Reliable Access
Every student receives an assigned Chromebook for school and home use.
01
The Rationale
Why are we moving to a 1-1 model?
Over the past several years, Polk County Schools used temporary federal funding to significantly expand the number of student devices available throughout the district. At the high school level, this often resulted in classroom sets of Chromebooks in addition to other available devices.
As that temporary funding has ended and those devices have begun to age, continuing to maintain more devices than we have students is not financially sustainable.
Less Duplication
We can reduce excess classroom devices while preserving student access.
Better Support
A smaller fleet is easier to maintain, repair, license, and replace.
Responsible Stewardship
District resources can be focused on the devices students actually need.
This change is not intended to reduce student access to technology.
It allows us to preserve access while creating a more manageable and financially
sustainable device program.
02
Instruction First
Technology with Purpose
Providing each student with a Chromebook is an access decision—not a decision to design the school day around a screen.
Polk County Schools recognizes the concerns families and educators have about screen time. Across all grade levels, we are working with teachers to ensure technology is used thoughtfully, purposefully, and only when it adds value to instruction.
The goal is not more screen time. The goal is better learning.
Technology may be the right tool when students need to:
- Create, collaborate, or communicate
- Practice skills and receive timely feedback
- Access instructional materials or learning supports
- Conduct research or explore information
- Demonstrate what they have learned
- Complete digital coursework or online assessments
A lower-tech or no-tech approach may be better for:
- Reading printed text
- Writing by hand
- Classroom discussion
- Hands-on activities
- Direct collaboration with classmates
- Teacher-led instruction and focused practice
Teachers will continue to choose the most effective approach based on the learning objective and the needs of their students. The Chromebook should support strong teaching and meaningful learning—not replace personal interaction, hands-on experiences, printed materials, physical activity, or focused writing.
03
Daily Expectations
How will the program work?
Each student will be assigned a Chromebook and charger. These items remain the property of Polk County Schools and are issued for educational use.
Bring the assigned Chromebook to school each day.
Arrive with the device fully charged and ready when needed.
Take the device home each school day.
Use it for school-related work as directed.
Keep the Chromebook and charger secure and protected.
Report loss, damage, theft, or technical problems promptly.
Return the Chromebook and charger when requested.
The district-issued Chromebook will be the student’s primary instructional device.
This does not mean it will be used during every class period or for every assignment.
Personally owned laptops and tablets may not replace the assigned district device.
04
Home Use
Why students will take devices home
Families are encouraged to establish a consistent place at home where the Chromebook can be safely stored and charged.
05
Forgotten Devices
What happens if a student forgets the Chromebook?
When available, a student who forgets a device may check out a temporary loaner from the school’s media center. Loaners are for temporary school-day use and must normally be returned before the student leaves campus.
A loaner is not a permanent replacement for the assigned Chromebook. Repeatedly arriving without the assigned device or without it being charged may result in parent contact, a student conference, administrative review, or other school-based interventions.
06
Protecting the Device
Device care and family responsibilities
Students should:
- Carry the Chromebook carefully and close it before moving
- Keep food and drinks away from the device
- Avoid moisture, extreme heat, and extreme cold
- Keep it away from pets, young children, and unsafe surfaces
- Never loan the Chromebook or charger to another person
- Never share passwords or account access
Students should also:
- Never remove or damage district asset tags
- Avoid writing, drawing, engraving, or adding stickers
- Use only approved chargers and accessories
- Report technical problems instead of attempting repairs
- Keep the Chromebook secure when not in use
- Return the device and charger when requested
07
Damage and Loss
Damage, loss, and theft
Polk County Schools understands that accidents sometimes happen. Damage should be reported promptly so the device can be evaluated and repaired. When accidental damage is covered by warranty, families will not be charged.
| Incident | Potential Family Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Accidental damage covered by warranty | No charge |
| Accidental damage not covered by warranty or repeated damage | Reviewed by school administration and technology staff |
| Lost or damaged charger | $20 |
| Lost Chromebook | $400 |
| Intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent damage | Repair or replacement cost, up to $400 |
| Damage beyond economical repair because of misuse or neglect | Replacement cost, up to $400 |
A stolen Chromebook should be reported to the school as soon as possible,
preferably within 24 hours. A police report or incident number may be required.
08
Safety and Privacy
Internet filtering and monitoring
District Chromebooks are managed by Polk County Schools. Internet filtering, monitoring, security, and device-management protections remain active when the Chromebook is used away from school.
Students should not expect personal privacy when using district-owned devices, district accounts, district networks, approved applications, or files and activity associated with district systems.
Although district filtering is highly effective, no filtering system can guarantee that students will never encounter inappropriate content. Students should leave inappropriate content immediately and report the concern to a teacher, parent, guardian, or school administrator.
09
Required Before Issuance
Student Device Acceptable Use Agreement
Before receiving a Chromebook, students and parents or guardians must review and sign the Polk County Schools Student Device Acceptable Use Agreement.
View the Student Device Acceptable Use Agreement
1
Check your email
If the district has a valid parent or guardian email address on file, the agreement will be sent electronically through 1to1 Plus, the district’s asset-tracking system.
2
Review and sign
Parents or guardians will be able to review and digitally sign the agreement. Families should complete it before the scheduled device distribution date.
3
Use a paper copy when needed
If no valid email address is on file, the student will receive a paper copy from the school. The signed agreement must be returned before a Chromebook can be issued.
A completed Student Device Acceptable Use Agreement must be on file before a
Chromebook can be issued.
10
Distribution Information
Device distribution
Polk County High School and Polk County Early College will each communicate their own device distribution plan directly to students and families.
Families should watch for school-specific information regarding distribution dates, times, locations, and any steps that must be completed before a device can be issued.
A completed Student Device Acceptable Use Agreement must be on file before a
Chromebook can be issued. Families should also make sure the school has a current
parent or guardian email address on file and promptly return any paper agreement
sent home with the student.
11
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my student have to take the Chromebook home?
Yes. Students are expected to take the device home each day so it can be charged and used for school-related work when necessary.
Does a 1-1 program mean more screen time?
No. The program ensures access to a dependable device when it is needed. Teachers will continue to decide when technology is appropriate based on the lesson and student needs.
Will students use the Chromebook in every class?
No. The Chromebook will be available in every class, but it will not necessarily be used during every class period or for every assignment.
Why can’t students just use classroom sets?
Maintaining classroom sets in addition to individually assigned devices creates unnecessary duplication. A 1-1 model preserves access while reducing the number of devices that must be repaired, licensed, managed, and replaced.
What if we do not have internet access at home?
A lack of home internet access does not prevent participation. Families should contact the school so available resources and options can be discussed.
Will students be charged for every accidental break?
No. Accidental damage covered by warranty will not result in a charge. Each incident will be reviewed based on the circumstances and warranty coverage.
What happens if the Chromebook stops working?
The student should report the problem to the school promptly. Students and families should not attempt repairs or take the Chromebook to an outside repair provider.
Will the Chromebook be filtered at home?
Yes. District filtering, monitoring, security, and device-management protections remain active away from school.
What if I do not receive the electronic agreement?
Confirm that the school has a current parent or guardian email address on file. If no valid email is available, the student will receive a paper copy from the school.
Questions or Assistance
Additional details will be provided by Polk County High School and Polk County Early College as distribution approaches.
Questions about school procedures should be directed to the student’s school. Technical problems involving an assigned Chromebook should be reported through the school or the Polk County Schools Technology Help Desk.
By working together, we can ensure that every student has access to the technology needed for learning while maintaining a reliable, instructionally appropriate, and financially responsible technology program.