Welcome back, families! As students settle into a new school year, our district is excited to continue empowering their learning with the latest technology. This year, there are some important updates to how we manage student devices, new insurance options to protect your investment, and an exciting new tool for parents.
Device Management & Repair Procedures
Our Chromebook program is designed to get the right technology into the hands of every student. For Kindergarten through 1st grade, devices are housed in classroom carts, and teachers manage any necessary repairs. Starting in 2nd grade, each student is assigned their own Chromebook from the classroom cart. Students are responsible for charging and caring for their device, with teachers reporting damage to the help desk.
Our one-to-one device program begins in 7th grade, with students receiving a personal Chromebook to use for three years. The devices are refreshed for incoming 10th graders. It's crucial for students in these grades to bring their fully charged Chromebook to school daily. If a device is damaged, students must submit a help desk ticket and drop it off at the Library for repair, where they'll receive a loaner. Please note that parents may be billed for repair or replacement costs, especially for intentional or repeated damage. Graduating seniors will be able to keep their devices after graduation, so taking care of them is a good idea!
Optional Device Protection
We know that accidents can happen. With a recent increase in repair and replacement costs, we are once again offering an optional Chromebook insurance plan through Worth Ave Group. This year, the plan is available to students in all grades—including elementary!
The insurance is designed to help families avoid the unexpected cost of a broken, lost, or stolen device, as families are responsible for these costs. The plan comes with a $0 deductible and offers new multi-year coverage options at a discount. It protects against a wide range of issues, including cracked screens, liquid damage, theft (with a police report), vandalism, and more.
If you are interested in this valuable protection, plans start at just $33 for one year. The deadline to purchase coverage is September 12, 2025. You can find all the details and purchase a plan online at https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/ewgrsd/.
New Parent Portal for Web Filtering
We are thrilled to announce a new Parent Portal for our web filtering solution. We are looking for parent volunteers to help us test it out! The portal will allow you to control your child's internet access on their Chromebook outside of school hours, view their most visited websites, and see their internet activity.
If you are interested in helping us test this exciting new tool, please fill out the form at https://forms.gle/1WQN6io2nAJoRXb16.
If you have any questions about this information, please don't hesitate to contact our help desk by emailing support@ewg.k12.ri.us or by calling 401-397-6896. We're looking forward to a great year ahead!