Chromebooks are similar to laptops. Unlike most computers, Chromebooks do not run Windows. Instead, they use Chrome OS, which is similar to the Google Chrome web browser. This means you can use a Chromebook to do just about anything you’d normally do online: read websites, check your email, and watch videos. Your Chromebook runs web apps instead of software programs used on other computers. For example, instead of using Microsoft Office to create documents, you can use Google Docs (docs.google.com) and Google Drive (drive.google.com) to create and share files online.

Yes, as long as you have a WIFI signal to access the web. There is an offline option, as well, when using Google Drive, and when students enter a wi-fi connection, it syncs again with the student’s Google account. While secondary students will bring the Chromebook to and from school daily, elementary students will leave them in school in locked cabinets that will also charge them. If a project or assignment requires the use of the Chromebook off-campus, teachers will provide notice.

If a Chromebook and/or power adapter are 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 costs 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- $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 two 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.

Before logging into the Chromebook while off campus, connect to your home wireless network by clicking on the wireless icon next to the time in the bottom right corner.  When you are in a WSSD school, your Chromebook will automatically connect to the districts network.

The recommendation is to only use your WSSDGMAIL.org account on the district Chromebook.  Logging into other accounts may result in slow speeds and the inability to access school work asigned to your WSSDGMAIL.org account.  If you need to check other email, make sure you log out of all personal accounts in Google Chrome before accessing your school work. 

Sometimes Chromebooks can get stuck in the power off state. Turn the Chromebook off if necessary (hold the power button to shut down the Chromebook).  With it off, hold both the Escape and Refresh (the circular arrow key above the'4' key) buttons down at the same time. With your other hand, press the power button, and then let go of all 3.  This should boot the Chromebook into recovery mode.  This normally takes 30 seconds to boot.  Once the recovery screen is showing, you can hold the power button to turn it off and then press power again to turn it back on.

Chromebooks have a rated battery life of 8-10 hours. However, we do expect that secondary students will charge them each evening to ensure maximum performance during the school day without interruption of use.

Chromebooks are built for web-based work and as a result have limited local storage. The quickest solution is to remove all accounts from the Chromebook.  This will remove locally saved data and settings, but will NOT remove anything saved in Google Drive, Gmail, etc.  Before removing accounts, move locally stored files to the Google Drive. To remove your account, sign out of the Chromebook, click on the downwards pointing arrow next to each account name, and click Remove this user. You will need to click on Yes to confirm.

To update Google Chrome, follow the steps below:

1. At the bottom right, select the time.

2. Select Settings (Gear icon).

3. At the bottom of the left panel, select About Chrome OS.

4. Select Check for updates.

5. If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start to download automatically.

6. If required, click on Restart to finish the install.

GoGuardian is a program that may be used on a District-issued Chromebook by teachers. The Chromebooks are used in Grades 3-12. Click here for some frequently asked questions about GoGuardian.

The Chrome Web Store has hundreds of thousands of extensions and apps available.  Per policy, we block all extensions and apps.  We then add certain extensions and apps to an allow list.  The allowed list is vetted for educational purposes and needs to be approved before adding additional items. A current list is at the bottom of this webpage.  If there is an extension or app that is needed for school, please have your teacher submit the request through helpdesk@wssd.org.

This most commonly happens when you have more than one Google account logged in on the same computer. First try to Clear cookies and cache in Chrome. NOTE:  In the window that opens make sure the Time range is set for All time and that the boxes for ‘Browsing history’ and ‘Cookies and other site data’ are checked.

If that doesn’t work then please remove your account from the Chromebook so that you can sign back in with a refreshed account:  This will wipe locally saved data and settings, but will NOT remove anything saved in Google Drive, Gmail, etc.  To remove your account, sign out of the Chromebook, click on the downwards pointing arrow next to your name, and click Remove this user. You will need to click on Yes to confirm.

If you are trying to access or submit files from a personal computer: 

You need to make sure that only your WSSD Google account is logged in, in the web browser.  Go to google.com->click on your profile icon (default is your initial)->click on sign out of all accounts.  Log back in with just your WSSD Google credentials to see if you can access and submit your files.