Frederick County Public Schools gives students Chromebook computers to help them learn at school and at home. These computers belong to the school district, so students must treat them with care and follow all safety rules. Therefore, students should take actions to meet specific expectations regarding Chromebooks, which are outlined in the Frederick County Public Schools: Student Chromebook Use Expectations. These expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Daily Charging: Bring the device to school fully charged every day. This is for middle and high school students only.
- Identification: The FCPS property tag must not be removed, defaced, or altered.
- Secure Transport: Always use a backpack or two hands to carry the device, and close the lid before moving or walking.
- Screen Protection: The screen is highly sensitive. Do not lean on the device, store it in "tablet mode" for long periods, or leave items (pens, earbuds) on the keyboard before closing.
- Cleaning: Use only a soft, dry microfiber or anti-static cloth.
- Environmental Safety: Protect devices from extreme temperatures (never leave in vehicles), moisture, food, drinks, and pets.
- No Defacing: Students may not place stickers, markings, or drawings on the device or its accessories.
- Storage: Do not store devices at the bottom of a locker or backpack where heavy items might crush them.
- Damage: If a Chromebook breaks or stops working, students must bring it to the school Help Desk instead of trying to fix it themselves.
Additionally, students are expected to only use their Chromebook in a safe, legal, and secure manner. This means students must not use their Chromebook to engage in illegal and unsafe acts, attempt to circumvent security features, use banned applications, use AI in an unethical or unauthorized manner, use the FCPS computer system for personal financial gain, or waste FCPS resources such as file space. To ensure student safety in compliance with the law, the school division filters internet content both at home and at school, while reserving the right to monitor student email, Google Drive content, and web access logs at any time.
Beginning the 2026-2027 school year, FCPS will be implementing a new process where students will be locked out of their FCPS-issued devices, such as Chromebooks, every evening during the following windows:
- Elementary School Students: 9 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- Middle School Students: 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- High School Students: 1 a.m. - 5 a.m.
- NREP: 9 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- DJH: 1 a.m. - 5 a.m.
Additionally, to help ensure FCPS families are aware of these expectations, parents/legal guardians will be asked to sign the Frederick County Public Schools: Student Chromebook Use Expectations agreement. This document must be signed and returned to the student’s school no later than August 21, 2026.
For more information, please see the following:
- Virginia Code § 22.1-70.2
- FCPS Policy 323P, Students - Acceptable Computer System Use
- FCPS Regulation 323R, Students - Acceptable Computer System Use
- FCPS Policy 567P, Personnel - Acceptable Computer System Use
- FCPS Regulation 567R-A, Personnel - Acceptable Computer System Use
- FCPS Regulation 567R-B, Personnel - Electronic Mail, Social Media and Networking
- FCPS Regulation 567R-C, Personnel - Instructional Use of Social Networking Sites by Employees
- FCPS Regulation 567R-D, Personnel - Maintaining Appropriate and Professional Relationships with Students