Seventh graders in the district are being issued a one-to-one (1:1) computer for the 2017-2018 school year. The students are to use the device for their studies and to take home with them for homework during the school year.

1:1 devices provide equal access for students to learn at their own pace, and by using today’s current technology in the classroom students can be more engaged in their studies.

Students will also be learning skills that will benefit their future outside of school.

Over the next several years the district will continue to transition from traditional textbooks to digital content. The district will build and approve the digital courses rather than purchase expensive materials from publishers.

Because printed textbooks can quickly become outdated, digital courses are a more efficient way to provide content to students. The rollout of computers is designed to support student learning through ease of access.

Digital courses can increase engagement while also being financially responsible to Puyallup taxpayers. Textbooks for one junior high student can cost up to 100% more than the cost a 1:1 device for that student. 

Digital courses can increase engagement while also being financially responsible to Puyallup taxpayers. Textbooks for one junior high student can cost up to 100% more than the cost a 1:1 device for that student.

On top of the financial savings, students will also have far less weight to carry in their backpacks. Just one textbook can weigh up to 4 pounds, if not more, per subject.

The 1:1 device that will be used for all of a student’s courses will weigh 4.4 pounds. This change can decrease the weight in a student’s backpack by up to 20 pounds. This will be easier on students’ backs transporting their studies to and from school.


(1:1 device being laser engraved with the Puyallup School District logo and the message "Thank you to our community" )

Students receiving the one to one device will be responsible for taking care of the device. The Puyallup Protection Plan is available for an extra fee in case of potential damages.

Enrollment in the Puyallup Protection Plan is voluntary. The Protection Plan is not required in order for a student to receive the 1:1 device.

Employees at the district’s Educational Technology and Engagement Center, known as “EdTec” went through several stages to prepare the 2,000 1:1 devices:

• Assembly
• BIOS (basic input-output system) programming
• Imaging the device
• Installing software and updates
• Laser engraving
• Packaging for delivery

In the 2018-2019 school year, seventh through ninth graders will all be receiving 1:1 devices. It is estimated that around 6,000 devices will be issued that year.

In the 2019-2020 school year, students from grades 6-10 will receive a 1:1 device. In the 2020-2021 school year, students from grade 4-12 will receive a 1:1 device.

Devin Konsmo
konsmdm@puyallup.k12.wa.us