1:1 Digital Learning

Preparing all students to be successful in a digital age and global economy is a responsibility that Community Consolidated School District 15 takes very seriously.

District 15 provides each and every student with a technology learning device. In Grades 3-8, and younger students in multi-grade classrooms with 3rd graders, a Chromebook, a protective case, charger, and licensing at no cost. Students in Grades K-2 will be assigned a device to use during the school day.

Students will be able to use their individual, district-issued Chromebooks to access Google Workspace for Education – a suite of online tools designed to enhance student learning and collaboration. Students will use these tools to access assignments, communicate with teachers, and develop essential digital skills. These tools include Google Classroom, Docs, Sites, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail, providing students with a platform to create, share, and organize their work. By utilizing Google Workspace, students will develop the technological literacy necessary to succeed in today's digital world.

These devices and accessories will remain the property of District 15 while going home with students. Students and their parents/guardians continue to be held accountable for the Responsible Use Contract all year. The next school year, students will continue using the same Chromebook. The District refreshes and replaces student devices on a regular cycle to update equipment.

Internet Safety

What is the Responsible Use Contract?

Student and Parent 1:1 Chromebook Responsible Use Contract

This contract applies to all students who are issued a Chromebook by District 15. Parents/guardians and students must sign, date, and return this contract to their school before being issued a Chromebook.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

I understand that the District-issued Chromebook is to be used as a tool for learning. My child and I will comply with the terms in this contract as well as the District 15’s Network Use Agreement which was signed at the time I enrolled my child.
I understand that my child should follow all expectations that individual teachers set for daily use.
I understand that my child may lose the privilege to use the Chromebook and/or receive disciplinary consequences if the Chromebook is continuously damaged, brought to school sporadically, or used by my child in a manner that violates Board of Education Policy (e.g., Access to Electronic Networks (6:235); Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment (7:180); Student Behavior (7:190); etc.). This may include building administration referring any violation(s) to local law enforcement.
I agree to supervise my child’s Chromebook use at home and agree to discuss internet safety with my child.
I understand that installing, or attempting to install, any extensions or applications without approval by District 15 personnel is prohibited.
I understand that if the Chromebook breaks, I will notify the school immediately and not attempt to fix the Chromebook on my own.
I understand that my child will return the Chromebook and any District-issued accessories (e.g. charger, case/clamshell, and stylus etc.) on or before the last day of attendance should he or she transfer out of District 15 during the school year.
I understand that my child will return the Chromebook and any District-issued accessories (e.g. charger, case/clamshell, and stylus etc) upon request.
I understand that District 15 is not liable for damages that may be caused by the intentional misuse of the device, or its use in a manner contrary to the terms in this contract, the District 15 Network Use Agreement that I signed at the time of enrolling my child, and Board of Education Policy.
I understand that District 15 reserves the right to charge me up to the full cost of the Chromebook and accessories for repair or replacement due to damage or loss caused through use that is determined by building administration to be dishonest, fraudulent, intentional, criminal or negligent (not locking/storing the device in a secured manner or location). Based on the reason(s) behind the damage or loss of the Chromebook and the availability of spare devices, a replacement device may be issued while the student’s original Chromebook is being repaired or replaced. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the building administrator.
To maintain confidentiality of students, staff and parents are NOT permitted to record videos or take photos of students participating on any video capturing platform such as Google Meet, or any other interactive site. Parents and staff are not permitted to share photos or videos of students other than their own on school or personal social media accounts.

Student Responsibilities:

I understand that the use of the Chromebook is a privilege, not a right, and is for educational purposes only.
I will demonstrate good digital citizenship and conduct myself in a responsible, socially acceptable, and positive manner at all times when using the Chromebook, District 15’s network, and the Internet.
I understand that I am responsible for securing and keeping the Chromebook and other District 15 technology that has been issued to me in good working order, including case and/or clamshell, and District issued stylus.
I understand that I will not adhere any materials (stickers, tape, etc.) to the bottom of the District 15 issued chromebook, and/or clamshell, nor remove any labels.
I understand that I am responsible for securing and keeping the District 15 issued chromebook charger and cord in good working order.
I understand that I have no expectation of privacy regarding the digital contents of the Chromebook or any communications made using the Chromebook. The Chromebook is the property of District 15 and may be confiscated and inspected by District staff at any time.
I understand that I am expected to notify a staff member whenever I come across information or messages that are inappropriate, dangerous, threatening, or make me feel uncomfortable. (form 9)
I understand that I am prohibited from attempting to bypass the District 15’s internet/content filters.
I understand that I will keep my profile picture, avatars, wallpaper and Google themes school appropriate.
I understand that I must keep my passwords private and not disclose them to others, except for District 15 staff and parents/guardians. I will not change my Google password.
I am prohibited from using another student’s username/password to log into a device.
I understand that any violation of this agreement or other District 15 expectations may result in disciplinary action, whether it occurs on or off school grounds. This may include building administration reporting violation(s) to local law enforcement.
I understand that I will not record videos or take photos of other students participating on any video conferencing platform such as Google Meet or any other interactive site. I will not share any photos or videos of students other than myself on school or personal social media accounts.

What is the district doing to prevent students from accessing inappropriate content on the internet?

Student safety is a top priority in District 15. To this end, District 15 incorporates content filtering on all student devices, on and off campus, through a content-filtering service. This service is designed to block access to categories of inappropriate content like obscene or harmful material on the Internet while also reporting student online and search activity.

District 15 staff do not physically monitor devices during school holidays, breaks and weekends.

Although content filters are highly effective at blocking inappropriate material on the internet, they are not 100% effective. As a result, it is important that both schools and families discuss and encourage appropriate internet usage and online activity with students.

SecurlyHome

Parents have access to SecurlyHome, a mobile app and online portal designed to provide parents/guardians insight and control over their student's online activity when on school-managed devices and accounts. SecurlyHome was created to help provide students additional educational support and is a companion to the classroom engagement and internet filtering tools that our school uses.

First, the Securly app and online portal provides an overview of your children's online activity on school-managed devices and accounts. This overview includes the apps, extensions, documents, and websites your student visited.
Second, SecurlyHome provides parents with an additional set of internet controls that you can set for out-of-school hours.

Please visit SecurlyHome for information and instructions on how to download and sign in to this app. This app uses the parent email that was used for school registration. Please contact your building’s secretary if you need to update that email address.

Can my student use the Chromebook for gaming?

How can I monitor my student's online activity on their Chromebook?

First, the Securly app and online portal provides an overview of your children's online activity on school-managed devices and accounts. This overview includes the apps, extensions, documents, and websites your student visited.
Second, SecurlyHome provides parents with an additional set of internet controls that you can set for out-of-school hours.

Will District 15 staff be able to monitor student activity on the Chromebooks?

Yes. Student online and search activity is reported through the content filtering/digital classroom management system, SecurlyHome. Administrators and teachers in District 15 have access to their students’ browsing history. District 15 teachers can remotely control their students’ Chromebook devices while the student is at school. While on campus, teachers can also monitor their students’ Chromebook screens and chat/message students. District 15 staff do not remotely control or monitor student devices during school holidays, breaks, and weekends.

SecurlyHome

First, the Securly app and online portal provides an overview of your children's online activity on school-managed devices and accounts. This overview includes the apps, extensions, documents, and websites your student visited.
Second, SecurlyHome provides parents with an additional set of internet controls that you can set for out-of-school hours.

Is the information in Google Workspace for Education private? Will Google sell or share information?

Google has declared its commitment to protecting the privacy and security of students. Google states that it does not sell students’ Google Workspace for Education data to third parties and does not share personal information placed in its systems with third parties. Click here to read more information on Google Student Privacy or the Google Privacy Notice to Parents.

Will my child have access to YouTube on his/her Chromebook?

Students who are issued a Chromebook will have limited access to videos and content on YouTube based on restricted settings within our internet filter and the Google administrative console. By default, when a student goes to YouTube.com they will have access to many videos that are deemed appropriate for children of all ages. Additionally, in our Google administrative console, we have given teachers the ability to approve videos for students which may have been initially blocked for children of all ages. The goal of the “teacher approval process” is to allow teachers to selectively unblock videos on YouTube that will supplement curriculum and learning for students in his/her class. Videos on YouTube that are not relevant to District 15’s learning standards or curriculum will remain blocked for students on their Chromebook.

Can the school staff see my child at home by using the camera on the Chromebook?

How can I teach my child about internet safety at home?

Students in grades K-8 will receive lessons on Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship at school. Many websites exist to offer parents helpful information and tips on keeping your children safe online. Please refer to these links, as they have been reviewed by District 15 staff and administration.

A white house-shaped icon with a smiling face is displayed against a bright blue background.

SecurlyHome

First, the Securly app and online portal provides an overview of your children's online activity on school-managed devices and accounts. This overview includes the apps, extensions, documents, and websites your student visited.
Second, SecurlyHome provides parents with an additional set of internet controls that you can set for out-of-school hours.

How will my student use a Chromebook?

When will my student use a Chrombook?

Students will use their Chromebooks every day; however, the Chromebook does not render textbooks, pencil and paper obsolete. Digital learning in Community Consolidated School District 15 will be “blended learning,” which means using a combination of technology, books and paper to deliver our curriculum and support students in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards.

Chromebooks and Google Workspace allow students to get deeper, more meaningful feedback from teachers and their peers in a more actionable way.
Chromebooks allow students to create their own “real” products. Each day, we have students building their own websites using Google Sites, collecting and analyzing.
Benefits of having Chromebooks include the increased ability to create, collaborate, critically think and communicate.

How will students be trained to use their Chromebooks?

Community Consolidated School District 15 will provide students with instruction on the responsible use of Chromebooks and on Digital Citizenship.

Students will receive this instruction during the first weeks of school and at other times during the school year as needed. Teachers will also support students as the devices are integrated into classwork and assignments.

Will the students be instructed in typing or using the keyboard?

District 15 students begin using technology in kindergarten and continue to have access to technology throughout their school career. We recognize that keyboarding is a 21st century skill, and one that is necessary for many of today’s jobs. Although we do not explicitly teach keyboarding in District 15, if students want to practice at home, there are a variety of free tutorials available online. Here is a link to Common Sense Education's best keyboarding practice sites.

Can my student take their district-issued Chromebook home?

Yes. Students in grades 3-8 are expected to take their district-issued Chromebooks home during the evenings, weekends, and breaks throughout the school year and are fully responsible for the care and condition of their Chromebook. Eighth-grade students will be required to return their district-issued Chromebook at a specified time at the end of the school year. Students who move out of the District will also be required to turn in their district-issued Chromebook. With the exception of students who are graduating from 8th grade, all 3rd through 7th grade students returning to District 15 for the upcoming school year will take their Chromebook home during summer break.

Students will be expected to follow the terms in the Responsible Use Contract that they signed at the time the device was issued to them.

What if we do not have internet access at home?

The Google Workspace environment (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc) is available offline through the Chromebook. In these instances, Google files and tools can be accessed without an Internet connection. The files are then updated the next time the Chromebook detects a connection. In support of CCSD15’s 1:1 Digital Learning environment, District 15 makes Internet connection through hotspots available to families that demonstrate need. Please refer to the District 15 website for information on Internet options for families and contact your school principal.

What if my student forgets their Chromebook at home?

How long will the Chromebook work if the battery is fully charged?

What if my student's Chromebook is not charged when they come to school?

What email will my student use?

Students will be issued District Gmail accounts when they receive their Chromebook. District 15’s student domain address is @ccsd15.net. Students will be able to communicate with teachers and other District 15 students through their District Gmail account. As a general rule, students will not have the ability to email parents or others who are outside the District 15 domain. District 211, District 214, and other educationally appropriate domains may be opened for student communication and collaboration as needs arise throughout the year. The email accounts are necessary for use in student-teacher communication, Google Suite applications and Google Classroom.

Can my student use their personal Google/Gmail account on the Chromebook?

Can a student share the Chromebook with friends or family?

No. The Chromebook is not to be shared with others. The primary purpose of the device is for students to have the ability to create, access, and share content with other students and teachers both during and outside of school. Students will only have the ability to use the Chromebook by logging in with their District 15 Google account information, even outside of school. Parents or other siblings will not be able to use this device to access other accounts.

Can students personalize the Chromebook?

Will students be able to print from the Chromebook?

No. Students will not be able to print from their district-issued Chromebook at school or at home. This function has been disabled for all Chromebooks in District 15.

We live in a digital age where we have the ability to create and share information with the click of a button. Our Chromebooks will allow students to collaborate and share materials with students and teachers. As part of this learning environment, we are making an effort to be environmentally conscious, and in doing so, it will reduce our carbon footprint. By using Google Docs, Drive, Classroom and Gmail, teachers and students can communicate, collaborate, and share materials digitally.

All files created on a Chromebook are digitally accessible in your child’s Google account, or online. Therefore, they are accessible from any device with internet access. In the event that a document you have created must be printed, here are some options.

Share the individual items with the child’s teacher, who can access and print from his/her laptop at school. This can be done through Classroom, Drive, or Gmail.
Log in to the student’s Google Drive account using a laptop or desktop computer connected to a printer at school, home, or the public library.

Chromebook costs, breakage, insurance, theft

How much will it cost families?

A technology fee is paid upon school registration. District 15 will provide each student in Grades 3-8 with a Chromebook, a protective case (soft bag or clamshell), and a charger at no additional cost. Younger students in multi-grade classrooms with 3rd graders will be issued a Chromebook, a protective case (soft bag or clamshell), and charger at no additional cost as well.

Students in grades K-2 will be assigned a device which will be sent home on days when inclement weather is forecasted for use during an e-Learning day.

These items will remain the property of District 15 while going home with students over the summer. Students continue to be held accountable to the Responsible Use Contract over the summer months. During the next school year, students will continue using the same Chromebook.

What if the Chromebook becomes damaged, lost, or stolen?

District 15 will not charge a family for the repair or replacement of a Chromebook due to system failure or what would be considered as normal wear and tear.

District 15 reserves the right to charge families up to the full cost of the Chromebook and accessories for repair or replacement due to damage or loss caused through use that is determined by building administration to be dishonest, fraudulent, intentional, criminal or negligent (not locking/storing the device in a secured manner or location).

Will there be an option to purchase insurance to protect against accidental damage, theft, etc?

All District 15 issued Chromebooks will be covered for:

Accidental damage
Fire
Electrical surge
Natural disasters
Theft. A police report must be filed by the parent/student and the police report must be provided at the time of making a claim.

However, if a student damages district issued Chromebooks, District 15 may charge families for repairs up to the full cost of the Chromebook and accessories for repair or replacement due to damage or loss caused through use that is determined by building administration to be dishonest, fraudulent, intentional, criminal or negligent (not locking/storing the device in a secured manner or location).

The school administrator, in consultation with teachers, makes the final determination depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Why is the district no longer offering Optional Insurance?

If a student misplaces their Chromebook, how will someone know it belongs to them?

Each Chromebook issued to students will be labeled with an asset tag that identifies the Chromebook and a label that identifies the student that the Chromebook is issued to. This information will be entered into the District’s inventory system. In the event that the student name and asset tag are removed, the student and Chromebook can also be tracked through the manufacturer’s serial number.

What should I do if my Chromebook stops working over the summer?

Why did District 15 choose Chromebook over other devices?

The Chromebook is fast, lightweight, and has a longer lasting battery life than most other mobile devices. The integrated full size keyboard and track-pad eliminates the need and cost for external keyboards and mice. They are also significantly less expensive than many other mobile technology solutions.

The management of Chromebooks is also one of the reasons this platform was chosen over others. District deployment and updating of apps, extensions and settings on Chromebooks district-wide is an efficient and quick process. In addition, the Google Administrative Console removes the cost, need and expertise for any other additional material applications.

Can students bring their own computers to school instead?

No. The District has standardized on specific device makes and models in order to deliver consistent instructional activities and learning support. Furthermore, not all families in District 15 can afford to provide their child or children with a tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or other mobile computing device for use at school. Allowing students to bring their personal devices for use to supplement learning in the classroom would cause equity issues for those students whose families do not have the financial means to provide them with a tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or other mobile computing device.

Additionally, district-issued Chromebooks are configured to operate on the district’s network and are managed both in-district and out-of-district by District 15’s Technology Department. This directly benefits students because it affords the District with the ability to:

Deploy required apps, configurations, updates and policies
Control and/or adjust device settings;
Monitor and recall search histories, electronic communications, etc.