FAQ's

What devices are recommended?

The district highly recommends the use of Chromebooks as a BYOD device. Chromebooks are lightweight, inexpensive (in relation to other devices), quick, and do everything that the students will need to do.

(Please see Device Recommendations for vendors families have used to purchase. If you have additional site recommendations, please let us know, and we can add to this site.)

May my student bring in his/ her iPad or laptop?

The short answer is: Yes. If your child has an existing iPad or laptop, your child is welcome to bring and use that device in school.

However, because laptops are bigger, heavier, and more expensive than other devices, we recommend Chromebooks.

Similarly, those students who are primarily using the iPad as their device have found the iPad, at times, frustrating. For these reasons, we highly recommend a Chromebook.

What happens if our family chooses not to, or is unable to participate?

If your family chooses not to, or is unable to participate, the district will provide your child with a device.

Please complete the paperwork on the Request Device page.

What network will the student be using?

• It is our expectation that students will use the secure district network (WPS-BYOD).

• Students are not to use non-district networks (cellular 3G or 4G service).

• Students must comply with our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Electronic Device Policy. These policies are linked to the left-sidebar.

Will my child be safe?

Student devices will be on the Winchester Public School network (WPS-BYOD); therefore, students will be accessing the internet through our secure firewall.

What are some examples of inappropriate use?

• • The student uses an electronic device without the expressed approval of his/her teacher.

  • The student records a video without the permission of the teacher and posts it on YouTube.

  • The student takes pictures during class of other students and sends them electronically to friends without teacher approval.

  • The teacher has given permission to use devices for a project, but the student chooses to check his or her account on a social media site instead.

  • The student uses an electronic device in a locker room, bathroom, or other changing area.

• The student records or video tapes anyone without the knowledge and permission of that individual. This may be punishable under federal, state, and local laws.

Who is responsible if the device is damaged, stolen, or lost?

Students bring electronic devices to school at their own risk, just like any other personal items. The district will not be held responsible if an electronic device or other item is lost, stolen, or misplaced. Some devices have a device locator; families may want to enable this feature if possible.

What about viruses?

No computer is immune to viruses or spam. Winchester Public Schools recommends that all students protect themselves through virus protection programs or apps (available even for smartphones).

Winchester assists all users by providing additional protection “at the gates” of the network, but no single solution is foolproof and devices are certainly vulnerable off the school network (such as home, coffee shops, or on a cellular network).

What should I know about batteries and power?

One concern related to mobile devices is the length of battery life. Students will learn to plan their device usage so they may use their device in their last block of the day without plugging the device in during class. There are a number of considerations that go into this planning:

• • Devices have different lengths of battery life. Some tablets have 10-16 hour battery configurations. Most laptops start at 3-4 hours but can be configured up to 8 hours.

  • There are a variety of charge extenders, extra batteries, portable chargers, etc. that can be used to extend life.

  • Student choice plays a part as well. We expect students to become smart users of their devices -- knowing which activities sap battery life, and learning practices to best conserve battery power.

Considerations are being made to create power stations throughout the building that will give students the opportunity to grab a quick power charge.

Is there something students need to sign? What are the consequences when something goes wrong?

Yes, students should read the WHS Student Handbook. Parents and students should read and then sign the form that is included with the Student Handbook. In addition, a separate Acceptable Use Policy form needs to be read and signed.

Forms may be submitted electronically via email to Mrs. Kathleen Grace, Instructional Technology Specialist, WHS at kgrace@winchesterps.org. During the school year, students may also bring a printed copy of the form to Mrs. Grace in the WHS library.

Students will be held accountable for following the Acceptable Use Policy. Consequences will be given immediately based on the failure to follow the policy.

Do you have additional questions that were not answered here?

Please be sure to review the information on the left sidebar. If you have any questions, please contact our Instructional Technology Specialist, Mrs. Kathleen Grace (kgrace@winchesterps.org)