Summer Learning Made Easier

As we wrap up the school year, I am excited to share an important update that we believe will benefit student learning and help set the stage for a strong start this fall. This year, we are piloting an initiative that allows all students (except graduating seniors) to keep their district-issued devices (iPads and Chromebooks) over the summer.

This pilot is designed to help schools begin meaningful, targeted instruction sooner by allowing us to complete important instructional diagnostics early in the school year. In the past, the time required to redistribute thousands of devices delayed both early learning activities and the assessments that help teachers understand what students know and where they may need extra support. By keeping devices in students' hands, we can eliminate those delays and give teachers an earlier opportunity to tailor instruction to each learner’s needs.

This approach is also expected to reduce staffing costs and time typically incurred for summer device collection and redeployment.

I want to stress this is a pilot program, inspired by successful initiatives in districts across West Virginia and neighboring regions. Districts like Cabell, Kanawha, Monongalia, and Loudoun County, VA have implemented similar summer take-home approaches and report strong success. In fact, Kanawha County Schools has been sending devices home since 2015, and Cabell County since 2020. We are taking a thoughtful, measured approach and will closely monitor results this fall, both instructionally and operationally. If we do not see clear and meaningful benefits for our students and staff, we will discontinue the practice moving forward.

The opportunity for students to keep devices at home also enables our students to access our Summer Learning Toolkit, filled with optional, engaging enrichment activities for all grade levels. They’ll also stay connected to familiar platforms and digital tools, encouraging continued exploration and growth during the summer months.

As a reminder, students are responsible for the care and return of their devices, as outlined in the annual technology agreement signed at the beginning of the school year. This includes any loss or damage that may occur over the summer and the related replacement costs.

We understand that not all families may wish to participate. If you prefer that your child not take their device home, please contact your student’s school directly to opt out.

Our Berkeley County Schools team is hopeful this pilot will be successful and lead to even better outcomes for our students.

Yours in Education,
Dr. Ryan S. Saxe

• BCS internet filtering remains active year-round.

• Administrators are alerted if inappropriate material is accessed.

• All users are expected to continue following the BCS Acceptable Use Policy, which was signed at the beginning of the 24-25 school year and continues through the summer.

Our tech support team will be available throughout the summer! If you need assistance with your student’s device, simply submit a help ticket using the link available on the BCS website homepage under “Summer Programs.”

Additionally, if you move out of district this summer, please submit a support ticket to coordinate a time for the device to be returned.