FAQ

One-to-One (1:1) refers to a ratio of students to device. One to One implies that each NPS student will be issued their own device for school use.

Over the past 10 years, technology has created innovative mechanisms for teaching and learning. We expect the infusion of technology to encourage student collaboration, improve access to a wider variety of resources, provide additional ways of teaching creativity and critical thinking skills, and challenge students to adapt to new learning environments. We also must ensure that all students have equal access to the technology, which we believe enhances the learning experience and helps students develop critical skills for their future. While we believe that there are many excellent classroom practices that do not require technology, we also expect the new technology to foster continued innovation in teaching and learning.

Technology provides teachers and students with access to information and tools that enhance their learning experience. It also provides opportunities for students to share and collaborate with each other. When all students have a device, teachers can take advantage of these opportunities in real-time every day in the classroom.

When every student has a device, the district ensures that all students have access to the same tools and resources. It also allows us to decrease any use of smartphones in the classroom for academic purposes. We are excited about the possibilities for instructional flexibility, personalized learning, and collaboration provided by Chromebooks.

Devices will be managed in the same way they are managed in our schools now. Access to certain sites is restricted within the NPS network. Downloading of applications is also restricted.

We currently restrict access to certain sites and limit the ability to download specific applications. These restrictions and limitations will remain in place.

Students will turn in devices at the end of 8th and 12th grades. All other students in Middle and High Schools, keep their devices over the summer.

No.  We will not allow families to purchase the Chromebooks at the end of your student's time in the Newton Public Schools.

If you leave the Newton school system it is your responsibility to return the computer to the school.

Newton Public Schools instituted a web-filtering product called Deledao. This product filters both student issued iPads and Chromebooks no matter their location. Access to sites on the internet will be blocked by various categories. The system is more restrictive for the younger grades. We are not able to block particular sites for particular students nor are we able to provide access to particular sites for particular students. For more information on Deledeo web filtering, please view our Internet Filtering on NPS Devices resource.

Home Internet providers also have parental controls that can help filter content.  Many also allow parents/guardians to also manage devices that are connected to the home network.  We encourage parents/guardians to reach out to their Internet provider for information on filtering content at home.

Yes.  Just as we ask students to have a particular textbook for class, we require that each student have the same laptop for schoolwork.  The devices have very specific capabilities.  Teachers will be able to plan lessons with more confidence knowing each student will have the identical computer.

Comcast and Verizon offer low cost options for families who qualify.  Visit the links below for more information.

Comcast: Internet Essentials

Verizon: Lifeline

For more information on the Lifeline program please visit Mass.gov

No.  You do not have to pay anything for the device.  If you choose to protect your student's device, there is an optional repair fund you can opt into.  Please view the NPS Optional Repair Fund document for more information.

Students are expected to bring it each day. We don't plan on providing loaner devices in the near future to students who did not bring the Chromebook to school. We hope to get the students in the routine of bringing a charged Chromebook each day.

Students will need to report the hardware issue.  At the elementary level, students should report the issue to their classroom teacher.  At the middle and high school levels, students should report issues to the main office.  While waiting for a repair, students will be given a loaner device that they can use.

If a laptop is damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced, NPS will evaluate replacement options on a case by case basis. A student may be held responsible for some or all of the replacement costs and possible disciplinary action.  Newton Public Schools offeres an optional repair fund which families can opt into.  Please view the NPS Optional Repair Fund document for more information.

In cases of theft, vandalism, fire and other criminal acts; parent/guardians should report to the the school.  Families should also file a police, or fire, report.  This report MUST be filed by the parent/guardian in order for a replacement laptop to be requested.

At this time, students cannot access Google Drive files when offline.  Chromebooks need to be connected to the Internet in order to login and access an account.