• 2022-23 1:1 Device Program Handbook/Agreement

    Link to PDF

    The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

    The pandemic has reshaped virtually every aspect of life, shifting many daily activities such as doctor appointments, work, and education to become virtual. The internet was meant to bridge the communication gap caused by the pandemic, but it also highlighted how many people were lacking a fast, reliable internet connection. There are a number of areas throughout New York State where connectivity continues to be a costly challenge. 

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure households throughout the country have the necessary broadband service for employment, schooling, healthcare, and more. 

    What does the Affordable Connectivity Program provide?

    • Up to $30/month discount for broadband service.
    • Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
    • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
    • The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

    Who is eligible? Households are eligible for the program if they meet one of the following criteria:

    • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
    • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.
    • Participates in a Tribal specific program, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
    • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
    • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.

    Resources:

    Please visit the FCC's website for more information.

    Get WiFi Access at Home with a Mifi Hotspot

    Green Island UFSD offers a limited number of free wireless hotspot devices to students who temporarily do not have access at home. This program enables families to apply to use the hotspot devices and obtain internet access for up to two weeks at a time—absolutely free. Both the device and service fees are fully paid by the district.

    To qualify for the hotspot, individuals must have no household internet access at the time of sign-up. If your application is accepted, you will be able to “check out” internet service during the two-week allotment. These devices are configured to use a content filtering solution, and are configured to be used with Green Island Chromebooks only. The borrowing limit is one device per household, but these devices can be signed out repeatedly throughout the year if needed.

    If the device is lost, damaged or not returned, a replacement fee of $99 will be charged. To apply for a Mifi HotSpot device, fill out the application here.

    Smart Schools Investment Plan

    August 2018
    Revised: March 27, 2020

    Steps to the Investment Plan

    1. Technology Committee Meetings: The committee includes administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, community members and students.

    2. The District Educational Technology plan was reviewed and updated from September to October, 2017.

    3. The updated plan is submitted to the Board at the November 3, 2017 meeting of the Board of Education.

    The Budget Categories

    Based upon District considerations and updated needs, the following categories have been identified as priorities for allocated funds through the Smart School Bond Act:

    • Establish Mobile Classroom Capacity
    • Classroom technology to promote rigorous instruction

    Phase One: Establish Mobile Classroom Capacity

    • Increase the number of Chromebooks and carts available for 1:1 Chromebook correspondence for all K-12 students
    • Establish remote learning opportunities
    • Ensure that all staff and students have accessibility for remote learning

    Phase Two: Classroom Technology to Promote Rigorous Instruction

    • Equip All Classrooms with Interactive Panels
      • Promote new technological practices as well as new classroom instructional opportunities
    • Creating Distance Learning Opportunities
      • Equipping 5 of the interactive classroom panels with cameras to promote regional distance learning opportunities for students
    • Equip IP Phone System
      • Update phone system to IP Phone System with security measures

    Estimated Costs

    Phase One Estimated Costs:

    • New Laptops and Docking Stations: $48,274
    • Chromebooks, Charging Carts and replacement parts: $68,910
    • Mobile Hotspot: $1,000
    • Total Cost (Phase One) $118,184

    Phase Two Estimated Costs:

    • Interactive Panels: $95,900
    • Distance Learning Cameras: $350
    • Update phone/security system: $42,672
    • Total Cost (Phase Two): $138,922

    Grand total: $257,106

    Contact Information

    For questions, concerns or feedback, please contact Superintendent Kimberly Ross at kross@greenisland.org.