FAQ's

1. What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a "laptop" that runs on Google's web-based Chrome Operating System. It's primary function is to connect to the internet. There is limited storage space, most documents and app exist in the cloud when using a Chromebook. There are many apps can be used offline and more are coming.

2. Can we buy our own Chromebook instead of using the school issued Chromebook?

No. All Chromebooks used in the classroom must be district issued.

3. Will we have the option of purchasing the Chromebook when our student graduates from U-46?  

At this point, we do not have a buyback option for students.

4. Since you’re using Google Apps for Education will Google sell or share student information?

The information in Google Apps for Education is private and will not be shared or sold.  

5. Where can I find the online curriculum applications that are used at school?

The district has adopted Clever as our solution to help manage student access to district approved applications. Your child will login using their district issued gmail account. To access Clever click here.

6. Can our student bring in a laptop instead of using the school issued Chromebook?

No. As in question #2, all devices used in the classroom need to be the district issued Chromebook to ensure safety and security.

7. Will students be expected to use the Chromebook for school-related activities only? Will you be able to secure the internet connection when my student uses the Chromebook outside of school?

During the school day, Chromebooks will be used for school purposes in the classroom and students will be able to access any web-based resource allowed through the school’s internet filter.

At home, students will be filtered through Securly. The students and their parents/guardians bear sole responsibility for exercising appropriate internet guidelines and for abiding by state and federal laws and regulations. Since the Chromebook is a District-owned device, the Student Acceptable Use of Technology is in effect at any time the Chromebook is used, whether at school or home.

8. What happens if my student’s Chromebook gets stolen or damaged at school? Who will be responsible for that?

If the device is lost or stolen, the student will be charged the full replacement cost similar to how the District handles lost textbooks currently.  This provision will also be noted in the student handbook. In addition, in the case of suspected theft, please immediately contact local law enforcement to file a police report. Please share a copy of the police report with your school to allow the school district to assist the police in recovering the stolen device.

For the 2019-20 school year, U-46 charged each student in grades 5 through 12 a $25 technology fee to cover repair insurance, That fee is waived for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. If a device is accidentally damaged, there will be no charge to the student for repair.  If it is determined that the damage was not accidental, the student may be charged the full repair or replacement cost. This provision will also be noted in the student handbook.

9. Are the Chromebooks uniquely assigned to a specific student?

Yes. Each Chromebook has a unique asset tag that is assigned to a student’s id number.

10. What happens if my student’s Chromebook is not working? Will he be given a loaner to use for class?

The building administrator will assign an area in the building where students can drop off their broken chromebook for repair. Once the school staff designee completes the required paperwork, the student will be issued a loaner Chromebook. When the repair is done, school staff will notify the student to return the loaner and pick up their repaired Chromebook.

11. What will my student do if we don’t have wifi access at home?

Chromebooks require internet for many tasks, but students can work on documents and access some materials offline as well. When a student works offline on documents, their changes will sync when they connect to the internet at school. However many of your child's textbooks and resources are only available when connected to the Internet.

If you have questions or concerns about your access to internet and how it will impact your child's schoolwork. do not hesitate to contact your student's teachers or administration.

All of the Internet resources are also available from any desktop computer browser.  Additionally, your public library, as well as many local restaurants offer free wifi access to patrons.

12. Will there be charging stations at the school?

Our expectation is for the student to charge the device at home, preferably at night, so the Chromebook is fully charged for use at school the next day. The Chromebook has a battery capacity of 8 hours when fully charged.  However, if the student needs to charge their Chromebook, there will be charging stations in select classrooms in each building.

13. How will inappropriate use of the Chromebook be addressed?

Students using the District issued Chromebook in school and outside of school are expected to comply with the Student Acceptable Use of Technology. Violations of any of these policies or agreements are subject to student disciplinary action.

14. Will the school be able to see everything that my student does through the Chromebook?

Yes, the students' activity is monitored in and out of the district. Activities are logged, reviewed if needed, and retained. Outside of school parents are highly encouraged to communicate their expectations and be cognizant of their student’s use of the Chromebook.