1:1 Technology Program

Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, students will keep the device issued to them until they receive a replacement as part of the division's technology refresh cycle or until they leave the division. In other words, students will keep the same device for a specific time period rather than being issued a device each school year.

The chart below denotes the grade level, device and distribution/collection cycle.

*2024-25 Grade 10 students will be assigned a new Chromebook and the Lenovo 13w laptop issued in 2023 will be collected in September.

A committee of division staff identified four (4) device models that will be issued to all participating students, based on the student's grade level. Teachers will integrate use of these devices as part of their regular classroom instruction and for student work completed at home.

The appropriate device will be provided to students in grades 3 - 12, for use at school and home throughout the school year. Families who wish to provide a personally owned device for their students in grades 3 - 12, for use at school and home, are encouraged to do so.

For the best learning experiences, devices should meet the minimum expectations provided below (Apple laptops should be on MacOS 10.13+ and meet/exceed the Windows Laptop hardware specifications in the table below).

Device Specifications

Students enrolled in some courses of study, particularly CTE-related courses such as coding, would require more robust devices. For specialty classes, CTE would continue to provide the equipment for those courses that require these more robust machines.

Families have the option to purchase an annual accidental damage protection plan (ADPP) on division-issued devices. The cost will be $30 per year and will be payable, through SchoolCash Online, each year. If purchased, families will only be responsible for the cost of intentional destruction or vandalism, and the loss of the device, power adapter, and/or cord.

Families electing not to purchase the optional accidental damage protection plan will be responsible for all loss and damage to the device beyond the one-year manufacturer's warranty.

YCSD 1:1 Technology Program Rights & Responsibilities-of-Care

ADPP Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the division charging for accidental device protection?
Since initiating the division 1:1 Technology Program, the number of division-issued devices returned in damaged conditions exceeds funding allotted for replacement.

If I purchase the ADPP and my child returns the division-issued device before the end of the school year, will I receive a refund?
Due to the relatively low annual cost of the plan, the ADPP will not be prorated or refunded.

YCSD provides ongoing support, district-approved software, and mandated security to students using district devices. While families may opt to provide their children a personal device rather than using a division-provided device, YCSD staff are unable to offer technical assistance with personal devices.

Cell phones are not considered an acceptable personal device for daily instructional use.

Respondus Lockdown Browser

The division is implementing a new security feature to support secure testing environments. The Respondus Lockdown Browser prevents students from opening additional application windows, launching software, or accessing websites during tests. LockDown Browsers are already commonly used for important tests like the SOLs, PSAT, SAT, and AP exams.

Key Points:

Students with YCSD Devices: No action is needed. The LockDown Browser will be automatically installed.

Students with Personal Devices: You will need to download and install the Respondus LockDown Browser. Links for downloading are provided below:

• Chrome
• Windows
• Mac
• iPad

Securly Classroom

Securly Classroom is a tool that allows teachers to guide lessons, monitor student progress, and help maintain a productive online environment. The application allows teachers to send links directly to student devices to help get the whole class to the correct online resources quickly. Teachers also have the ability to "lock" students to specific sites, minimizing distractions during class. For students with personal devices, families can download and install this program on their child's personal Windows device.

Logging in and Using Your Device

You must have your student ID to use a division-issued device. The student’s username is the Student ID number (also their lunch number) and @ystu.ycsd.york.va.us. Example: 123456@ystu.ycsd.york.va.us

• Schools provide new students a username and password in a secure “account letter” shortly after enrollment. If you have not yet received a notice to pick up this letter from your child’s school, please call the school for assistance. 
• Returning students who do not know their student ID or password, can contact the YCSD Help Desk at 757-527-4819 or their school office.

Connecting to the Internet

iPads

1. Tap the Settings icon on your Home Screen.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi (device will search for available networks).
3. Select your network and enter your network's password.
4. Tap Join and slide the auto-join button to on.

Chrome Devices (3-5)

1. Click on the time icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Select the dropdown arrow before the Wi-Fi symbol.
3. Select your home Wi-Fi and enter your password.
4. Turn on "automatically connect to this network."

Windows Devices (6-12)

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Select a Wi-Fi network from the pop-up list and enter password.
3. Check the "connect automatically" box

YCSD Programs and Applications

Canvas

A Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas is an online platform that serves as the central site for class assignments and materials, due dates, resources and teacher feedback. Students can also take assessments online via Mastery Connect in Canvas. 

• Student Account Access
• Parent Account Access

*Students must generate a Pairing Code for parent accounts from their Canvas account - Settings - Pair with Observer

Learn more about Canvas for helpful “how-to” videos, tips and links.

Microsoft Office 365 and Teams

Office 365 is the cloud-based version of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Email, etc.) that also includes tools such as OneNote and Teams. YCSD uses Office 365 as a means for students and staff to collaborate, create and store documents and work, and hold video conference meetings.

• One Drive – create, save and store student work (files and documents)
• Outlook – access student YCSD email (Per the YCSD AUP - “Students under the age of 13 will only be able to send and receive email from staff and students from within the division.”)
• Teams – participate in video conferencing, virtual learning and collaboration

Student Account Access: 

• Chromebook: use the YCSD bookmark link in the top right of the web browser click on the three stacked dots and click bookmarks
• Windows Notebook Computer: go to portal.office.com and log in using YCSD username and password 
• iPad: click on the YCSD icon to access

Teams:

• Teams for Students & Parents
• Join Teams Meeting - iPad
• Join Teams Meeting - Chromebook
• Join Teams Meeting - Windows Device

Aspen

Aspen is the division’s official student information system (SIS) to provide secure access to official student grades, attendance and other data.

Account Access: yorksis.ycsd.york.va.us/aspen/logon.do 

Student Accounts: use your YCSD student ID and division password

Parent Accounts: New parents/guardians, and those who have not created accounts previously, can request passwords from their child’s school to be able to monitor grades (multiple students can be connected under one parent account) 

Existing Aspen account users can reset passwords using the ‘Forgotten Password’ link on the login page. 

Why did the division select multiple devices across grade levels rather than one standard device?
The division utilized its existing supply of Chromebooks. Therefore, using those devices in the elementary grades reduced start-up costs for the 1:1 Technology Program. Additionally, the committee considered age-appropriate needs and effective instructional use in making the device selections.

Will every student be required to participate in the 1:1 Technology Program?
As teachers will be integrating use of devices into both classroom instruction and home use, all students in grades 3 - 12 will need to participate in the program, by either using a division issued device, purchasing a device through the division vendor, or bringing an appropriate personal device to school.

Can students share a device with a sibling?
All students in grades 3 - 12 will need an individual device as device use will be integrated into both classroom instruction, testing, and home use.

Can a student use a different device than those specified for their grade level (i.e. Can students use devices other than those specified above)?
It is preferred that students use a device/computing platform that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications for those devices selected for each grade level as they will have the greatest compatibility with YCSD instructional software and applications. This not only ensures that a teacher's efforts are focused on instruction and engaging students in learning, it also ensures students have similar user experiences without some students having a poor experience because their machine did not meet the proper specifications or have access to the right software tools.

Will students be expected to bring the devices to and from school daily?
Students in grades 3-12 will be allowed to bring their devices to and from school daily.

What are the student expectations for care and use of devices?
Students and families will be responsible for the device issued to them, just as they are for other school-provided items such as textbooks, calculators, athletics equipment or library books. Students and families will be provided a Technology Handbook outlining use and care, among other topics, prior to receiving a device.

What happens if a device is broken, damaged or lost?
Families have the option to purchase an extended warranty and accidental damage protection plan on division-issued devices. The cost will be $30 per year and will be payable, through SchoolCash Online, each August. If purchased, families will only be responsible for the cost of intentional destruction or vandalism, and the loss of the device, power adapter, and/or cord.

Families electing not to purchase the optional accidental damage protection plan will be responsible for all loss and damage to the device beyond the one-year manufacturer's warranty.