Dear Families,

In today’s digital learning environment, it is crucial that all students have access to functional and well-maintained devices. Our students rely heavily on these tools for their daily instruction, homework, and overall academic success. However, we have noticed a significant increase in the number of devices requiring repairs or replacements over the past several years. This trend impacts our ability to ensure that every student has a working device and hinders their learning experience.

To address this issue and reinforce the importance of device care, we are excited to introduce the CometCare program. CometCare aims to educate students and families about proper device handling and establish a structured framework to reduce the frequency of damage and the need for costly repairs. Below, we provide an overview of the program and its key components.

Program Objectives:

1. Education and Awareness: We will develop and share instructional videos created by students for each grade level, covering proper device handling, storage, and cleaning. Additionally, posters will be displayed in classrooms, and students will sign a pledge committing to responsible device care.

2. Fee and Fine Structure: We have clarified the fee structure for damaged or lost devices. Accidental damage will incur fees starting from $50 for the second incident, increasing with subsequent incidents. Intentional damage or loss of devices will result in a fee of $400 per occurrence. An annual technology fee option is available, covering up to two warranty claims per year, with discounts for additional children and families participating in the free lunch program. 

3. Incentives and Recognition: Students will earn points for following device care guidelines, which can be redeemed for rewards. Classes with the highest CometCare scores will receive special recognitions and rewards. We will also offer no-fine periods before testing to encourage device checks and minor repairs.

4. Administrative Support: We are expanding support hours and implementing additional administrative measures, such as quarterly device audits and monthly reports to building administrators. An automated system for fine collection will be introduced to streamline the process.

For more information, including a breakdown of the various fees/options, please visit https://cometcare.hackensackschools.org 

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a robust digital learning environment. Together, we can ensure that our students have the tools they need to succeed.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at acepero@hackensackschools.org.

• Families have the option of paying a technology fee* or opting to pay per incident.

• Annual fee will cover up to two (2) warranty claims per year and reduce lost device fee by 25%.  Limit of 1 lost device per four (4) years.

• Tiered fee structure:

  • • $30 for the first child

    • $20 for the second

    • $10 for each additional

    • Discount for families participating in the reduced or free lunch program, 25% and 50%, respectively.

*If no claim is filed, fee will rollover into the following year. 

• Fine Enforcement: 

  1. Fines must be paid within 30 days or a payment plan arranged. 

  2. After 30 days, students may have use of a loaner device that must be returned daily until fines are cleared. 

  3. Other privileges may be withheld (i.e., field trips, after school clubs/activities, prom, etc.) 

• Notification of Fines:

  1. Initial email with fine and payment information.  

  2. After 2 weeks, mailed hard copy if the fine has not been addressed.

  3. After 3 weeks, phone call/text message.  

  4. Continue to follow-up monthly, with escalating consequences.