by social distancing guidelines. 

 When you arrive at school, all learning materials will be available via curbside pick-up. You will not have to get out of your car or come into the building at any time. 

 Preparing for a Strong Start 

 Once you have collected your child’s learning materials, parents should set up an organized workspace to support their child’s learning at home. The workspace should be comfortable and free of distractions.  

 You can also get a jump start on the school year by setting up your student’s technology device. Practice signing into the device and accessing Microsoft Teams. Instructions on logging in can be found at https://ideapublicschools.org/learningtech/. 

Get Connected! 

 Your child will need to regularly participate in online instruction. If you do not already have an existing internet connection in your home, we encourage you to order one now. If you missed it, we recently shared this blog post regarding affordable internet options for families who may qualify.  

 If you are unable to obtain a home internet connection, we are working to provide other opportunities to connect so that our students don’t miss out on instruction. By mid-September, most campuses will have Wi-Fi available from our parking lots. We’ll also have a limited number of cellular Hot-Spots to provide families in critical need. 

Moving Forward 

 As we navigate the start of the school year in an ever-changing environment, IDEA wants to remind families that we are strongest when we work together. We are all committed to your child’s success to and through college, and with patience, flexibility, and open communication, together we can make this year a wonderful success.