Outage Updates

There are several reasons why we are providing the same computing devices to all students: safety, instruction, technical support, and equity. ​ Safety: We have installed web filters and have other safety precautions that help prevent students from accessing inappropriate or unsafe websites while at school or home. We can’t be sure that devices brought from home meet this same standard. ​​ Instruction: Every district device has the same software, so teachers can efficiently teach entire classes and help individual students. Trying to teach a lesson with several different kinds of software and/or different versions of that software is very difficult. ​​ Technical Support: We can provide more robust technical support by having all students use the same device. We can’t offer the same level of support to an unlimited universe of devices, which could lead to more computer downtime and lost learning opportunities. ​​ Equity: Many families cannot afford to purchase laptops for their children. If all students are using the same device, they can focus on what they are learning with the device, not on who has which device and what else is on it.

IT has provided teachers with two spare charging cords for students to use in the classroom if needed. There are not enough spare charging cords or power outlets for all students; however, so the best solution is for students to develop a routine for charging their laptops each night.

The LRC has a small number of “loaner” devices for students to check out for the school day if needed. Priority for these loaners goes to students experiencing equipment issues outside their control. Again, there are only a limited number of these loaner devices available.

If a laptop breaks, it should be turned into IT for repair. During this time, the district will provide a loaner laptop, for which the student is liable while it is in their possession. Once the original laptop is fixed, the student will be notified to return the loaner for the original device. If the damage to the laptop is determined to have been caused by student negligence or abuse, there will be a fine assessed for the repair costs, as stated in the contract.

A stolen laptop needs to be reported ASAP to IT. For insurance coverage, a police report must be filed and a copy provided to the school within five days. The student will be able to check out a loaner device until the loss issue is resolved and a permanent replacement device provided.

Filtering software is installed on each laptop. This software runs even when students are not at school. Objectionable websites are screened out; however, no filtering system is perfect. If a student inadvertently accesses an objectionable website, students and/or parents can alert IT, and they will address the issue.

apParent allows a parent to view a student's laptop screen outside of school hours for monitoring purposes. New functionality includes setting useable hours, and time lapse recordings of the laptop screen - all from your smartphone. This is an opt-in service, available to all parents / guardians listed in the Skyward system. PLEASE NOTE - You must verify and use your email address on record in Skyward for the app to work. Request more information apParent User Manual

Office 365 enables students to work in the desktop version of OneNote without Internet access. Some school assignments may require Internet access, but many do not. If a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch, their family is eligible for reduced-cost Internet through Internet Essentials. This program offers basic home Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, with no activation fees, equipment rental fees, or price increases. For more information, visit InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. We also have a small number of mobile hotspots that can be borrowed upon request. These are subject to availability, and require a decent cellular signal to be functional.