FAQs
Does every student have to receive a Chromebook?
With the integration of digital technology necessary to prepare students well for work and study after high school graduation, Chromebooks have been identified as an essential school supply for all students today. Because these tools will be used in all classrooms and subject areas, we have planned to check one out to each student just as we have checked out textbooks regularly in the past.
What if my student has their own laptop or Chromebook?
Students may bring and use their own devices at school on the district Guest network; bandwidth on the guest network is more limited than on the school user network. Further, the assigned Chromebooks are provisioned with particular software tools and secure testing browsers identified as necessary for certain required school activities. School Chromebooks may only be used upon log in with a school district username and password. These school accounts are under the district's administrative control with students' actions and history recorded. A student, then, may choose to bring their own personal device day to day, leaving their Chromebook charging at home, but will need to bring their assigned school Chromebook when designated by a teacher for testing or particular classroom activities.
How do we ensure these Chromebooks aren't contributing to too much screen time for students?
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us, "All children and teens need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), physical activity (1 hour), and time away from media. Designate media-free times together (e.g., family dinner) and media-free zones (e.g., bedrooms). Children should not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones. Use the resources found in the Family Digital Guide to create a Family Digital Covenant. Remember, too, that not all screen time is created equal. Creative production and active pro-social communication are generally less problematic for teens than passive consumption of videos and games.
How can I ensure my student is practicing safe internet browsing?
The web filtering provided on Chromebooks is consistent with both Federal regulations (CIPA), as well as current community standards and sites considered unsafe to visit (e.g. malware, proxy sites). The web filtering categories currently blocked include some of the following:
- Non-educational games
- Social media
- Guns and weapons
- Adult content
- Porn/nudity/child porn
- Violence and Hate
- Gambling
- Terrorism/Radicalization
All computers/devices on the school's network are subject to the web filter. As Chromebooks travel home with students, there is programming on them that forces them to utilize the district’s filter when not on the district’s network (i.e. at home, Starbucks).
Parents/guardians are also key partners in monitoring and keeping students safe online.
What if we don't have wireless access at home?
Several options exist for using the Chromebook away from schools, even for families who do not subscribe to wireless access. The Chromebooks can be use "offline." In the opening days of school, students will be taught how to use their Chromebooks in this way to complete assignments, even using material downloaded from the Internet and saved while at school. Directions for this are available for students under the Resource Page section of this website.
Can I personalize my Chromebook and/or case?
Students may put non-stick "cling" style school-appropriate attachments to their devices, these will be provided through the school as incentives and rewards for Student Behavior and Performance. Chromebook cases may be personalized as students choose so long as the integrity/structure of the case is not altered so as still to offer full protection to the device inside.
Can I use my Chromebook at home to listen to music, play games, or watch movies?
Listening to music, watching movies, and playing games on your device at home is allowed if the content is school and age appropriate and you have permission from your parent/guardian.