Why are student devices necessary?

As the curriculum in Millbury Public Schools becomes more digital, students in grades 3 -12 need access to an Internet-connected device to access educational tools and their classwork.  Most classes now have digital textbooks, and classwork is accessed and submitted through Google Classroom.  Therefore, students will need access to a device at school and at home.  While we will never go away from teacher/student interactions, how students access and interact with information has changed.

What are the benefits of an MPS Chromebook?

We will provide your student with a device (free of cost) to be used at school, at home, or wherever their educational journey takes them.  Enrollment in our program offers the following benefits:

• A Modern device: Battery life depending on use, will last the day, a charger, and access to additional MPS resources.

• 24/7 virus and web filtering protection:  While no web filter is perfect, a Millbury Public School Chromebook is the safest way for your child to access the Internet, though it is important for families to monitor your child's Internet activities while at home.

• Support for repairs: If the device is ever accidentally damaged, we will provide the student with a loaner device until his or her device is repaired at no cost to you.  When a device needs to be repaired, students should bring the device to the school’s designated area and receive a loaner device.  

If you choose NOT to use an MPS Chromebook, families may continue to use a family-owned device.  If you choose to use your own device, we will still provide:

• A Google Account with access to all of the software and programs your school will use.

• 24/7 virus protection will still be provided but is only effective when the student is logged into their School Google Account. 

• Loaner devices: If a loaner device is necessary due to a student’s personal device being broken or forgotten, the loaner device must be returned before the end of the school day.

How do I sign up for a device?

Students enrolled in Millbury in grades 3-12 have access to devices.  Families are asked to accept our expectations in the Chromebook Care and Use Guide and the district's Acceptable Use Policy annually at the start of the school year or when a student enrolls.  

Student/Family Expectations

• Students should bring their charged Chromebooks to school each day. Chromebooks are not required for every assignment, but students should come to class prepared to use them.  Students should never bring their chargers to school.  Please leave them at home.

• Devices remain the property of the district, but students should care for devices as if they were their own.

• Intentional damage, vandalism, or loss of a device may require restitution to the district.  The following is the process that will be followed:

When intentional damage is identified

• 1. ​The Technology Services identifies what they believe was intentional damage and reports it.

  2. We provide a loaner device to the student.

  3. Technology Services prepares an invoice for repairing or replacing the hardware and submits it to the building administration.

  4. ​Building administration has a conversation with the student/family and decides if reimbursement is necessary for the repair costs,​ and sends the invoice to the student/family.

  5. All payments must be made through the Unipay system.  

When a student loses their charger

1. 1.  The technology department will loan a charger to the student.

   2. I will generate an invoice for the replacement of the charger. 

   3. Building administration makes the determination if they want to ask the families for reimbursement of the repair costs and sends the invoice to the student/family.

   4. All payments must be made through the Unipay system. 

WIFI Connectivity

Home WiFi is recommended, though not necessary at all times.  For families in need, Spectrum and Verizon offer low-cost broadband programs.  If you need additional assistance applying for one of these programs, please contact the district.

• Spectrum Internet Assist

• Verizon Lifeline