We will deploy a laptop type device called a Chromebook. It's a laptop style computer that runs the Chrome operating system, and a device that most of our students have already used for instructional purposes in the classroom.

Chromebooks are highly durable, easy to manage, and easy to use. Just sign in with the school Google user account, and it's ready to access all of the resources used for class.

We are deploying Chromebooks by HP. Grades K-2 will utilize HP touchscreen Chromebooks and Grades 3-12 will utilize standard HP Chromebooks.

We expect you to take care of this awesome opportunity!

Here are some tips and best practices to make your Chromebook experience amazing:

• Keep it charged - when you get home, plug it in!

• Keep your charging cord with you at all times - you never know when you might need it!

• Chromebook not on your desk or in your hands? Then it should be in a safe place where it is protected!

• You're responsible for your device - don't let other interfere, or handle your device unless you're willing to deal with the consequences. Remember - you're liable for any damages!

• Keep your device clean! But be careful how you clean it... A wipe with a moist cloth is ok, but don't drench it in cleaners, etc.

• All content is filtered through the Google Apps for Education Suite. All information transmitted using Waterloo Local School District accounts are the property of Waterloo Local School District.

• All content is filtered in compliance with all applicable laws on child online safety, including CIPA - Children’s Internet Protection Act, COPPA - Children’s Online Privacy & Protection Act, and FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The district is funding the majority of the program to supply devices to our students through CARES act funding, but each student will be assessed a technology fee each year in order to sustain the future of the program. The fee will help with replacement costs, program costs, and other associated costs of providing technology services to our students.

If you have a concern about technology use, or your student using technology, please contact your child's teacher or building. They may be able to assist with the issue, or put you in contact with someone in the Technology department that will be able to help.

Google Classroom is the dedicated platform used for instruction at Waterloo Local School District. Most assignments, classroom communication, schedules, due dates, updates, and resources from the teacher live here. Your student can easily connect with Classroom at classroom.google.com through their device.

To receive updates on classwork, assignments that are overdue, etc. contact your child's teacher, and ask them to sign you up for the parent / guardian summaries from Google Classroom. You'll need to supply a working email address to receive the updates.

• You may wish to take some, or all of your Google Drive files and email with you, or transfer them to another account. It’s easy to do, and here are some instructions on how to make it happen.

• OPTION # 1 – MIGRATE / DOWNLOAD YOUR DATA

• In short, you can export and download your data from the Google products you use, like your email, calendar, and photos. In a few easy steps, create an archive to keep for your records or use the data in another service. Note: Downloading your data does not delete it from Google’s servers.

• Use https://takeout.google.com/ to migrate and download your data from Waterloo. This will only migrate data from your Google account. Data stored anywhere else will not be migrated.

• OPTION # 2 – TRANSFER YOUR DATA TO ANOTHER GOOGLE ACCOUNT

• Copy content from your school account to another account easily, using almost the same process as above. If you don’t have another Google account, you can create one in the process.

• Get started at https://takeout.google.com/transfer

• WHAT HAPPENS TO MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT AT WATERLOO?

• Your account will stay intact for at least a year. We don’t have any plans of turning them off, but may at some point limit email / usability of the account, and archive them.

• Student email accounts are disabled in September in the year they graduate to allow for migration and downloading of data, if desired.

• The Acceptable Use Policy still applies to you as long as you are an active user of the account, and you are subject to its terms. There shall be no expectation of privacy, and your accounts are subject to review at any time.