Technology
The Shaker Heights Schools Department of Technology, or IT Department, is guided by the District’s Strategic Plan and Technology Plan. The Shaker Heights IT Department is responsible for the District’s network (both wired and wireless), telecom/phones, Internet access, cybersecurity, laptop and desktop lifecycle management, classroom audio/visual equipment, software application installation and support, Student Information System management, State of Ohio EMIS data reporting, student assessment/testing coordination, student registration and federal grant funding coordination.
Contact
John Rizzo
Executive Director of Technology and District Services
216-295-4180
rizzo_j@shaker.org
Tech for students
One-2-One Program: Shaker Heights Schools provides student access to Chromebook devices from Grades K-12.
Kindergarten
Each kindergarten classroom is supplied with 24 Chromebooks which are charged and stored in the classroom and students do not take them home.
Grades 1-5
Students are assigned a Chromebook that is intended to be used in the classroom and will follow the student through their fifth grade year. Devices are stored and charged in the classroom and students do not take their assigned Chromebook home.
Grades 6-12
Students take their Chromebook home and are expected to bring it with them to school each day fully charged using the supplied charging cable.
Software Services
At Shaker Schools teachers and staff use technology in lessons to engage, stimulate, and generate ideas and authentic learning across the curriculum. All classrooms in all schools have access to a variety of computing environments available including 1:1 computing, tablets, document cameras, hands-on technology labs and interactive white boards.
A central resource for leveraging technology is having access to the vast resources available via the internet. Shaker Heights Schools require consent from parents/guardians in order to provide students with access to online instructional services, Google Workspace for Education, Google Workspace - Additional Services and District Chromebooks.
The District will consent on behalf of parents/guardians for student use of the Google services and third-party software described below. Parents/guardians reserve the right to opt their student out of using these services by contacting the respective school.
Google Access
In addition to a Chromebook, each student will be provided a Shaker Heights Schools Google for Education account. Google services are provided to students based on their grade level.
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Grades K-3: Students have access to Google Drive as well as Docs, Sheets and Slides. They do not have access to Gmail.
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Grades 4-8: Students have access to Google Drive as well as Docs, Sheets, Slides and Gmail for email communication within Shaker Heights Schools. Students are not able to send or receive email from non-Shaker Heights Schools individuals or organizations.
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Grades 9-12: Students have access to Google Drive as well as Docs, Sheets, Slides and have full access to Gmail for email communication. Students are able to send or receive email from outside of Shaker Heights Schools.
Approved Software Applications
Student data privacy is an important part of the District’s overall technology strategy. In collaboration with the District’s Department of Teaching and Learning, requests for software follow an approval process that considers multiple factors including technology compatibility, data privacy, alignment with teaching and learning objectives, and potential overlap with software already in use. The list of approved District software here.
PowerSchool Information
Parents of students in Grades K-12 can access report cards, view absences and check grades online using PowerSchool, the District’s student information system. View this page for more information.
Chromebook Protection Plan
Shaker students will receive a new Chromebook at the beginning Grades 1, 5 and 9.
All families with students in Grades 1-12 may choose to pay an optional $25 fee per Chromebook for the One2One Protection Plan. The Chromebook Protection Plan covers the cost of the following repairs throughout a single school year:
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Three accidental damage claims (e.g. broken screen, liquid damage, missing keys)
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One device replacement (lost, stolen or complete replacement)
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One lost AC adapter replacement
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After 3 covered incidents or 1 replacement, the optional One2One Protection coverage will be lost. The family will need to purchase the ChromebookProtection Plan again to continue coverage.
While this fee is optional, the District strongly recommends that families purchase the plan. Chromebooks not covered by the protection plan will be subject to the following charges:
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Damage repair — $30 per repair
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Replacement AC adapter — $30 per replacement
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Complete Chromebook replacement due to loss, theft or damage - $274
The Chromebook Protection Plan is available for purchase on PaySchools Central.
SB29 Information
Ohio Senate Bill 29 (SB29) is designed to protect the privacy of student data while ensuring transparency and accountability in how that data is monitored, accessed and used. The bill was signed by Governor DeWine on July 24, 2024, and becomes effective on October 24, 2024. In compliance with SB29, parents and guardians will be notified within 72 hours if a school-issued device or account is accessed, including a description of the events which led the District to access the student’s data. View the SB29 Frequently Asked Questions.