Technology Resources for Parents

Parents & Guardians

Please have your child use their BASD Chromebook and open Google Classroom to see required assignments and activities. Google Classroom will work best if your child uses their BASD Chromebook. Using the BASD Chromebook also makes it easy for your child to access other sites and apps that are used at school.

Chromebook Insurance

Bellefonte Area School District has negotiated a group policy discount with Securranty for Students/Parents to purchase insurance for devices issued to students. A one-time payment for Unlimited Peace of Mind for 1 Year (12 months). No additional fees or charges. Insurance must be purchased within 30 days of the start of the insurance program and before any failure, damage or loss occurs to the device. For more information or to purchase a policy, visit https://securranty.com/bfasd.

Google Classroom Help for Parents & Guardians

Directions for signing in from home, how to submit assignments, and other helpful resources have been added to the Google Classroom for Parents page. Please review these resources for more information regarding Google Classroom and Google Meet video calls.

Chromebook Troubleshooting Tips

1. Shut down the Chromebook at the end of each day and any time that you run into problems that can't be easily resolved.  The power icon can be found by clicking on the time at the bottom right of the screen when signed in. When signed out "Shut down" appears at the bottom left.

2. Close tabs that are not needed especially when using Google Meet. Having multiple tabs open slows down the Chromebook.

3. Don't use the background blur feature in Google Meet unless you have a fast, reliable, wifi connection.

4. If your home wifi is slow, work in the same room as the router and avoid streaming video or music unless it is needed to complete assignments. 

Clever Log In from Home

Elementary students use Clever to sign in to Reflex math (Explore Learning), ST Math, ConnectEd (McGraw Hill) and ThinkLink (FOSS). When signed in to a BASD Chromebook students have a blue and white Clever icon near the top right of their screen. Students can log in to Clever using a personal device at https://clever.com/in/basd. After clicking the Clever link, click "Log in with Google" and enter the email address and password used to sign in to the student's BASD Chromebook (can be provided by the teacher if needed).

Text-to-Speech and Speak-to-Type

Chromebooks have built-in accessibility features that allow students to select text to have it read aloud to them. Students can also enable a setting that will allow them to speak and have the Chromebook type for them. Take a look at this document for directions and links to videos showing how these features work.

Google Tools Help for Parents, Guardians, & Students

Take a look at this spreadsheet which contains links to helpful tutorials for Google tools including Classroom, Meet, Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets and more.

Notification Regarding the use of Video and Recordings

Teachers may use live video to connect hybrid students working from home with students in a classroom at school. Live video also allows students from home to view instruction and participate in learning activities. There may be some instances where a teacher may record a lesson or activity. The recordings can be shared with students who were absent or for students to review. This letter to parents and guardians includes additional information regarding the safeguards taken to protect the privacy of students when live video or recordings are used.