One-to-one, CUSD’s newest initiative, is giving everyday students a computer to complete their school activities. This initiative will allow students to do homework, join Google Meets, and other activities all from their own personal computers, provided that they get a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. This program is being run by Jennifer DeLaTorre, the Dean of Students. DeLaTorre said, “The district as a whole is going to go one-to-one. Originally, we were actually going to roll out next year, but then they had the computers that would fit our enrollment so we were added to this year.” 

Both the students and teachers are fairly confident that this program is going to help. Senior Joshua Shunk said, “I think it will benefit a lot of people, especially those who don’t have access to computers. I know it is not for everyone, not everyone needs a computer or anything like that, but it is very beneficial for those who need it and helps a lot of people get access to the information they need.” 

There is much speculation about whether COVID inspired this plan, or if the realization that the world can shut down at any moment pushed this plan forwards. As the whole world knows now, everything can change in just the span of a few months. This initiative will help most be able to adapt to those changes. “I do think that COVID has escalated [one-to-one]. The need is there. It is very beneficial for students because now they will have access everywhere,” said DeLaTorre.

Many people are worried about how the internet will hold up, and what to do if they are having issues. There will be QR codes that students can scan in order to file a report/request for help. People will be monitoring these Google Forms in order to help solve the problems. As for the internet, “[We] feel very confident that it is going to be a smooth program. Last year and the year before, we were using streams. Now we are using Chromebooks- newer technology. The streams were a little bit more laggy and not able to hang on to the network. The Chromebooks should do that much better,” said AV tech Christine Gonzales.  Also a lot to do the internet/wifi is the arubas, which are basically routers. “What they are actually going to do is something called campus mapping. They are going to come and walk around Perry to find any dead spots where their signal is dropping. They will add more access points to those spots,” said Gonzales. 

Even if some students may have their own laptop, they will not have access to the separate routers and servers that the Chromebooks have. The goal with these new computers is access, more computers for students who previously did not have access to them. Everyone will have their own computer, that they can use for things that they need. This program is just one of the many steps to improve technology and the quality of life for students both on and off campus.