By Sidney Harada and Noah de la Portilla, 8th graders
Have you been hearing the grumbles of the middle schoolers lately? Ever wondered what it’s about? Up until this year, iPrep tablets and other computers have been provided to the middle school, but the 2018-19 school year has brought about a major change: middle school will not be taking tablets or computers home anymore. This change in policy is due to many students owing money, having damaged their computers in the previous school year. Ms. Gutierrez, the lead middle school teacher at iPrep, said: “In total, $15,632 was owed and $6,752 still hasn’t been paid.” She went on to explain that, “A student that doesn’t go to iPrep anymore owes an estimate of $900 that will never be paid.” She then continued, “Students with no devices can use the class computers for every class or students with no device at home can sign an insurance form and check out a computer the days that they need it for homework.” Basically, you can only check out a laptop if you don’t owe money. Ms. Gutierrez hasn’t really noticed any opposition to the new policy in her classes. Though, some students are not thrilled. Hector Dueñas, ninth grade, commented: “I think it’s not fair. Especially since [they] already had it in the first place. It’s not the iPrep way.” Alex Armenteros, eighth grade, was impassioned when questioned: ”I hate how we are forced to bring our own computers or face the consequences and use the school’s ... computers.” At the same time, Alex prefers the new rule regarding the computers. Meanwhile, eighth grade honor student, Samantha Cawley, had more mixed feelings: “I … liked [it] when we were provided with tablets but I also like bringing our own devices so people can bring whatever device they want. So I’m kinda torn in between. Except for the fact that not everyone has their own device.” Jacob Tobin, who is a new 8th grader this year at iPrep stated, “I’d rather be provided with a computer than borrow one every day, but I don’t mind using the laptops every day as long as we can work on the them.” We surveyed of all 46 eighth grade students and found only 13 ( 28% of the class) bring their own computers to class. Now, middle schoolers are stuck having to bring their own devices or borrowing from the school--for better or worse.
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