LAPTOP USE & POLICIES

Laptop Acceptable Use Policy Everyone signed a copy of this policy when you received your laptop, therefore you have agreed to follow the guidelines outlined in this PowerPoint.

How do I take care of my computer? At school, the laptop is with you or locked in your locker Never leave your laptop unattended Never leave it in an unlocked classroom or with a friend When carried, laptop is in the case, or closed and carried securely NEVER in or under a backpack or athletic bag Always treated with respect and care Do not eat or drink around the laptop  No open laptops in the DBC at lunch or break Do not mess with or damage the laptop ID sticker or the case ID tag Remember, you are renting the laptop and its case. It is not yours. No personalizing. No writing. No stickers. No drawings. No etchings.

What happens if I don’t take care of my computer? Your laptop will be confiscated if it is Found unattended Carried improperly Opened in the DBC at lunch time Confiscated laptops will be delivered to the Business Office $25 fine or 3 administrative detentions to get it back No loaner computers are provided for confiscated laptops Score of 0 on all work missed until laptop is reacquired, unless the teacher’s class policy allows work to be made up or submitted late Physical damage or personalization to the laptop or its case will result in a repair or cleaning fee of at least $25. Full replacement cost will be assessed for a laptop or case that is too compromised to be reassigned in the next school year

What happens if my computer gets damaged? Return damaged laptops immediately to Mrs. Walski for processing and repair Loaner computers are available only if The damage is covered by warranty, or The damage is covered by laptop insurance and the $200 deductible is paid to MCPS Abusive damage caused by not carrying the laptop in its case, by not protecting cords, by careless handling, or by eating or drinking near the laptop may invalidate a warranty or insurance Damage not covered by warranty or insurance is paid by the student or their parents Work missed due to a damaged laptop is scored as zero unless otherwise provided for by the teacher’s policy for make-up or late work

Can I charge my computer at school? Probably not! Come to school with a fully-charged battery  charge each night Most rooms have few convenient outlets. Teacher does not have to let you re-charge in class, especially if it is disruptive or if cords pose a safety hazard. Avoid activities that can drain the battery (e.g., games or videos) except as instructed by the teacher.

How do I organize files on my computer? You will need to create a folder for each of your classes. Save all documents, web links, etc. for your classes to these specific folders. Example: All files relevant to History should be saved in the folder named History. Two-finger click and choose New Folder. Drag any file, folder, or application that you want into your new folder, or drag the folder into any other folder to establish an organized hierarchy.

How do I save my work on my computer? From the File menu, choose Save As. In the Save as blank, name your file. On the left side of the Save as box, select the desktop location, then to the right find the appropriate class folder and select it. Make sure you click “File” then “Save” or the “Command” button and the “S” button as you work on things to save changes as you go.

Should I save my work anywhere other than my computer? Yes! You should back up your files in case something happens to your computer. Your computer will also be wiped clean at the end of the school year and you will lose everything on your computer. Flash drives/Thumb drives are an easy place to save your work, but these can be lost or damaged. Your school has 30 GB of storage included in Google Drive. This storage is not a piece of equipment that can be stolen, lost or damaged. It is extremely safe if used properly. See below for instructions

How do I access my school ? Go to gmail.com and enter your login information OR click on “Access School ” under “Quick Links” on the school website. If you don’t know your , ask your parents. If they don’t know, see Mrs. Dickson in the office. This is the ONLY account you should use when communicating with teachers. Teachers will not respond to s sent from personal accounts. Period.

How to I check my grades? Go to knights.powerschool.com and enter your login information. If you do not know your login information, ask your parents. If they don’t know, see Mrs. McClure in the office.

Can I use my computer for things other than schoolwork? YES! BUT… Recognize that you do not own the computer. The school owns the computer and your parents lease it. Because the school owns the computer, they have access to everything you do on it. The primary purpose of the computer is to be a tool for your education, not for your personal use. Having your own laptop is a huge responsibility! You have to learn how to be a good manager of your time.

I can do whatever I want with my computer, right? NO! Some things are not appropriate for your school computer… Obvious examples: pornography, explicit videos/movies/music, pirated music/games/apps, cyber bullying, etc. Remember that the school has access to everything you do on your school computer. If you do use your laptop for personal use, remember that you will turn it in at the end of the school year and everything will be wiped clean. Make sure you keep all of your important files, music, pictures, etc. backed up! Laptops should not be used for personal things during school hours. Period. No games, messaging, videos, social media, etc. during class. Your computer could be confiscated if you do not abide by this.

Geez! Am I allowed to even have any fun with my computer? Yes! But… Part of being a young adult means learning to balance fun with work and responsibility!