Throughout the life of the Personalized Learning in Columbia Heights Public Schools, we have researched, tested and implemented a variety of devices in order to meet the needs of our students and teachers. The district considers cost, limitations, available applications, and management to determine the optimal device for our students. At this time, your students in grade 3-12 have an Acer Chromebook assigned to them.

At this time we require that students use the district provided device in order to ensure that the correct apps and settings are being used.

No, students are required to check-in their devices at the end of each school year.

Grades 3-5: Not at this time. We will store the devices at school and they will be ready to use when you need them for learning!

Grades 6-12: Yes. The device is being provided by the district for use on your school work at school and at home, including the weekends.

Yes. Families are responsible for the device if it’s lost, damaged, or stolen. The device is a district-issued item, similar to a textbook—if a textbook is lost or damaged, the responsible student must pay a fee to the school. The district offers a group insurance option on devices for students in grades K-12.

Device Insurance Forms for Grades K-12

9th-12th Grade High School English/Spanish

6th-8th Grade Columbia Academy English/Spanish

K-5th Grade English / Spanish 
(Highland, North Park, and Valley View)

Yes. The school district has a content filter that restricts access, both in school and out, to certain categories of websites that are unsafe or not useful for school. No matter if students are in school or out, they should only be going to websites that they wouldn’t mind a parent or teacher seeing. Additionally, students have signed a written agreement that shows they understand that the school-provided technology is for educational purposes and that they will not use it for purposes restricted by the district. See the technology responsible use agreement form for more details.

For grades 6-8, a padded binder is being provided to carry the device in and for grades 9-12, a cover is being provided. It is required to keep this cover on the device at all times to protect it.

Yes. As long as you have an wireless internet connection at home. Chromebooks are web-based devices so they need the wifi to complete most tasks. 

Chromebook: The chargers cost $11.00 to replace for students in Kindergarten and 12th grade.  Chargers for 1st-11th grade are $27.00. Students can purchase one at the Media Center (CHHS) or in the main office (CA).

There are designated  times in each school when help desk staff will be available for helping students with their devices.  Though the techs will likely also be available during the school day, the office will not be staffed the entire day as techs do need to go out to classroom for other work order during the day as well.

At Columbia Academy, the tech office is open for students the first 15 minutes of each class. 

At Columbia Heights High School, the tech office is open between 7:45 and 8:15 am, 11:00 - 12:00, as well as during Hylander Time/advisory.

Yes. Just like a textbook, the school is providing a resource for learning and it will be expected that the student keeps it in good condition and use it for class.

Yes. There will be times when it will be OK to charge their device at school. However, students should be charging it every night. If they do that, it will have enough battery to last the whole school day without needing to be charged again. The Chromebooks should have at least 10 hours of battery life. Students should not assume that they will always be allowed or able to charge their device at school. Charging in class is up to teacher discretion and students are expected to arrive for class with a charged device.

That’s up to the individual teacher to give the options for device use once students have finished their classwork, then it’s ok. Students’ devices should NOT be out during lunch.

Each secondary  student in grades 6-11 will be issued a personal device for use at school. Similar to issuing a textbook, we issue devices to students because we believe they are critical tools for learning. However, we respect a parent’s right to choose what comes into their home. In the event that a parent does not wish to allow their student to bring a device home, the following will need to be developed:

A plan for how the student will complete any technology-dependent school work outside of class. Possible solutions may include using after school homework club time, or providing a family-owned device at home for the student to use on assignments. Solutions will not include teachers providing paper copies of assignments for students.

A plan for how a student will pick up and return the device each day, since they will be expected to bring their device to class for in-class work.

Each day students are expected to bring their fully-charged device to school in working order. Students are expected to manage their device in a way that minimizes the likelihood of damage, loss or theft.

If students fail to bring their device to school, they will be responsible for completing course work as though they had their device with them.

There is no cost to families for the tablet unless it is damaged, destroyed or stolen. Optional insurance is available for purchase if desired.

9th-12th Grade High School English/9th-12th Grade High School Spanish

6th-8th Grade Columbia Academy English/6th-8th Grade Columbia Academy Spanish

K-5th Grade English / K-5th Grade Spanish
(Highland, North Park, and Valley View)

No. The district will purchase all necessary apps for students.

No. At this time, all apps and updates will be provided and installed by the technology department.

Parents/guardians of students who have a disability should work with their student's IEP manager and/or Section 504 coordinator to determine what if any accommodations are needed when using their device.

Devices will be gradually rolled out during the first few weeks of school.

Contact Deputy Director of Technology & Security, Cory Mettling at 763-528-4609 or MettlinC@colheights.k12.mn.us.