1:1 FAQ

1:1 means that each student (grades K-12) receives an iPad or Chromebook to use for school work. Rather than checking out a device when needed, or instead of going to a lab to use computers, the devices are being assigned to each individual student.

Students in kindergarten and first grade will be issued a district-owned iPad/charger. These iPads will be assigned to each student and will remain in the classroom unless needed in a hybrid or distance learning environment.

Students in grades 2-5 will be issued a district-owned Chromebook/charger. These devices will be assigned to each student and will remain in the classroom unless needed in a hybrid or distance learning environment.

Students in grades 6-12 will be issued a district-owned Chromebook/charger. These devices will be assigned to each student and are permitted to travel with them to and from school daily.

Dates and times of device distribution will be determined by individual schools. Each Chromebook/iPad and the student to whom it was assigned will be recorded in the district’s inventory system. 

6th-12th grade will be allowed to bring devices home. 

Kindergarten through 5th grade devices will be stored in the classroom unless needed in a hybrid or distance learning environment.

Students should not personalize their Chromebooks/iPads with any items such as removable covers/skins, stickers, or markers, etc.

The district will have tags/stickers on each device so it can easily be identified by district personnel as to who the device is checked out to. At no time should the district identification tags/stickers be removed. If an identification tag/sticker is missing from a student's Chromebook, it should be reported to the building's Media Center.

If your child's Chromebook is not working properly or gets broken, please have your child report it immediately to the media center.  Owatonna Public Schools will handle all repair/replacement work. Please do not attempt to perform repairs or take your child's Chromebook or iPad to a third-party vendor to have it repaired. This will void the device's warranty.

In the event of a broken or malfunctioning device during hybrid or distance learning, contact the Technology Hotline at 507-444-8630.

Each school will have available devices for use while a child's device is being repaired.

If a Chromebook is misplaced while at school, the student must report it immediately to the media center on the day of the occurrence. Once reported, an investigative process will occur to recover the device.

If a Chromebook is misplaced outside of school, the student must report it to the media center the following school day. Once reported, an investigative process will occur to recover the device.

In the event of a lost or stolen device during hybrid or distance learning, contact the Technology Hotline at 507-444-8630.

Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth when cleaning the computer. If necessary, the cloth may be dampened slightly to assist in the cleaning areas that do not appear to be coming clean with the dry cloth.

All devices that are the property of Owatonna Public Schools have a cloud-based filter, which restricts content both at school and away from school. As stated in the Acceptable Use Policy, the district will take measures to prevent students from accessing/viewing inappropriate material on the Internet. The filter restricts categories such as pornography, gambling, and explicit sites. It is important to remember that no filter is foolproof, but the district will take every measure to make sure the filter is working properly.  

As with any technology device, the safest way for students to use a computer is under the supervision of an adult.

The Chromebook will play an integral role in classroom instruction, so it is extremely important that students bring their Chromebooks to class every day. The Chromebook will become part of a student’s necessary classroom supplies similar to a pencil and notebook paper.

If a student forgets his or her Chromebook, specific procedures and expectations will vary from school to school. Contact the school Media Center for more information.

Chromebook:  when fully charged, should last between 8-10 hours.

iPad:  when fully charged, should last approximately 6 hours.

Students are highly encouraged to charge the device each night and bring it to school with a full charge. We recommend charging the device each night and leaving the charger at home.

Unfortunately, the district technology staff can’t troubleshoot your home network. However, we can make sure the device is appropriately connecting to a wireless network. If we do show that the Chromebook has no problems connecting to a wireless router, we encourage you to reach out to your internet service provider and/or wireless router manufacturer.

An annual agreement must be completed and signed as part of receiving the device.  This agreement consists of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy as well as device insurance information (additional information below) and the families’ responsibility for Chromebook/iPad care and repair costs.

Owatonna Public Schools recognizes that with 1:1 student technology devices, there is a need to protect the investment by both the District and the Family. Therefore, an insurance plan is available to each family. The cost for this insurance is $30 per device, per student, per school year and will be due prior to the receipt of your child’s device. Families receiving educational benefits such as free or reduced are eligible for insurance at a reduced rate.

All families are encouraged to participate in the insurance option, but are not required to do so. Families who do not choose to purchase insurance are responsible for the full cost of repair and/or replacement of a damaged or lost device.

The insurance will provide coverage for accidental damage (drops/spills), cracked screens, theft, vandalism, fire, flood, natural disasters, and power surges due to lightning. The payment is nonrefundable. This annual coverage begins upon receipt of the payment and ends at the conclusion of each school year. The insurance plan does not cover lost, stolen or damaged charging cords or cases.

All insurance claims must be reported to the office of your child’s media center. In cases of theft or other criminal acts, a police report, or fire report in the case of fire, MUST be filed by the parent/guardian and student for the protection coverage to be utilized. A copy of the police/fire report must be provided to the media center of your child’s school.

Families who opt out of the insurance option will be held responsible for ALL damage to their devices including, but not limited to: broken screens, cracked casing or plastic pieces, inoperability, etc. Lost items such as devices, cases, and charging cords will be charged the actual replacement cost. Whether you opt in or out of insurance, NEVER attempt to gain access to the internal electronics or repair your device. If your device fails to work or is damaged, report the problem to the media center at your school as soon as possible. Device repair/replacement options will be determined by the school technology staff. 

INTENTIONAL DAMAGE: Students/parents are responsible for full payment of intentional damages to devices. School District insurance DOES NOT cover intentional damage of the device.

* Families receiving educational benefits such as free or reduced lunch are eligible for insurance at a reduced rate. They will fall under the Single Coverage Insurance Premium plan. 

The Acceptable Use Policy (policy 524) can be found on the Owatonna Public Schools website under Our District>School Board>Policies>Students.