Auburn School District

 

FAQs 

 

With the integration of digital technology necessary to prepare students well for work and study after high school graduation, Chromebooks have been identified as an essential school supply for all students today. Because these tools will be used in all classrooms and subject areas, we have planned to check one out to each student just as we have checked out textbooks regularly in the past.

 

Students may bring and use their own devices at school on the district Guest network; bandwidth on the guest network is more limited than on the school user network. Further, the assigned Chromebooks are provisioned with particular software tools and secure testing browsers identified as necessary for certain required school activities. School Chromebooks may only be used upon log in with a school district username and password. These school accounts are under the district's administrative control with students' actions and history recorded. A student, then, may choose to bring their own personal device day to day, leaving their Chromebook charging at home, but will need to bring their assigned school Chromebook when designated by a teacher for testing or particular classroom activities.

 

Students who have any classes on high school campus will be issued a Chromebook. Full-time Running Start students may choose to check their Chromebooks at their home schools. A full-time Running Start student needing a Chromebook may continue to use their school Chromebook and pay the annual maintenance fee through graduation.

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us, "All children and teens need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), physical activity (1 hour), and time away from media. Designate media-free times together (e.g., family dinner) and media-free zones (e.g., bedrooms). Children should not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones." Use their online tools to build a Family Media Plan. (In English and en Espanol) Remember, too, that not all screen time is created equal. Creative production and active pro-social communication are generally less problematic for teens than passive consumption of videos and games.

Where can I get help with my Chromebook?
Contacts are available at each school to assist students and families. Find your help here. 

The web filtering provided on Chromebooks is consistent with both Federal regulations (CIPA), as well as current community standards and sites considered unsafe to visit (e.g. malware, proxy sites). We use a tool called Securly  for filtering. The web filtering categories currently blocked include the following:

• Non-educational games
• Social media
• Guns and weapons
• Adult content
• Porn/nudity/child porn
• Violence and Hate
• Gambling
• Terrorism/Radicalization

All computers/devices on the district’s network are subject to the web filter, SafeSearch in Google, and YouTube Restricted mode. As Chromebooks travel home with students, there is programming on them that forces them to utilize the district’s filter when not on the district’s network (i.e. at home, Starbucks). The Securly web filter allows parents/guardians to place further restrictions on home use.

Parents/guardians are also key partners in monitoring and keeping students safe online.

ASD has a limited number of hotspots for Internet access that may be checked out by families. The Comcast Internet Essentials program is available to low income families. The Chromebooks can be used "offline" - see directions here. Public wireless options are growing in Auburn, too. Through "Access Auburn," the city has provided wireless connectivity through the downtown core and along major streets.

 

Students may put non-stick "cling" style school-appropriate attachments to their devices. Chromebook cases may be personalized as students choose so long as the integrity/structure of the case is not altered so as still to offer full protection to the device inside.

 

Listening to music, watching movies, and playing games on your device at home is allowed if the content is school and age appropriate and you have permission from your parent/guardian.