Student Device and Instructional Technology FAQs

Because software needs change by grade, subject, and course, the district maintains multiple records rather than a single static list:

• Public Privacy List: A public directory of web-based systems requiring student logins and their associated privacy policies.

• Self-Service & Course Tools: Grade-level guidelines and course syllabi share the core tools used in specific classes.

• Elementary: A small, intentionally selected set of tools tied directly to core learning goals.

• Middle & High School: A standard core set of tools (such as Google Workspace), supplemented by specialized software for subjects like art, music, science, or CTE.

 You can review the core tools listed in the K–5 and 6–12 Student Device Guidelines and your child’s Google Classroom page. For specific classroom questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

Because school-issued devices and core digital platforms are integrated into public school instruction and assessment, there is no blanket opt-out policy. However, teachers actively balance screen time with paper options. If you have specific concerns or your child needs individual accommodations, contact your child’s teacher or school administration.

Rather than tracking elapsed minutes alone, our Purposeful Technology Guidelines focus on the quality of learning. Technology must add clear instructional value and be balanced with paper, physical, and offline activities.

• Grades K–8: Generative AI features are disabled for all student accounts.

• Grades 9–12: Generative AI features are enabled alongside explicit digital citizenship instruction covering ethical and responsible AI use.

Click here for more information about GenAI use at Glastonbury Public Schools.

Before any software enters a classroom, it undergoes a dual review:

1. Instructional Review: Educators and administrators verify that the tool meets clear educational goals.

2. Security & Privacy Review: Technology & Information Services (TIS) checks security standards and verifies vendor compliance with the Connecticut Educational Software Hub and state privacy laws.

Yes. Subscriptions are reviewed annually for instructional value, usage, and duplication. Recent consolidation efforts allowed the district to hold its 2026–27 software budget flat without sacrificing learning quality, despite annual subscription rate increases.

Student devices should be charged so they have enough battery power to last a full day at school. Every month, you should charge the battery to 100% and then completely run the battery down to 5% or below. This will help preserve the battery.

There are a limited number of charging stations in the school. Students must remain with their student devices while they are charging at school. 

• Chromebooks will update automatically when turned on. 

• General iPad system updates will be applied by the school system. Students may be prompted to allow the update. They should accept. Alternatively, students are allowed to update the iPad operating system themselves. Only approved updates will be listed.

• App updates are applied automatically for the more important apps, so all students are using the same features. Students can reinstall the latest version of any App from Self Service at any time by tapping 'Reinstall.' 

Yes. We can track student devices when they are in school. Students should contact an administrator immediately so the IT staff can try to locate the device. 

No. Students must use the GPS-issued device for us to provide maintenance, security, updates, GPS wifi access, and app distribution.

There are policies in place for misuse of technology. Administrators will investigate any incidents that are brought to their attention.