Chromebook Guidelines for Students

Chromebook Guidelines for Students and Parents

This document provides detailed information to parents and students about how to care for the technology being entrusted to them. 

 

1. Receiving a Chromebook 

a. Student Signature 

• Students will sign a form accepting a Chromebook, and by signing, agree to the terms of use at Pawnee CUSD #11. Chromebooks will be allowed to be taken home. 

b. Student Distribution 

• Chromebooks will be assigned to students that need them. 

• Each student will be assigned a specific number/serial number. They will be responsible for this device until it is turned in at the end of the year

2. Returning the Chromebook 

a. End of Year 

• At the end of the school year, parents/students will make sure Chromebook is returned to the proper school office.

• The school administrator will take inventory on all devices turned in and make necessary reports regarding damage. 

• The school administrator will make contact with parents regarding damage. 

b. Transferring/Withdrawing Students 

• Students that transfer out of or withdraw from Pawnee CUSD #11 must turn in their Chromebooks to appropriate office. Failure to turn in the Chromebook will result in the parent/student being charged the full replacement cost.  Pawnee CUSD #11 may also file a report of stolen property with the local law enforcement agency. 

3. Taking Care of the Chromebook 

• Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the school. 

• Students with Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must take the device to appropriate school office as soon as possible so that they can be taken care of properly. 

• Students should never take their Chromebooks out of their home other than to return them to the appropriate office. 

• All Chromebooks are the property of Pawnee CUSD #11 and as such may be inspected at any time. 

1. General Precautions 

• No food or drink should be next to Chromebooks. 

• Cords, cables, and removable storage devices (e.g. thumb drives) must be inserted carefully into appropriate port on the Chromebooks. 

• Heavy objects should never be placed on top of Chromebooks. 

• Chromebooks should never be loaned to another individual.  You are responsible for your Chromebook. 

• No stickers or other like items are to be placed on Chromebooks. Failure to follow this will result in a replacement fee for the total cost of a new Chromebook.

 b. Carrying Chromebooks 

• Always transport Chromebooks with care. 

• Students should hold the Chromebooks (cover closed) with two hands if they need to carry the Chromebook anywhere. 

• Never lift a Chromebook by the screen. 

• Never carry a Chromebook with the screen open. 

3.  Opening the Chromebook 

• Open the Chromebook only when it is resting on a flat surface such as a table or desk. 

• To open the Chromebook, use one hand to hold the keyboard against the table. Use the other hand to open the screen by grasping the screen’s edge (in the middle) and gently moving the screen to the open position

• The hinge of the screen will only allow the screen to be open to a slight angle. 

• Do not attempt to open the screen beyond this stopping point as the screen will break if forced. 

4. Closing the Chromebook 

• Before closing the screen, make sure there is nothing on the keyboard to prevent the full closure of the device. Obstacles on the keyboard could cause broken screens or damaged hinges. 

• Close the screen only when the Chromebook is resting on a flat surface such as a table or desk. 

• Close the Chromebook using two hands--one at either corner of the screen 

• Close the screen gently. 

5. Screen Care 

• The Chromebook screen can be damaged if subjected to heavy objects, rough treatment, some cleaning solvents, and other liquids. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure. 

• Do not put pressure on the top of a Chromebook when it is closed. 

• Do not store a Chromebook with the screen open. 

• Make sure there is nothing on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, or disks). 

• Never lift the Chromebook by the screen. 

• Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth. 

6. Asset Tags 

• All Chromebooks will be labeled with a tag. The tags may not be modified or tampered with in any way

• Students may be charged up to the full replacement cost of a Chromebook for tampering with tag or turning in a Chromebook without a tag. 

4. Using Chromebooks 

a. Media 

• Inappropriate media (pictures, music, movies, etc.) may not be used as Chromebook backgrounds or themes. The presence of such media can result in disciplinary action. 

• Inappropriate media (images, videos, etc.) may not be stored on or accessed on the Chromebook. The presence of such media will result in disciplinary action. 

2. Printing 

• Students can print from their Chromebook.

3. Network Access and Security 

• Students will log into their Chromebooks using their school issued school Gmail account. 

• Students should never share their account passwords with others, unless requested by an administrator. 

4. Managing and Saving Digital Work with a Chromebook 

• No files may be stored on the Chromebook’s hard drive. 

• Files that need to be saved must be saved on a thumb drive.

• The district will not be responsible for the loss of any student work. 

5. Student Responsibilities 

a. Following Classroom Guidelines 

• Students are responsible for following school and classroom specific guidelines and expectations for use. 

• Loaner Chromebooks may be issued to students when their school-issued Chromebook is being repaired. 

• A student borrowing a Chromebook must check out the loaner device and will be responsible for any damage to or loss of the loaned device. 

• Loaner devices must be treated with the same respect as any other device as outlined in this document. 

6. Operating System and Security 

• Students may not use or install any operating system on their Chromebook other that the current version of Chrome OS that is supported and managed by the district. 

1. Updates 

• The Chromebook operating system, Chrome OS, updates itself automatically. 

• Students do not need to manually update their Chromebooks. 

2. Virus Protection 

• Chromebooks use the principle of “defense in depth” to provide multiple layers of protection against viruses and malware, including data encryption and verified boot. 

• There is no need for additional virus protection. 

7. Content Filter 

• The district utilizes an Internet content filter that is in compliance with the federally mandated Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). 

• All Chromebooks will have all Internet access provided by the district filtered, protected and monitored by the district. If an educationally valuable site is blocked, students should contact their teachers to request the site be unblocked.

 8. Software 

1. 1. Google Apps for Education 

• Chromebooks seamlessly integrate with the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) suite of productivity and collaboration tools. This includes Google Docs (word processing), Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawings, and Forms. 

• When on the school network, all work is stored in the cloud. 

1. 2. Chrome Web Apps and Extensions 

• Students will not have the ability to download apps and extensions from the Chrome Web Store. 

9. Chromebook Identification 

1. 1. Pawnee CUSD #11 will maintain a log of all Chromebooks that includes the Chromebook serial number, asset tag code, and name and ID number of the student assigned to the device. 

10. Repairing/Replacing Chromebooks 

1. 1. All Chromebooks in need of repair must be brought to appropriate school office as soon as possible.

      • If damage is determined to be a result of misuse, the student will be responsible for the cost of a replacement Chromebook.

      • The replacement cost of a Chromebook is $250.

11. No Expectation of Privacy 

• Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a Chromebook, regardless of whether that use is for district-related or personal purposes, other than as specifically provided by law. 

• The District may, without prior notice or consent, log, supervise, access, view, monitor, and record use of student Chromebooks at any time for any reason related to the operation of the District. 

• By using a Chromebook, students agree to such access, monitoring, and recording of their use.