1:1 Technology Program

A committee of division staff identified three device models that will be issued to all participating students, based on the student's grade level, beginning with the 2020-21 school year. 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, for use at school and home throughout the school year. Families who wish to provide a personally owned device for their students, 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 300e specifications). Families will also have the option to purchase the same model of device as the division at a reduced educational cost. Please see below for purchasing options and reduced educational prices.

Device Specifications

*Please call 866-819-6504 or email the sales rep at micpela@cdwg.com. Due to high call volume, please leave a message. Calls will be returned from a 203 area code. Items noted as “backordered” will be shipped once it is in stock. CDW-G cannot guarantee an in-stock date.

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.

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.

iPads (K-1)

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.

Chromebook (2-5)

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 Notebook Computer (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

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

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 after September 22 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 currently has a limited supply of iPads and 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. For example, using the iPad tablet device versus a traditional keyboard device is more appropriate in grades K and 1. Chromebooks have been expanded for use in grades 2-5 to allow longer use which aligns to the Chromebook lifespan.

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 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 will need an individual device beginning with the 2020-21 school year 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 iPads or Chromebooks when they move up in grade level or 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 2-12 will be allowed to bring their devices to and from school daily. Students in grades K-1 will only bring devices home when circumstances necessitate (e.g. potential closure due to weather).

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?
School owned devices will be warrantied and maintained by the school. If the device is damaged a loaner device will be issued to the student while their device is repaired. For personal devices, the division recommends that the devices be covered by a warranty that offers accidental damage.