Technology: A-H Mobile, a bring your own device program

Students will have greater access to district resources such as:

• Online grades;
• A-H Apps (Google Docs for Anoka-Hennepin);
• eResources;
• Moodle classroom and/or teacher websites; and 
• District subscriptions (ie. Discovery Education and Atomic Learning).

The navigation links on the left will bring you to helpful information about A-H Mobile.

If you have any questions please contact:

How to access the wireless network 

• Because we are a school district, we filter our Internet service. Certain websites are blocked. Please obey the law and use good judgment while on our network.
• Wireless networks are, by their nature, insecure. If you transmit credit card numbers or other sensitive information, you do so at your own risk. We do not recommend it.
• You are welcome to use our wireless network, but please be aware that you do so at your own risk. If you download something that damages your computer, that is your responsibility.

To connect, look for a wireless network called “GUEST.” The network is open, and will not require a password to connect. After your device is connected, open a web browser to read and agree to the usage guidelines. If you have questions on how to access our "GUEST" network please refer to the help documents link on the left.

Thank you,
Network services department

Parent FAQ

My son/daughter is bringing his iPad to school for instructional purposes. Will he/she have access to things he normally does with district equipment?

Answer: Your son/daughter will have access to any web-based software. Software may run differently on different devices for varying reasons. You should consult your owner’s manual for software limitations. (Ex. iPads cannot run software requiring Flash Player)

As a parent, am I required to add additional software (virus protection, filter, tracking device etc.) to my child’s technology tool?

Answer: No. Currently we are not requiring any additional software for school use. Virus protection is always advised, but not required. While on the GUEST network, students will be monitored through the district’s filter, so there is no need for additional filtering software.

I have read the terms of service and I do not wish to have my daughter accessing the Internet using her own laptop. I would like to allow her to continue using her computer for productivity, but not the Internet. Is this allowable under this plan?

Answer: Yes, your daughter may choose not to accept the terms of use, however, the rules outlined in the AUP still apply for technology use of any kind (Internet or other). Also, it is not the responsibility of campus staff to ensure she has not accessed the Web on her own technology device. Damage or theft is still the responsibility of the owner.

If my son/daughter’s laptop is stolen or damaged, what recourse can I take?

Answer: Bringing your own technology tools to school can be useful, however some risks are involved as well. It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number to have in case of theft. Anoka-Hennepin is not responsible for the theft of a device nor are we responsible for any damage done to the device while at school. Any time a theft occurs, your daughter should contact a school administrator or police liaison officer to make him/her aware of the offense.

What are the classroom rules for using student owned devices including phones?

Answer: Teachers make the final decision for any tools used in the classroom; student owned equipment would be no different. It will be up to the individual teachers to communicate their expectations to parents and students. Access is only available, not guaranteed for each classroom situation.

Where can I see the acceptable technology use policy?

Answer: School Board policy is available online at the following link, acceptable use policy.

Student FAQ

I have my laptop with me in class. How do I get on the Internet now?

Answer: Most laptops or other personal devices (smart phones), will detect a wireless connection when you are near one. Most of the time your technology tool will ask you if you would like to join the network. When prompted, choose GUEST from the list. Once you choose this network, you will be prompted to accept the terms of service. Read this carefully, so that you know what should be expected.

My laptop is not prompting me to choose a wireless network. Is there another way to connect?

Answer: In the settings menu of your device, there is usually an icon for a network, go to this icon and choose GUEST from the list or prompt your computer to look for wireless networks in range. Always consult the owner’s manual for exact directions for accessing a wireless network.

I brought my iPad to school to use in the classroom, but my teacher said I couldn’t use it in her classroom. Can I still use it?

Answer: The teacher in the classroom has the final say on procedures in the classroom. If he or she asks you not to use your technology tool, then you should follow those directions. Access is only available, not guaranteed for each classroom situation.

I just can’t get my laptop to connect to the network. Can I get some help from someone?

Answer: Resources may be available to help you connect to the GUEST network on your campus; however, you will need to consult with a campus administrator for these resources. It is not the responsibility of your teachers or other district staff to troubleshoot individual devices during the school day. Check your owner’s manual for issues concerning connectivity.

I need to save my work in my network folder. Why can’t I access this resource?

Answer: You are on the GUEST network. It is not the same as the network you would normally access from a campus computer. You will not see your shared folder, so you will need to save your work in another place. Some options include AH Apps (Google Docs), a flash drive, or external hard drive.

I need to print the spreadsheet I just created, why is there no printer listed when I try this?

Answer: Like your network folder, printers are networked differently on the campus and will not be available when you login to the guest network. Some printing solutions include, sharing your document with the teacher in Google Docs or saving it to a flash drive and printing it from home or another school computer. Keep in mind that using school printers is at the discretion of the teacher.

My laptop was stolen when I brought it to school. Who should I contact about this?

Answer: Bringing your own technology tools to school can be useful, however some risks are involved as well. It is always a good idea to record the device’s serial number to have in case of theft. Anoka-Hennepin is not responsible for the theft of a device nor are we responsible for any damage done to the device while at school. Any time a theft occurs, you should contact a school administrator or police liaison officer to make him/her aware of the offense.

Why is the Internet filtered on my own computer when I’m connected to the GUEST network? Shouldn’t I be able to access all web sites on my own device?

Answer: Student filtering is a requirement of all public schools. The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires all network access to be filtered, regardless of the device you use to access it while in a public school. The GUEST network you are using belongs to Anoka-Hennepin and will be filtered.

Am I still held accountable for the Anoka-Hennepin Acceptable Use Policy even though this is my own personal computer?

Answer: Yes. The Acceptable Use Policy remains in effect even when you are using your own laptop, smart phone, iPad etc. Each time you attempt to access the network at school you will be prompted to accept the terms of service which include the Acceptable Use Policy. Violating the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy would be a student code of conduct violation and would be dealt by an administrator.

Effective for the 2021-22 school year, students and staff can obtain a copy of Microsoft Office from Office.com

Download instructions:

1) Go to Office.com

2) Select Sign in.

3) Enter your AH email address and select Enterprise login.

4) Once authenticated you can download and install office from the downloads tab.

5) This stays active while employed or in school.

Digital Citizenship

What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

Cyberbullying

Yet another cyberbullying caution

What do you do if you're being harassed online? 

Most importantly, don't respond, bullies usually are looking for a reaction and tell an adult. In addition, save the evidence, such as texts, emails, facebook conversations, etc. Sometimes you can stop bullying if you ignore or block the person. You can also report the abuse to the website where it is taking place. 

Don't be a victim or a bully

Sometimes, what you do or say online leads some people to pick on you. If you let your friends take a photo or video of you acting silly - and they post it online, people are probably going to comment that you are, in fact acting weird. 

Where to report

• Tell parent/guardian.
• Facebook bullying.
• National Center for Missing Children (ie. if someone asks to meet you in person).
• Your local police or sheriff's department.
• Still not sure? Talk to a trusted adult at school.

Additional resources

• DigitalCitizenship.net
• NetSmartz.org
• OnGuardOnline.org
• CommonSenseMedia.org

Tech Protect: Device Protection Plan available for families with students assigned district Chromebooks

Technology plays an important role in preparing students for life, and Chromebooks are utilized as a daily learning tool in Anoka-Hennepin middle and high school classrooms. Anoka-Hennepin students in grades 6-12 are assigned a Chromebook from the school district to ensure access to technology systems that support classroom learning. 

Over 28,000 Chromebooks are distributed to students the first week of school. As careful as students and schools are, accidents do happen each year - and thousands of Chromebooks are returned at the end of the school year with damages.

Families have the option to enroll in the Device Protection Plan. 

The Technology Protection Plan is optional; it is not required, however, by electing not to participate in the Protection Plan, families may be required to reimburse the school district for the replacement or repair of damaged Chromebooks assigned to their student/s. Damaged or broken screens may cost between $50 to $150 depending on parts needed; or the replacement cost for the entire device could be up to $410.

Families can opt-in to the Device Protection Plan by logging into A-HConnect, and selecting "My Student Information," and "Fees." Parents must select or decline coverage under the Device Protection Plan. Enrollment begins July 1, 2024. 

• The plan cost is $20 per student or $60 per family per school year. 

• If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals in the 2024-25 school year, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $0.

• Repairs with the Protection Plan are subject to a $20 deductible.

View the Device Protection Plan flyer to learn more. (PDF)
Enroll in the device protection plan using Synergy.