Student Guide

Getting Started

How to Treat Your Chromebook

    • Throughout the multiyear 1:1 program, many Chromebooks assigned to students are not new and may not have a manufacturer warranty.

    • Students and families have five (5) school days after receipt of the device to report to secondary tech paraprofessional any pre-existing faults or defects; otherwise, any issues reported or discovered afterwards will be covered by the device’s deposit or insurance policy.

Resources

Bringing Your Own Device? BYOD WiFi Directions

Chrome Apps and Extensions

Google Chrome can be customized through Apps and Extensions.

Apps have been phased out of the Chrome Web Store, extensions are available through the Chrome Web Store.

Available in the Chrome web store

Chrome Extensions

Extensions are little programs that add useful functionality to the browser and to the websites you visit. Some extensions silently enhance your browsing experience while others have specific applications. Extensions can be installed from the Chrome Web Store.

Chrome Applications

Applications are programs that must be installed and run within the browser, performing a specific function. Some "applications" are little more than fancy links to a website. Others are sophisticated HTLM5 programs that look and feel much like a desktop application.

Apps vs. Extensions

Google Takeout

As a reminder, all district Google account holders, including students, are able to transfer copies of their documents and emails to a non-district* Google Account and/or download their data.

  • If interested in Google's free TRANSFER service, please see this help guide.

  • If interested in Google's free DOWNLOAD service, please see this help guide.

  • Both of these services work via Google TakeOut and are quick and easy to initiate.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While our department and the district do not endorse nor promote the creation of a personal Google account, and recognize age requirements preclude some account creation and app enabling, we are also aware that some students might have a family linked account, might have an account approved of by a parent or guardian or might have access to an account owned by a parent/guardian.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get an error trying to access websites after I login?

Try accessing a new website, or try clearing your browser history and cache (see https://goo.gl/872p7y).

How do I update my Chromebook to the latest version?

See instructions available at https://goo.gl/W8ecQm

How do I save files from my Chromebook to Google Drive?

You can copy files from "Downloads" to Google Drive by clicking and dragging them into the Google Drive folder in the Files app. For more info on the Chromebook File App, please click here.

How do I find my Google Account information?

See your school media specialist or get it through your parents in MiStar ParentPortal.

I don't have internet at home. How can I get it for free or low cost?

EveryoneOn* partners with local Internet service providers, EveryoneOn is able to offer free or $9.95 home Internet service in 48 states, including Michigan. For more information, please visit: www.everyoneon.org/pccs

What if I have Chromebook problems?

Outside of school, please reach out to the appropriate technology support contact. If your Chromebook is not working properly or is broken (for example, has a cracked screen, broken corner, is missing a key or other issues) - please take it to the Technology paraprofessional of your home school for assistance.

Why is it important to report my Chromebook problems right away?

All device damage and issues should be reported to the Technology paraprofessional within two (2) business days. The insurance company reserves the right to deny claims based on untimely reporting. If a claim is denied for any reason, the family will be held liable for the entire cost of the Chromebook’s repair/replacement.

Why is the school web filter blocking sites on my personal computer / Chromebook at home?

The district’s web filter is tied to the student’s pccsk12.com Google account. If the student is logged into a Chromebook or logged into the Chrome browser on a computer, the web filter settings will be applied. (Note: logging into the Chrome browser itself is different from just logging into your email - see https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/185277?hl=en). On a personal computer, once the Chrome browser is closed, the student will be automatically logged out of the Chrome browser if logged in with their pccsk12.com account. While logged into a personal Chromebook or the Chrome browser on a personal computer, the student can open an incognito window to bypass the filter. This method will not work on a school-issued Chromebook.

Even if you’re not connected to the Internet, you can still do lots of things with your Chromebook. Visit THIS LINK for more info.