• PowerUp

    As part of the HISD PowerUp initiative, students are eligible to receive a laptop to use for the year by completing the following items: 

    STEP 1:

    Parents/guardians & students must ensure they have read and understood the Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Services for Students and Digital Footprints & Digital Citizenship. 


    S    TEP 2: Print & Sign Laptop Agreement 

    Below is the contract that needs to be printed, signed, and turned in. The contract must be signed by the student AND the parents or guardian of every student: 


    S    TEP 3: Pay the Fee

    Laptop fees have been waived. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are students required to getr an HISD Laptop?
    Yes. Student laptops are single sign-on (SSO), which gives students instant and exclusive access to all HISD apps and resources for the courses they are enrolled in. Some of the apps are ONLY accessible through an HISD laptop. 

    • Are there fees for students associated with the program?

      No, this year HISD has eliminated all fees associated with the student laptops. Students are responsible for maintaining their laptops in working condition. Damage to the laptop must be reported. Students may be responsible for damages if it is determined they were negligent in their actions. 

       

      How are students protected from inappropriate content?

      Each device is pre-loaded with district-approved filtering software that blocks keyword content and inappropriate websites, including some social media sites, while in use at school, home, and anywhere that has wireless Internet access. When school starts, students will be required to take a digital citizenship class that reviews the district’s policy on the proper use of technology and electronic services. Both parents and students are required to sign a laptop loan/acceptable use agreement before a student will receive a computer. Improper use of the laptop and/or technology will result in strict consequences such as discipline, detention, and/or limited use of the device as determined by the district’s Code of Student Conduct.

       

      Who is responsible for loss, theft, or damage while the student’s laptop is away from school?

      As with any other instructional material, the student is responsible for his or her laptop. Each device comes with a protective bag for safekeeping. Students are required to report a lost or stolen laptop immediately to Mr. Ceja. Damaged devices will be evaluated by the school to determine whether or not they can be repaired.

       

      What if a student doesn’t have access to the Internet at home?

      HISD recognizes that students may not have access to the Internet away from school, so each HISD campus is equipped with wireless Internet. Additionally, all Houston-area public libraries have Internet.

       

      Does a student have to bring a laptop home if there is already a device at home?

      All students are able to use their laptop at school and at home during the week and on weekends. To ensure compatibility, and because many software applications and documents created by students will be saved on their laptop, the district encourages the primary use of the HISD laptop at school and home.