1:1 Student and Parent Responsibilities

The use of the mobile computing device is a privilege as the Chromebook is still the property of Fannin County School System.

Students are expected to do the following

• Bring a fully charged Chromebook to school EACH day. The Chromebook should be treated as a textbook and other school supplies. 

• If the Chromebook is not brought to school or it is not charged, the student must do all assigned work on paper, rather than a Chromebook. If an assignment is required to be turned in electronically, the student will have to re-create the work on their Chromebook as homework.  

• The classroom teacher will advise students on device usage in each class. Chromebooks may not be used in every class daily. Students will respect teachers instructions on usage of the Chromebooks.

• Sound must be muted at all times unless teacher states differently and/or headphones/earbuds are used. Student will supply their own set of earbuds to use at school.

• Students should NEVER share their Chromebook or charger with another student.

• Chromebooks will not be used to take pictures or video unless the teacher has given you permission to do so. 

• The device does not come with a mouse; however, if you wish to use one with the Chromebook, you may purchase one.

• Students must follow the Fannin County School System’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy. 

Student Activities Strictly Prohibited

• Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials

• Any action that violates existing Board policy or public law

• Use of chat rooms, sites selling term papers, book reports and other forms of student work

• Spamming - sending mass or inappropriate emails

• Gaining access to other student’s accounts, files, and/or data

• Use of the school’s Internet for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity

• Students are not allowed to give out personal information, for any reason, over the Internet unless directed by the teacher for educational purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up Internet accounts including those necessary for chat rooms, email, etc.

• Participation in credit card fraud, electronic forgery or other forms of illegal behavior

• Vandalism (any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software, or data, including but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or computer programs that can infiltrate computer systems and/or damage software components) of school equipment

• Transmission or accessing materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or otherwise intended to harass or demean recipients

• Bypassing the Fannin County School Content Filter through a web proxy or other means

Parent Responsibilities

• Accept responsibility of your student’s use of the Chromebook, Internet, and email at home.

• Be aware and discuss legal and academic expectations regarding the use of the Internet and email at home.

• Assist your student with making sure the Chromebook is charged and ready for the next school day.

• Assist your student with making sure the Chromebook is brought to school each day.

• Supervise the safe storage of the Chromebook at home.

Legal Propriety

• Comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not immunity. If you are unsure, ask a teacher or parent.

• Plagiarism is a violation of rules listed in the FCHS and FCMS school handbooks. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, including graphics, movies, music, and text.

• Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to the discipline outlined in the Fannin County Schools Student Code of Conduct. Violation of applicable state and/or federal laws will result in criminal prosecution or disciplinary actions by Fannin County High School and Fannin County Middle School. 

Content Filter on Chromebook/Security/Privacy

Chromebooks will be set up with safety content filters at school with the Fannin County Content Filter in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act. Blocks are placed on the device for certain categories of web content.  Filters are NOT 100% accurate. While the student is using the device away from school, parents should monitor their students online activity and usage outside of school. Chromebooks can only be logged into by using a Fannin School account.  Students should never leave their Chromebook unsupervised during the school day, at any after school activities, or at home. The device should not be left in your vehicle for any length of time. 

Students should have NO expectations of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of the Chromebook, regardless of whether that use is for school related or personal purposes, other than as specifically provided by law.

Fannin County School System may, without prior notice or consent, login to, supervise, access, view, monitor, and record use of a student’s Chromebook at any time for any reason related to the operation of the school. By using the Chromebook, students agree to such access, monitoring, and recording of their use.

Teachers, school administrators, and the Fannin County School Technology department will use monitoring software that allows them to view the screens and activity on the student Chromebooks.

How to Care for your Chromebook

Students are responsible for the care and upkeep of their Chromebook. Below are a few guidelines to follow:

• Use care when opening and closing your Chromebook by grasping the center of the lid.

• Avoid putting anything heavy on the lid of the Chromebook and make sure it is closed before putting it in your bag.

• Avoid leaving any school supplies including pencils, pens, papers, or earbuds inside the Chromebook when you close it.

• When plugging and unplugging the charger, be gentle and do not pull on it.

• Do not stretch the charger across an area causing a tripping hazard as this could also cause the Chromebook to fall to the ground.

• Never leave the Chromebook unattended. You should keep it with you at all times while at school.

• It is not recommended to place the Chromebook on the floor, in the seat of a desk, on your bed, etc where the device can be sat or stepped on.

• Keep food and drinks away from the device.

• Do not allow the Chromebook to get wet. 

• Keep the Chromebook out of extreme weather such as rain and temperature change.

• Do not leave the Chromebook in your vehicle.

Damaged Chromebooks

In the event your Chromebook becomes damaged, you must immediately notify your media specialist(see procedures below).  If your Chromebook is not working properly or for some reason has an issue unrelated to misuse, the School System will handle the repair of the device. 

 If one of the following has occurred you will be responsible for  the repairs or replacement:

• theft, burglary, or robbery of the Chromebook

• accidental loss of the Chromebook

• intentional loss or damage to the Chromebook due to negligence

• illegal use or fraud of the Chromebook

• dishonest acts including selling the Chromebook

• damage, corrosion, or rust due to liquids or foods coming in contact with the Chromebook

• Damage to the Chromebook due to changes in humidity or temperature

• insect or animal damage to the Chromebook

• any other use the school system deems inappropriate

Lost/Stolen Chromebooks

If the Chromebook is lost/stolen, a police report must be filed with the School Resource Officer.  Immediately contact the Media Specialist and complete a lost/stolen Chromebook Form.  The Chromebook will be completely shut down through the technology department so it is unusable by anyone.  The cost of the Chromebook is prorated based on age (see prorated scale).   This will be charged to the student/parents for the device. Students will be given a loaner for one week after a lost/Stolen Chromebook has been reported. During that week the student must pay the replacement fee and return the loaner before a new Chromebook will be assigned.

• FEES for Chromebooks Repairs for accidental damage:

  • Screen: $25

  • Keyboard: $25

  • Charger: $20

  • Case: $15

• Prorated Replacement Fees for lost devices or extensive damage:

  • Replacement Costs based on the date the district purchased the device.

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  • SY 2024/25: $100.00

  • SY 2022/2023: $75.00

  • SY 2021/2022: $50.00

Procedure for Chromebook repairs or support

 No repairs are to be made by the student, parent, or outside source. If this happens, this could result in the full payment of the Chromebook.  Chromebooks should be returned to the library or to the Technology Specialist for repairs. 

Chromebooks that require repair will be turned into the media center.  Upon Chromebooks being turned in for repair or support, a loaner device will be given to the student for use until the student’s Chromebook is repaired and returned to the student. The student will check out the loaner device through the media center. The loaner device will act as the original device and can be taken home until the repairs are made to the student’s Chromebook.  A designated administrator will provide the student with a letter that outlines the fees that must be paid prior to the Chromebook being repaired. Students will be notified when their Chromebook is ready for pickup after repairs. The loaner device must be returned at the time the repaired Chromebook is paid for (if applicable) and picked up. 

Disciplinary Actions

Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to school each day fully charged and securing it daily.  If the student fails to bring their Chromebook to school or it is not charged, the student will be expected to produce work in written format. Disciplinary action can be taken for failure to comply. Students can receive disciplinary action for any of the following;

• Failure to bring the Chromebook to school

• Failure to have the Chromebook charged and ready for class

• Leaving device unsupervised 

• Repeated damage to the Chromebook

• Damage inflicted on the Chromebook that doesn’t warrant immediate administrative action (misuse over time that causes damage)

• Failure to return loaner device

Personalization of your Chromebook

The Chromebook checked out to each student will be labeled with a library bar-code label and a technology department label. Those labels are NOT to be removed or covered under any circumstance.  Students may personalize their Chromebook; however, all personalization done must be removable and not permanent. A fee will be incurred if there is permanent damage due to student’s personalization of their device. The Chromebook must be returned in original condition at the end of the school year.

Returning the Chromebooks

Chromebooks and chargers will be returned to the media center at the end of the school year.  If a student withdraws, is expelled, or attends Mountain Innovation Program the device must be returned before leaving.  If the device is not returned to the media center, a police report will be filed and a lost fee will be charged to the student/parents based on the prorated replacement fee. 

Other Useful Information

• Students will need earbuds to use with the Chromebooks. Earbuds should be purchased as a school supply just like paper, pencils, etc. 

• If a student prefers to use a mouse, students will need to purchase a USB mouse. These will not be provided for students.

• Chromebook cases are recommended to help protect the Chromebook and allow for easy identification.  A case has been provided for each chromebook. When the Chromebook is not in use, it is recommended it be placed in the case.

• Students may only download pre-approved Chrome Extensions and Apps to their school Google account.  Students may access their school Google account from anywhere that has an Internet connection.

• Fannin County Schools does provide WiFi; however, it makes no guarantee that the network will be up and running 100% of the time.  In the rare case that the network is down, the school will not be responsible for lost or missing data.

• Students are allowed to purchase vinyl stickers or covers that can be placed on the Chromebook to personalize it. However, no permanent markings or etchings are allowed. 

Students may access the Internet at home by using a wireless connection. The Chromebook is configured to use Fannin County School Internet Content Filter. While Internet content filters are in place for the protection of Fannin County Schools, no filter program provides 100% protection. Monitoring and supervision by teachers and parents are still very important. 

If you do not have WiFi access at home, hotspots are available for checkout at each school.  Please see the Media Specialist to check one out if needed. 

There is an offline sync extension in Chrome that allows students to work on documents without internet connection. The Documents will sync with their account when back on an internet connection. You may refer to this article on how to use Google Docs Offline extension: Offline Sync.