The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) aims to ensure that students have equitable access to devices which are important for student achievement and well-being.

How It Works

The Chromebook Opt-In Process

  • Each student in Grades 7 and 8 will need to opt-in to receive a WRDSB-provided Chromebook to use for the school year.
    • Students may also choose to bring their own devices to school to be used for learning purposes.
    • Students will receive a different device when they enter Grade 9.
      • If you opted-in to receive a device in Grade 7 or 8, you will not need to opt-in again in Grade 9.
  • Students with Special Education (SEA) devices are not required to complete the opt-in process

Information on the Chromebook opt-in process will be shared with parents, families and caregivers ahead of the start of each school year.

About WRDSB-Provided Chromebooks

  • WRDSB-provided Chromebooks remain the property of WRDSB.
  • Devices will be assigned to an individual student.
  • Students with Special Education (SEA) devices should continue to use the device assigned to them.
  • WRDSB-provided Chromebooks will remain at the school during the summer break.

The Chromebook Agreement for Elementary Students

  • Parents, families or caregivers complete the Chromebook Agreement (Elementary) as part of the opt-in process.
  • Students must read and agree to follow the WRDSB’s Responsible Use Procedure.

Chromebooks will be collected from students:

  • At the end of the school year
  • If the student leaves the school board

Devices which are not returned will be remotely disabled.

Parents, families and caregivers can refer to the Tech@Home website to answer any common questions they may have about WRDSB Chromebooks.

Bring Your Own Device

Parents, families and caregivers who do not wish to opt-in to receiving a WRDSB-provided Chromebook may instead choose to provide their own device.

Recommended minimum system requirements:

Chromebook

  • 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM
  • 32 gigabytes (GB) of storage
  • 1366 x 768 pixel resolution display

Windows laptop

  • Windows 11 operating system
  • 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM
  • 256 gigabytes (GB) of storage
  • Antivirus software

MacBook

  • Intel Core i5 processor or better (including M-series of processors),
  • 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM
  • 256 gigabytes (GB) of storage
  • Antivirus software

The WRDSB is not responsible for the repair or maintenance of devices not provided by the WRDSB to students.

Benefits to Student Learning

  • Ensures equitable access to digital resources that support diverse learning styles.
  • Provides opportunities to develop essential digital literacy and citizenship skills.
  • Enhances collaboration and communication among students and teachers
  • Provides access to digital tools for students to:
    • Create and share their learning
    • Foster creativity and innovation

Student Responsibilities

  • Use their device appropriately as a tool for learning.
  • Ensure that their device is charged for each school day.
  • Take care of their WRDSB-provided Chromebook.
  • Always follow the WRDSB’s Responsible Use Procedure.
  • When taken home, the WRDSB-provided Chromebook must be brought back to school charged and ready for use the next school day.
  • Report any damage or a lost WRDSB-provided Chromebook immediately to their teacher or principal.

Taking Chromebooks Home

  • When necessary, students are able to take their WRDSB-provided Chromebook home once the opt-in process has been completed.
  • Chromebooks must be returned for the next school day as they are used daily in classrooms for learning.
  • Internet filtering is only in place on WRDSB controlled networks, and not on home networks.
    • Parents, caregivers and families may wish to put website filtering tools into place at home to address this, if they deem it to be necessary.
    • Additional information can be found on the internet filtering page.

Malfunctioning, Damaged or Lost Chromebooks

In the event a Chromebook is damaged or lost, school administrators will:

  • Determine if a replacement cost is required.
  • Ensure damaged devices remain property of the school.
  • Collect any required funds through School-Day.
  • Provide students with a device to use during the school day.
  • Assess if home use is appropriate at this time.
Malfunctioning Accidental Damage Neglect or Intentional Damage Lost
No fee. $50 replacement charge. Full replacement cost (currently $400). Full replacement cost (currently $400).
Looking for information about Chromebooks for secondary students? Visit Chromebooks for Grade 9 to 12 Students.