Student and Parent FAQs

What Comes With The Chromebook?

Each CCPS student in grades PreK - 12 will be issued a Dell Chromebook  (visit The Chromebook for more information) with a power adapter.   Each Chromebook and power adapter are inventoried to the student.

How will I receive my Chromebook?

Students will be provided a date and time to collect their device at their school. 

What else happens at this event?

Students will provide the network technician their signed CCPS Agreement Form and receive a Chromebook & charger.  If a parent has a concern at this event, staff will be available to answer any questions.

Do students keep the same Chromebook every year?

 Chromebooks  will be yours to keep until your final week as a Senior where you will turn it in as part of your graduation checklist. 

What if I move away?

Just like a textbook, this Chromebook is the property of Culpeper County Public Schools.  If a student fails to return the Chromebook, the device may be deactivated making it unusable.   Just like a textbook, your parents/guardians will be billed for the replacement cost of the device if not returned.  

Common Frequently Asked Questions

How is one student’s Chromebook identified from another student?

All the Chromebooks are the same, so they look very much alike. However, each Chromebook will be tagged with a sticker with the student’s name and student ID number on it. Additionally, district asset tags with bar codes will be on each device and each device has a serial number. These stickers are color-coded to help identify them by age group quickly. The district keeps all that data, so if a Chromebook is misplaced, we can determine who it is assigned to and get it back to the student user. Any ID stickers that are on the Chromebook when issued must stay on the Chromebook. No additional permanent markings of any kind (stickers, engraving, permanent ink pen, tape, etc.) shall be placed on the Chromebook at any time. While the devices are issued to students, they are still district-owned property. Additional permanent markings on the device will be considered vandalism. Students can purchase their own protective, plastic case and decorate it with school appropriate stickers.  See recommended accessories for additional suggestions.

Each power adapter will also have an ID sticker on it as well.

My child forgot to charge their Chromebook before school. Now what?

High school students are expected to charge their Chromebooks nightly at home and bring them to school fully charged.  As a goal of the 1:1 initiative, students will be responsible for their devices by ensuring they are "learn ready".

If a student must take it to another room, how will they carry their Chromebook?

Chromebooks should never be transported while open as even gentle handling can damage the screen. Chromebooks should be safely closed and placed in a book bag, large purse, or some other bag. 

Where can you get an Internet connection when outside of school?

The devices will only connect to the web through wireless networks. If you cannot access a WiFi network, your Chromebook will not have connectivity to the web. However, some features, such as access to the student’s Google Drive, will still work on a limited basis. The work that is done off-line will not be backed up until a wireless Internet connection is restored.  You should also ensure you download all needed items at school before attempting to work without a connection.

The public library in Culpeper has WiFi access and so does a multitude of other locations.  Visit WiFi locations for more information.

What login will students use to get into the device operating system?

Students will use their school assigned Google account to log in to the Chromebook. Students can change their password, but they cannot change their username. The district can recover passwords, but it could take time. Students should remember them and keep them secure as an essential life skill for the digital age.  

Can the Chromebooks be used with another username?

No. Students and staff cannot access a district-owned Chromebook with any other login other than their district-assigned email. For example, students should not log into their personal Gmail account on a district-provided Chromebook. However, if a student logs into another device with their school username (a PC laptop, a school lab computer, a loaner Chromebook, etc.) all of their information (bookmarks, emails, documents, applications, etc.) will be available to them on that device when using a Chrome browser.

Will unsafe or inappropriate websites be filtered on the devices?

We do our best to ensure our students have an online experience that is safe. Before each Chromebook device connects to the Internet, it must pass through district network firewalls and filters. This happens whether the device is browsing on campus through school-owned networks, or off campus using another WiFi router that is providing the Internet connection. Because of security settings built into the device, it must first route its internet connection back through our district security settings (firewalls and filters) before any website or online resource is accessible. If your child is using the Chromebook at school, at home or at a public library, it will always pass through our web filtering and network firewall system before they can see or access web content. Our web filters are programmed to block inappropriate content as much as possible.  See Content Filtering for more details.

What happens if students have been visiting inappropriate websites?

While we utilize software approved by the state, IBoss, some websites may be able to bypass our filters (temporarily). Teachers and parents are encouraged to randomly check the browsing history of student Chromebooks on a regular basis. Browsing histories cannot be deleted by the students. The district may also conduct random checks of student browsing histories. If you discover any inappropriate web activity, please contact your child’s teacher, building principal or assistant principal if you require assistance. Inappropriate web browsing is a violation of the district Acceptable Computer System Use policy and may result in disciplinary action.

What happens if the device is damaged or lost?

Students and parents will be responsible for district-owned technology property that is issued to them, just as they are for other district-owned items such as text books, calculators, cameras, athletics equipment or library books. The district will repair or replace the device, but students and parents will be responsible for the cost of those repairs or replaced devices.  

Intentional damage would result in the student having reduced access to his or her Chromebook.  Students who are restricted from home-use as a result of disciplinary action will become Day Users for a period of prescribed time by the school administration.

What if the Chromebook is stolen?

In the event your Chromebook is stolen, parents/students should contact the school as soon as possible.  The School Resource Officer will assist in the investigation and may refer the case to other law enforcement entities as necessary.  In the event it is an extended holiday or summer break, both high schools will still be open and will be able to refer you to appropriate law enforcement.  If you are out of the area, contacting local law enforcement on non-emergency numbers is recommended first, followed by contact with the school as soon as possible.  CCPS technology will be able to locate and disable a stolen device once it acquires any network.  Failing to submit a police report will result in the full replacement charge ($279) being assessed of the parent/student.  

Can you print from the devices?

Digital online file sharing between staff and students is one of the great advantages of the Chromebooks and is an easy and efficient way to distribute and turn in assignments without printing.  It also saves on paper, ink and toner use, thereby saving the division money.  There are ways to print from the Chromebooks, but it’s not encouraged or particularly easy.  However, we are encouraging staff to try and limit the printing of assignments going forward.

What if another student damages my student’s device?

In such cases, circumstances will be investigated on a case-by-case basis.  School administration and the School Resource Officer may be involved if it is suspected to be an intentional act or act of vandalism.

How would you go about repairing a Chromebook that is not functioning?

Damaged or non-functioning devices should be turned in to your studen't school's Chromebook Service Center (CSC) so repairs can be started. Staff members will operate the CSC in the morning.  At Culpeper County High School, the CSC is located in the library.  In Eastern View High School, room 510 at the bottom of the stairs (left) in the main gallery is home to the service center.  Students should bring their Chromebooks to those locations first thing in the morning.  A work order will be submitted and a loaner will be provided to you as inventory is available.  High School students will be notified via your school email (or in person at the CSC) once your device is repaired and ready for pick up.  You will need to return the loaner before your Chromebook will be returned to you.

Culpeper High School CSC Representatives are Cathy Uribe and Holley Wortman

Eastern View High School CSC Representatives are Kelley Raso and Dartagnan Dwyer

Middle and Elementary Schools : Check with the Instructional Technology Resource Teachers

In addition, a fee sheet will be returned with the Chromebook outlining any charges to be paid.  This fee sheet will also include payment plan options as well.  Failing to pay or making other arrangements for repairs will result in user rights being restricted as a day user.

How much storage do students have?

Students using Chromebooks will have 16 gigabytes of storage on the machine, plus additional online cloud storage that is attached to their email and accessible via the Google Drive application. There should be more than enough space for class work each year and the opportunity to produce a digital portfolio to track progress.

What kind of applications are on the devices?

There are thousands of apps available for Chromebooks covering a wide variety of topics.  The apps, which run in the Chrome browser, are downloadable through the Chrome Web Store.  School technicians will assist students in gaining access to apps deemed necessary by their teachers or for other instructional needs.  Students may use web-based social media, but are reminded that the device belongs to Culpeper County Public Schools and proper civil use is expected.

Different applications will appear on student devices depending on what grade the student is in or what classes they are enrolled in.  For instance, a student in an agriculture class at the high school may have different applications on their home screen than a student who is not in that class.  The same goes for online textbooks.

Can students download apps?

No.  Student access to the web store is limited but teachers may request that specific apps are made available for students.

What devices can be connected to a Chromebook?

A Chromebook can connect to:

• USB storage devices, mice and keyboards

• SD cards

• External monitors and projectors (via HDMI)

• Headphones, earbuds, microphones

How can students submit work or assignments via their devices?

Google Classroom is the preferred method of completing and submitting assignments.  In addition, Google Drive has features built into it that will allow work to be “shared” between teachers and classmates.  Students can create documents, spreadsheets, drawings, photos, presentations and even videos.  Each item can be “shared” with the teacher or submitted in the classroom prior to its due date.  The teacher can then see the work on his or her own computer to review it or grade it for the student.

What if a student is out of school for an extended period (illness, travel, family emergency, etc.)?

With the devices, it will become even easier for students to receive work from their teacher and stay up-to-date.  Assignments, readings, and other resources can be placed online in Google Classroom and shared with the student who is absent.  The student can do the work online from home and submit it back to the teacher where possible.

Will class lessons ever be recorded so students can review material?

Possibly.  Some teachers are looking at different applications to video/audio record specific course lessons and make them available via Youtube, shared Google Drives, and through other learning platforms.  This would allow students to view recorded lessons and access related materials (handouts, presentations, etc.) online for review or for students who are out of school to not miss instruction. 

Can the devices be used at home?

Yes, if your home has a WiFi network, the devices will have the same filtered web access as they would at school.

If you don’t have a WiFi network at home, students can still use them, but in a limited capacity.  Some applications will work “offline” (such as Google drive) but content saved to the device will not be backed up until an Internet connection is available.  Students who lack WiFi access at home should make sure they download content needed to complete at-home assignments prior to leaving class.

Will devices be kept by students over summer?

Yes.  Devices issued to students who leave the division (move, graduate, etc.) will be cleaned of content and re-issued to other students.  All other students will be responsible for the care of their device over summer break.  If repairs are needed over the summer, the division technology center will be open to assist at the annex from Monday-Thursday (the building between Culpeper County High School and Culpeper Middle School - upstairs).  Those hours will be published on the division website once summer hours are implemented.  In addition, summer storage may be provided at the request of parents who prefer the device be held by the school division over the summer.  An announcement outlining that process will be made prior to the end of the school year.   

How long should Chromebooks last?

Chromebooks have very few moving parts in them and generate very little heat.  Therefore the life expectancy — so long as they are treated appropriately — is fairly significant.  Five years or more is not unrealistic.  Additionally, the devices have powerful processors, adequate memory, and automatically update the latest software and security features without anything needing to be done by the student.

Can the district track web history?

Yes.  The district can track information on what sites students were on, when they were on them, and how long they were on those sites. Students should only visit sites that are approved by the division and those that are not in violation of the policy.  Violations can result in disciplinary action, including the student being suspended from using the school network and device home-use.

Are other districts doing this?

Yes.  Culpeper schools has been in contact with other districts around the state that have done one-to-one technology for students, including the use of Chromebook devices.  Rockingham, Caroline, Clarke, and Shenandoah are nearby districts that have implemented 1:1.  Before our Chromebook launch, CCPS has sought advice on how to move forward, learning from them what has worked well and how to avoid certain problems.

How can you prevent student copying and/or plagiarism?

There are ways within the software systems we have to check and see if work is copied between students.  In addition, as a division, we have placed emphasis on ensuring our students are aware of what plagiarism is and how to properly cite information.

Will paper assignments become obsolete?

We expect to see less paper-based assignments as time goes on.  Moving to digital assignments and assessments can add up to significant cost savings for the division by using less ink, toner and paper.  Teachers will have printed copies available in the event a student forgets their device or it is not charged fully.  As students get in the routine of managing their own device, this need should become less frequent.

Can parents use the Chromebooks?

When a student is logged into the Chromebook, parents can use them to check on student work, view their browsing history or connect with teachers through our PowerSchool parent portal or via the student’s email. The Chromebooks are not intended for personal use by parents.

Can my child opt out of having a Chromebook?

Yes and No.  Chromebooks are expected to become an integral part of the education all students will receive at our high schools.  Parents may choose for their child to be a day user.  However, this will produce greater management issues and students need to develop these digital citizenship skills to be competitive in the job market and in continuing education. 

Can student work be transferred from their Chromebook to another device?

Student applications, emails, bookmarks, documents, presentations and anything done in the Chrome browser while a student is logged in is available on another Chrome browser in any other device when the student logs in with his or her district email address.  The content will be the same on the Chromebook as it is on a PC desktop computer, so long as student is using a Chrome browser and their email login.

Data can also be saved to a USB drive or other portable storage and transported between devices.

What about computer viruses getting onto the Chromebook?

Since the applications run through the browser and online, there is little worry about having viruses infect the Chromebook’s software or hardware.

What will it cost to charge the Chromebook at home?

The electricity costs should be minimal to families over the school year, and the total cost is based on usage. Below is a formula to help you develop an estimate.

The device draws about 40 watts, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

To estimate electricity usage or kilowatt hours, use this formula:

(Wattage x Hours plugged in per day x number of days per year) / 1000 = kWh

Then multiply the answer by the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour in Virginia (about $0.11). That is your estimate for the total annual cost.

If your child uses or charges his/her Chromebook at home (they charge while being used, too) every day after school for one hour, the annual cost to parents is about 80 cents.  Including the summer would increase to a little over $1.00.

(40 watts x 1 hour per day x 180 school days per year) / 1000 = 7.2 kWh

7.2 kWh x $0.11 = $0.79

Adapted from Delavan-Darrien School Division, Wisconsin