Chromebooks

We want to make sure that our students will be ready for the jobs of the future - careers that will require being technologically literate. In fulfilling this mission, technology has become essential to Moreno Valley Unified School District’s (MVUSD) instructional program. Students all over the District are already using their Chromebooks to access their textbooks, interact with their teachers, collaborate with each other, and complete assignments. Taking these devices home will create more equitable opportunities for students as they continue these important tasks.

Chromebooks should be considered similar to other instructional materials such as textbooks. The MVUSD Parent/Student Handbook addresses the loss of, or damage to, loaned District property:

It is both the student’s and the parent’s responsibility to ensure that textbooks and other loaned materials are handled in such a manner as to keep them safe from damage with no more than usual wear and tear and to return materials to school in a timely manner. Charges for lost/damaged materials will be made either to restore damaged materials to reasonable condition or to replace lost materials (page 9).

We recommend parents/guardians explore obtaining cases or cushioned sleeves to protect the Chromebook. Each student has been trained in the proper care of these devices. In the event of loss or damage, school staffs will collect fees for repair and replacement charges as they do now with textbooks.

Students should take care to never leave their Chromebooks unattended. Each device possesses a barcode, like textbooks. Students should report a missing Chromebook immediately. Should a device be stolen, the District can remotely lock the Chromebook, rendering it useless. Please note: surrounding Districts have not experienced high rates of theft.

Each student will receive a loaned power adapter with their Chromebook. They will be responsible for charging the device at home each evening. Chromebooks will run for roughly seven hours on a single full charge!

By every student having the same device, the District can make sure that every student has access to the same content, including online curriculum and web-based programs. Further, with one common device, teachers and staff can be responsive to students’ needs if a technology problem occurs. All online student assessments occur on these devices, so familiarity with Chromebooks will help students navigate testing more effectively.

Absolutely. We encourage students to use the Chromebooks over the summer to access instructional programs purchased by the site or district. Individuals will keep their Chromebooks over the summer as long as students remain at the same school.

The power adapter comes with the Chromebook and is loaned District property, so students need to turn in the adapter when they turn in the Chromebook. 

Chromebooks only fully function when connected to the Internet. However, students can configure some components (like Google Drive) to work offline and then sync again when they reconnect to a WiFi network.

Stickers may NOT be placed on Chromebooks.

The District helps by monitoring everything students do on a district-owned device and by installing content filters on Chromebooks in accordance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Teachers, district-wide, have also taught students about digital citizenship.

Parents can and should play an active role in making sure students use Chromebooks appropriately. Parents should actively monitor what students do online and talk to their children about digital citizenship. The resources at Common Sense Media can help. As well, parents should limit children’s use of technology to appropriate hours of the day and appropriate amounts of time at one sitting.

Some applications work offline (like Google Drive). However, if households don’t yet have wireless internet access, some low-cost options exist. For example, families may want to visit the Moreno Valley Public Library, or go to everyoneon.org. This national nonprofit has a variety of options that may suit individual needs. Some independent internet providers have discounts for those who qualify. Further, many businesses throughout the city have free WiFi for customers (like Starbucks, McDonalds, Walmart, etc.). Finally, students can connect to the Internet by using a smartphone as a wireless hotspot (data, messaging, and other charges from your provider may apply).