Chromebook and Google 

Learning Support

School Issued Devices

The Oswego City School District has deployed devices to every student in the district. 

Procedures and Information for Students and Parents 

Each student will receive a Chromebook for use. This will allow students and teachers to engage in transformative uses of technology while enhancing student collaboration, communication and creativity. 21st Century learners have transitioned from consumers of information to creative producers and owners of knowledge.



Receiving Your Chromebook 

Parent/Guardian Agreement 

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to sign the district's Acceptable Use Policy indicating understanding of proper use of devices.

Distribution 

Each building will determine the date, time and rollout plan. This information will be made available to both students and parents prior to distribution. 



Repairing/Replacing Your Chromebook 

Please take your device to your building's Librarian.  They will provide you with a loaner device for the day. If your device cannot be repaired that day please make arrangements with your teacher(s) for printed material. 

Taking Care of Your Chromebook 

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the district. In the event of damage, loss, or inoperability, a temporary device will be made available until the primary device is repaired or replaced. The district is not responsible for the maintenance or support of private or off-site networks (WiFi connections). District-owned Chromebooks should never be taken to an outside computer service for any type of repairs or maintenance. Students should never leave their Chromebooks unattended except locked in their locker or other building / district designated secured areas.


General Precautions 

No food or drink should be near Chromebooks. 

Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted and removed carefully. 

Chromebooks should not be used or stored near pets. 

Chromebooks should not be used with the power cord plugged in when the cord may be a tripping hazard. 

Chromebooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, labels or permanent personalization. 

Heavy objects should never be placed on Chromebooks. 


Cases 

Chromebooks must be kept in their protective cases at all times when storing or transporting. 


Carrying Chromebooks 

Always transport Chromebooks with care. 

Never lift Chromebooks by the screen. 

Never carry Chromebooks with the screen open. 


Screen Care 

The Chromebook screen can be damaged if subjected to heavy objects, rough treatment, some cleaning solvents, and other liquids. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure. 

Do not put pressure on the top of a Chromebook when it is closed. 

Do not store a Chromebook with the screen open. 

Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth.

Never close the screen with any object on the keyboard. This will damage the screen. 

Asset Tags 

All Chromebooks will be labeled with a BOCES or OCSD asset tag. 

Asset tags may not be modified or tampered with in any way. 


Alterations 

Any alterations to Chromebooks are not allowed. 

Removing or tampering with any components of Chromebooks is not allowed.



Chromebook Identification 

Records

The district will maintain a log of all Chromebooks that includes the Chromebook serial number, asset tag code, and name and ID number of the student assigned to the device. Please do not remove the barcode tag or add stickers to your loaned device.

Users

 Each student will be assigned a Chromebook for the duration of his/her time school year 

Connect to WiFi at home

Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi

Step 2: Pick a network and connect

If you need your password to the Wi-Fi please contact your provider.  The district does not have that information.

Device Cleaning Directions

Harsh cleaning supplies like bleach should never be used on your electronics since they can also damage the screen and other parts of your Chromebook. Also, avoid any abrasive cleaning brushes or cleaning pads that might scratch the surfaces of your device.

NEVER spray any cleaning solution directly onto your Chromebook or any electronics for that matter. You should always apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and then apply it to the device to avoid any liquid getting into the device and causing damage. With those warnings out the way, let’s get started cleaning and disinfecting your device.

Procedure

Step 1 – Completely power down your Chromebook and unplug the charger.


Step 2 – Disconnect any cables or peripherals that are plugged into your device. This will allow you to access and clean every part of the device.


Step 3 – Use compressed air to remove larger pieces of dirt or dust that might be in your keyboard or ports. When using compressed air, only give it a few short bursts and never turn the can upside-down. If you have an extra cleaning cloth, you can also slightly dampen it with plain water and wipe down the device during this step. Make sure your cloth is only damp by wringing out the cloth of excess water.


Step 4 – Use the disinfectant wipe or apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol solution to the cleaning cloth and completely wipe down the entire Chromebook  including the screen and around each key of the keyboard. Use a small amount of pressure to remove any fingerprints or smudges on the screen, but not too much since this could damage the display. If you aren’t comfortable using the cleaning solution on the screen, you can buy disinfectant wipes specifically designed for LCD and laptop screens.


Step 5 – After everything is dry, you can use a dry microfiber to buff the screen and remove any haze that might be lingering on the display from the disinfecting process.

I am having trouble my school issued device

Step by step directions for troubleshooting can be found at this link: Chromebook fixes link

I need help logging my child into Google Classroom

1) Please verify with your child that they know their log in information. If your child does not know their Oswego account information, please contact your child's school.

2) The Google Classroom log in page can be found by clicking this link: Google Classroom Log In 

3) Click on the 'tile' of the class your child needs to access.

 Contact your child's teacher to verify classroom codes or for more assistance.

GoGuardian: student safety, device monitoring, and content filtering 

Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a district-issued Chromebook, district G Suite for Education account or other related district network asset, regardless of whether its use is for district-related or personal purposes other than as specifically provided by law. The district may, without prior notice or consent, log, supervise, access, view, monitor, or record use of student Chromebook or G Suite for Education account at any time for any reason related to the operation of the district. By using a district-issued Chromebook or district G Suite for Education account, students agree to such access, monitoring, and recording of their use.

The OCSD uses GoGuardian to monitor, filter, and protect students while on a district device. GoGuardian helps manage device distractions, while keeping students focused on learning, by personalizing and customizing internet and app access for students in every classroom. The solution offers unmatched functionality and flexibility in classroom management tools. GoGuardian’s comprehensive solution is compatible with different operating systems, devices, and hardware. Here are some notable features:



Student Safety Responsibilities 

● Students are not allowed to post personal contact information about themselves or other people. This includes names, addresses, and phone numbers. 

● Students should never meet personally with someone whom they have met online without their parent’s approval and participation. 

● Students will tell their teacher or another school employee about any message or file they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable. 

● Students are responsible for the use of their individual accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a student provide his or her password to another person. If you would like additional resources to assist you with monitoring your child’s accounts, please contact the school. 

Using Your Chromebook at School 

Students are expected to bring a fully charged Chromebook to school every day and bring their Chromebooks to all classes unless specifically advised not to do so by their teacher.


If a student does not bring his/her Chromebook to school

● A student may check out a loaner for the day, if one is available. Please note that these are available primarily as a temporary device. They are not intended as a convenience for consistently forgetting to bring your assigned Chromebook. 

● A student borrowing a Chromebook will be responsible for any damage or loss of the temporarily issued device. Chromebooks being repaired

● Loaner Chromebooks may be issued to students until their Chromebook is repaired.

● A student borrowing a Chromebook must sign it out and will be responsible for any damage or loss of the loaned device. 

 


Charging Chromebooks 

● Chromebooks must be brought to school each day fully charged. 

● Students should charge their Chromebooks at home every evening. 


Backgrounds and Themes 

● Inappropriate media may not be used as Chromebook backgrounds or themes. The presence of such media will result in disciplinary action. 

● Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from a teacher. 

● Headphones may be used at the discretion of the teachers.

● Students should have their own personal set of headphones for sanitary reasons. 


Printing 

● Students will be encouraged to digitally publish and share their work with their teachers and peers when appropriate.

Using Your Chromebook Outside of School 

Students are encouraged to use their Chromebooks at home for educational use. A WiFi Internet connection will be required for the majority of Chromebook use. Students are bound by the district’s acceptable use policy and all other guidelines in this document wherever they use their Chromebooks. 

Operating System and Security 

● Students may not use or install any operating system on their Chromebook or physically alter the Chromebook in any way. 

● The Chromebook operating system, Chrome OS, updates itself automatically. Students should not need to manually update their Chromebooks. 

Virus Protection 

● Chromebooks use the principle of “defense in depth” to provide multiple layers of protection against viruses and malware, including data encryption and verified boot. 

● There is no need for additional virus protection. 

Returning Your Chromebook 

End of Year 

At the district's discretion, students will be asked to return their Chromebooks with their protective cases and power cords. The District may also file a report of stolen property with the local law enforcement agency. 

Transferring/Withdrawing Students 

Students that transfer out of or withdraw from the district must turn in their Chromebooks on or before their last day of attendance. Failure to turn in the Chromebook will result in the student being charged the full replacement cost. Unpaid fines and fees of students leaving the district may be turned over to a collection agency. The District may also file a report of stolen property with the local law enforcement agency.



Do you or your child need help?

Your child has a password issue

If you need login information please get in touch with your child's teacher or school. They can obtain that information for you.


Your child needs Google Meet help

1) Please verify with your child that they know their log in information. If your child does not know their Oswego account information, please contact your child's school.

2) Please contact your child's teacher to verify Meet codes and scheduled time for Meets.


Please watch this YouTube video for additional parent and student help with Google Meet: Google Meet video

Important Reminders