Chromebooks

Dear APS Families:

As we gear up for the upcoming academic year (2024-25), I am thrilled to share some exciting news and important technology changes taking place within our school district. These changes directly impact and support Cornerstone #3, Operational Excellence, of our Blueprint for Excellence - the Strategic Plan. It is our commitment to enhance the educational experience and provide the best possible learning environment for all students. 

Here are the key changes you can expect:

Chromebook Carts for K-5 Buildings: As part of our ongoing efforts to foster seamless access to technology for educational purposes within the school environment, all K-5 buildings will be equipped with classroom Chromebook carts to ensure that devices are readily available and fully charged at the beginning of each day. It's important to note that Chromebook devices for K-5 students will remain at school and won't be permitted to go home, except in extenuating circumstances outlined in the guidance.

K-8 | Chromebooks to Stay at School over the Summer: Beginning at the end of the 2023-24 academic year with a collection of devices, grades K-8 will not be permitted to take Chromebooks home during the summer except for situations outlined in the guidance. Chromebooks for grades 6-8 will be redeployed each fall. Students starting ninth grade in the fall will be assigned a Chromebook from their high school.

We understand that change can be challenging, but we are confident that these updates will have a positive impact on the learning experience of our students. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Ownership of the Chromebook

Akron Public Schools maintains full ownership and control of the Chromebooks, which are loaned to students exclusively for educational use. Additionally, administrative staff and faculty reserve the authority to collect or inspect Chromebooks, monitor student activities, and modify, add, or remove installed software or hardware as deemed necessary.

Chromebook Distribution

One Chromebook is assigned to each student. The device is assigned at the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment into APS.

Students in grades K-5:
Each student is assigned a Chromebook for daily use that will remain in the classroom carts within the school buildings.

Students in grades 6-8:
Each student is issued and assigned a Chromebook that will go home with them daily throughout the school year, but will be returned and stored in the building at the end of each school year.

Students in grades 9-11: 
Each student is issued and assigned a Chromebook that will go home with them daily throughout the school year and for use in the summer.

Students in grade 12:
Each student is issued and assigned a Chromebook that will go home with them daily until Senior exams are completed, whereupon they will return the device prior to High School Graduation Commencement.

APS Signature Documents:

APS_7540.03 Student Acceptable Use and Safety Agreement
APS Student/Parent Chromebook Usage Agreement

APS Policies:

7540 Technology 
7540.03 Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety
7540.04 Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety
 

Applications:

Google Workspace Learning Center

GoGuardian - Internet Safety

The District goal is to provide every student a device for extended learning. Staff will be actively involved with students and their parents/guardians to develop a plan to meet that goal whenever possible, as well as protect the District’s limited resources. Fines assessed are based on the purchase price or the cost of repair.

Click here for a printable version of the APS Chromebook Fine Structure

Students should report any needs for Chromebook repair or replacement to a staff member during the regular school day. They will submit a ticket for the Technology Support Specialist (TSS) in the building to troubleshoot the issue or provide a functioning device.