Technology

Google Workspace for Education

A suite of cloud-based tools designed for K-12 and higher education institutions to facilitate teaching and learning.  It includes tools such as Google Classroom, Drive, Gmail, Slides, and Calendar.  Key features of  Google Workspace include collaboration, security, productivity, communication, and classroom management.

 

For more information check out Google for Education.

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A Google account is a unified login system that provides access to Google services (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.) using a single email and password. It centralizes security, data privacy, and personal information settings. It offers integrated features like password management, autofill, and synced data across devices.  Google accounts are created by the district and maintained by the technology department at HSSD.
Google Drive is a secure, cloud-based storage service that allows users to store, access, edit, and share files from any device. It supports various file types, integrates with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), and offers features like real-time collaboration, AI-powered search, and offline access. Users can organize files in folders and share them with custom permissions (view, comment, edit).  
Google Slides is a free, web-based presentation program within the Google Workspace suite, enabling real-time collaboration, automatic saving, and cloud storage. It allows users to create, edit, and share presentations—including text, images, videos, and animations—directly in a browser, with options to import/export formats like Microsoft PowerPoint and PDF.

Each student enrolled in Huntingdon Schools grades 1-12 is assigned a chromebook touch-screen device and designated charger.  Students in high school are allowed to take their chromebooks home to complete assignments.  Students in grades 7 & 8 must receive special permission to bring home chromebooks.

To ensure everyone has the best tools for learning, every student is responsible for the care and maintenance of their assigned Chromebook and charger. Taking care of your technology is just like taking care of a textbook or a uniform—it’s an essential part of being prepared for class every day.

Best Practices for Chromebook Care:

  • Charge It Every Night: Make it a habit to plug your Chromebook in before you go to bed. A fully charged battery ensures you won't miss out on important activities during the school day.

  • Keep Food and Drinks Away: Spills can cause permanent damage to the keyboard and internal components. Always keep water bottles and snacks a safe distance from your device.

  • Use a Flat, Stable Surface: Use your Chromebook on a desk or table. Avoid leaving it on the floor where it could be stepped on or on soft surfaces like beds, which can cause the device to overheat.

  • Handle with Care: Always carry your Chromebook with two hands and keep the lid closed when moving between classrooms. Never place heavy objects, like textbooks, on top of the device.

  • Track Your Charger: Your charger is specifically assigned to you. Keep it in a secure spot and avoid tightly wrapping the cord, which can cause the internal wires to break over time.

What to Do if You Need Help

Accidents happen, and technical issues can arise. If your Chromebook is damaged, lost, or not functioning correctly, do not attempt to fix it yourself.

Please take your device and charger to the designated tech support person in your specific building immediately:

  • Primary School: Report to Mrs. Beth in the Library.

  • Middle School: See Mrs. Anderson in the Front Computer Lab.

  • High School: Visit Mrs. Dana Warman in the front office.

  • Note: Promptly reporting an issue helps us get your device back in your hands as quickly as possible so you can get back to learning! 💻✨

While we strive to provide every student with the tools they need to succeed, it is important to remember that each student is financially responsible for the equipment issued to them. In the event that a device is misplaced or broken due to negligence, the following policies apply for the current school year.

 

Lost or Damaged Equipment Fees:

If a device or its accessories are lost or damaged beyond repair, the following replacement fees will be assessed:

  • Chromebook Replacement: $350

  • Charger Replacement: $20

Please note that these fees cover the cost of the hardware, licensing, and configuration required to get a student back online.

 

Required Action Steps:

  • Notify the Office Immediately:  If you realize your Chromebook or charger is missing.  If it becomes damaged, you must notify your building's designated person right away.  Prompt reporting allows our tech team to track the device or begin the repair process to minimize your time without a computer.
  • Submit Payment:  All payments for lost or damaged technology must be made directly to the school's office in which the student is enrolled (ex: Primary, Middle, High). We accept payments throughout the year as incidents occur.
  • Deadline for Payment: To ensure a smooth transition into the next grade or graduation, all outstanding technology fees must be paid in full before the end of the current school year.

 

A Reminder on Care: To avoid these fees, please remember to keep food and drinks away from your device, store your charger in a secure location, and never leave your Chromebook unattended in common areas.


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