Technology Handbook

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is proud to offer all students one-to-one computing with a Chromebook or tablet.

The District has made an investment to provide this technology to your child because we believe it will enhance their learning experience. We ask that you and your child discuss and make sure you understand the responsibility of taking custody of the device and that you and your child treat the device with the utmost care. Personalizing the devices by putting on stickers, for example, is not allowed. Misusing the device in a way that damages it or renders it unusable will result in a replacement device or repairs being paid for by you and/or your child. A student is eligible for only one replacement device and one replacement charging cord if a device breaks or malfunctions due to an accident or a cause outside the student’s control.

What is Covered

PPS will be providing insurance, at no cost to our students and families. However, in order to offset the cost of this insurance, we are asking families who are able to do so to contribute $40 toward the self-insurance pool. You can do that by sending a check for $40 to Foundation for Portland Public Schools, 353 Cumberland Ave., Portland, ME 04101 or making a contribution online.

Donate to the PPS Technology Fund

The plan covers theft, fire, power surge, natural disasters, and accidental (non-negligent) damage both at home and in school. In case of theft, a police report must be filed and furnished to the school administration as soon as the theft is discovered. The coverage extends from the time we receive this signed form until the end of the school year. A student is eligible for only one replacement device.

What is Not Covered

Damage due to negligence, abusive treatment or intentional destruction is not covered by PPS. In the case of a theft, if a police report is not filed within one week of the loss it will not be covered. This insurance does not cover lost chargers for the Chromebooks or iPads. In such cases, repairs or replacement will be the sole responsibility of the student’s parents/guardians.

The cost for replacing technology are as follows:

• Chromebook - $225
• Chromebook charger - $45
• iPad - $399
• iPad charger - $25

All students using the PPS network and PPS computers/devices must abide by the computer and internet use policy and rules.

Failure to comply with the PPS Student Computer and Internet Use Policy, PPS Student Computer and Internet Use Policy and the PPS Student Computer and Internet Use Rules, or this Agreement, may result in disciplinary action or denial of access to the device, our network, or certain services. By signing the agreement/form, you agree to the following in exchange for access to a PPS-issued device:

• I have read, and agree to abide by, the PPS Student Computer and Internet Use Policy and the PPS Student Computer and Internet Use Rules.
• I agree to abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws related to use of the PPS network and PPS computers/devices.
• I consent to my child accessing and using Google Apps for Education Enterprise Edition managed by the Portland Public Schools and to the terms of Google’s privacy policy related to the collection of use of student data. Portland Public Schools will provide parents/legal guardians with legally-compliant notice and consent before students access or use PPS Student Number.
• I agree to supervise my child’s use of the internet on their PPS-issued device. I understand that PPS will seek to filter inappropriate content on the Internet, but PPS cannot reasonably prevent access to all inappropriate content.
• I agree that use of PPS technology is a privilege. I am responsible for the proper care of my child’s PPS issued device.
• I agree not to use any student or teacher's password to access the network and other school systems.
• I understand that all files stored on my child’s PPS-issued device will not be private, and that there is no expectation of privacy related to use of the device. PPS personnel can review devices, device use, and/or files at any time.
• I will report any problems with my child’s PPS-issued device to their teacher as soon as I become aware of the problem.
• I will return my child’s PPS-issued device and all of its accessories, including charging cord, by the last day of school each year, promptly upon my withdrawal from Portland Public Schools, or immediately whenever requested by the PPS administration. I understand and agree that I will be charged the replacement amount for the device if I do not return it as required by this Agreement.

Students are not allowed to use their own laptops to access PPS software or hardware or software support. A student may bring their device to school, but it will not receive any PPS software. The device will also not be repaired or supported if there are hardware issues. PPS IT strongly advises against a student bringing their personal laptop to school for any reason. 

If a student has an accommodation related to a disability that needs a technology solution that should go seek support through Student Support Services. Student Support Services purchases many devices for students that are supported by PPS IT. PPS IT will not support a personal laptop as an accommodation, for a host of reasons. Some of which are that we cannot send information, applications, and updates to a personal laptop. We are also unable to guarantee its functionality or its safety on our network. 
 

PPS IT is committed to helping students and families use technology to meet their learning needs. All requests for support from IT should come through the school when possible. If a family has an IT concern they should contact their student’s school who will engage PPS IT as necessary. 

Parent Portal Support: in the event that you are unable to access Infinite Campus Parent Portal please email your concerns to parentportal@portlandschools.org.

Recovering your student’s password: Please reach out to your school if you need your student’s Infinite Campus password information or to reset it. 

Infinite Campus Parent Portal