BYOD ASSISTANCE & FAq

BYOD ASSISTANCE: LONG-TERM RENTALS

What do I do if I cannot afford a device? If a student cannot purchase their own device, they can rent a device for the duration of the school year for a $50 fee. Scholarship opportunities are available for families in need; please contact your child's guidance counselor or grade level administrator for more information. The grade level administrator's approval is required for BYOD scholarships.

How should students apply for a rental device? Students who need a Medium-Term (1 month or less) or Long-Term (more than 1 month) rental device must sign and submit a copy of the NCPS Student and Parent Device Loan Agreement. Please drop off a signed hard copy of the Device Loan Agreement at the NCHS Library Circulation Desk, or email a signed copy to Dr. Gruzdev at Nikolai.Gruzdev@ncps-k12.org. Arrangements will then be made to provide the student with a device. 

How much does it cost?  The annual fee for a loaned laptop and charger is $50. Payment may be in cash, or in a check made out to New Canaan Public Schools. Scholarship opportunities are available for families in need; please contact your child's guidance counselor or grade level administrator for more information. The grade level administrator's approval is required for BYOD scholarships.

What should a student do if they have a problem with the device?  There are several ways that a student can get support if they experience technical issues with their device:

• All students, whether they are using a personal device or a loaned device, may contact Mr. Loomis, our Technology Support Specialist, or visit Mr. Loomis in the Tech Support office. The Tech Support office is located on the left as you enter the NCHS Library.

• For problems related to loaned hardware (e.g. the camera or keyboard is not working), students may contact Dr. Gruzdev, the NCHS Innovation Specialist, for support. The NCHS Innovation Specialist desk is located in the NCHS Library Workshop.

If  the loaned device needs to be repaired, the Innovation Specialist will make that determination and make arrangements with the student for a backup device (see below for details).

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Do we have  devices to loan students if they forget their laptop or it is being repaired?

We have both short-term and medium-term rental devices available for student use:

Short Term:  These are devices that can be used if a student forgets their laptop at home and are intended for 1 day loans only.  Students may check out a district-managed Chromebook from the NCHS Library Circulation Desk at the beginning of the school day. Devices must be returned at the end of the academic day.

Medium Term: On occasion, students have legitimate reasons for not having their regular device for an extended period of time (e.g. repairs).  In these cases, the student should notify Dr. Gruzdev, the NCHS Innovation Specialist, who will make arrangements for a Medium-Term rental and secure a signed NCPS Student and Parent Device Loan Agreement. The student will be responsible for returning the device to the Innovation Specialist within one month of the start of the rental. There is no fee for a Medium-Term rental.

Where can students charge their devices?  Students are responsible for bringing a fully charged device to school each day.  However, there will be times when students need to charge a device.  We have installed charging stations in several high-traffic areas in the school.  We have power strips available in classrooms, charging stations in the library, and a series of power and USB charging ports are located at the base of the woods bench seats throughout the cafeteria.  

Where can students store their devices?  Students are encouraged to store their devices in a secure location (locker) when they are not in use.

Which wireless network should students use at school?  Are there any restrictions to student access to this network? Students should only access the NCHSBYOD network.  This network has been specifically designed for student use, and is needed for activities such as printing.  Student access to video streaming (i.e. Netflix, Hulu) is restricted on this network.

What other resources are available to students to help troubleshoot issues? There are numerous resources available to students, including:

• A Tech & Research Boot Camp which includes learning modules for all things tech, basic research skills, and digital citizenship. Freshmen and new students are automatically enrolled in this course. If you are not a freshman or new to NCHS, you can request access to the course by emailing Ms. Hernberg, the NCHS Technology Integrator.

• Basic tech tips are available in the Resources section of the NCHS Students Group in Schoology.

• All students, whether they are using a personal device or a loaned device, may contact Mr. Loomis, the Technology Support Specialist or visit the Tech Support office for technical support. The Tech Support office is located on the left as you enter the NCHS Library. Students may also complete this Student Helpdesk form (also available on the ClassLink Launchpad).