Think of a Chromebook as a laptop optimized for the internet. While it looks like a standard computer, it operates differently to keep things simple and fast:

• The Browser is the Key: Almost everything you do happens inside the Google Chrome browser.

• Apps vs. Programs: Rather than downloading programs like Word or Excel, you’ll use Google’s suite of tools (Docs, Sheets, and Slides). These tools are built for collaboration, making it easy for students to work together on projects in real-time.

• Always Ready: Because it doesn't run a heavy operating system like Windows, Chromebooks start up in seconds and have excellent battery life for the school day.

You can use your device anywhere with a Wi-Fi signal. If you are in a location without internet access:

• Offline Mode: Students can continue working on files through Google Drive’s offline mode.

• Automatic Syncing: Once the device reconnects to Wi-Fi, all offline work will automatically sync to the student’s Google account.

To "wake" a Chromebook that won't turn on, start by holding the power button to ensure it is fully shut down. Then, initiate a manual reboot by holding the Escape and Refresh (circular arrow) keys together while tapping the power button. Release all three keys and wait approximately 30 seconds for the recovery screen to appear. Once the screen is visible, hold the power button to turn the device off, then press it one last time to boot the Chromebook back into its normal operating mode. 

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.

Per policy, we block all extensions and apps in the Chrome Web Store.  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.

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.