Students entering grades 6 – 12 are required to have a laptop computer to use at school and at home. In an effort to create a unified teaching classroom, we recommend that you have one of the recommended GFA laptops. The choices this year have been expanded to include two Dell laptop models as well as an Apple model.
The recommended laptop models will be given network priority, will be imaged to include all software, and access to the printers. In addition, the laptops will be serviced and supported by the GFA tech department. The Dells will be serviced in house and the Macs will be sent out for repair. In subsequent years we plan to have a member of our tech department become Apple certified so we are able to service the Macs in house as well. Loaner laptops will be given to the students if needed. If you choose to use a laptop other than the GFA recommended model, your child will not receive technical support or a loaner laptop, should the laptop need repairs.
The Dell laptops that were recommended in previous years and are supported are: Dell Latitude D630, Dell Latitude E6400, Dell Latitude E6410, Dell Latitude 2120 (netbook), Dell Latitude 13. All of the Dell laptops that were ordered through GFA through March, 2010 came with a four-year accidental damage warranty. The Dell laptops that were ordered for the 2010-2011 school year have a three-year accidental damage warranty. If you already have any of the models listed above and want to use it, please check your warranty to make sure it is current. We only support laptops that are under warranty.
A custom online store has been set up with Dell and Apple to help you with the ordering process. You may access the store by going to the GFA website, clicking on Parents, and Recommended Laptops. You will then click on the laptop ordering page that will direct you to either the Dell or Apple site to place your order.
Included with the laptop order is an external hard drive that is necessary to purchase to ensure that your child has a backup solution for their academic work and personal items such as photographs and media.
If you choose to order an Apple model, we strongly recommend Safeware insurance because the Apple warranty does not cover accidental damage. See the informational page about warranties and Safeware insurance.
Because Dell will be changing models in March, please wait until April 1 to place your order with Dell. You may order anytime with Apple. I urge you to order before July 1 to ensure that your child's laptop arrives in time for us to image and have ready for the opening of school. When you complete the ship to line, please ship to GFA, 35 Beachside Ave., Greens Farms, CT 06838, making sure that your or your child's name appears in the shipping information. We will image the laptops as they arrive and contact you to pick up. Laptops not picked up will be distributed at the technology orientation or the first day of school.
If you have the laptop shipped to your home, you are responsible for bringing the laptop to school before August 10, so that we can image and have it ready for your child before the opening of school.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.
Dianne Schlosser
Director of Information Services
203.256.7565
dschlosser@gfacademy.org