To help remove technology barriers and advance equitable student learning outcomes, WCPS will provide all students with access to a Chromebook.  

Device Responsibilities

Student Device Agreement
Students must adhere to provisions outlined in Board policies and the WCPS Student Device Agreement.

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We encourage you to review the policies linked above to ensure you understand your responsibilities.
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Protect Your Student's Device:
New Optional Insurance Available!
Starting in the 2024-2025 School Year, WCPS has partnered with a third-party insurance provider, Securranty, to provide optional student device insurance for just $24.95 a year. This insurance helps cover costs associated from accidental damage and loss of your student's device.​​ ​WCPS will continue to handle the device repairs / replacements process. While Securranty will cover all the costs as long as the insurance is purchased before any incident occurs. 
​Get peace of mind and avoid unexpected repair costs. Purchase Device Insurance here today!

CHROMEBOOK repair/replacement process

Chromebook Repair / Replacement Costs
The Student (and their parents/guardians) are financially responsible for charges assessed for WCPS-issued Chromebooks that are lost/stolen or damaged while in a student’s care and/or as the result of neglect on the part of the student.

​See the Repair / Replacement Process for details and associated costs.
Need a Spare or Replacement Charger for your Student's Chromebook?
To protect your student's Chromebook, always use chargers provided by WCPS. Avoid purchasing chargers from other retailers as they may not meet safety standards and could damage the device. ​

​Click the MySchoolBucks BUY button below to purchase an approved charger from WCPS. Once we receive your order the charger will be delivered to your student's school.

CHROMEBOOK CARE

How to Care for your Chromebook Video

Safely Transporting your Chromebook

  • Carry and transport your Chromebook with care as the screen can easily break. Remember:
    • Be sure the lid is completely closed and secured before transporting your Chromebook.
    • Be certain all objects are out of the way before closing the screen.
  • Never lift the Chromebook by the screen. Hold the Chromebook from the bottom.
  • School supplies, books, earbuds, etc., may put too much pressure and weight on the Chromebook screen.
  • When transporting your device in a backpack or other carrying case:
    • Place it down gently and remove the device before storing the bag.
    • Never leave your device unattended at school, unless it is placed in a secured location, as defined by school staff. ​

General Tips

  • Devices should be fully charged when you arrive at school each day. Remember to 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. Be careful when inserting and removing cords, cables, and external devices.
  • Your device's screen can easily be damaged! Excessive pressure can break the screen. Never place heavy objects on top of your device.
  • Use only your clean finger or a touch-screen stylus when touching your screen. Do not use anything that may mark or scratch the screen surface.
  • 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 and drinks away from your device. If liquid spills onto your device, unplug it immediately. Do not plug the device back in until it is thoroughly dry.
  • Do not add any stickers or any other decorative items that would alter the appearance of the device from when you received it. Do not tamper with school tags that are present on the device.
  • Make sure that the device and its cords are kept away from pets, and that the power adapters and cords are not left within their reach.​
WHAT is the Google Waffle?
The Google Waffle, a.k.a. Google Apps Launcher, is an extension created for users to quickly open up Google Apps and websites in a new browser tab from any page.  It is located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and looks like a waffle icon. 

  • Click on the waffle icon once. A list of digital application shortcuts with corresponding icons will appear. 
  • To scroll through the list, use the scroll bar located on the right side.
  • Once you find the application you would like to use, click once on the icon.
    Note: You may need to sign into the application with Google single sign-on or some other method depending upon the application. 
How to Properly Plug and Unplug the USB Type-C Adapter
​Connect the USB Type-C adapter
  1. Check the USB-C port on the unit and USB-C connector of the adapter. If either component appears to be damaged, please stop using the product and contact your service provider for support.
  2. Use your index finger and thumb to hold both sides of the USB-C cable and insert the cable into the USB-C port straight in line with the port as shown in the image below. Make sure to insert the adapter straight in and not at an angle.
Disconnect the USB Type-C adapter
  1. Use your index finger and thumb to hold both sides of the USB-C cable head where it connects to the computer.
  2. Gently pull straight out horizontally to unplug the cable from USB-C port.​
​Things to avoid when connecting or disconnecting your adapter
  1. Don't plug in or pull out the USB-C connector in an upward, downward, left, right, or forward direction.
  2. Don't insert or remove a USB-C connector with excessive force.
  3. Don't wiggle the connector or the cable while plugged into the port
  4. Don't pull or tug on the USB-C cable when plugged into the port.
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CHROMEBOOK Tips

​Join a Chromebook to Wi-Fi​

​​WCPS Chromebooks will automatically join the Wi-Fi at WCPS locations.  Chromebooks can also connect to other non-WCPS wireless networks.  
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​Timesaver: Before beginning, gather the name and the Wi-Fi password for the network you wish to join.
​Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network
  1. Turn on the Chromebook. On the Network not available window, click on the Select a network drop down menu and click on the name of the desired network.
  2. On the Join Wi-Fi network window confirm the desired network's name is listed under SSID. The Chromebook will automatically list a security type under the Security heading. Type the password for the network under the Password heading and press Connect in the lower right corner. Upon successful password entry, the Chromebook will connect to the Wi-Fi network.  
    ​Warning: Joining unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or networks without passwords, may allow attackers to intercept your private information
  3. Continue to login by pressing NEXT.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi Network
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network deletes it from the device.
  1. Click on the Status Area in the bottom right corner of the screen.  The time, battery status, and Wi-Fi strength are displayed in this area. In the pop-up window click on the  gear icon on the bottom left portion of the window, above the date.
  2. In the Settings menu, click on the first option, Wi-Fi.
  3. ​In the list of Known networks, click on the network you wish to delete.
  4. ​Click Forget and close the window by clicking on the X in the top right corner.
​Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
​Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks may allow attackers to intercept your private information. To protect yourself learn how to identify if a public network is secure. Additionally, when using a public wi-fi network only send your private information using sites that are fully encrypted, and avoid using mobile apps that require personal or financial information. Learn more about how to stay safe when using public wi-fi networks on the Federal Trade Commission's website.
​​If you are experiencing glitches with your Chromebook, please try the following easy fixes that correct most common issues with Chromebooks.
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​Troubleshooting a Chromebook

Check the Battery level
  1. Plug your Chromebook in
  2. Remember - you should plug your Chromebook in daily at home!
​Power Off Your Chromebook
  1. If your Chromebook is "stuck" or frozen, try powering it off by holding in the Power button.  This may take 10-15 seconds before it powers off. 
  2. Turn it back on and see if it is working.
  3. Remember - you should power your Chromebook off at least once a week!
​Hard Reset Your Chromebook
  1. ​Turn off your Chromebook.​
  2. Press and hold Refresh button, which is above the number 4 on the keyboard. 
  3. Then tap Power button once.
  4. When your Chromebook starts up, release the Refresh button.
  5. Log in as usual.
​Check for ChromeOS updates
  1. Turn on your Chromebook.
  2. Make sure your Chromebook is connected to Wi-Fi.
  3. At the bottom right, select the time.
  4. Select Settings.
  5. At the bottom of the left panel, select About Chrome OS.
  6. Under "Google Chrome OS," you'll find which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook uses.
  7. Select Check for updates.
  8. If there are updates that are needed, keep the Chromebook open until they have completed. You will then be prompted to restart the device.
​Clear Cache on The Chromebook
  1. On the Chromebook, open Google Chrome. 
  2. At the end of the URL bar, click the Gopher icon. ​​
​    3.  Click Clear Cache.   
           (see image to the right)
     4.  Close and reopen Google   Chrome. The cache should show as clear. 
​How to Manage Cookie Settings on Your Chromebook
​If, during your online experience, you notice that a page is not loading, check the cookies icon to determine if cookies are being blocked. 
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If cookies are currently being blocked, you will see this icon at the top of your screen: 
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To allow cookies, change the setting from “Continue Blocking Cookies” to “Always Allow ... Cookies". 
If these troubleshooting tips do not solve your issue, please have your student contact their teacher or Library Media Specialist (LMS) for further assistance.

Technology Support

​If you or your child has any questions on how to use the Chromebook to access instruction or is having technical issues, please email your child’s teacher, Library Media Specialist (LMS), or school administrator. In addition, check our Frequently Asked Questions Page for additional information.