BYOD Information
All students in grades 7-12 are being asked to have a Chromebook or similar electronic device for use in the classroom starting in the Fall of 2025. Parents also have the opportunity to apply to the school district for the use of a district device based on income eligibility. Forms to apply for the use of a District device may be found at the High School Office, 600 East 6th St, St. Charles, MN, after July 1. If the application for a District device is approved, it may be picked up at the HS IT Office.
What does a BYOD Classroom look like?
You may be surprised that students are not accessing their devices every minute of every day. Our philosophy is that devices should be used for a defined learning purpose that supports the lesson's objectives. Technology should enhance what teachers do in the classroom, not replace it. A blended approach to learning is best, where some classroom activities may utilize devices and some may not. Devices will be an important part of helping students stay organized and have access to classroom materials when they need them. They will also help teachers to bring relevant and current materials into their classrooms to supplement their curriculum.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and some information on financial assistance for qualifying students
FAQs
Who needs a device?
St. Charles Middle School: All students in grades 7-8
St. Charles High School: All students in grades 9-12
What device is recommended?
We recommend a Chromebook. It typically has an 8-hour battery life and works well with each student’s Google Apps for Education account.
Can a student utilize a smartphone or tablet?
It will be difficult or impossible for a student to keep up with coursework on a phone. If a tablet is used, it must have a working keyboard and be able to run the Chrome browser. Please see the table below for more information.
Can I use a laptop for BYOD?
Yes, for 7th - 12th grade, please keep in mind that your battery should last for the entire day. Some laptops have shorter battery life, meaning that your child will need to bring a charger and find an outlet in class to charge. We provide technical support in the buildings during open houses to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
Does it matter which brand of Chromebook I get?
No. Each Chromebook performs essentially the same functions. Some have slightly more memory than others, which explains why some are more expensive. They also vary in terms of the “ruggedness” of their cases, which can help protect your investment against accidental damage.
What else do I need, other than a device?
We strongly recommend a case, which will help protect the device during transport to and from school, in addition to protecting your investment. Students can be hard on devices, and we have had incidents of breakage over the years due to a number of common issues, including accidental dropping, devices being crushed in backpacks, or items being closed between the screen and keyboard. A hard case along with a padded backpack, will help protect student devices and ensure longevity.
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. If your student qualifies for free and reduced lunch, and you need assistance getting a device, please contact the District Office to get the necessary paperwork. Forms to apply for the use of a District device may be found by clicking the link below or at the District’s Central Office, 600 East 6th St, St. Charles, MN, after August 1. Please note this form must be signed by both the student and the parent, and the yearly fee must be paid before the student can pick up the device. If the application for use of a District device is approved, the device may be picked up at the IT Office at the High School.
BYOD Options
All options come with a one-year warranty for hardware failure. Support for the first year, if the individual has an issue with the Laptops/Chromebooks, unless the issue is caused by accidental damage from drops or spills.
Option 1: Minnesota Tech for Success (MnTFS)
A refurbished option will be available this year, with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. These devices can be purchased/ordered through the school. Please use this link to pre-order laptops from MNTFS. Please complete a form for each student needing a computer by July 31, 2025. Click Here
Warranty information for all MnTFS Refurbished laptops: MnTFS refurbished laptops have 1-year parts warranties and have an option, for an additional $45, to increase the warranty from 1 year to 3 years. Important! - Warranty repairs for the MnTFS laptops will be run through the school. If you have any issues with a MnTFS laptop (if you purchase one through the school) during the school year, contact Cory Chuchna (cchuchna@schs.k12.mn.us), and he will coordinate warranty repair needed with MnTFS on your behalf. Warranty start dates will be on the paperwork provided by MnTFS that will come with the laptop.
MnTFS - option for summer 2025:
Dell 10th Gen i5 5310 laptops with a 13.3” screen. $150
i5 processor/8GB RAM/256 SSD/3 USB ports/Win 11 Pro/power supply/webcam /13.3"screen/battery (model subject to change depending on availability)
Related—since the battery and power adapter (“charger”) are not covered under the MnTFS one-year parts warranty (or the 3-year parts warranty option), these are possible replacements, and their cost is something to consider.
Link to replacement Dell Latitude 5310 battery on the Amazon website
$31.89 as of 5/12/2025
YouTube video showing how to replace the battery on this model:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTPuxTjN958
Link to replacement Dell Latitude 5310 power adapter (“charger”) on the Amazon website
$26.99 as of 5/12/2025
Option 2: Stangler Electronics
ASUS 14" Chromebook - Intel Celeron Processor - 4GB RAM - 64GB eMMC for $375
Option 3: Stangler Electronics
ASUS 14" Chromebook - MediaTek Kompanio Processor - 4GB RAM - 64GB eMMC for $425
If you have any issues with your Chromebook purchased from Stangler Electronics, contact Boyd Stangler (boyd@stanglerelectronics.com or at 507-272-2979), and he will coordinate warranty repair.
Option 4: You decided to use a laptop that you already own.
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- Students can bring devices from home or previously owned, including any Chromebook or Laptop. Laptops must be Windows 11 or Mac OS 15. Cell phones, Tablets, and iPads do not qualify for BYOD.
Option 5: Purchase a laptop or Chromebook from a big box store.
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- See device recommendations below before purchasing.
Device Recommendations
If your student plans on attending college or post-secondary education, please check to see what device they will use. It would be recommended that they select a device/operating system that will be used in future years.
Minimum Device Requirements
Specifications |
Considerations |
Screen size: 12″ |
Students will be reading documents, articles, and textbooks on their device. For that purpose, devices should be at least 12″ screen for optimal viewing of resources. |
RAM: – 4 GB Chromebook – 8 GB Laptop |
Laptops need more RAM because of their operating systems. Chromebooks and tablets require less RAM to function effectively. |
Keyboard |
Students will need a full-sized keyboard to type a document effectively. |
Wireless Connectivity |
Students will be granted access to the school's Student BYOD Wireless Network. Due to security concerns, personal devices will not be allowed to connect to our network through an Ethernet connection. |
Runs Chrome Browser |
In order to effectively utilize our school’s system of Google Applications, students will need to be able to access the Chrome browser. Their bookmarks and settings will automatically save in the cloud, allowing easier access to information and coursework. |
Battery Life: – Laptop: 4-6 hours – Chromebook: 6 hours |
Chromebooks typically have a longer battery life, reducing the need for students to charge them during the school day. If a laptop is used, please consider that the device might need to be charged periodically throughout the day. This may affect their ability to use the device during class. |
Prepare Device for BYOD from Home
You can prepare your device for BYOD from home, with the exception of connecting your device to our school Wi-Fi which will need to be completed at the High School.
Step 1 Login to your device using your school Google account. On a Chromebook: When you turn on your device for the first time after purchase, you will need to connect to your Wi-Fi in order to login. Upon connecting to the internet for the first time, your device may automatically update, which can take several minutes to do. Once you are connected, you will be prompted to enter your email address and password. - Email Address:
- Password: Saints_lunchnumber
- The S is the only capitalized letter, and there are no spaces. If this password doesn’t work, stop by the media center at open house, and we can help you change it. Example: Saints_4444
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- On any other device: Go to Google and click sign in. Use the account information above to login.
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Step 3 Connect your device to the St. Charles Student BYOD Wi-Fi: |
Step 4 At open house or sometime during the first week of school – Stop by the Library or IT Office to tell us your name and get your device sticker. |
If you have any problems signing in or completing the steps above, please visit with us in the High School Library or IT Office during open house, and we will be happy to assist you.
Other questions? Please email Cory and he will be happy to help you.
Parenting in a Digital World
Want to know more about how to navigate parenting in a digital world? The following resources cover a variety of topics ranging from the basics of internet safety to digital citizenship and managing your digital footprint.
- Kids and Tech: Parenting Tips for the Digital Age: This article gives parents some direction regarding the ways that technology has changed parenting and provides some suggestions for how to best manage your child’s relationship with technology.
- ThinkB4Uclick: This website gives parents and teachers the information needed to educate themselves, their families, students and the greater community about a multitude of topics including but not limited to identity theft and protection, digital citizenship and fraud detection. This website is the result from a collaboration between Google, Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely and the National Consumers League. The result is a website that can be utilized to achieve high levels of digital literacy and understanding for all internet users.
- Google Safety Center: This website is great for offering some practical and immediately applicable information to help your family utilize new devices, technologies and applications. Google compiles this information from a variety of resources including safety experts, parents, teachers and communities worldwide in order to stay up to date on the most relevant information. The goal is to produce digital citizens who are responsible users of technology.
- Raising Digital Natives: Technology and Our Kids: This is a special series developed by NPR that looks into a number of issues pertaining to raising children in an increasingly digital world. Topics addressed include digital citizenship, video game use, how childhood may be affected by digital media immersion, and some information about babies, toddlers and screen time.
- NetSmartz Internet and Real World Safety Pledges: This website produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children helps families to navigate sensitive issues regarding technology. The safety pledges contained on this site provide age-appropriate internet and real world safety topics to address with students. The goal of these rules is to facilitate discussions with children about these issues and create safer boundaries for technology use at home. There are three levels-Primary, Intermediate, and Middle/High School-with downloadable discussion guides for each level and topic.