Technology is an integral part to learning today. Having access to a computer 24 hours a day provides students with access to supportive materials and allows them to be content creators at any time.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me or your child's building level principal:
Frank Tallyen - Technology Director
ftallyen@windberschools.org
1:1 Parent and Student Agreement Form (Before getting your Chromebook you need this turned into your buildings office)
Optional (but recommended) Insurance Program: Securranty Insurance Coverage
If you decide not to purchase this insurance coverage you could be liable for damages, breaks, theft, and loss of device.
If you have more than one student in the district enrolled in the 1:1 program you will need to buy insurance on each device.
If you choose to purchase the Insurance you will work directly with Securranty to purchase the insurance and not with the Windber School District.
Students will be required to follow classroom teacher rules and the school district's Acceptable Use Policy at all times.
Teachers will be utilizing Google Classroom in Grades 3 - 12 for assignments and homework daily. Please get familiar with Google Classroom here: Google Classroom Basics
Teachers will also be using Google Meet in any live session\virtual environment we have. Students will be asked to Join these Google Meets through the Google Meet link located in the Teachers Google Classroom. If Parents provide teachers with an email address you will be able to be added as a guardian in classroom and receive email notifications of assignments when posted. Check out this Google Meet Cheat Sheet for more information: Google Meet Cheat Sheet for Parents
Teachers will be maintaining lesson plans, communicating resources, and video lessons through their teacher websites. Teacher Websites can be found here: https://www.windberschools.org/apps/staff/departmental.jsp?show=TDE
High School and Middle School Students will be utilizing a new electronic hallpass this year called e-Hallpass. This will allow the school to actively maintain safe social distancing in the halls with little to no teacher interruptions during class to use the restroom, visit the guidance department, etc...
Windber Area School District has implemented Google App for Education (G Suite) since it became available for school use. With the use of G Suite, Chromebooks would be the best fit as a 1:1 device for the students in the Windber Area School District for a variety of reasons. First, our students have already been using Chromebooks and Google Apps for Education accounts in some capacity since they enrolled and started in the District. The Chromebooks are much easier for the district to manage than other devices, they are secure and they update automatically. They start up in seconds and have a battery life that will last all day long. All educational content and lesson plans have been designed around the use of G Suite in the Windber Area School District.
Can students bring personal computers from home?
No. with the distribution of computers to all students, there isn't a need for personal devices at school.
Will there be desktop computers also available in select classes?
Yes: engineering, computer science, business and possibly others will still have shared desktop computers due to the type of software required for those classes.
What if the parent and/or student doesn't want the child to participate?
The classroom will rely on the use of the computer and its associated software and internet access. It is strongly suggested that the student participate in the One-to-One program. We will not have shared Chromebook carts or devices this year. This is to limit sharing items between multiple users so we can stop the spread of germs.
What if the student forgot to charge the computer at home?
It is the student's responsibility to bring a fully-charged computer to school every day.
What if the student forgets the computer at home?
It is the student's responsibility to bring the computer to school every day. If you forget, you can always use a paper and pencil to complete some assignments.
Can I "personalize" the computer?
No, stickers may not be affixed to the computer nor may you "personalize" it with a marker or anything else.
Can the student add his/her personal software to the student computer?
No
Will the computer be filtered when used outside of school?
Yes, the same filter that protects your computer from inappropriate content at school during the day will also be active when used at home.
What paperwork must be completed before receiving my computer?
There are two forms that must be completed - 1:1 Parent and Student Agreement Form and Windber Area School District Acceptable Use Policy
Do students get to keep the computer over the summer?
No. Computers are returned for the summer to allow the Technology Department to update and fixes any issues with the devices for use in the next school year.
Is there a insurance program available to help cover the cost of repairs?
Yes, there is an insurance plan that can be purchased for $21.95 per year per device. Securranty Insurance Coverage