SSFS Middle School ChromeBook Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Chromebooks? Who owns them after 8th grade?
The School owns the Chromebooks. When students leave Middle School, they must return the Chromebook.
When will my child receive their Chromebook?
The Chromebooks will be distributed to students at the beginning of the school year.
What are the specs of the Chromebook?
They are 11” screen size Chromebooks with at least 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Most of the Chromebooks have 8GB of RAM. We have a mix of Dell and Lenovo Chromebooks.
What are the repair costs if the Chromebook breaks?
Any software repairs will be done free of charge. If a Chromebook needs to be repaired due to damage there is usually no fee. A second incident of damage within the same year will incur the full repair cost. If the Chromebook requires replacement due to extensive damage, there is a $100 fee. If the same student's Chromebook needs to be replaced a second time during Middle School’s three years, there is an additional fee of the full cost of a replacement device at that time (currently $400). Anytime that a student’s Chromebook is being repaired, the school will lend the student a loaner device for the duration of the repair.
What is the replacement cost if the Chromebook is lost or stolen?
If the Chromebook needs to be replaced due to theft or loss, the family will be charged the approximate value of the Chromebook. This cost will vary depending on the age of the Chromebook. In the first year of use, the value of the Chromebook is approximately $425. In each subsequent year, the value decreases by approximately $100 per year.
Is there a cost for the loaner program?
No, if a loaner is needed from the school while a student’s Chromebook is repaired or replaced, there is no fee.
What can we do to avoid damaging the Chromebook, so we can avoid paying repair fees?
Speak with your child about the main ways that damage happens: drops, spills, and backpacks. Chromebooks get dropped when being carried carelessly, or when a power cord is tripped over. Liquid damage happens when people eat or drink while using the device. Devices in backpacks are prone to screen breakage due to the compression pressure, drops, and lack of padding. Carrying Chromebooks in a dedicated case keeps them safer. A carrying case for Chromebooks is included in order to avoid damage.
Is financial aid available for the program?
Yes, it is built into tuition. Since the cost of the Chromebook is now included within tuition, the School’s financial aid program reflects that total cost of tuition, including the Chromebook.
Can my child use the Chromebook during the summers?
Yes, the Chromebooks will stay at home, and can be used during the summers between sixth and seventh and between seventh and eighth grade. Please be aware that the possibility of damage continues to be present, and so take precautions to avoid this possibility.
Is there internet content filtering on the Chromebooks at home like there is at school?
Yes, the School has included a content filtering solution named GoGuardian as part of this Chromebook initiative. It is set up to block certain categories of content at home as they are at school. However, no content filter is foolproof, and the school cannot guarantee its operation. Parents can be set up with a parental GoGuardian account to control certain aspects of the Chromebooks. Parents are also encouraged to explore parental controls and content filtering for home networks that may be offered by their internet provider, or other third-party solutions.
last update: 11/14/2024