Technology

Students in grades 6-12 will receive a Chromebook and a charger that they will use from year-to-year, while younger students (grades 2-5) will have a device assigned to them through their classroom and may receive a different device each year. K-1 learners access iPads in the classrooms to support learning. 

All of these devices fully integrate with Schoology and allow students to complete many different types of assignments directly on their Chromebook. A Chromebook is a device meant primarily for working with Internet-based resources. It is fast and light, constantly updated and quick to power on.  It has a six-eight hour battery and connects with Google’s suite of applications which are used by every student and staff member in the district. Our devices will also allow students to write with a digital pencil on the screen in order to complete and turn in homework directly from their device. Check out these short videos to better understand the technology we are using: What is Google Chrome OS? | Introducing the Chromebook

Even if you own a computer/device as a family, students will be required to use their district-provided Chromebook device. This ensures all students can access the required materials and assignments, and makes it easier for teachers to support students in their learning.

Are there additional accessories I should buy?
Some students (grades 6-12) may wish to purchase a digitizer pen for use with the Chromebook. These can be purchased through the district for $30. Families may also wish to purchase headphones for use at school and add a mouse, but most find the trackpad to be adequate. You'll need to purchase these items on your own.

Tips to protect your device

• Keep your Chromebook on a flat surface like a table or a desk. Don't leave it on the floor where someone could step on it.

• Don't pile things on top of your Chromebook.
• Make sure there isn't anything on the keyboard when you close your Chromebook.
• Keep food and drinks away from your Chromebook and make sure your hands are clean. Crumbs and liquids are very bad for your Chromebook and can cause it to stop working properly.
• Be careful how you carry your Chromebook. Make sure your Chromebook is closed, always use two hands, and never carry your Chromebook by the screen.
• Keep it charged. Plug it in when you are not using it so that it will be charged and ready when you need it.
• Tell your teacher right away if it breaks. Don't try to fix it yourself.
• Remember to take care of yourself online too. Stay on approved websites, keep your password private, and log off when you're done. Remember anything that happens under your account is your responsibility.
• Do not tamper with school tags that are present on the Chromebooks. 
• Use both hands when opening the Chromebooks. 
• Always close the Chromebook before walking with it. 
• Running in the hallways is prohibited--keep in mind that all students are now carrying Chromebooks. 
• Treat your Chromebook as a valuable material--do not leave it lying around. 
• Chromebooks do not like excessive heat or cold. They should not be exposed to over 95 degrees or under 32 degrees. Do NOT put your Chromebook under a blanket, on the dashboard of your car, etc. Do not block air flow when device is on. While your Chromebook does not get overly hot as a traditional laptop might, it does need to breathe. 
• Damage, loss, or theft must be reported immediately.

Cleaning your Chromebook

• Do not use any chemicals or other liquids to clean your Chromebook.

• Use microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen or wipes specifically meant to clean a computer.

• Never use any product containing any alcohol, ammonia, or other strong solvent to clean your Chromebook.
• Do NOT spray or wipe your Chromebook with any windex/household cleaner/water and/or cleaning cloth/wipes.
• Clean your Chromebook keys and screen with a lightly moistened soft cloth.

Students bring their devices home in order to do homework. It is expected that students in grades 6-12 will take their devices home regularly, including over all breaks. Students in grades 2-5 will primarily keep their devices at school, but will be sent home selectively.

Am I required to have internet access at home for use with the Chromebook?  
No, you are not required to have internet access at home.  However students will have increased access to tools and resources when they are connected to the internet.  If families do not have internet access at home, please fill out the online form through PowerSchool.

Are the Chromebooks meant only for school work, or can students go to fun apps/games at home?  
School provided hardware and accounts are intended for school-related use.  All use of technology is governed by the District’s Policy 524: Student Technology and Internet Access and Acceptable Use

Should my student charge their Chromebook at home?  
Students will charge at home and battery life should extend through the day. 

Chromebooks are scheduled to be on a three-year replacement cycle.

Who will be responsible for maintenance/IT support on Chromebooks if something goes wrong? (malfunctioning software, virus, etc.)
The Chrome operating system updates automatically.  Therefore, students are always running the most updated version of Chrome OS.  Students can consult their peers, teachers and the Technology Department for help when needed. The family help-line will continue to operate and can be reached at familyhelp@stillwaterschools.org or 651-351-8404.

Will the school have a "spare pool" in the event a student has to send his/her Chromebook out for repair?        
Yes, loaner devices will be available in the Media Center.

Is the information on a Chromebook or in Google Apps for Education private (will Google sell or share our information)?        
Data saved in Google Apps for Education is private and secure and is not used or sold in any way. Students do not receive targeted marketing or adds while using Google products within the district's domain. Learn more: The facts about student data privacy in Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks

How will Chrome Web Apps from the Chrome App Store work?
Students have a core suite of apps that are managed centrally by the Technology Department. Teachers are able to push apps to individual students or all of their classes through Google’s Play store for Education (play.google.com/edu). 

The Stillwater Area Public School District is proud to provide technology to all enrolled students with no fees, insurance or deposits required of families. Students need to be responsible and take care of the device they are assigned. When accidents happen, families may be required to help offset the costs associated with fixing or replacing the device.

What should I do if my Chromebook breaks or gets lost? 
Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the school. Report the damage/loss to your media center and/or the technology department immediately.

Will the Chromebooks be labeled, or marked, in a way that would make it easy for someone to return a lost laptop?  
Yes.  Chromebooks will be marked with asset tag barcodes. Students will carry their device in a provided case with their name on it. 

What happens if a student breaks a Chromebook?
In cases of loss, damage or malfunction, the issue must be reported to the Technology Department.

In order to obtain and use devices, parents/guardians and students are required to read the District Handbook and complete the electronic signoff. This signoff is used to confirm that families have been notified of the district’s policies, procedures, and fee schedule.

Access the required signoff in PowerSchool:

• Login with your district-provided username and password.
• If you do not have your login information, contact our Family Help Desk: familyhelp@stillwaterschools.org | 651-351-8404
• In PowerSchool, go to FORMS and select ANNUAL REGISTRATION (REQUIRED)
• Complete all required sections of the form and SUBMIT.

Forms take 24 hours to process. Students will be able to be assigned a device the following day.

Need help with a device or logging into a program online? Contact the Family Tech Support help desk by emailing familyhelp@stillwaterschools.org or by calling 651-351-8404.