Chromebook Policy

In order to prepare students for the world in which they will live and work, the Fairfield Public Schools facilitates instruction that creates and sustains inquisitive, solution-focused, collaborative learning.  Our focus is on great teaching.  We provide integrated technology and digital resources when appropriate, to support the work of our outstanding educators. FPS is committed to teaching excellence, and providing the tools our staff believe are essential to their important work.

Our goals are to provide:

• Enhanced, enriched instruction that transforms learning in the classroom and beyond.
• Skill development and learning experiences that prepare students to be: innovators, communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, responsible citizens, and goal directed resilient learners.
• Opportunities for all students and staff to utilize current technology tools and digital resources when it enhances teaching and learning. 

Students in grades 3-12 will receive a Chromebook, as well as a charger. Elementary and Middle school students will also receive a protective carrying case. Students are responsible for providing their own personal headphones. Optional accessories include the following: a mouse, an additional HP charger, and/or any necessary HP adapters. 

Chromebooks, like a textbook, must be returned in good condition. Should a student move schools or leave town, the Chromebook, charger and case must be returned before leaving.

What device?

Students will receive the latest version of the HP Chromebook (Education Edition). 

• A Chromebook is a mobile device that runs Google's Chrome OS, including all Google and Microsoft Office products. These devices are essentially a Chrome browser designed to be used to connect staff and students to the Internet. FPS will be limited to using applications that are cloud based. No software is stored on the device  and it has limited internal storage. Students will be allowed to keep the Chromebooks for the school year to use for all school-based projects and work. Chromebooks remain property of FPS, just like a textbook.  

How do I opt my child out of receiving a Chromebook for home use?

• Elementary and Middle Schools - Students are required to use the FPS provided Chromebook at school.
• High Schools - We understand that some students would like to use a personally owned device in lieu of a district provided Chromebook. Students will be able to connect their personally owned device to the FPS_BYOD WiFi network while at school. During the distribution of the devices, please notify one of the school administrators and they will note that your child is opting out of the checkout procedure for home use.

No Internet Access at home?

• If you do not have internet access at home, you should notify your child’s principal.  There are several options available. In addition, there are many public hotspots available in town, including the Fairfield Public Library.

Students are expected to care for their Chromebooks and are responsible for the care and function of the device.  See the Student Chromebook Care Section for more information.

Students are expected to come to school with their Chromebooks fully charged, (Elementary and Middle School: in their cases). Chargers MUST be left at home.   Developing a routine of charging the device will be crucial for student learning.  

Should a student forget their Chromebook, a loaner may be provided from the library, if one is available. Students are expected to return the loaner at the end of the same school day.  

Should a device need repair, (Chromebook or power adapter), the student will return the device to the library and begin the repair or replacement process.

No one, other than the student should be using the device. It is designed for school work only. 

Personal Privacy on the Chromebook

The Chromebooks are the property of Fairfield Public Schools. The Department of Information Technology will manage district monitoring resources in order to keep our students safe. The monitoring resources collects data about the activity of a student while using the device at school AND at home. There should be no expectation of a student's personal privacy from district oversight on the Chromebook or using any of the district's online applications via a login, including Chrome, Google Apps, Office 365, etc.  

At school, using the FPS_WiFi, or FPS_BYOD (High schools only), students operate with the CEN Centralized Web Filtering Service for protection while online.  Away from school, students may connect to home WiFi or public WiFi. However, most home and public WiFi services do not provide a filter. It is suggested that parents monitor student activity while on home/public networks. 

It is highly recommended that students use and charge their Chromebook in a public space at home and away from sleeping areas so that students are learning to prioritize healthy sleeping habits.  

IMPORTANT!  As has been the case for many years, if a student is logged in to district applications using a family-owned device, the monitoring resources will still be in effect. Students accessing FPS applications are operating within the “walls” of our school.  If a student has regular access to a family-owned device, please be sure to maintain personal privacy of any parties by completely logging out of the Fairfield Public Schools applications and the Chrome browser when not doing school work. 

 

Student Data Privacy

 Technology use in the Fairfield Public Schools is governed by federal and state laws including:

• CT Public Act No 16-189  An Act Concerning Student Privacy
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

For Further Information regarding Student Data Privacy, please see:

• FPS Information Technology - Student Privacy
• FPS Information Technology - Learn Platform

 

General Precautions:

• Food or drink should not be consumed near your Chromebook .
• Use caution when connecting/disconnecting any cords, cables, or other removable hardware.
• Never carry the Chromebook when the screen is open.
• Be careful there are no obstructions when closing the screens, (pens, power cables, etc.).
• Chromebooks should be powered OFF before storing to preserve battery life and internal hardware.
• Never leave the Chromebook unattended, unlocked, unsupervised, or logged in.
• Never leave the Chromebook where it could be subject to extreme temperatures, (eg. car).

Carrying Your Chromebook:

• Chromebooks should always be carried/transported in a protective case, bag, or sleeve.
  • Elementary and Middle School students will be provided with a case.
• Some carrying cases can hold other objects (such as folders and workbooks), but these must be kept to a minimum to avoid placing too much pressure and weight on the Chromebook screen .
• Nothing should be placed on top of the Chromebook when stored or carried.  
• Students are encouraged to take their Chromebooks home each day, regardless of whether or not they are needed in order to keep them charged and ready for use in school.
• Under no circumstance should Chromebooks be left unattended or unsupervised as they are at risk of being stolen.

Screen Care:

• Avoid putting any pressure or weight on the Chromebook
• Do not lean on or place anything on the top cover of the device
• Do not poke the screen
• Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid, (pens, pencils, power cables)
• When cleaning your screen use a soft, dry cloth (preferably a micro-fiber cloth)
• Avoid cleansers or water-based cleaners 

Elementary School:

Digital Citizenship is taught as part of the Library Media/Technology Curriculum in Fairfield Public Schools. 

Middle School:

Digital Citizenship is taught as part of both the Library Media/Technology, 6th Grade Computer, and Health Curricula in Fairfield Public Schools. 

High School:

Digital Citizenship modules will be taught to all levels. 

Student Technology Support on FPS Digital Applications

• FWHS Library Website
• FLHS Library Website
• Middle School Technology Support Site for Students (and parents too)
  • Also linked from the Home Page of all Middle School Websites and on School Library Websites
• Elementary School Digital Applications for Families
  • Also linked from Elementary School Library Websites and under HELP on any school or district website

When the devices are distributed, what materials will I receive ?

• Elementary and Middle School: You will get your personal Chromebook, power adapter, and case during the scheduled distribution days at your school. Your charger should be left at home. You should use the carrying case everyday to bring your Chromebook to and from school. Please put your name and Homeroom Number on your case. 
• High School:  You should have or will receive a Chromebook and a charger. The charger should be left at home. 

How do I take care of my Chromebook?

• Please read the Chromebook Care above.

How will I know how to use it?

• Elementary school: Your teachers and Library Media Specialists will be teaching you lessons about the Chromebook and the applications you will use.
• Middle School: Your teachers will be teaching you lessons on how to use your Chromebook and the many applications we offer. Should you have more questions or concerns, you can go to the library during homeroom any day for support. 
• High School: All students will be receiving instructional and technical support during digital information sessions to ensure proper care and appropriate use guidelines are understood and followed. 

What if I forget to charge it, or forget my Chromebook at home?

• You are expected to charge your Chromebook each night. You are expected to bring the fully charged Chromebook to school each day. If you forget, you may go to the library to check out a loaner Chromebook if one is available. You will be required to return the device by the end of that day.  There will also be some stations for charging around the school in areas such as the Library Learning Commons. 

Can I decorate my Chromebook?

• The devices are the property of Fairfield Public Schools.  You may not decorate, personalize or mark the actual Chromebook in any way. You should not remove any tags or labels attached by the district. 
• Elementary and Middle School: You may personalize your Chromebook case, as long as it is appropriate in nature and does not violate any Fairfield Public Schools policy.

Do I have to give it back?

• Yes, like a textbook, you will return the Chromebook and charger when requested. You will have the option to take the device home over the summer.

What if my Chromebook is stolen out of my backpack? 

• Any instance of a lost or stolen device will require a police report. Please notify your school's administration for assistance. Once the event has been documented, a replacement device will be issued. (Note: The cost to replace a lost Chromebook is $250, the power adapter is $45, and the case is $26). 

Can my siblings, friends or parents use my Chromebook?

• No! Only you are assigned to that specific device and only YOU are permitted to use it.  
• Also know, that the device is owned by Fairfield Public Schools and any activity using the device can and will be monitored by the district.

What happens if my Chromebook is not working properly?

• Elementary School: Check with your classroom teacher first.
• Middle School: If you are having technical difficulties, please come to the Library Learning Commons during homeroom. If your Chromebook cannot be immediately repaired, you will return your Chromebook and you will receive a replacement device.  
• High School: If you are having technical difficulties, please come to the Library Learning Commons during a nonacademic time. If your Chromebook cannot be immediately repaired, you will return your Chromebook and you will receive a replacement device.  

What about headphones, and other accessories?

• You are expected to provide your own headphones to use in school and at home. A mouse, an extra charger and other accessories are all optional and can be purchased on your own. High school students may consider purchasing a "shell" to provide additional protection for their Chromebook.

Can I access Video, Sound, Music, Games, or other Programs?

• The Chromebooks are distributed for educational purposes only. You may access appropriate music, photos, or videos with your device.  Personalized media are subject to inspection and must follow the Fairfield Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy. Chromebooks are provided for classroom and school-related use and should not be used for accessing games or non-classroom applications. 

Can I use it outside of school?

• You are allowed to connect your Chromebook to a home or public network outside of school.  Any attempt to circumvent or bypass the district filtering and monitoring resources while outside of school will result in disciplinary action.

Can I print with the Chromebook?

• Yes, you will be able to print at school.  You may be able to print at home if you have an accessible wireless printer.

Are my files and applications private on the Chromebook?

• No. Fairfield Public Schools owns the devices and all the applications on it. The District reserves the right to monitor all Chromebook and Internet activity by students.  Students have no expectation of privacy in the use of the Chromebooks, including email, files stored on FPS applications, and Internet activity either at school or away from school. Students may be asked at any time to provide their Chromebooks for inspection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT PLEDGE FOR CHROMEBOOK USE

• I understand the Chromebook is the property of Fairfield Public Schools and can be inspected at anytime.
• I will use my Chromebook in ways that are appropriate and educational.
• I will follow the Chromebook Care directions.
• I will never leave my Chromebook unattended in an unsupervised or unsecured location.
• I will bring my charged Chromebook to school daily. I can leave my charger at home.
• I will never loan my Chromebook to other people including my siblings and parents.
• I will not deface, disassemble nor remove any identification stickers on any Chromebook. 
• I will not place permanent decorations on the Chromebook.
• I will report any cases of theft, vandalism, or inappropriate use to school administrators.
• I will follow The Fairfield Board of Education policies and Acceptable Use Practices.
• I agree to return the Fairfield Public Schools’ Chromebook and charger in good working condition as requested.

 

Please see these Chromebook Printing Directions from Google

Are there any tips to help me use technology in a healthy way? 

• Defend your sleep.
  • A variety of studies* have shown that mobile device use, (laptops, smartphones, etc.), at night can interfere with the quality of your sleep. Try to stop using your devices at least one hour before you go to bed.  
  • Resist using your phone as an alarm clock — for many of us, it is way too tempting to have it next to our bed to check it past our bedtime. Better yet, consider charging both your Chromebook and your phone downstairs.  
  • Be present. 

• Pay Attention: All of the technology tools we have access to are great, but make sure you pay attention in class and stay connected with your teacher and your classmates in real life via face to face conversations. 
  • When you’re with collaborating with classmates, consider making an effort to unplug. To avoid temptation, silence your phone and put it out of reach at dinnertime or during family outings.
  • Take time to recharge. 

• Quiet Time: Quiet time to think is important for relaxing, reflecting and even for boosting creativity. If you’re on a mobile device every time you have a spare moment to fill, you’re missing out on those opportunities to recharge. Try to set aside some time each day to disconnect. It might be difficult at first, but over time you’ll probably value those moments of peace.

• More Tips: These tips and more are available on the below links:
  • ConnectSafely: Safety Tips & Advice (connectsafely.org)
  • Common Sense Media: For Parents (commonsensemedia.org)
  • Connected and Content: Managing Healthy Technology Use (apa.org)
  • Digital guidelines: Promoting healthy technology use for children (apa.org)