Chromebook FAQ
Q: Who will receive a Google Chromebook?
A: All 5th through 12th graders, as well as instructional staff in the middle, intermediate and high schools.
Q: How are you able to afford Google Chromebooks for students in challenging economic times?
A: The financial means to purchase the Google Chromebooks was made possible through a bond issue that was passed by district residents. Operational funds were not used in this initiative.
Q: What happens if my Google Chromebook is damaged, lost or stolen?
A: The Google Chromebook is the responsibility of the student. Each Google Chromebook comes with a limited warranty program. Should a Google Chromebook be damaged, lost or stolen, the student and parent/guardian should immediately notify the school administration. The filing of a police report by the parent/guardian will be required to complete the insurance claim.
In the event that an Google Chromebook is damaged intentionally the student will be charged up to $235 for the repair or replacement of the Google Chromebook and power cord. If the Google Chromebook is stolen, the filing of a police report by the parent/guardian will be required. GHAPS may deploy location software that may aid in recovering the Google Chromebook.
Q: What happens if a charging cord or other accessory is broken, damaged or malfunctions?
A: The school district will provide a replacement to the student in warranty situations. The replacement of damaged or lost items will remain the responsibility of the students.
Q: Is the Google Chromebook durable enough to stand up to typical student usage?
A: Yes. The Chromebook model that was selected is considered highly durable, but care will still have to be taken with the device.
Q: Are cases provided to students?
A: Cases are provided to students in grades 5-8 starting in 2016. It is REQUIRED that students keep the cases on their chromebooks at all times. Damage done to the chromebook while the case is off will not be covered by insurance and will be the responsibility of the student.
Q: Do parents need / have to sign a contract?
A: Parents and students must sign a Google Chromebook Acceptable Use Agreement, Parent Responsibility Agreement, and Insurance Form.
Q: What happens if I do not sign the agreements for my child?
A: Your student will not receive a Google Chromebook.
Q: Will the Google Chromebook contain all of the student’s textbooks?
A: While a movement to digital textbooks is in our plans, we are not ready to totally replace student textbooks with digital textbooks at this time.
Q: Will the Google Chromebooks be filtered for student-accessed content?
A: GHAPS will be filtering the Google Chromebooks at school. The district has invested in a mobile CIPA filter that will filter your student’s device wherever they are.
Q: Will Google Chromebooks be password protected?
A: A password will be required at the time of setup on all Google Chromebooks to protect the security of student work.
Q: Who will repair inoperable Google Chromebooks?
A: GHAPS staff will work to ensure that all students have an operable Google Chromebook. Parents should not take a damaged Chromebook to another repair facility or attempt to repair it themselves.
Q: Will students be able to take the Google Chromebook home?
A: Students in grades 5-12 will be able to take their Google Chromebook home during the school year to use for school related work, such as homework and other projects if the appropriate forms are received.
Q: Will students be able to keep their Google Chromebook during the summer.
A: No, students will have to turn in their Google Chromebooks by the end of the school year so that staff can service and update them for the next school year.
Q: How do I clean my Google Chromebook
A: Google Chromebooks can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the Google Chromebook. Use of unapproved cleaners may remove the protective film covering the face of the Google Chromebook.
Q: Will students be able to download apps for the Google Play Store?
A: Specific approved apps and extensions will be made available in the Google Play Store.
Q: Will I be able to connect the Chromebook to my home WIFI?
A: Yes. We do not restrict the WIFI networks a Chromebook can connect to.
Q: If we do not have Internet access at home, are there other options for my student?
A: There are several options for those who do not have Internet access. Loutit District Library and Spring Lake District Library offers WIFI access in addition to a number of businesses in the Grand Haven area. Ask your specific building office if open times are available for your student to work in the building.
Google Chromebooks can also work in offline mode. Your student can download items from their drive or email account to work on offline, and then the changes will sync back to Google when they re-attach to the WIFI at school. Your student would have to download what they need while at school or connected to a WIFI network.
Q: What if we have Internet access at home, but not wireless access?
A: Google Chromebooks need WIFI to access the internet. There is not a separate ethernet plug to use. You can purchase a separate USB to Ethernet adapter to connect to a wired network for Internet. Please ensure that the adapter you select will work with a Dell 11 Chromebook. The tech department will not troubleshoot accessories to connect to home networks.
Q: What if I wish to use my personally-owned device instead of the districts?
A: Only the district-issued Chromebook will be connected to wireless, and lessons will be geared towards those devices.
Q: If I have additional questions or concerns about this initiative, whom can I contact?
A: You can contact any building principal by phone or email, or the Technology Help Desk at 616.850.5040.