Schools are creating plans for how and when devices will be distributed to students. Your school will provide more information about when you can expect your child’s device to come home.

In most cases, students will receive a Lenovo 300e Chromebook (students in select specialized programs may receive a different type of device). A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Chrome OS, an operating system based on the Chrome web browser. The Lenovo 300e Chromebook is a “ruggedized” device designed to be used in a school environment. It has a touch-enabled screen with a 360-degree hinge so the device can be used in laptop or tablet mode. Students can also use a capacitive stylus on their screen.

A Chromebook does not run traditional software applications like a Windows PC or Mac. Instead, Chromebooks provide access to software applications that run on the Internet. These “Cloud Applications” can be accessed and used on a Chromebook just like they can on any modern web browser. G Suite for Education and Microsoft Office 365 are two “cloud-based” productivity suites of software applications that students can use on their Chromebook.

Chromebooks can also run small software programs called Apps or Extensions that can be installed on the device. Students can only install apps and extensions that have been approved by LCPS. Students can access many other cloud applications and resources through LCPS GO.

Yes, regardless of the wireless network the device is connected to, internet traffic on student chromebooks is always routed through the LCPS internet content filter. In addition, LCPS uses a monitoring service called Gaggle, which monitors the content of students’ email, Google Drive, and Office 365 OneDrive and reports content that is concerning.

Yes. Issuing individual learning devices to students is a complement to, not a replacement for, our division’s BYOT initiative. Student-owned devices still play an important role in a student’s learning environment, even when students also have access to a school-issued device. While teachers and schools have the flexibility to provide guidance to students about when and where technology use is appropriate, BYOT is an official policy of Loudoun County Public Schools.

Any lost or damaged device should be immediately reported to a staff member.  When necessary, the student will be sent to the media center to be issued a loaner device.  Upon repair of the device, it will be issued back to the student. In cases of loss, stolen, or intentional damage, the same process will be followed and additional documentation may be required.

All students will be introduced to their device through a “Student Boot Camp.” This session will give students an introduction to their Chromebook, including discussions about how these devices will support their learning, their responsibilities when using their school-provided device, the basics of using their Chromebook for personal productivity, and using their device for learning at home.

There are many resources available for parents who want to learn more about talking about digital citzenship with their child. Common Sense Media is one organization that has excellent resources available, including tips for parents.

Yes. In addition to acknowledging receipt of the Student Rights and Responsibilities document, students and parents must sign a Student Device Usage Agreement form to acknowledge their responsibilities in using and caring for their device. Students do not need to have a signed form before they are issued their device, but students and parents if a signed form is not returned within 10 days of receiving the form, the student will need to keep their Chromebook at school until the signed form is returned.

Teachers will work the Instructional Facilitator for Technology at their school to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize the impact of these devices on student learning.  Professional development will focus on classroom management and routines, digital citizenship and data privacy, and instructional uses of student devices.

Yes, these devices are intended to go home so student learning opportunities can span beyond the school day.  There may be specific circumstances that require a student to keep their device at school, and those should be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, devices will be returned to the school over the summer.  Upon the next school year, students will be issued the same device they used in the year prior, unless the student is moving to another school.

Students will return their device to their current school if they unenroll. If they are enrolling in another LCPS school, they will receive a device from their new school, if their new school is participating in the technology model. All schools will be participating in the 2020-2021 school year.

Students who do not have internet access can still utilize their Chromebook offline to perform productivity tasks such as creating or editing documents.

Students that do not have internet access at home may be able to take advantage of free wireless access at their local library or access hotspots at local coffee shops or restaurants.

If families don’t have access to internet because of financial need, there are programs that schools can take advantage of such as Comcast Internet Essentials, which provides low-cost internet services to households that qualify for free or reduced price lunch.

Students may choose to get a case or a protective sleeve, but it is not required. The devices provided to students are “ruggedized” to stand up to student use.

Students can add decorations or personalize their device as long as those decorations are removable. For example, they may use decorative clings on their device that can be easily peeled off, but should not use stickers that will leave a permanent residue.  Any accessory or personalization must not interfere with the operation of the device (e.g. accessories that could damage the screen when closed).

Students will be expected to arrive to school and class with their assigned device fully charged.  The Chromebooks provided to students can operate for 10+ hours on a single charge. Schools will be afforded a set number of spare adapters in the event that a student forgets to charge their device and forgets to bring their power adapter.