FAQs

Why is PEASD providing devices to students?

• Create 21st Century Learners that create, collaborate and communicate
• Eliminate digital divide
• Personalized learning for all students centered around individual learning needs and goals.
• Become good digital citizens
• Use digital tools for academic and personal learning

How is the school paying for these devices?

The School District's 1:1 Initiative will be funded from the Technology Replacement Budget. The district currently spends $100,000 annually to support various computer labs around the district. Due to every student having their own device, the need to maintain these labs have reduced. It is with this replacement budget that the Chromebooks will be funded. Although every student grades 5-12 will have their own Chromebook, there is still a need to maintain some "higher power" devices to support the curriculum. Such instances include the Middle and High School for CAD courses. These classes specifically need the Autodesk Suite of Applications which only run on Windows and Apple-based machines.

Are the laptops filtered on-campus?

Yes, Per federal law (CIPA) we have a filter in place when the devices are at school. We work to block obscene or harmful content. Our policy relating to filtering and computer use can be found here.

Are the laptops filtered off-campus?

Yes, the laptops will be filtered at home to block obscene or harmful content.

What happens if the computer is damaged?

The student is responsible for maintaining a 100% working device at all times and shall return the device and accessories at the end of the school year or earlier as required. The student shall use reasonable care to ensure that the device and accessories are not damaged.

Where do students go to get technology support for their device?

There will be a designated area for tech assistance in each building. More information will be forthcoming.

Can I fix the computer myself or take it to a friend/business to get it repaired?

No, All repairs and replacement parts must be taken care of through the school district.

Can I install my own applications?

Yes, as there are many educational apps and extensions being created everyday, we encourage students to try new apps and extensions.

Does my student have to take a school assigned device?

No, your student can bring their own device or choose to not take an assigned device. However, the District IT staff will not support nor allow non-district owned devices on the regular network, those devices will need to connect to our guest network that has significant speed restrictions. IT staff also cannot install district owned software on personal devices. The expectation from teachers and administration is that all work will be done even if a student chooses to not take a school issued device. School issued devices will also be given out to students regardless of having their own device during testing periods as there is a need for a highly controlled environment during these times.

Will staff or teachers be able to control the webcam on my students' device?

No.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop. More information can be learned here (LINK)

Do students get to take devices home?

Yes and no. 5th graders will keep their Chromebooks at school overnight to charge during the first half of the year. At the discretion of the teacher, students may be allowed to take devices home during the second half of the school year. Grades 6 and above are encouraged to take their devices with them and will be responsible for making sure their device is fully charged for the school day.

Will there be charging stations available around schools?

No, the expectation will be for students to bring their devices to school fully charged at the beginning of the day. As long as students bring their device to school fully charged, they should have no issue with battery life.

Is there a fee associated with participation?

No.

Can I buy my students' laptop at the end of the year or after graduation?

The Chromebooks are on a four year lease to own arrangement. At the end of the four year term, the devices are recycled for scrap which helps support the costs associated with the 1:1 program.

Can students use Cell Phones in School?

Phones will be allowed before/after school only.

What happens if I lose my device?

If the device is lost, the student needs to report it to the Technology Help Desk immediately by filling out the following form: https://goo.gl/forms/KeBrr01Sp8X9mLhW2. This allows the school to use all of its resources to assist in recovering the device. If the device is not found within 10 days, the student/family will be charged to replace the Chromebook. Students will be provided a loaner Chromebook until a permanent Chromebook can be assigned.

If the device is found in good working order after the student/family has paid for the replacement, the District will work with the family to refund the appropriate amount.