As part of our technology initiative, the Assumption Parish Schools (APS) are pleased to offer a 1:1 device program to provide students with a district-owned Chromebook for school and home use. We aim to help our students develop the necessary skills to successfully live and work in an increasingly technology-advanced world by providing engaging and powerful learning experiences for all students across all curricular areas. This initiative will facilitate student learning through student research, differentiated learning to accommodate student needs, increased communication and problem-solving skills, greater student engagement and enthusiasm for learning, responsible behavior through digital citizenship, and motivation to become lifelong learners.
This exciting learning opportunity comes with specific responsibilities, obligations, and guidelines, which APS has outlined herein. Signing this agreement signifies that the student and parent/guardian are aware of the responsibilities they accept when using district-owned devices and other technology resources. In addition to following these guidelines, APS requires the student to adhere to the Acceptable Use of Technology Resources Agreement and all applicable rules set by the district, school, or teacher.
General Information
Receiving the Chromebook
The student will receive the following:
- Chromebook - to be transported daily between home and school
- AC adapter, which should remain at home and be used to charge the Chromebook nightly
The student and parent/guardian must sign and return this agreement and the Acceptable Use of Technology Resources agreement and pay any applicable fees before the equipment is issued.
Returning the Chromebook
Students must return district-owned Chromebooks and accessories at the end of each school year or before unenrolling and leaving the district.
- The student must return the Chromebook and accessories in working and usable condition.
- Students who leave the district during the school year must return the device to the school at the time of withdrawal.
- Students who complete an in-district transfer must return devices. The school tracks devices. The student’s new school will issue a new device.
- APS will consider any Chromebook or accessories not returned stolen property and notify law enforcement agencies.
Taking Care of the Chromebook
General Precautions
The student is responsible for the general care of the issued Chromebook
- All devices and accessories are the property of the Assumption Parish Schools.
- Keep food and drink away from the device.
- Do not attempt to remove or change the physical structure of the Chromebook ( keys, case, etc.)
- Insert and remove cords and cables carefully to prevent damage to the Chromebook.
- Except for those placed by APS staff, Chromebooks must remain free of writing, drawing, stickers, labels, etc.
- Never leave devices in an unlocked locker, car, or unsupervised area.
- Do not hold, lift, or suspend the Chromebook in the air solely by the screen/display.
- Close the lid of the Chromebook when it is not in use to save battery life and protect the screen.
- Students should only charge the Chromebook with the charger issued with the device.
- The device is sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold. Therefore, leaving it in cars, direct sunlight, etc., that may expose it to these conditions is potentially harmful to the device and must be avoided.
- The student is responsible for bringing their Chromebook for use each school day fully charged.
Carrying the Chromebook
- Transport the Chromebook with care
- Chromebooks should always be stored and carried within the provided protective case.
- Never transport your Chromebook with the power cord plugged in.
- The lids should always be closed and tightly secured when moving the Chromebook.
- Do not walk from one location to another while the Chromebook is open.
- Always carry the device with two hands.
- Never move a Chromebook by lifting it from the screen.
- Always support the device from its base with the lid closed.
Screen Care
Users can easily damage the Chromebook screen. The screens are susceptible to damage from excessive pressure.
- Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the screen. Do not use cleaners of any type.
- Do not lean or put pressure on the Chromebook when it is closed.
- Do not “bump” the device against lockers, walls, car doors, floors, etc.
- Do not throw or sling any bag containing the device.
- Refrain from stacking any books, heavy material, etc., on top of the Chromebook. Any extra weight can crack the screen even when the device is in its protective case.
- Do not touch the screen with any objects (fingers, pens, pencils, etc.) unless you are issued a touch-enabled device.
- Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (pens, pencils, notebook, earbuds, etc.)
Storing the Chromebook
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Chromebook is always safe and secure.
- The student should never leave the Chromebook unattended.
- When not in use, store the Chromebook in a secure location.
- Nothing should be placed on top of the Chromebook when being stored.
Chromebook Left in Unsupervised Areas
- Chromebook should always be in a supervised area, including but not limited to the school campus, cafeteria, library, computer lab, locker room, restroom, gymnasium, unlocked classroom, and hallway.
- A Chromebook left in an unsupervised area is in danger of being damaged or stolen.
- APS staff will confiscate unsupervised Chromebooks, and may result in disciplinary action against the student assigned to the unsupervised Chromebook
Chromebook Identification
All Chromebooks contain an APS asset tag number, a manufacturer’s serial number, and a student identification label. APS uses this information to identify the device and its assigned student.
- The student must not remove or interfere with the identification labels on the device.
- If the asset tag, serial number, or student identification label begins to detach from the device, the student should report it immediately to school authorities.
Using the Chromebook
General Information
- Upon approval, students can take their Chromebooks home each night throughout the school year.
- APS intends for the Chromebook to be used at school each day
- The student is responsible for bringing their Chromebook to all classes.
- Students shall only use Chromebooks for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
Chromebook Left at Home
- If the student leaves the Chromebook at home, a temporary loaner may be issued if one is available. Repeatedly leaving the device at home may result in disciplinary action.
- If the student leaves the Chromebook at home, they are responsible for completing all assignments as if they had the device present.
Charging the Chromebook
A fully charged Chromebook battery should last an entire day of regular use at school.
- The student is responsible for bringing the fully charged Chromebook each school day. Repeat violators may be subject to disciplinary action.
- Immediately report any battery issue (battery not lasting an entire day after a nightly charge, etc.) to your school administration.
Apps and Extensions on Chromebooks
- Devices are controlled and monitored by APS.
- APS blocks students from adding apps or extensions to the Chromebook. APS controls access to Chromebook apps and extensions.
- Do not attempt to “jailbreak” the Chromebook or change the configuration.
Cameras and Microphones
- The student must obtain approval before using the device for taking pictures and audio and video recordings.
- Pictures and electronic recordings may not be shared, published, or re-broadcasted without permission from the teacher and all involved parties.
Screensaver, Background, Profile Photo
- With teacher permission, students may use school-appropriate media to change screensavers, background photos, or profile images.
- Attempted use of inappropriate images such as, but not limited to, guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drugs, or gang-related symbols and pictures will result in disciplinary action.
Audio
- The student may bring and use headphones or earbuds at school when APS staff approves. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal accessories brought and used at school.
- Students must mute the sound at all times unless their teacher grants permission for instructional purposes or the teacher allows for headphone use.
Managing and Saving Digital Work to the Chromebook
Google for Education offers a suite of applications (word processing, slideshow presentations, spreadsheets, etc.), allowing users to create several online documents. Users can store their documents and files in the Google Cloud Account (Google Drive).
- The student will save work to their Google Drive, accessible from any device with Internet access.
- If a wireless Internet connection is unavailable, Google for Education files can be available for offline editing before losing Internet connectivity. Once connected to the Internet, offline documents will sync to the Google Cloud, allowing the student to work offline.
- If a Chromebook needs repair, students may lose files stored locally if the device needs resetting.
Printing from the Chromebook
- Printing will not be available with the Chromebook.
Privacy and Security
- In compliance with state and federal regulations, Assumption Parish Schools utilize a CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) compliant web filter and other technologies to prevent students from accessing obscene, pornographic, harmful, anti-social, or illegal activity promoting websites. The district also monitors students' online activities through direct supervision and technology.
- Internet access may include the potential for access to inappropriate content despite the best supervision and filtering efforts because no content filtering can block 100% of the material available on the Internet. If access to an inappropriate site occurs, the student must notify the teacher immediately.
- The use of anonymous proxies to bypass content filters is strictly prohibited.
- APS will use monitoring software to scan and detect inappropriate content in the student’s Google Drive, regardless of the device.
- Users of the technology resources of APS resources have no rights, ownership, or expectations of privacy to any data that is, or was, stored on the Chromebook, Google Drive, the school network, or any district-issued applications. APS gives no guarantees that data will be retained or destroyed
- Students can only log in to the school-issued Chromebook using their assumptionschools.com account.
- Guest access is not available on APS Chromebooks. The student must log in to use the device.
- The student must not share their password.
- The student must refrain from allowing another student to use their Google account.
- APS reserves the right to inspect or confiscate a student’s device, change a student’s password to access the account or suspend the student’s account for any reason
At-Home Use
- The student can set up access to home wireless networks on their device.
- The Chromebook will be filtered for inappropriate content regardless of where the student uses the Chromebook.
- The student must abide by all APS acceptable use agreements and guidelines regardless of where they use the Chromebook.
Digital Citizenship Pledge
While working in a digital and collaborative environment, the student must always conduct themself as a good citizen by adhering to the following:
- Respect Yourself - I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will use caution with the information, images, and other media I post online. I will carefully consider what personal data and which photos I post. I will NOT misbehave. I will act with integrity.
- Protect Yourself - I will ensure that the information I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my details, contact details, or a schedule of my activities and report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me online. I will protect passwords, accounts, and resources.
- Respect Others - I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass, or stalk others. I will show respect for others in my choice of websites. I will not intentionally attempt to access inappropriate sites. I will not access online accounts that belong to others.
- Protect Others - I will protect others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications. I will avoid inappropriate materials and conversations.
- Respect Intellectual Property - I will request permission to use copyright or otherwise protected materials. I will suitably cite all use of websites, books, media, etc. I will acknowledge all primary sources. I will validate the information. I will use and abide by fair use rules.
- Protect Intellectual Property - I will request to use software and media that others produce. I will not download, share, or post illegally obtained media. I will abide by all licensing agreements.
Repairing/Replacing Damaged Chromebooks
Technology Fee
APS will charge an annual technology usage fee to help cover the maintenance, repairs, or replacement cost of a device assigned to a student to take home. The technology fee, currently $10 per student, must be made before a student can take a device home. The Technology Fee is non-refundable and will not cover negligence, intentional damage, or a lost/stolen device. Repairs can range from $75 to $200, and the Chromebook replacement costs $350. The replacement cost of a power adapter is $40. Fees are to be paid to the student’s school, not the district.
Accidental Damage vs. Negligence/Intentional Damage
Accidents do happen. There is a difference, however, between an accident and negligence or intentional damage. If the school administration or a certified repair technician determines the student intentionally or negligently damages the Chromebook, the student will face disciplinary action and be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
Broken/Malfunctioning Chromebooks
The student will be held responsible for maintaining their Chromebook and keeping it in good working order. Students must immediately report a malfunctioning or broken Chromebook to school authorities.
- The district Technology Department will handle repairs of damaged or malfunctioning Chromebooks.
- The student or parent/guardian should refrain from attempting to complete any repairs to the device, nor should it be taken to an outside computer service for any repair or maintenance. Doing so will void the warranty and coverage policy on the device.
- The school may provide the student with a loaner Chromebook while APS repairs the device. School administration will decide whether to offer loaners to students.
Lost or Stolen Chromebook
- Students should immediately report lost or stolen Chromebooks to the school administration.
- If a student reports that someone stole the Chromebook while at school, the school staff will attempt to locate the device. If school staff cannot find the device, the school will file a police report.
- Suppose the Chromebook is stolen anywhere besides the school’s campus. In that case, the student or parent/guardian must report the theft to local law enforcement immediately and then to the school administration on the first day (start of the day) that the student returns to school. Once the authorities file the police report, the student or parent/guardian must pay for and obtain a copy of the police report and provide a copy to the school administration within ten business days of the report date. The student may be provided with a loaner Chromebook, if available, upon submission of a police report and at the school administration’s discretion.
- The student or parent/guardian should record the APS asset tag number (on the asset tag) and the serial number (on the device’s bottom). APS and authorities will use these numbers if the device is lost or stolen.
- The technology fee does not cover lost or stolen devices or accessories.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
APS strongly encourages the parent/guardian to actively monitor and supervise the student as they use the Chromebook at home.
Parent Best Practices for Internet Safety at Home
- Keep computers in a central place to make it easier for you to monitor and keep an eye on your child’s activities.
- Know when your child goes online. Establish specific times when accessing the Internet is permitted and keep that schedule.
- Limit the length of access time to encourage your child to go directly to the information required rather than aimlessly surfing the Internet.
- Talk about what kinds of sites they like to visit and establish what is and isn’t appropriate for your family.
- You can also check where your child has been by looking at the history in the browser menu.
- Teach Internet Safety - It is impossible to monitor your child’s online activity all the time. As your child gets older, they need to know how to use the Internet safely and responsibly. Teach your child not to communicate or share personal information with strangers online.
- Use Privacy Settings and Sharing Controls - Many sites that feature user-generated content, YouTube, Facebook, and other social networking sites, have sharing controls that put users in charge of who sees personal blogs, photos, videos, and profiles. Teach your child to respect the privacy of friends and family by not identifying people by name in profiles and pictures.
- Protect Passwords - Remind your child that they should not give their password to anyone for any reason. Ensure your child makes a habit of unclicking the “Remember Me” settings on the computer.
- Teach Your Child to Communicate Responsibly - Instruct your child to talk to you if they find anything on the Internet that makes them uncomfortable. Ask your child about their Internet experiences and what they have learned. Remind your child that they should not text, email, instant message, or post hurtful or inappropriate information.
- View all Content Critically - Just because you see it online doesn’t mean it is true. Children should learn to distinguish reliable sources from unreliable ones and verify the information they find online. Ensure they understand that cutting and pasting content directly from the Internet is plagiarism.
Failure to Follow Guidelines and Policies
Student use of the Chromebook, network, and Internet is a privilege, not a right. Students should use Chromebooks for educational purposes and adhere to all acceptable use guidelines, policies, and all of its corresponding administrative procedures. Misuse of the Chromebook or the school network can impose disciplinary consequences. Violations of guidelines and policies may result in, but are not limited to, the following disciplinary actions:
- Student/Parent Conference with school administrator, teacher, or other school officials
- Restriction of Internet and Chromebook privileges
- Disabling of Google Account
- Detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion
- Restitution for damages or replacement
- Legal action
*** If APS revokes privileges, the student will be responsible for all assignments in paper/pencil format ***