FAQ

WHAT IS THE PLAN?

At the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year, all students will be issued a Chromebook. Students in grades 7 - 12 will be allowed to take the Chromebook home, students in grades 1 - 6 will be assigned a Chromebook to use throughout the day that will remain at school.

Prior to receiving the device, parents or guardians of students in grades 7 -12 must attend a mandatory orientation meeting to learn about the use and care of the device. Dates and times will be announced.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

We believe that all students have a right to an education that prepares them for further education and future employment, and develops the skills that they must have as citizens of the 21st Century: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. As a 1:1 district, we will ensure that every student in every class will have the opportunity to learn in an engaging environment reflective of the world that surrounds him/her.

WHAT IS A CHROMEBOOK?

Click on the here for more info

WHAT WILL THIS COST AND WHO IS PAYING FOR IT?

The district will supply the Chromebooks at no cost to the students

WHAT IF THE CHROMEBOOK IS LOST OR DAMAGED?

If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, parents will be responsible for the replacement cost of a new device (currently $275 for the 2015-2016 school year). If the device is damaged due to negligence and not covered by the warranty, parents will be responsible for the cost of the repair. The district has located an optional third party insurance plan which families may choose to purchase:

Worth Ave Group
Portal
Policy Booklet
Claim Form

Every Chromebook will be asset tagged for identification purposes. Removing or tampering with asset tags will result in disciplinary action. 

WILL STUDENTS BE ABLE TO TAKE THE CHROMEBOOK HOME?

Students in grades 7 - 12 will be allowed to take the Chromebook home. The device will be checked out to the student at the beginning of the school year and will be collected at the end of the school year. Student in grades 1 - 6 will leave the Chromebook at school.

I DON’T WANT MY CHILD TO HAVE A CHROMEBOOK. CAN I OPT OUT?

These devices will be an integral part of classroom instruction, and without a device, students would be unable to participate fully in classroom activities and assignments.

I’M CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD ACCESSING INAPPROPRIATE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET. HOW CAN THIS BE PREVENTED?

Paragould School District is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and maintains a content filter and firewall for all Internet-enabled computers and equipment. The Chromebooks will have all Internet traffic monitored and filtered by the district. While every attempt is made to block access from inappropriate material and monitor computer activities, the student is ultimately responsible for the usage of any school owned device. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to supervise the information that a student is accessing from the Internet while at home.

CAN A STUDENT BRING HIS/HER OWN LAPTOP TO SCHOOL?

All students must use a district-issued Chromebook in school. If students bring a multitude of devices that operate differently and don't have a common set of applications, it becomes impossible for classroom teachers to plan lessons. PSD does not allow non-district owned devices access to the district's wireless network. 

DO I NEED TO HAVE INTERNET SERVICE AT HOME FOR THIS DEVICE TO WORK?

Regardless of device, Internet access is becoming more and more important to the educational process. Teachers are continually finding and using information, resources, tools, and programs on the Web to enhance their curriculum. While the Chromebook can be equipped with off-line apps that can be used when the device is not connected to the Internet, there may be some projects and assignments that do require Internet access. Many local businesses, public locations, restaurants and the public library offer free wireless access for after school Internet availability.

HOW DO THE CHROMEBOOKS CONNECT TO THE INTERNET?

The Chromebooks have built-in WiFi capability, so they can connect to any available WiFi network. They will be configured to automatically connect to the wireless network at school, but will also be able to connect to any home or public WiFi network.

CAN PARENTS USE THE CHROMEBOOKS?

When a student is logged into the Chromebook, parents can certainly check on student work, view their browsing history or connect with teachers via the student's email. The Chromebooks are not intended for personal use by the students or their parents.

WHEN WE GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL CAN WE BUY THE CHROMEBOOK THAT WAS ISSUED?

There are no current plans to allow students to purchase Chromebooks when they graduate.

WHAT ARE THE POLICES AND PROCEDURES?

Chromebook Agreement and Signature Form

CAN YOU USE A WIRELESS MOUSE WITH THE CHROMEBOOK?

Yes, you can use a wireless mouse that has a USB adapter that plugs into the Chromebook.

WILL FACULTY OR STAFF BE ABLE TO ACCESS OR CONTROL THE WEB CAM ON THE CHROMEBOOK?

No. Faculty and staff will not have remote access to the Chromebooks.