District Devices
The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District recognizes the importance of intentionally integrating technology and building students digital literacy and skills to prepare students for success as they continue their education or enter the workforce. The district provides each student access to grade appropriate technology.
Devices are stored at school and may travel with the student to Special Area classes and other small group settings.
Devices are stored at school in 3rd-5th Grade and are transported to/from school daily in 6th-12th Grade.
WSSD retains the sole right of ownership and possession of the device. The device is assigned to the student for educational purposes only. Moreover, WSSD's administrative staff and faculty retain the right to collect, monitor, and/or inspect the device at any time. The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s School Board Policy No. 815 & 815A: Acceptable Use of Networks, Internet, Computing Resources and CIPA Internet Safety Compliance applies to all faculty and staff while using this district issued device, regardless of usage location.
Inappropriate use or neglect of a device, charger, the internet and/or any installed add-ons, apps, or extensions could result in the loss of privileges. Loss of privileges will not change classroom expectations and/or assignment completion. Devices are to be returned as received upon withdrawal and when requested by any school district official.
Expectations for Student Use
USAGE
Student are responsible for the appropriate use of their assigned device both at school and off campus.
The device is to be used for educational purposes only.
Students are responsible for backing up all data to their WSSD Google Drive to prevent loss.
Students should not loan the device to anyone (including family members) and should not share login or password information for any website or services.
Students will only use software that is permitted to be installed and/or run on the electronic device.
All software on district devices will be licensed, approved and installed by a District Technician.
Downloading unauthorized games, extensions, applications or software by students is NOT permitted.
Downloading purchased music, or loading music and/or personal photos onto the device is permitted for educational purposes only. However, any personal information or material on the device is the sole responsibility of the student and should not interfere with device usage or schoolwork.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Each student is responsible for keeping track of their assigned device and for taking precautions to keep it safe.
Do not mark, decorate, attach stickers, etc. to your district issued device as it must be returned in the same condition as it was issued.
Chromebook skins, covers, carrying cases are acceptable and encouraged (but will not be provided by the district). These can be useful to protect the device and help distinguish Chromebooks from each other. For the 22-23 School year, Grades 6-12 have Dell Chromebook 3100
When devices are stored in lockers, make certain lockers are completely closed and locked.
When devices are stored in backpacks, make certain the backpack is never left unattended.
Be careful not to drop or throw backpacks containing devices to avoid damaging them.
Students should not carry devices while the screen is open.
Do not lean on the top of the device when it is closed.
Do not poke the screen.
Cords, cables, and removable storage devices should be inserted carefully into the device so as not to damage the ports.
A fee may be charges for intentional damage to your assigned device.
Clean dirty screens with an antistatic cloth. Do not use tissues, paper towels or any other kinds of material that will scratch the device screen.
When closing and storing the device in a sleeve or backpack, turn it off to prevent overheating.
WSSD asset tags and device name labels applied by the district may not be removed or altered. If either the asset tag or device name label on your assigned device needs to be replaced please email the help desk helpdesk@wssd.org.
PROCEDURE (Grades 6-12)
It is expected that all students bring their Chromebook to school with them EVERY SCHOOL DAY. A Chromebook that is left at home will be treated the same as if textbooks or homework were left at home.
It is expected that all Chromebooks will be fully charged at home for the start of the school day. Failure to charge the Chromebook is equivalent to not being prepared for class.
It is not guaranteed that a students who forget to bring their Chromebook to school will be provided with a loaner.
Devices are to be returned as received upon withdrawal and when requested by any school district official. Student records will not be released until the assigned device and charger have been turned in.
Damaged Chromebooks should be taken to the Library or other designated location. An incident report will be filled out and signed by the student, and a loaner Chromebook will be issued.
If your assigned Chromebook is lost or stolen, go to the Library or other designated location. An incident report will be filled out and signed by the student, and then given to a building principal who will investigate the situation. A loaner Chromebook will not be issued until the investigation is complete.
Students are responsible for the replacement of lost/damaged Chromebook charging plugs. Replacement chargers must be purchased from Dell. Compatible or refurbished replacement charger cannot be accepted and may not be safe. Please reach out to the helpdesk helpdesk@wssd.org for a link to the appropriate charger.
Usernames & Passwords
Usernames are the student's first initial followed by their last name (i.e. Jane Smith's username would be jsmith). In instances where there are duplicate usernames the username will be followed by a number (i.e. jsmith2).
Students will be required to maintain an updated password on their device. Students may never share, distribute, or otherwise allow other students access to their password.
Students in grades 6-12 set their own passwords and are required to change them annually. **New students will follow the convention below for their initial password. Lunch pins will be assigned prior to the first day of school. If the Lunch Pin is not in PowerSchool, please contact helpdesk@wssd.org.
Students in grades K-5 use common password conventions by building (see below). For directions on how to access student lunch codes click here.
npe(lower case) + 4-digit lunch code + ! Ex. npe1234!
srs (lower case) + 4-digit lunch code + ! Ex. srs1234!
wes (lower case) + 4-digit lunch code + ! Ex. wes1234!
If you need help with your username or password please email helpdesk@wssd.org. If you do not have access to email, you can leave a message at 610-892-3470 x5100.
Cost of Repairs/Replacement
WSSD recognizes that with the implementation of the one to one initiative, there is a need to protect the investment by both the District and the student/parent. Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@wssd.org) if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. The Technology Department will investigate the issue and inform the family if there is a cost associated with the replacement or repair.
Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@wssd.org) if you experience any technical problems. If it cannot be fixed at that time, a loaner device may be issued to you, if available.
If a Chromebook or power adapter is intentionally damaged, Dell will not cover the damages. All WSSD Chromebooks are on lease from Dell and need to be in working condition when the lease comes to term. Below are the cost for a Chromebook and power adapter if they are intentionally damaged, not returned to the district when required, or if they are lost at any point in time.
Dell Chromebook 3100- $275
Dell Chromebook LCD Screen Replacement- $119
Dell Power Adapter- $36
Dell Chromebook Keyboard Replacement- $20
If the Chromebook is damaged, the family should notify the help desk (helpdesk@wssd.org) and it should be returned to the district. We will work with Dell to determine warranty coverage. If the device has 2 warranty calls in the same calendar year, there will be a charge to the family, not to exceed the cost of the device. If the power adapter is lost or damaged, there will be a charge to the family at the cost listed above.
Checks should be made out to Wallingford-Swarthmore School District and sent to the Technology Department.
Home Internet Access
Students in grades 6-12 take their district Chromebooks home. All online content is filtered no matter where the device is located (while on school grounds and at home). To learn how to connect a district Chromebook to home Wi-Fi go to the Chromebook FAQs.
If your family does not have internet in your home you may qualify for assistance if you are eligible for public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others. Find more information in the parent/guardian section.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilites & resources
Please review the Expectations for Student Use, WSSD Acceptable Use Policy, and talk to your child about internet safety and the standards that your child should follow when using the internet. Here are additional resources to help.
FAQs
How do I contact the district for help with my district device?
You can always reach the WSSD Technology Department via email at helpdesk@wssd.org. If you do not have access to email, you can leave a message at 610-892-3470 x5100.
I need a website for school work, but the website is blocked. Why is it blocked?
Our filter uses an algorithm that is used to categorize site. Sometimes this algorithm incorrectly categorizes a site. If the site is needed for educational purposes, we can change the category on the filter to allow it for students. If the site is not educational, it will remain blocked. If you need access to a site for school, you may submit the site for review directly from the blocked page. The site will be reviewed and allow if deemed appropriate. Social media sites will remain blocked.
Why can't I access certain videos on YouTube.com?
Our filter allows us the use of YouTube while blocking videos that are inappropriate for school. If a video isn't categorized by our filter, it is blocked as a fail-safe. Teachers have the ability to submit videos to our help desk for review. We will allow any video submitted by a teacher that is deemed educational.
What should I do if the device lables (name or asset tag) become damaged?
Please contact the Help Desk helpdesk@wssd.org and the Technology Department will replace them.