Announcement

With Remote Learning concluding on May 29, it will be time to return all WCS Chromebooks to your student's school. Below is a detailed explanation of the schedule for a "drive-through" technology return.

All Chromebooks and Power Cords should be returned to the school you picked the equipment up from, based on the schedule below. Please try to come during your scheduled time and date. If you have multiple students at one school, you may return all items at the same time, but be prepared that it may take a few minutes longer.

Schedule:

5/28 Grade 12 A-L: 8-11 am, M-Z: 1:30-3:30 pm

6/1 Grade 8, K-2 A-L: 8-11 am, M-Z: 12-2 pm, All: 3-6 pm

6/2 Grade 11, 7 A-L: 8-11 am, M-Z: 12-2 pm, All: 3-6 pm

6/3 Grade 10, 6 A-L: 8-11 am, M-Z: 12-2 pm, All: 3-6 pm

6/4 Grade 9, 3-5 A-L: 8-11 am, M-Z: 12-2 pm, All: 3-6 pm

Car Line:

The return process will be a drive-through car line at your student’s school. K-8 schools only: Your first stop will be to return school materials/assignments and collect written feedback for your student (K-8) (Note: this is the only stop for K-2 families on 6/1, as they were not issued a device). At all schools: The next stop (and the first stop at WHS) will be to return the Chromebook/Power Cord. If you need to make payment (Chromebook $250, Power Cord $35) for lost equipment, we will be issuing invoices and accepting payment (cash or check) at the next stop. The final stop is for meal pickup, if you arrive during the time for meal distribution.

Other information:

You should be returning:

• Chromebook, Power Cord, other school materials, uniforms, instruments, etc.

• Parent and/or student may return (both do not need to be present)

• Lost/damaged/missing items must be reported

• Students should remove PERSONAL (do not remove bar codes and name ID) stickers/pencil marks and clean the device with a non-chlorine wipe prior to turn-in.

For Students

Students, please complete the Google form linked below to report tech support needs:

Students tech support request form

Alternate telephone support: 828-264-2407 Ext. 12209 (between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Troubleshooting WiFi Connections at home:

If you are having trouble getting your WCS-issued device connected at home, please ACCESS THIS LINK and follow the steps.

Google Meet Instructions:

If you are having trouble accessing Google Meet, please ACCESS THIS LINK and follow the directions.

For Parents

Accessing WiFi on School Campuses

All of our schools have an external area where the WCS WiFi network may be accessed. Please click this link to access a map of those locations.

Interactive map from NC Dept of Information Technology

Click this link to explore low-cost, free Internet Service Options in your area

Other WiFi Opportunities for Families

• Free internet is being offered through Charter Spectrum for 60 days. Contact phone number for information: 844-488-8395

• Free internet is being offered through Skyline/Skybest for 60 days. Contact phone number for information: 800-759-2226

• Bark Mobile - Bark Mobile is part of Carolina West. It is a pay as you go cell phone service that some local families may use. They are offering unlimited local hotspot bonus data for free. Click this link for specifics about this offer.

• WCS students in grades 3-12 may apply for a free WiFi hotspot from the 1Million grant. Details about this grant program may be obtained by called WHS 264-2407, Ext. 12209.

• Public WiFi access is available at various businesses, churches and other locales. Please access the list of those providing service which may be accessed from parking lots, parks, etc.

Mobile Computing Device Agreements

• WCS Mobile Computing Device Agreement for Remote Learning (English)

• Acuerdo de los Dispositivo de Computación Móvil de las Escuelas del Condado de Watauga (Spanish)

Cleaning Your Mobile Computing Device

Routine maintenance on Mobile Computing Devices will be done by the school technology support personnel. However, students are encouraged to perform simple cleaning procedures as outlined below:

1. Always disconnect the Mobile Computing Device from the power outlet before cleaning.

2. Never use liquids on the Mobile Computing Device screen or keyboard.

3. Clean the screen with soft, lightly dampened, lint free cloth or use anti-static screen cleaners or wipes.

4. Wash hands frequently when using the Mobile Computing Device to avoid buildup on the touch pad. Grease and dirt can cause the cursor to jump around on the screen

5. Clean the touch pad with lightly dampened cloth.

Google Meet Directions

Please click on this link for directions to help your child access a google meet with their teacher.