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Chromebook Initiative: Parent & Guardian FAQs

Information extracted from the Lindenhurst UFSD 1:1 Chromebook Procedures and Information Handbook last updated in August 2022.

1. General Information

 

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is an ultra-portable laptop engineered specifically for cloud computing. It features excellent battery life and runs on Chrome OS—a lightweight, secure operating system that uses apps similar to a smartphone. While best utilized with an internet connection, it also has limited offline capabilities. Students use Chromebooks to access G Suite for Education productivity tools, collaborate on schoolwork, conduct research, and complete digital assignments.

 

Why is the district using a 1:1 model?

To succeed in a digital world, students must learn to navigate and critically evaluate online resources. Outdated textbooks cannot match the real-time, updated information available online. This initiative empowers students, enhances engagement, encourages collaboration, and shifts the role of educators from direct lecturers to facilitators of active learning.

 

What must be done before my child receives their Chromebook?

Before a device can be issued, parents/guardians and students must thoroughly review all district instructional procedures and sign the following mandatory forms:

• Student/Parent/Guardian Chromebook User Agreement

• Computer Network Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Contract

• Internet and Electronic Mail Permission Form

 

What happens if we move out of the school district?

Students leaving the district for any reason must return their issued Chromebook, charger, and protective case prior to their official withdrawal. If these items are not returned, families will be billed for replacement costs. Failure to return school property may result in the district withholding student records or pursuing legal/civil action.

2. Device Care & Handling

 

How should students care for their Chromebook?

Chromebooks are school property, and students are responsible for the general upkeep of their assigned devices. Please adhere to the following rules:

• No Food or Drink: Keep all food and liquids away from the device at all times.

• Cleaning: Clean the screen only with a soft, dry cloth. Never use chemical cleansers, liquids, or excessive force.

• Cord Care: Insert charging cords, cables, and flash drives carefully to prevent damage to the ports.

• Keep Intact: Do not remove keyboard keys, poke or prod the screen with sharp objects, or leave the device unattended.

 

Can students personalize their Chromebooks?

No. Students may not place stickers, labels, writing, or drawings directly on the Chromebook or its protective case.

 

What are the rules for carrying and transporting the device?

• Always Use the Case: Chromebooks must remain in the district-provided protective case at all times. They should never be removed from the case, as this is the only district-approved protection.

• Transport Safety: Never transport or walk with the Chromebook while the screen is open or while it is plugged into a wall outlet.

• Screen Pressure: Do not pack other objects inside the case or place heavy items on top of the case, as pressure can easily crack the screen. Do not lean on the device.

3. Daily School & Home Use

 

What happens if a student leaves their Chromebook at home?

Students are expected to bring their Chromebook to school every day. If a device is left at home, the student remains fully responsible for completing all classroom assignments on time.

 

What are the expectations for charging the battery?

Students must charge their Chromebooks fully at home every single night. If a student repeatedly arrives at school with an uncharged device, they may be issued a daily loaner device that cannot be taken home. Repeat violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

 

Can students change their background screensavers or wallpapers?

Students may personalize their backgrounds, but they must use appropriate media. The presence of images containing weapons, pornographic material, inappropriate language, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or anything deemed unacceptable by administration will result in disciplinary action.

 

Are games and music allowed on the Chromebooks?

• Sound: Chromebook sound must remain muted at all times unless a teacher gives explicit permission for educational purposes. Students are required to have their own set of personal earbuds/headphones.

• Music: Listening to music is strictly at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

• Gaming: Internet gaming is strictly prohibited on school devices unless explicitly directed by an educator within an instructional setting.

 

How do the built-in cameras work, and what are the privacy policies?

Chromebook webcams are active features meant to develop 21st-century communication skills. They must be used strictly for educational assignments (e.g., recording a project presentation or speech rehearsal).

• Students must obtain express permission before recording video or taking photos of any school activity, student, or staff member.

• The Lindenhurst UFSD retains the rights to all recordings of staff and student work.

• Device photography is governed under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For details, visit the U.S. Department of Education FERPA Page.

 

How do students save their schoolwork?

All student work automatically saves to the cloud via Google Drive.

 

Can students download software or apps?

No. All apps, extensions, and bookmarks installed by the district must remain on the device and cannot be altered. Devices are monitored remotely by a central management system. If unapproved or illegal software is found, the device will be completely reformatted and restored to factory settings. The district is not responsible for any lost student files deleted during a reformat.

 

How do passwords work?

• Grades K–5: Students are assigned a secure password by the school district.

• Grade 6: Students will change their password to a custom choice.

• Note: Students must never share their passwords with anyone except their parents or guardians.

4. Internet Safety, Security & Filtering

 

Is my child’s internet filtered at home?

Yes. Internet content filtering and blocking software are active on the Chromebooks both at school and when connected to home or public Wi-Fi networks.

 

What is the role of parents regarding internet safety?

While the district implements robust electronic filters, the school relies on a partnership with parents/guardians to supervise device use outside of school hours. We encourage you to speak with your children about your family's personal values and standards regarding internet safety and media consumption.

 

Do students have privacy on school-owned devices?

No. In accordance with the District’s Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use Regulation, there is no expectation of privacy when using a district-owned Chromebook. School staff and administration reserve the right to review, monitor, and inspect any material stored on or transmitted from a student's Chromebook at any time.

5. Repairs, Loaners & Replacements

 

What should we do if a Chromebook stops working or breaks?

If a device breaks or malfunctions, it must be taken immediately to the proper evaluation location:

• Middle School & High School: Take the device to the Chrome Depot located in the school library.

• Elementary Schools: Take the device directly to the Main Office.

 

Will my child get a temporary device while theirs is being fixed?

Yes. Students will be issued a temporary loaner Chromebook while their original device is undergoing repair at the Chrome Depot or Main Office. Teachers are automatically notified when the student's primary device is repaired and ready for pickup.

 

What happens if a loaner device is not returned?

Because all daily and repair loaners are considered school property, failing to return a device carries serious consequences. The district may withhold student records and file for civil liability, up to and including legal action, to recover the cost of unreturned property. For daily loaner devices, repeat violations (such as failing to return a loaner at the end of the school day) may also result in disciplinary action or the loss of device privileges.

 

Does the school supply replacement chargers and/or cases?

No. The replacement of lost or broken chargers and cases is the financial responsibility of the family. If your child loses or breaks their charger or case, directions on how to purchase approved replacements are located directly on the district website.

 

Does the optional device insurance cover replacement chargers or cases?

No. The optional insurance policy through the Worth Avenue Group covers unlimited claims for accidental damage to the Chromebook laptop itself. It does not cover the loss, theft, or damage of accessory items like charging cords and protective cases.

 

Who pays for accidental damage to the Chromebook?

Families are responsible for the cost of repairs to damaged Chromebooks. To protect against these expenses, the District partners with the Worth Avenue Group to provide families with an optional insurance plan.

• Coverage: Covers unlimited claims on accidental damage to the device.

• Exclusions: Does not cover loss, theft, or accessories (chargers/cases).

• Deadline: Insurance must be purchased annually by the September 30 deadline. For current annual pricing and enrollment details, please contact the Department of Instructional Technology.

 

What happens if a device is purposefully damaged?

Vandalism or purposeful damage to school property will be handled directly by building administrators. The family will be required to pay the full expense of a replacement Chromebook supplied directly by the district. Note: Chromebooks purchased from third-party retailers cannot be configured for the secure school network and are not permitted in school buildings.

 

What if the Chromebook is lost or stolen?

• Lost Items: Families are fully responsible for the market-value cost of replacing a lost Chromebook.

• Stolen Devices: If a device is stolen, it must be reported to the school within 48 hours, and an official police report must be filed with the Suffolk County Police Department. If a copy of the police report is provided to the school, a replacement device may be provided at no cost to the family.