Northland Community Schools - ISD 118

Responsible Use and Digital Citizenship

Parents and students are expected to review the responsible use policy together and create a plan for device guidelines and expectations for when the device is at home.

Service and Protection Plans

The district does not provide insurance plans for devices. Parents may choose to between option 1 and option 2.  All repairs on any school device must be completed by a school technician or sent out by the district to an approved service vendor.

Option 1 - Personal Insurance Parents/guardians may wish to carry their own personal insurance to protect the device in cases of theft, loss, or accidental damages. Please consult with your insurance agent for details about your personal coverage of the student device and the deductible amount. The deductible may be higher than the cost of the device. Proof of insurance must be attached to this form.

Option 2 - No Insurance (Individual Liability) You agree to pay the full amount for repairs or replacements due to damage, theft and all other losses. 

Device Distribution
 All parents and students are required to read and sign the Internet Responsible Use Policy and Northland G-Suite and Individual Agreement Form before a device will be distributed to the student.

• Students will not receive a device until forms are signed by a parent or guardian.

Device Distrubution

• Students in grades k-6 will receive devices from the teacher in the classroom. Teachers will have carts of chromebooks in classrooms that will be numbered. Each student will be assigned a numbered device and will be responsible for that device for the school year.
• Students in grades 7-12 will receive their device and charger the first week of school.
• New students will be able to pick up their device in the media center once their form has been signed.

Device Collection
 At the conclusion of the school year, students will return their device and charger to be redistributed in the fall.
Students will get the same chromebook back in the fall while they are in the same building. Any damages found or reported when the chromebook is returned will be billed and will need to be paid before the student receives their chromebook in the fall.

The full replacement fee of $250 will be charged for a chromebook that is not returned.

• The district will place a lost notification on the device, rendering it unusable. The district may also file a report of stolen property with the Cass County Sheriff's Department.
• The replacement cost of $40 will be charged if the school-issued charger is not returned.

Transferring/Withdrawing Students

Students who transfer out of Northland Community Schools must turn in their device and charger to the media center or main office by the last day of attendance.

Failure to return the device will result in the full replacement cost being charged and the district will place a lost notification on the device, rendering it unusable. The district may also file a report of stolen property with the Cass County Sheriff's Department.

Student Expectations

Students in 7-12 will be given a charger with their device and are expected to bring their device to school fully charged every day. Students will bring their device to every class unless directed differently by their teacher.

Students in k-6 will charge their devices in classroom carts and keep their devices at school.
When devices are transported between school and home, students will keep device protected in backpack or case. Liquids and food will not be kept in the same area as the device.

If a student does not bring their device to school:

• In the event a student forgets their device, students should call home and have it brought to school.
• If it cannot be brought to school, a limited amount of devices may be available for students to borrow for the day from the media center.

Device Support and Repairs

Device repairs are to only be completed by district technicians and staff.

• Loaner devices may be issued to students if their device is being repaired.
• A student borrowing a device must sign a loaner agreement and will be responsible for any damage to, or loss of, the loaned device.
• Students will be contacted when their device is repaired. Students must return the loaner device before receiving the repaired device.
• If a device needs to be repaired by a district technician, sent out for repairs, is lost or intentionally damaged a student may be charged fees. 

Charging Devices

• Students in grades 7-12 will charge their devices at home each evening and bring their device to school each day fully charged.
• Students in grades k-6 will charge devices at school in classroom carts. 

Chargers will not be available for check out from the media center.
Replacement chargers can be purchased in the media center for $40 and are not covered by the optional insurance plan.

Device Maintenance

• Devices must remain free of any writing drawing, stickers, or labels (other than labels placed on device by district)
• Devices should be shut down when not in use to conserve battery life.
• No food or drink should be next to devices.
• Devices in cases should not be removed from their case, except for repairs by a district technician.
• Cords and cables can be fragile and must be inserted carefully into the device. Do not wrap cords too tightly as this can cause them to fray.
• Do not stack books or other heavy items on top of devices; this can damage the screen.
• Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

Personalizing Student Device

• Devices are to remain free of any decorative writing, drawing, stickers, paint, tape, or labels that are not the property of Northland Community Schools.
• Students may add appropriate music, photos, and videos to their device.

Sound

• Sound must be muted at all times unless permitted by teacher or other staff member.
• Headphones may be used only at teacher discretion.

Printing

• Chromebooks will not be set up for printing at school.
• Students are encouraged to digitally publish and share their work with their teachers and peers when assigned and appropriate.