Instructional Technology & Chromebooks

Grades 5-12 Students will be issued the following:

• Chromebook managed by the District
• Google Chrome Management License that allows the District to support applications and provide oversight.
• (1) Power cord
• (1) Protective Chromebook Case

BASIC CARE

• Be mindful of food, drink, etc. that may come in contact with the Chromebook.
• Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted and removed carefully into the Chromebook.
• Students should never carry their Chromebook by the screen.
• Chromebooks should be closed or shut down when not in use to conserve battery life.
• Chromebooks should never be forced into a tight space in a locker or wedged into a book bag, as this may damage the screen.
• Do not expose your Chromebook to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Extreme cold or heat may cause damage to the device.
• Always bring your Chromebook to room temperature before turning it on.

SCREEN CARE

• Chromebook screens can easily be damaged, particularly by excessive pressure.
• Actions that tend to damage the screen:
  • Placing anything near the Chromebook that could put pressure on the screen.
  • Placing anything (e.g., headphones, pens, pencils, flash drives, etc.) in the carrying case that will press against the cover.
  • Poking the screen.
  • Placing anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g., headphones, pens, pencils, flash drives, etc.)
  • Clean the screen with a soft, dry, anti-static, or microfiber cloth.  Do not use window cleaner or any type of liquid or water on the Chromebook.  Individually moistened eyeglass lens cleaning tissues may also be used to clean the screen.

CHROMEBOOK CASES

District usage history clearly illustrates that Chromebook cases significantly reduce the likelihood of damage to the device. The District is providing cases that are custom-fit to the Chromebook. Therefore, it is expected that students will at all times use and transport the Chromebook inside that case. Failure to do so may result in appropriate disciplinary or corrective action.

Students access their Google Workspace for Education account by logging in using their *@stu.aasd.k12.wi.us email account. When in school, Chromebooks will automatically connect to the AASD wireless network. When logged in, students are able to access their schoolwork from any computer that has Internet access.

The AASD does not guarantee that the school network will be up and running 100% of the time. In the rare case that the network is down, the District will not be responsible for lost or missing data.

• Students are provided with an email account by the school. Email correspondence is to be used for educational purposes only. Electronic communication coming from or going to the school-issued email account can and may be monitored to ensure that all terms of usage are followed. 4K-8th-grade students cannot send or receive email from outside of the school district. Students in grades 9-12 can send and receive emails from outside of the school district.
• As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), an Internet filter is maintained by the district for schools. When AASD Chromebooks are used on networks outside the District network (e.g., home, coffee shop, etc.), the same level of filtering will be maintained.
• Filtering restricts access to inappropriate online materials as defined by the AASD Board Policy, including, but not limited to, pornography, obscenities, or other material deemed harmful to minors. AASD cannot guarantee that access to all inappropriate online material will be blocked. No filter is as reliable as adult supervision! It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to monitor student use, especially the Internet, in the home. It is the responsibility of the user to appropriately use the device, network, and the Internet. All use, including off-campus, is governed by AASD Acceptable Use of Technology Policy 363.
• Students are required to notify a teacher or administrator if they access information or messages that are inappropriate, dangerous, threatening, or that make them feel uncomfortable.

AASD is not responsible for providing internet access outside of school. The ability to access the internet from home varies from situation to situation. No guarantee is implied. A list of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Appleton area may be found at the following site: https://www.wifimap.io/3133-appleton-free-wifi/map

AASD utilizes software to facilitate the monitoring of student Internet usage. While AASD is committed to protecting students, no technical or human supervision is failsafe. AASD reserves the right to investigate, review, monitor, and restrict information stored and transmitted on district-owned devices.

Attempts by students to bypass the monitoring and filtering systems in place by resetting the device or attempting to install or use proxy servers or any other measures will be dealt with via the disciplinary process and may result in loss of student use of the device or other measures deemed appropriate by AASD administration, up to and including expulsion.
 

• AT SCHOOL:
  • The Chromebook is intended for daily instructional use. Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to all classes unless specifically advised not to do so by their teacher. When instructed not to bring a Chromebook to class, devices are to be securely and properly stored in the student’s assigned locker/desk/classroom.
  • If a student forgets their Chromebook, they will need to report to the school's Chromebook Helpdesk/LMC/Classroom Teacher for assistance.
• AT HOME (Grades 5-12):
  • Students are encouraged to use their Chromebooks outside of the school day and at home for educational purposes. All students are responsible for maintaining an appropriate (full) charge for the battery on a daily basis. Students are expected to charge their Chromebooks at home when the battery is unable to support a day’s use in school. There is no guarantee that charging resources will be available in school when a student may need them.
  • Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to school each day.
• SOUND:
  • Speakers are to be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes.
• PRINTING:
  • AASD encourages the digital transfer of information by sharing educational information and emailing information, assignments, other communications, etc. If a printed copy of a document is necessary, students may print from a District networked computer. Printing is available by accessing your Google Drive on a networked computer within the school building and printing.
  • Chromebook printing is available based on a site decision.
• PERSONALIZING the CHROMEBOOK/CASE:
  • Chromebooks must remain free of any decorative writing, drawing, stickers, paint, tape, or labels that are not the property of the AASD.
  • Students may add appropriate music, photos, and videos to their Google Drive.
  • Personalization of cases is acceptable as long as it is removable. Students are responsible for turning in clean cases when they return their Chromebooks.
  • Personalized media are subject to inspection and must follow the AASD acceptable use policy.
• PRIVACY AND SAFETY:
  • Data storage is not guaranteed to be private or confidential. District Administration reserves the right to inspect files on District property at any time and will take the necessary steps if files are in violation of the District’s Technology Acceptable User Policy.
  • Inadvertent access to a website that contains obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive material must be reported to a teacher or an administrator immediately so that such sites can be blocked from further access. This is not merely a request; it is a responsibility.
• LEGAL PROPRIETY:
  • All students and staff must comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements.  Ignorance of the law is not immunity. If you are unsure, ask if you are in compliance with the law.  The school librarian is a resource for questions on copyright.
  • Plagiarism is a violation of the AASD discipline code. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text.
• MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE:
  • AASD has installed Google Chrome Management Software on all devices. Any attempts to bypass this software through any measures, including resetting the device, will result in disciplinary action by AASD.

• Using the network for illegal activities, including copyright violations;
• Accessing online sites or materials that do not support the curriculum or are inappropriate for school purposes while on campus;
• Downloading inappropriate materials, viruses, or software;
• Using or possessing hacking or file-sharing software, including keystroke loggers, batch files, or applications used to bypass laptop or network security;
• Gaining unauthorized access anywhere on the network, including attempting to log onto the Internet, network, servers, routers, switches, printers, or firewall as a system administrator;
• Using the Chromebook for financial gain, advertising, or political influence;
• Vandalizing or tampering with equipment, files, software, system performance, or other network equipment;
• Attempting to repair, remove, or install computer hardware or software;
• Opening the computer to access internal parts;
• Causing network congestion or interfering with the work of others, including sending chain emails or broadcast messages;
• Subscribing to mail lists, mass emails, games, or other services that cause network congestion;
• Intentionally wasting finite Internet or network resources, including downloading files, streaming music, videos, or games, or installing, activating, or creating programs that interfere with the performance of the network, Internet, or computer hardware;
• Revealing, sharing, or posting personal information, including full name, address, phone numbers, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or passwords for yourself or others;
• Invading the privacy of others;
• Using another person’s username or password, or allowing another person to access your account using your username or password;
• Pretending to be someone else when sending or receiving messages;
• Forwarding or distributing inappropriate email messages;
• Engaging in harassment or transmitting obscene  messages, pictures, websites, or other files including racist, terrorist, abusive, sexually explicit, vulgar, threatening, stalking, demeaning, slanderous, or any other inflammatory content;
• Utilizing sites to sell or purchase written papers, book reports, and other student work, or to commit any act of plagiarism;
• Using unauthorized technology to gain an advantage on assessments by providing or receiving information not allowed by the instructor or that is unavailable to other students;
• Assisting, observing, or joining any unauthorized activity using the Chromebook, network, or Internet;
• Accessing or attempting to access Internet sites not approved by the district/teacher, including non-educational use of chat rooms, instant messaging, or social networking, social media sites, and other sites that could expose students to harm or distraction from engagement in  academic and school-related pursuits (Policy 363.3)
• Attempting to disable or bypass the AASD Internet content filter or firewall, or attempting to use proxies to access sites that would otherwise be restricted, including by means of resetting the machine to its factory settings;
• Falsifying permission or identification information;
• Copying or modifying files, data, or passwords belonging to others, or using technology to circumvent doing your own work for your courses;
• Knowingly placing a computer virus on a computer or network (additionally, legal charges may be filed);
• Writing, drawing, painting, defacing, or placing stickers or labels on school-owned laptops or laptop accessories, or causing other intentional damage;
• Attempting to alter data or the configuration of a computer or the files of another user will be considered vandalism and subject to disciplinary action;
• The presence of images of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drugs, or gang-related symbols is subject to disciplinary action;

Cyberbullying in any form is unacceptable. Students will not engage in any cyber-bullying activities, which may include efforts to harass, threaten, torment, embarrass, or intimidate students or school staff, or the general public through the use of a Chromebook or computer.

In situations in which cyber-bullying originates from off-campus conduct, but is brought to the attention of school officials, any disciplinary action will be based upon whether the conduct is determined to be materially and substantially disruptive of the school environment or have a direct and immediate effect on school safety or on the maintaining of order and discipline in the schools.

Discipline for cyber-bullying will be handled on a case-by-case basis as deemed appropriate by the school administration. In addition, criminal acts will be reported to law enforcement.

• Students are responsible for complying with Board policies and this handbook at all times. Consequences for non-compliance with Board policies and this handbook may include disciplinary actions and/or financial responsibilities. Failure to comply may reduce or revoke student privileges in the 1:1 Chromebook program.
• The student may also be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the AASD Student Handbook. The AASD cooperates fully with local, state, and federal law enforcement in the investigation of all computer crimes.

The Chromebook remains the property of the AASD and cannot be loaned, sold, bartered, traded, leased, rented, or given to any other person(s). Failure to return the Chromebook and peripherals will result in a certified letter being sent to the parent or adult student listing the items not returned and associated replacement costs. The parent or adult student will have five (5) days to return the items or pay replacement costs.

Failure to comply will result in a referral to local law enforcement.  

The parent or adult student may be charged with theft.

The AASD reserves the right at any time to require the return of the Chromebook.

Damaged or inoperable Chromebooks are to be returned to the LMC/Office (location varies by building) to be entered into the repair tracking system.

For repairs taking more than one or two hours, a loaner may be provided to the student to use until the device is repaired and returned.

• Chromebooks are assigned to students in a similar fashion to assigning textbooks. However, unlike textbook assignments, Chromebooks will be assigned to the student annually for the entirety of their enrollment in the District. It is understood that as materials are used, normal wear is expected. What is not expected is wear and tear that is above what is considered normal.
• As with textbooks, students may be issued a fine at the end of the school year if excessive wear is evident.
• It is also understood that when using electronic devices, damage may occur. Two types of damage to school property are accidental damage and malicious or negligent damage. If a device is damaged, the student will need to return the device to the school’s designated help desk to generate a repair order and to determine the nature of the damage, accidental or malicious. If device damage is determined to be accidental, the student may be able to check out a loaner while the device is being repaired. The student may be charged for the repeated repair.
• If a device is damaged through malice or negligence, the student will be responsible for all repair costs. In addition, students may face administrative or legal consequences depending on the nature of the damage. All determinations of malicious damage will be made by the school administration.
• If the device is lost or stolen, the school administration must be immediately notified. Contact must also be made with the School Resource Officer (SRO) so an official police report can be generated to report the lost or stolen device.
• Efforts will be made to find and return the device, but if the device is unable to be located, the student may be responsible for the replacement cost of the device. The parent, guardian, or adult student may be responsible for compensating the district for any losses, costs, or damages that are not accidental in nature, up to and including possibly the device’s full replacement cost. Students with damaged, lost, or stolen devices who fail to notify school officials may be subject to disciplinary action.

DAMAGE CLAIMS

• AASD Label or sticker removal $5
• Power cord replacement $40
• Chromebook Keyboard Replacement $100
• Chromebook case damage $25
• First Broken Screen (Each School Year): No Charge
• Additional Broken Screens: $100

Total Replacement: $400

• While the AASD provides Internet content filtering, there is no substitute for parental/guardian supervision when using a computer.
• Monitor student use of the Chromebook and Internet at home.
• Ensure that your child understands and adheres to the Chromebook and network policies as set forth in this handbook.
• The parent/guardian will reimburse the school district for any costs incurred or fines assessed due to misuse, neglect, damage, or loss, including theft, up to the full replacement cost of the device.
• Review the Appleton Area School District’s policies named herein and this Chromebook Handbook with your child.
• Assist your child who is assigned the device with homework and school assignments.   The purpose of the 1:1 Initiative is to help students learn. Student use of the Chromebook for learning is the most important priority of the 1:1 Initiative.
• Ensure the return of the Chromebook and all accessories at the end of the school year or before the student withdraws from school.

• Student-owned devices can be allowed for instructional use. The AASD is not liable for damage, loss, theft, or IT issues of student-owned devices.
• The AASD does not provide support for student-owned devices and makes no guarantee that the device will function on our network.

• The AASD holds the legal title to the Chromebook and all accessories.  Right of possession and use is limited to and conditioned upon full and complete compliance with all AASD Board Policies and Procedures, including but not limited to 363, 443.5, 492, 443.92, and other guidelines outlined in this handbook. The AASD does not guarantee that its technology resources will be uninterrupted or error-free.
• Access to the network is provided on an “as is” basis without warranties of any kind. In the rare event that the network is down, neither the AASD nor any of its agents or employees will be responsible for lost or missing data.

• Students in grades 5-12 will keep their Chromebooks for 4 years (5-8, 9-12). Devices will remain in the student's possession over the summer during those 4 years.
• In the fall of the student's 9th-grade year, the existing Chromebook and charger will be exchanged for a new Chromebook and charger.
• At the end of 12th grade, all Chromebooks and chargers must be returned.
• Chromebooks and chargers must also be returned upon removal from the school through withdrawal, suspension, expulsion, or transfer.