1:1 Program

The following is a copy of the Wylie ISD One To One Chromebook Agreement. To officially acknowledge the agreement, please go to Skyward Family Access and sign the agreement there.

Overview

The focus of the Chromebook program in the Wylie Independent School District is to prepare students for their future in a world of digital technology and information. In today’s world, excellence in education requires that technology, including access to the Internet, be readily available and seamlessly integrated throughout the curriculum. We have put the support structure in place to ensure our teaching methods reflect and implement this integration. The primary tool for students in Wylie ISD is the Chromebook, a web-oriented device that provides the opportunity to connect student learning to all of the resources and information available online, anywhere, at any time. The individual use of Chromebooks is a way to empower students to learn at their full potential, to communicate and collaborate on analytical thinking and problem solving, and to prepare them for their next step in life.

As more and more students are using technology routinely as part of their classroom instruction, it has become an expectation. Although Wylie ISD has strived to provide classroom sets for core classes, there were certain instructional areas that were left out. Therefore, the question becomes, why don’t we have devices to use in our math/foreign language classes? Turns out, we are already buying more devices than we have students to supply those core classes.

To supply everyone with devices, Wylie ISD has chosen to move to a one-to-one model for our 5-12 campuses. All students in grades 5-12 are issued a Chromebook prior to the start of the school year, they can take them home and return them at the end of the year.

What is Issued to Students?

Each student in grades 5 through 12 will be issued a Dell Chromebook along with a power adapter, cord, and protective case.

The Chromebook and its accessories are, and at all-times remain, the property of Wylie ISD, and are loaned to the student for educational purposes only for the academic school year.

Chromebook Pickup

Chromebooks are distributed to students at the beginning of the school year. Each campus will publish the dates for pickup to take place. Before a Chromebook will be issued to the student, parents and students must sign a Device Agreement form as well as pay the mandatory non-refundable insurance fee. (See below)

Chromebook Return

All devices and accessories will be returned to Wylie ISD during the final weeks of school, on a date to be determined, so they can be checked for serviceability and to be stored for the summer.

If a student graduates early, transfers, withdraws, is suspended or expelled during the school year, the device must be returned at that time to the front office. Parents/guardians will be charged the full cost of the device if the student’s placement changes, and the device is not returned prior to leaving the school.

Furthermore, the student will be responsible for any damage to the device and must return all issued equipment in good working condition. The student will be charged a fee for any needed repairs, or equipment not returned, not to exceed the full replacement cost of the device and accessories. More information concerning fees and replacement is provided later in this document.

Opting Out

Technology is an integral part of the education all students receive at the Wylie Independent School District. Chromebooks should be considered as essential to the educational process as a textbook, and we want them to take advantage of the powerful learning resources available with it.

Texas Legislature, House Bill 1481 establishes that students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods, and lunch. As a result of this, opting out of the Chromebook program is not an option.

If you feel uncomfortable with your student taking the device home, please contact your school’s office to arrange for the student to store the Chromebook in the building rather than taking it home; it will need to be checked out at the start of each day and checked in at the end of each school day.

Insurance

Wylie ISD requires that Chromebook insurance be purchased prior to deployment of the Chromebook to the student. For students in grades 5-8, the annual fee will be $30 per device. The annual insurance fee for high school students is $40, as they will have the option of purchasing the Chromebook at graduation.

This insurance package covers any type of device malfunction, including:

• Hardware
• Accidental Damage (drops / spills)
• Cracked Screen
• Liquid Submersion
• Power Surge (lightning)
• Theft with a police report
• Vandalism

Please see the Chromebook Repair / Theft / Loss section of this page for details on how each insurance claim or repair request will be handled.

For information on the payment of the annual fee, please see the Payments page.

Training

Students will be trained on how to use the Chromebook by their teachers. Students are also encouraged to research and learn on their own. A good deal of useful information will be made available on the Resources page of this site.

Parent / Guardian Responsibilities

Wylie ISD makes every effort to equip parents/guardians with the necessary tools and information to ensure safe use of the Chromebooks in the home. There are several responsibilities assumed by the parent/guardian outlined below.

Sign Paperwork / Pay Fee

In order for a student to be allowed to take a Chromebook home, the student and parent/guardian must pay an annual insurance fee and sign the Device Agreement form.

Supervise Student Participation

The parent/guardian is responsible for the ensuring:

• Student brings Chromebook to school every day.
• Student is caring for the Chromebook in a manner that protects the device from damage.
• Student and/or parent/guardian notifies the school of loss or damage following the procedures outlined in this handbook.

Monitor Student Use

The parent/guardian must agree to monitor student use of the Chromebook at home and away from school. Being present and involved is the best way to keep students safe and on-task.

• Be aware that Internet content will be filtered by systems and policies in place on the Chromebook while it is attached to networks inside as well as outside the school.
• Develop a set of rules for Chromebook use at home.
• Only allow use of the Chromebook in a common area of the home.
• Take a genuine interest in what your student is doing on the Chromebook. Ask questions and request to see their work often.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook and all accessories which they have been issued by the school. It is the responsibility of the student to notify campus staff of any issues, regardless of the cause. If a Chromebook is damaged or not working properly the device should be taken to the campus designated Helpdesk location for an evaluation of the equipment. If a loaner Chromebook is available one will be checked out to them. Never try to repair the Chromebook yourself or have someone outside the district work on it.

Students are bound by the policies in the Student Handbook, acceptable use policy, and all rules of this handbook regardless of where they use their Chromebook and regardless of the source of the Internet connection.

Chromebook Rules and Care

General Rules

• The student is responsible for the device at all times, whether on campus or not.
• Family members and friends should not have use of the Chromebook. The Chromebook belongs to the student and only the student.
• Do not loan devices to other students.
• Do not borrow a device from another student.
• Do not share passwords and usernames.
• Chromebooks must have a Wylie ISD inventory tag on them at all times and this tag must not be removed or altered in any way.
• Chromebooks and accessories must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels. Spot checks for compliance may be done by administrators or teachers at any time.
• No food or drink is allowed next to your Chromebook.
• Vents on the devices must not be covered.
• Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to school completely charged each day.

General Precautions

• Do not grasp screen by wrapping your hand around it, your thumbs could shatter the screen.
• Do not lean on the top of your Chromebook when it is closed.
• Do not place anything on the keyboard as you may forget about it when closing the list. Doing so might cause damage to your screen.
• Never carry your Chromebook around with the screen open.
• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth such as a microfiber cloth. Do not spray any solvents on the screen.
• Do not poke the screen with anything that make scratch the screen surface.
• Cords, cables, and removable storage devices should be inserted carefully into the Chromebook.

Storage

• Do not leave the Chromebook in an unlocked car or locker or any unsupervised area.
• Chromebooks are very sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Leaving devices in cars or direct sunlight may expose them to potentially harmful conditions and should be avoided.
• Do not stack heavy books, materials, on top of the device as it could cause the device to break.
• Chromebooks should not be placed inside backpacks with heavy books.
• Chromebooks must be stored in the supplied case at all times. The Chromebook should be shut down prior to this as the fans on the Chromebook will continue to run if the device is left on.

Using Your Chromebook

At School

The Chromebook is intended for use at school each and every day. Students are responsible for bringing their devices to all classes, unless specifically advised not to do so by their teacher. While in class, students are expected to comply with all school rules, policies, and teacher directives when using their devices.

If a student leaves the Chromebook at home, he/she is still accountable and responsible for turning all coursework completed in the required time frame as if the Chromebook were present. Other district computers may or may not be available for student use. If a student repeatedly leaves the Chromebook at home, they may be subject to disciplinary consequences or lose the privilege of taking the Chromebook home.

Loaner devices may be issued to students when their devices are being repaired. A limited number of loaner devices are available so a loaner cannot be guaranteed.

At Home

Students are encouraged to use their Chromebooks at home and other locations outside of school. A Wi-Fi Internet connection will be required for the majority of Chromebook use. However, some applications can be used while not connected to the internet.

Sound

Sound must be muted at all times during class unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes. It is recommended that a student bring a headset or ear-buds for any audio needs.

Photos / Backgrounds / Screensavers

Inappropriate media should not be on the device and may not be used as a screensaver or background photo. Any violation of this is subject to disciplinary action.

Copyright

Illegal downloading and distribution of copyrighted works are serious offenses that carry with them the risk of substantial monetary damages and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. Copyright infringement also violates the District’s Internet Service Provider's terms of service and could lead to limitation or suspension of the District’s Internet service.

Chromebook Support

The campus designated Helpdesk location will be the first point of contact for issues with the Chromebooks. Personnel there will be able to help with the following type of issues:

• Password Issues
• User account support
• Hardware maintenance and repair
• Distribution of loaner Chromebooks
• Operating System or software configuration support
• Restoring Chromebook to factory default
• System software updates

Internet Safety

The District utilizes an Internet content filter that is in compliance with the federally mandated Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All Chromebooks, regardless of physical location (in or out of school) and Internet connection, will have Internet activity filtered. Despite the filter, the District cannot guarantee that all controversial or inappropriate materials will be blocked. Parental monitoring of student Chromebook use at home is encouraged.

Chromebook Repair / Theft / Loss

It is the responsibility of the student to notify campus staff of any issues, regardless of the cause. If a Chromebook is damaged or not working properly the device should be taken to the campus designated Helpdesk location for an evaluation of the equipment. Wylie ISD will assess the Chromebook damage and repair or replace the device if the damage is determined to be accidental and within the protection guidelines. Any issue reported will be handled as described below.

Repair

If a Chromebook is damaged (non-intentional) or has been determined to have a factory defect, the device will be repaired or replaced by Wylie ISD. While this takes place, a loaner Chromebook will be checked out to the student. The student will be allowed to take this device home. The loaner device is subject to all the same rules as the normal Chromebook issued to the student.

NOTE: There are a limited number of loaner Chromebooks so there is no guarantee that one will be available.

Theft

In the event of theft, vandalism, or other criminal acts, the student/parent/guardian MUST file a report with the local police department and submit a copy of the report to the school. The device will be replaced under the insurance policy guidelines. Provided the school has received a copy of the police report, a loaner Chromebook will be checked out to the student. The student will be allowed to take this device home. The loaner device is subject to all the same rules as the normal Chromebook issued to the student.

NOTE: There are a limited number of loaner Chromebooks so there is no guarantee that one will be available.

LOSS OR INTENTIONAL DAMAGE

A Chromebook or any of its accessories that are lost or intentionally damaged is the financial responsibility of the student and parent/guardian involved. The provided insurance policy does not cover these situations. It will be at the discretion of Wylie ISD administration to determine who is at fault. The user will not be given another device or accessory to use until the replacement cost has been paid to the school.

Estimated Replacement Costs

Chromebook Parts to be replaced	Fees
Full Chromebook Replacement	$280
LCD Screen	$100
AC Adapter & Power Cord	$45
Chromebook Outer Case	$40
Keyboard and Touchpad	$55
Protective Carrying Case	$40

High School Students Only: Chromebook Buyout Policy

Upon graduation, students will have the option to purchase their Chromebook. For each year the insurance fee is paid and no claims (broken screen, keyboard, etc.) were assessed, the $40 annual fee will be applied to this purchase price. Replacement of a Chromebook would forfeit the previous credits. If the student completed four years paying the insurance with no claims then the purchase price would $0. If a Chromebook was replaced during sophomore year, then the insurance payments from year one and year two would not count towards the purchase of the new Chromebook. The below chart breaks down the cost to own the Chromebook depending on the amount of insurance paid without incident.

Years without Claims	Total Insurance Fees Paid	Cost at Graduation to Own CHromebook
1	$40	$160-$40=$120
2	$80	$160-$80=$80
3	$120	$160-$120=$40
4	$160	$160-$160=$0

 

Chromebook Facts

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs the Chrome OS, a cloud-based operating system. The Chromebook utilizes cloud-based storage, web applications, and Google Workspace for Education. Since Chromebooks operate using the Chrome OS they boot in seconds unlike computers running a Windows or Mac OS. Additionally, they are by design not vulnerable to viruses and most malware that impacts other operating systems.

Parent Device Agreement

Parent Device Agreement [SPANISH]

Student Device Agreement

Student Device Agreement [SPANISH]

Chromebook fees can be paid using cash, check, or online transaction. Please see below for details regarding the method of payment you prefer:

Online Payment

Please contact your campus or the Technology Department for online payment options and assistance.

Payment with Cash or Check

Please place cash or a check made out to Wylie Independent School District in an envelope. Write on the envelope the student's name and ID #, as well as the words "Chromebook Fee", and have the student bring it to the office at their campus.

Q: Why is a 1:1 program important?

A: 1:1 programs provide for a much richer learning environment. Computers provide teachers much more flexibility in how they teach, providing opportunities for more personalized and differentiated instruction, flipped lessons, collaborative projects, and blended courses to name a few. With a personal device, students will have continual access to documents, research, and content. With the integration of Google Workspace for Education, our teachers/students can experience immediate feedback, collaboration, and document access.

1:1 increases instruction time by reducing the time associated using computer labs or computer carts. It also ends the logistical issues and removes the problem of trying to schedule learning around the availability of technology.

Q: Why Chromebooks?

A: Wylie ISD is a Google Workspace for Education district. This allows teachers and students to use Google’s cloud based services such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides from any device in school or at home. We have already been using Chromebooks simultaneously with great success. They integrate completely with Google Workspace tools, are user friendly, and are at a price point that would allow WISD to move to a 1:1 environment. The Chromebook needs very little maintenance as most resources are accessed directly from the internet and updates are quick and automatic. Student work on the Chromebook automatically saves to the Google cloud and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

Q: What device and accessories will students receive?

A: Each student will receive a Dell 3100 Series Chromebook along with a power adapter and a protective always-on carrying case.

Q: Who will receive the Chromebooks?

A: Students at all Wylie ISD intermediate and junior high schools, as well as students at the Wylie High and Wylie East campuses will receive a Chromebook.

Q: Can I Opt-Out of this Program?

A: Texas Legislature, House Bill 1481 establishes that students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods, and lunch. As a result of this, opting out of the Chromebook program is not an option.

Q: What if I don’t want the responsibility of taking the device home?

A: If you feel uncomfortable with your student taking the device home, please contact your school’s office to arrange for the student to store the Chromebook in the building rather than taking it home; it will need to be checked out at the start of each day and checked in at the end of each school day.

Q: Can I use my own device instead of the Chromebook?

A: Texas Legislature, House Bill 1481 establishes that students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods, and lunch. As a result of this, using a personal device is not an option.

Q: Will students be able to take the Chromebooks off campus?

A: Yes. Students at all Wylie ISD intermediate and junior high school campuses, as well as students at the Wylie High and Wylie East campuses will be allowed to take their Chromebooks home.

Q: How will Chromebooks be distributed?

A: Distribution of the Chromebooks will take place at the student’s campus. The distribution will take place at various dates, at or prior to, the beginning of the school year. Exact dates will be posted by campus personnel.

Q: How are individual Chromebooks identified?

A: The Chromebooks are each labeled with a Wylie ISD asset tag as well as manufacturer serial number label. At deployment time, the Chromebook is checked out to the student and the information on these labels is associated with the student using a web-based program. If there is ever a question of identification of a device, campus personnel can look up the association using this same web-based program.

Q: What do I need to do before my student receives their Chromebook?

A: Before a Chromebook will be issued to the student, parents and students must sign a Device Agreement form as well as pay the mandatory non-refundable insurance fee.

Q: Why are you charging a fee?

A: The addition of an annual student device fee from each student helps offset a portion of the cost as well as provides insurance protection for families from additional costs of repairs. If there were no fee, each repair instance would be the responsibility of the student or parent/guardian. Depending upon damage, the repair cost for one “accident” could easily be more than the annual fee.

This insurance protection covers any type of device malfunction, including:

• Hardware
• Accidental Damage (drops / spills)
• Cracked Screen
• Liquid Submersion
• Power Surge (lightning)
• Theft
• Vandalism

A Chromebook or any of its accessories that are lost or intentionally damaged is the financial responsibility of the student and parent/guardian involved. The annual fee does not cover these situations.

Q: What happens if the Chromebook is damaged?

A: If a Chromebook is damaged (non-intentional) or has been determined to have a factory defect, the device will be repaired or replaced by WISD. While this takes place, a loaner Chromebook will be checked out to the student. The student will be allowed to take this device home. The loaner device is subject to all the same rules as the normal Chromebook issued to the student.

Q: What happens if the Chromebook is lost or intentionally damaged?

A: A Chromebook or any of its accessories that are lost or intentionally damaged is the financial responsibility of the student and parent/guardian involved. The provided insurance policy does not cover these situations. It will be at the discretion of WISD administration to determine who is at fault. The user will not be given another device or accessory to use until the replacement cost has been paid to the school.

Q: What are the replacement costs of the Chromebook and accessories?

Estimated Replacement Costs

Chromebook Parts to be replaced	Fees
Full Chromebook Replacement	$280
LCD Screen	$100
AC Adapter & Power Cord	$45
Chromebook Outer Case	$40
Keyboard and Touchpad	$55
Protective Carrying Case	$40

Q: What happens if the Chromebook is stolen or vandalized?

A: In the event of theft, vandalism, or other criminal acts, the student/parent/guardian MUST file a report with the local police department and submit a copy of the report to the school. The device will be replaced under the insurance policy guidelines. Provided the school has received a copy of the police report, a loaner Chromebook will be checked out to the student. The student will be allowed to take this device home. The loaner device is subject to all the same rules as the normal Chromebook issued to the student.

Q: What if another student damages my student’s device?

A: In such cases, circumstances will be investigated on a case-by-case basis. School administration and the School Resource Officer may be involved if it is suspected to an intentional act or act of vandalism.

Q: What happens if there is a technical issue with the Chromebook?

A: All secondary schools employ an IT Technician and part of their role will be to address technical issues. There will be a designated Helpdesk location at each campus where your student can stop by and work with the IT personnel to resolve the issue. Some of the issues may be resolved in school but some may require devices to be returned to the manufacturer.

Q: What if my students loses their power cord or case?

A: Any of the issued accessories that are lost are the financial responsibility of the student and parent/guardian involved. The provided insurance policy does not cover these situations.

Q: What if my student forgets to charge the Chromebook?

A: Students are expected to charge their Chromebooks nightly at home and bring them to school fully charged. If one is available, students who do not bring a charged Chromebook back to school may be issued a loaner device for the day, which cannot be taken home. Loaners may not be available and your student may be without the Chromebook for the day. They may be able to charge the Chromebook in the library during lunch or and off/period.

Q: What if my student forgets to bring their Chromebook to school?

A: Students who do not bring a Chromebook to school may be issued a loaner device for the day, which cannot be taken home. Loaners may not be available and your student may be without the Chromebook for the day.

Q: What software is installed on the Chromebook?

A: All Chromebooks are supplied with the latest build of Google Chrome Operating System (OS), and many other applications useful in an educational environment. The Chrome OS will automatically install updates when the computer is shut down and restarted. Chromebooks seamlessly integrate with the Google Workspace for Education suite of productivity and collaboration tools. This suite includes Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawings, Forms, and Sites. All work is stored in the cloud.

From time to time the school may add software applications for use in a particular course. This process will be automatic with virtually no impact on students. Applications that are no longer needed will automatically be removed by the school as well.

Q: Can students install their own apps?

A: Yes. Students are allowed to install district approved Chrome web apps and extensions from the Chrome Web Store. The list of apps available is limited to those approved by the district.

Q: Can my student decorate/personalize their Chromebook?

A: No. Each Chromebook is owned by the Wylie Independent School District and any decorating/personalizing of the device (tape, stickers, markers, etc.) will be considered vandalism.

Q: Can students submit work or assignments via their devices?

A: Yes. All of the Google applications have features built into it that allow work to be “shared” between teachers and even classmates. Students can create documents, spreadsheets, drawings, photos, presentations and even videos. Each item can be “shared” with a teacher prior to its due date. The teacher can then see the work on his or her own computer to review it or grade it for the student.

Q: What if a student is out of school for an extended period of time (illness, travel, family emergency, etc.)?

A: With the devices, it will become even easier for students to receive work from their teachers. Assignments, readings, and other resources can be placed online and shared with the student in their absence. The student can do the work online from home and share it back with the teacher.

Q: Can I connect to my home or public network with the Chromebook?

A: Yes, if your location has a Wi-Fi network, the devices will have the same filtered web access as they would at school.

Q: What if we don’t have Wi-Fi at home?

A: The city library offers free wireless Internet, in addition to numerous businesses throughout the area. Also, students can use their school media center before and after school.

If you don’t have a Wi-Fi network at home, students can still use the Chromebook, but in a limited capacity. Some applications will work “offline” (such as Google Drive) but content saved to the device will not be backed up online until an Internet connection is available for the device. Offline access needs to be set up prior to going home for the day.

To enable Google Drive offline, each individual user must log in to their Drive account, visit Drive settings (look for the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen), and check the box that says “Enable offline access.” A copy of your entire Google Drive account will be downloaded locally on your Chromebook for use when you go offline. These files will be automatically synced when you reconnect to a network.

Q: How is the Chromebook monitored for internet safety?

A: The District utilizes an Internet content filter that is in compliance with the federally mandated Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All Chromebooks, regardless of physical location (in or out of school) and Internet connection, will have Internet activity filtered. Despite the filter, the District cannot guarantee that all controversial or inappropriate materials will be blocked. Parental monitoring of student Chromebook use at home is encouraged.

Q: Will students keep the Chromebook for the summer?

A: No. All devices and accessories will be returned to WISD during the final weeks of school, on a date to be determined, so they can be checked for serviceability and to be stored for the summer.

Q: Will students keep the devices during school breaks?

A: Yes.

Q: Will students receive the same device each year?

A: Students at Wylie High and Wylie East High School will receive the same device each year.

Q: Can I purchase the Chromebook when I graduate?

A: Students at Wylie High and Wylie East High School, upon graduation, will have the option to purchase their Chromebook. For each year the insurance fee is paid and no claims (broken screen, keyboard, etc.) were assessed, the $40 annual fee will be applied to this purchase price. Replacement of a Chromebook would forfeit the previous credits. If the student completed four years paying the insurance with no claims then the purchase price would $0. If a Chromebook was replaced during sophomore year, then the insurance payments from year one and year two would not count towards the purchase of the new Chromebook. The chart below breaks down the cost to own the Chromebook depending on the amount of insurance paid without incident.

Years without Claims	Total Insurance Fees Paid	Cost at Graduation to Own CHromebook
1	$40	$160-$40=$120
2	$80	$160-$80=$80
3	$120	$160-$120=$40
4	$160	$160-$160=$0