Bader Hillel Academy
Chromebook Use Policies
School Year 2020-2021
Bader Hillel Academy is pleased to make Chromebooks available to all students in 3rd through 8th grade. All students and parents in 3rd through 8th grade are required to review and sign:
- The Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy Agreement
- The Student and Parent Pledge for Chromebook Use
Technology resources at Bader Hillel Academy (here on referred to as BHA) are provided for the purpose of supporting the educational mission of the school. The school’s goal in providing the Chromebook is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, research, creativity, communication, increased productivity, and mobile learning. Use of these technologies is a privilege that carries responsibility and behavioral expectations consistent with all school rules and policies, including, but not limited to, those stated in the Parent Student Handbook.
BHA retains sole right of possession of the Chromebook and related equipment. The Chromebook will be issued to students according to the guidelines set forth in this document. BHA retains the right to collect and/or inspect the Chromebook at any time, and to alter, add, or delete installed software or hardware.
A Chromebook will be assigned to each student in 3rd and 4th grade to be used in the classroom. Chromebooks will not be sent home with 3rd and 4th graders; all Chromebooks will be stored in the classroom overnight and over the weekends.
A Chromebook and charger will be assigned and sent home with students in 5th through 8th grade. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the Chromebook is fully charged and brought to school daily.
All students will be charged a $150 technology fee. This fee contributes to offsetting the cost of the Google Chrome Operating System Management licensure required for all devices. In addition to, Go Guardian management software and costs associated with network maintenance and printing, etc.
Devices
Receiving Your Chromebook
Each student in grades 3rd through 8th will be assigned a Chromebook and charger. Parents and students must sign and return the Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy Agreement and Student Pledge before the Chromebook and supplies will be issued. Student Chromebook serial numbers are recorded and tracked to the student.
Chromebook Storage/Transportation
Students in grades 5th through 8th grade will be taking their Chromebooks home with them on a daily basis. As a result, students will be expected to carry their Chromebooks inside their backpacks when in the hallway between classes and when transporting the device to and from home. This helps to avoid possible damage to the Chromebooks.
Students in grades 3rd and 4th grade will be leaving their Chromebooks in their classroom at the end of each day.
Chromebook Return
Chromebooks will be returned prior to the end of the school year or at the request of the principal. Students must return the Chromebook with the correct serial number assigned to the student. Students who transfer, withdraw, or are asked to leave BHA during the school year must surrender the Chromebook upon termination of enrollment.
Check-in Fines
Failure to return the Chromebook will result in a theft report being filed with the local police department. If a student fails to return the Chromebook at the end of the school year or upon termination of enrollment at BHA, that student will be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability. The student will also pay the replacement cost of the Chromebook, or, if applicable, any insurance deductible (estimate of $200.00).
Taking Care of the Chromebook
Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the school. Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the Technology Team for an evaluation.
General Care
- Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the Chromebook to prevent damage.
- Chromebooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers/decals, or labels that are not the property of BHA.
- Chromebooks must never be left in any unsupervised area; including, the school grounds/campus, hallways, gym, bathroom, lunchroom or student locker at the end of the day, etc. (See Chromebooks Left in Unsupervised Areas Section below).
- Do not have any food or beverages near the Chromebook.
- Students must log into their Chromebook with their BHA Google Apps Education account only.
- Only use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the screen; no cleaners of any type should be used on the Chromebook-no window cleaners, no household cleaners, no aerosol sprays, no solvents, no alcohol, no ammonia, and no abrasive materials.
- Chromebooks that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to the Technology Team. Chromebooks that have been damaged from student misuse, neglect or are accidentally damaged will be repaired with the cost being borne by the student. Families will be billed for the entire cost of the repair. The cost for a damaged screen repair will be $50.
Carrying the Chromebook
- Chromebook lids should always be closed and tightly secured when moving. Do not carry your Chromebook while the screen is open.
- Do not move the Chromebook by lifting it from the screen.
- Avoid placing too much pressure and/or weight (such as folders and books) on the Chromebook.
Chromebook Procedures
Students are responsible for following the BHA Academy Chromebook Procedures defined below.
Screensavers/Background Photos
Passwords to student email MUST be shared with the parents. The student may change their screensaver and background if it is approved by Administration. (Parents- contact your child’s teacher for student email address and password).
Photos
Photo/Image storage on the Chromebook will be for school projects only. The storage of student personal photos or the downloading of images, that are not for school projects, is not allowed. Photos may not be taken with a school Chromebook and posted on the internet or any social media site (for example, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram), without written permission from the school principal.
Sound, Music, Games or Programs
-Music allowed on the Chromebook should be provided by the teacher only and for educational use.
-Sound must always be muted unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes.
-Earbuds or headphones must be provided by the student.
Printing
Printing will be available with the Chromebook. Student must have permission of the teacher to print. Students will be given information and instruction on printing locations.
Managing Your Files and Saving Your Work
Saving Work to BHA Google Domain
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that work is not lost due to mechanical failure or accidental deletion. Chromebook malfunctions are not an acceptable excuse for not submitting work; therefore, students should keep their work in their school provided Google account.
Network Connectivity
Although BHA provides a wireless network for student use, it makes no guarantee that the school wireless network will be up and running 100% of the time.
Software on Chromebook
Installed Apps/Extensions
BHA will provide a list of approved apps and extensions. Only the apps and extensions approved by the teachers should be installed on the Chromebook. Periodic checks of Chromebooks will be made to ensure that students have not removed required apps and extensions and/or added additional apps and extensions.
Inspection
Students may be requested, at any time, to provide their Chromebook for inspection with or without reason.
Procedure for Reinstalling OS and Apps/Extensions
If technical difficulties occur or illegal apps/extensions are discovered, the Chromebook will be restored from the factory default. The school does not accept responsibility for the loss of any documents deleted due to the process. In the event, the student may lose the privilege of Chromebook use.
Software Updates
Update releases of apps and extensions are available from time to time. Students may be required to check in their devices to the Technology Team for periodic updates.
Student Discipline
If a student violates any part of the above policy, in a specific class, or accesses inappropriate web content, utilizes their Chromebook during class without teacher permission, refuses to comply with teacher request to not use the Chromebook, etc.; the teacher in charge will enforce the following disciplinary action at the time the student infraction incurs:
- 1st Offense - Student will receive a verbal warning and will retain the use/privilege of the Chromebook.
- 2nd Offense - Student will receive a written warning and Chromebook privileges will be removed for the remainder of that class (student responsible for all required work).
- 3rd Offense - Disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the principal and Chromebook privileges, for one week during that specific class, will be removed (student responsible for all required work).
Chromebooks Left in Unsupervised Areas
Under no circumstances should Chromebooks be left in unsupervised areas. Unsupervised areas include the school’s grounds and campus, the lunchroom, library, unlocked classrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Any Chromebook left in these areas is in danger of being stolen. The disciplinary action for Chromebooks left in unsupervised locations is as follows:
- The student will be given one warning if their Chromebook is left in an unapproved location. The classroom teacher will send out a notification to the parent and student to let them know that we found their Chromebook. The student can collect the Chromebook from the classroom teacher.
- If the Chromebook is found a 2nd time, in addition to the above warning and notification, the student will also be charged a $10 fine. The student can pay the fine and pick up the Chromebook in the school office.
- If the device is found a 3rd time, in addition to the above warning and notification, the student will be charged a $25 fine and the parent must come into school to have the Chromebook returned to the student.
Bader Hillel Academy
Student and Parent Pledge for Chromebook Use
By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to abide by all guidelines set forth in the general Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy, as well as the following:
- I will use my Chromebook in ways that are appropriate, educational, and meet BHA expectations.
- I will use appropriate language when using emails, journals, wikis, blogs, or any other forms of communication. I will not create or encourage others to create discourteous or abusive content. I will not use electronic communication to spread rumors, gossip, or engage in any activity that is harmful to other persons.
- I will access appropriate internet resources, comply with teacher requests regarding my Chromebook, and only utilize my school email on my Chromebook.
- I understand the Chromebook is subject to inspection at any time without notice and remains the property of Bader Hillel Academy.
- I will follow the policies outlined in the Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy.
- I will never leave the Chromebook unattended and I will know where it is at all times.
- I will protect my Chromebook by carrying it as stated in the Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy.
- I will never loan out my Chromebook or give my password to other individuals.
- I will keep food and beverages away from my Chromebook since they may cause damage to the Chromebook.
- I will not disassemble any part of my Chromebook or attempt any repairs.
- I will not place decorations (such as stickers, markers, etc.) on the Chromebook or do anything to permanently alter the Chromebook in any way.
- I will not remove or deface the serial number or other identification on any Chromebook.
- I will be responsible for all damage or loss caused by my neglect or any abuse.
- I agree to return the Chromebook in good working condition.