Technology
The technology department provides teachers, staff, and students with modern technology and services in support of instructional and operational programs. The department currently supports 4,000 devices, a robust server and wired/wireless infrastructure, and security camera system, as well as IoT devices and a wide array of both educational and operational applications. At the heart of the department is a strong, consistent, and secure environment that allows the department to focus on customer service, efficiency improvements, and meaningful technology integration.
Services
1 to 1
The Lampeter-Strasburg School District runs a 1:1 learning program for students in grades K-12. As a result of this learning initiative, the District believes students will:
- effectively utilize technology to enhance learning and achievement
- use online content, the internet, and technology applications to learn at higher levels
- use critical thinking skills to collaborate, plan and conduct research, problem solve, and manage projects.
- understand and practice legal and ethical behavior related to technology.
The L-S 1:1 learning program provides all students in grades 3-12 with a laptop to facilitate the goals above, while students in grades K-2 have access to an iPad.
BYOD
The Lampeter-Strasburg School District supports and encourages the use of technology in the classroom. To better support student learning, the District offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.
The BYOD program allows students to use their own technology devices within the classroom learning environment. BYOD devices will only be permitted for educational purposes as directed by your child’s teacher. Acceptable devices may include laptops, tablets, smartphones, or any other device that has Internet connectivity, excluding gaming devices.
A filtered Internet connection will be provided for participating students to use for educational purposes during classroom instruction.
Policies
Faculty, staff, students, contractors, and guests are bound by the terms and conditions listed in the Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy, the Mobile Technology Devices Policy (District Owned), and the Personal Technology Devices Policy.
The following is a summary that highlights the key points of each policy.
Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources Policy (815)
- District technology should be used in a responsible and ethical way. It cannot be used for commercial activities, illegal activity, or to access inappropriate materials.
- Access to the internet is protected by a filter and the district has the right to monitor device and Internet activity.
- Attempting to circumvent the filter or any security measure put in place is a violation of the AUP.
- Usernames and passwords should never been given to others. Using someone else's username and password is prohibited.
If you violate any aspect of this policy, you may be subject to disciplinary action. You can find the full policy here.
Mobile Technology Devices Policy (717.1)
- Devices owned by the District are to be used for school-related business.
- The device should only be used by employees and students of the District.
- When an employee or student leaves the District, the device must be returned immediately.
- Employees and students are responsible for the safety and security of the device.
If you violate any aspect of this policy, you may be subject to disciplinary action. You can find the full policy here.
Personal Technology Devices (815.1)
- Access to the Internet is protected by a filter and the district has the right to monitor device and Internet activity.
- Attempting to circumvent the filter or any security measure put in place is a violation of the AUP.
- The District has the right to deny access to the BYOD and wireless networks.
If you violate any aspect of this policy, you may be subject to disciplinary action. You can find the full policy here.
Safety
Web Filtering
The District filters the internet to protect students and staff from inappropriate content. By remaining CIPA compliant, it receives reimbursement from the federal government for a portion of internet service costs.
If teachers come across sites that are blocked, but have valuable content, or that are unblocked, but have inappropriate content, the technology team quick responds by unblocking or blocking those sites as necessary. While the filter is in place and does an excellent job filtering inappropriate content, there are times when a legitimate site that provides good content has other questionable material.
Digital Citizenship
At all grade levels, students receive digital citizenship lessons. The focus is on the importance of safety and agency as a member of a global community interconnected on the internet, how to protect yourself, and how to act responsibly.
Support
- Students in grades 5-12 are encouraged to submit tickets through the helpdesk system at https://support.l-spioneers.org
- If an issue cannot be reported through the helpdesk system, students should contact one of their teachers. Teachers will initiate the technical support process through the same ticketing system, at which point the L-S Technology Team will take over and provide further assistance or direction.
Service Status
Technology Resources
- Home Internet Access
- Connecting a Chromebook to Wi-Fi (grades 3-12)
- Connecting an iPad to Wi-Fi (grades K-2)
- General Student Login Information
- Chromebook & iPad Protection Plan
- Off-Campus Web Filtering
- Cleaning and Charging Devices
- Guides
Home Internet Access
The most critical factor in the success of our remote learning efforts will be the Internet Connectivity of all students and their families. If you do not currently have reliable, high-speed internet access in your home, the following program may be able to assist you in acquiring low-cost, high-quality service:
Comcast Internet Essentials
FREE for the duration of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Internet Essentials program provides cable internet service to families meeting the following criteria:
- You are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and/or others.
- You do not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.
- You live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available.
- You are not an existing Xfinity Internet customer and have not subscribed to Xfinity Internet in the last 90 days.
While this service is FREE at this time, the normal price is $9.95/month.
There is No Contract, No Installation Fee, and No Credit Check.
In addition to internet service, a Wireless Gateway/Router is also included at no cost.
To apply, please visit: apply.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376
Xfinity Hotspots
Families near a Comcast hotspot can connect for free during the pandemic. To look for a hotspot, visit this site: https://hotspots.wifi.xfinity.com/mobile/?nc
Mobile Hotspots
In addition to Comcast's Internet Essentials offering, many wireless phone providers (cell phone companies) have lifted Data Caps and activated mobile hotspot service for all customers in light of COVID-19 and the surge in home/remote work, education, and entertainment.
Example: Verizon Wireless has added 15GB of LTE Data to all current data plans, which can be used on the device itself or for mobile hotspot service to other devices within the home.
If you currently have a cellular data plan, but do not have separate high-speed internet service for your home, please contact your wireless provider and ask them what they may be offering in this challenging time.
Most services take between 5-10 days to activate, so please begin this process as quickly as possible!
Still Having Problems With Access?
If you are unable to acquire service on your own, and would like confidential assistance from L-S, please do not hesitate to contact our support team:
- By email: internetaccess@L-Spioneers.org
- By phone: 717.464.3311, press 6, and leave a message with your name and phone number for a return call.
Connecting a Chromebook to Wi-Fi (grades 3-12)
- Connect your Chromebook charger to your Chromebook.
- Open your Chromebook lid. Your Chromebook should automatically power up.
- If your Chromebook fails to power-up, press the power button.
- Once powered, your Chromebook will present the “Network not available” window:
- From the list presented, select your home Wi-Fi network.
- The Chromebook will present the “Join Wi-Fi network” window.
- The Security option may auto-select the correct security option, typically PSK (WPA or RSN). Your security option may differ. Choose what is appropriate for your WI-FI.
- Enter your home WI-FI password in the password field.
- Select Connect.
- Your Chromebook will present the “Sign in to your Chromebook” window.
- Proceed as you normally do when logging in to your Chromebook.
Connecting an iPad to Wi-Fi (grades K-2)
- Tap the Settings icon, tap Wi-Fi, and confirm that Wi-Fi is set to On (should green):
- Choose your network from the list provided. **Secure Wi-Fi networks are password-protected and have a lock by their names.
- Enter your network's encryption key (password) if you're prompted and tap Join.
- Tap the Home button to return to your iPad home screen.
General Student Login Information
All L-S students have a District-issued username and password for accessing our network, educational websites, and iPad apps. @L-S uses the following format for usernames, depending on the service being used:
- Student ID - e.x. 5123412
- Student ID + “@L-Spioneers.org” - ex. 5123412@L-Spioneers.org - This is the one that is used for Google services.
- L-S + Student ID - ex. L-S5123412
Most L-S students will know their assigned password, but please reach out to your homeroom teacher if there are any issues with passwords.
Chromebook & iPad Protection Plan
L-S provides all K-12 students with complimentary coverage under our standard protection plan.
- All Chromebook repairs cost a flat $10 fee
- All iPad repairs are covered at no cost to families, unless the damage is intentional.
- If the damage appears to be intentional, we will ask families to pay the full repair/replacement cost.
- A $50 fee will be assessed for devices that are lost or stolen. The devices will be remotely locked/unusable.
The replacement value of a Chromebook is $250. The replacement value of an iPad is $300.
Off-Campus Web Filtering
- The District provides content filtering on all L-S issued devices through a service called Securly. This service works seamlessly on Chromebooks in grades 3 - 12.
- On iPads, Securly needs to know who is accessing the iPad to properly filter the devices, which means it requires each student to log into the service. From time to time, the iPad may prompt the student to log in when necessary. The screen will look like the image below or will list the student’s current Google account:
- Students should choose the account that may be listed or enter their L-S Google username and password. The format is “username@L-Spioneers.org,” as described previously in the document.
- This login should work for at least 8 hours, so students should not see this screen more than once per day. Should they attempt to access inappropriate content, or encounter a site that is blocked due to malware or other security concerns, they will receive a message informing them that the site is completely blocked, and they will not be presented with the option to login. An examples is shown below:
Cleaning and Charging Devices
General Care & Cleaning Tips
- Use only a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
- Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.
- Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
- Keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products.
- Don't get moisture into any openings.
- Don't use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
- Don't spray cleaners directly onto the item. (Spray the cleaner onto a cloth, then wipe the device.)
Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my device and case?
- Using a disinfecting wipe, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your iPad or Chromebook, such as the screen, bezel, or camera lens, and back cover. The iPad Case can also be cleaned entirely by these types of wipes.
- Never use bleach.
- Never submerge your iPad or Chromebook in any cleaning agents, and avoid getting moisture in any openings.
Charging Your Device
- Students should only use the District provided iPad and Chromebook chargers.
- Do not lean the iPad in a way that it bends the iPad charging cable.
Guides
Anytime Learning Handbook
To learn more about the District’s 1:1 learning initiative, you can read the entire Anytime Learning Handbook here: https://tinyurl.com/LSRemoteLearning
Accessing Schoology and Seesaw
Questions?
Please contact Bill Griscom, Technology Director, with questions or concerns