Student Device Agreement and Obligations

Every student and that student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are financially responsible for damage or loss to any Chromebook or other device assigned to the student. The device is loaned to the student to be used for instructional purposes only. By borrowing a device from the school, the student and the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) acknowledges that they have read and understood the contents of this document and its linked articles.

There is no cost associated for a student to borrow, possess, or use a WCPS Chromebook or other device. If damage or loss occurs that is considered avoidable or intentional, the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be responsible for repair or replacement costs as outlined in the repair cost chart. Additionally, the corresponding administrative actions will be taken (see section 9 - Repair / Replacement Costs and Administrative Actions). Device insurance is available at a nominal cost to cover accidental damages. Visit https://securranty.com/wcpsmd for more information and to enroll.

The purpose of this document is to outline Washington County Public Schools’ (WCPS) practices, procedures, expectations, and obligations for the student and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) during the period in which a Chromebook or other device is assigned to the student.

In order to comply with The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), WCPS attempts to filter the device at all times for abusive, libelous, obscene, offensive, profane, threatening, sexually explicit, pornographic, illegal, or other inappropriate material that is harmful to minors. Users must not attempt to modify the Chromebook or other device, nor access proxy sites in an attempt to impair filtering functionality. Additionally, all sites used for instruction are evaluated by staff for appropriateness. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should note that while WCPS devices are configured to filter the sites students may visit, they should still discuss the importance of being safe, responsible, and respectful online with their student and monitor their child’s online activities.

To protect the device from damage, the student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will: 

• Keep the device in the provided protective case (if provided). Do not apply stickers or any other decorative items that would alter the appearance of the device from when you received it. In addition, do not tamper with school tags that are present on the device. 
• Use the proper method to plug and unplug your device. Do not place foreign objects into your device's ports. Cords, cables, and removable storage devices (e.g. thumb drives) must be inserted carefully into appropriate ports.
• Only use the charger issued with the device to charge it. 
• Never place heavy objects on top of your device. Be certain all objects are out of the way before closing the screen, ensure the lid is completely closed before transporting, and never lift by the screen.
• Use only your clean finger or a touch-screen stylus when touching your screen. Do not write on, etch, scratch, or mark the device. 
• Use a soft dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth to clean the screen or keyboard. Do not use liquid to clean the screen.
• Keep all food, drinks, and pets away from your device and its cords.
• Be responsible for the safe handling, transport, storage, and security of the device and take the appropriate precautions to prevent damage, loss, or theft. 

Students and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) agree to:

• Use the device in accordance with all provisions of the WCPS Acceptable Use of Telecommunication Regulation - IIBH-R as it currently exists and as updated or modified. 
• Report any objectionable content to a teacher and/or administrator.  
• Acknowledge that WCPS has the ability to monitor WCPS device usage to ensure compliance with WCPS policies and understand that, because of WCPS’ need to monitor WCPS devices, there is a limited expectation of data privacy while using WCPS technology. 
• Understand that they may only use WCPS approved digital tools in order to safeguard student data from unauthorized access. 
• Understand that the device may be randomly collected, inspected, and searched. 
• Use the device exclusively by WCPS employees and the assigned student. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may use the device for purposes of assisting their student with educational studies. 
• Obtain consent from participants before taking photos, recording audio, or capturing video.
• Not install a program or modify the device in any way.
• Notify the school immediately if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Not attempt to repair the device or contact any other computer repair service facility directly. 
• Return the device to the school within four (4) calendar days, should the student’s enrollment be terminated for any reason.

1. Take the device, case (if provided), and charger to the school where the student is enrolled.
2. Provide the library media specialist (LMS), teacher, principal, assistant principal, or other staff member with the student's ID number (if known), First and Last Name, and the best contact information to reach the parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Also, provide the details of the issue the device is having and any known possible causes of the problem.
3. A replacement device will be assigned to the student, pending inventory availability. The new device may not be the same model as the student’s originally assigned device but will allow the student to access any necessary WCPS applications. If this device incurs damages or is lost, an obligation will also be assessed.
4. Once the device has been repaired, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will receive an invoice for any obligations charged to the student for incurred costs (if applicable). If the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) has any questions regarding the obligations, they may contact the student’s school of enrollment.

1. Immediately notify the school’s library media specialist (LMS), teacher, principal, assistant principal, or other staff member. 
2. Provide the student's ID number (if known), First and Last Name, and the best contact information to reach the parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Provide any details surrounding the loss or theft of the device. 
3. A replacement device will be assigned to the student, pending inventory availability. The new device may not be the same model as the student’s originally assigned device but will allow the student to access any necessary WCPS applications. If this device incurs damages or is lost, an obligation will also be assessed.
4. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will receive an invoice for any obligations charged to the student for incurred costs (if applicable). If the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) has any questions regarding the obligations, they may contact the student’s school of enrollment.

Students and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are financially responsible for any damage or loss to the Chromebook or other device assigned to the student. The following is the process to collect any delinquent obligations:
 

1. All students will receive a loaner device to be used at school during school hours, regardless of any outstanding Chromebook repair/replacement obligations.
2. WCPS offers convenient options to pay for Chromebook repairs or replacements, such as online payment or cash/check sent to the student’s school.
3. Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of students with an outstanding obligation balance will be provided with written, verbal, and automated reminders on the status of their obligation. The reminders may include phone calls, written memos, letters, or electronic notices.
4. In the event an outstanding obligation balance remains after several reminders have been provided, WCPS will reach out to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to assess the situation further.
5. If, following consultation with the parent/legal guardian(s), they do not agree to a payment plan or fail to respond to multiple attempts to discuss the matter, WCPS may designate that the account be sent to a collection agency.