Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Department Resources
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Technology Resources

Laptops
Hardware
  • Apple MacBook Air
  • 13-Inch LED Display
  • 1.8 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • 256 GB solid-state hard drive
  • Apple Mac OS X
  • Protective snap case
Software
  • Microsoft Office Pro (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Master Collection
  • iWork Suite (Keynote, iMovie, Garage Band, Pages, Numbers)
  • SMART
  • Google Earth Pro
Tablets
Hardware
  • Apple iPad Pror
  • Wi-Fi
  • 64GB
  • Black
  • Protective Case
Software
  • iWork Suite (Keynote, iMovie, Garage Band, Pages, Numbers)
  • GSuite Apps
  • Tynker
  • Notability
  • Minecraft
  • and a variety of grade-level specific educational apps
My MacBook has a spinning beachball!
First try holding down keys Command + Option + esc. A force quit box will appear. If you see an application that says "not responding" try to highlight it and click "force quit".
If this doesn't work the next option, you can restart your computer by holding down your power button for 15 seconds. Pushing the power button for less time will just put your Mac to sleep, so you must hold the button down until you hear it click and shut off. Wait 30-60 seconds and turn your computer back on.
I can't get on the Internet at school or home.
In the top right hand corner you'll see wireless connectivity bars that will either be black, gray or empty. Click on it and a menu will open to show the different Wi-Fi connections in your area. Click to highlight the network you'd like to connect to. A password will be needed for the school Wi-Fi, so contact the I.T. department if you have forgotten the school password.
I can't connect to my Darlington email.
Darlington's email is hosted by Google and can be accessed by going directly to https://mail.google.com. Alternatively, Darlington students and faculty can follow the DarMail link on the Web site if they are logged on. When prompted, enter your regular Darlington email address and password.
I'm having trouble printing to a school printer.
First you should restart your mac and make sure your Wi-Fi is connected. Check to see if the printer is printing from other computers, if not then contact the IT department for assistance. If the printer is printing for other computers open your system preferences under the apple menu at the top and choose "Print & Scan". Locate the printer you are trying to print to and click the minus (-) button to delete the printer. Next click the plus (+) button to add a printer and make sure you are on the default tab. Find the name of the printer you are trying to print to and click add. If you continue to have problems contact the IT department for assistance.
My iPad will not turn on, or the display stops responding.
Hook the iPad to a power source and leave it for about 15 minutes. Sometimes if an iPad is completely dead, the red battery will not appear. If the red battery appears after 15-30 minutes continue to let it charge for an hour before trying to turn it back on again. Try to wait until the battery on the screen turns from red to green.
f that doesn't work: Turn the iPad off and turn it on again. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button on top of iPad for a few seconds (this could take up to 20 seconds), until a red slider appears. Then slide the slider. Then press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears. If you continue to have problems contact the IT department for assistance.
My iPad won't connect to the Internet and some apps will not work.
Check to see if your iPad is connected to the schools Wi-Fi by clicking the settings app. Click "General" then "Network". Click on the Wi-Fi and join the schools network.
If this is connected then click on the Safari app . Type in a random website like yahoo.com or cnn.com. The purple Darlington web filter will appear and you can put in your username and password. This should allow you to surf the net and access apps. If you continue to have problems contact the IT department for assistance.
My iPad keeps saying "Cannot connect to mail".
Check to see if your iPad is connected to the schools Wi-Fi by clicking the settings app. Click "General" then "Network". Click on the Wi-Fi and join the schools network.
If this is connected then click on the Safari app . Type in a random website like yahoo.com or cnn.com. The purple Darlington web filter will appear and you can put in your username and password. This should allow you to surf the net and access apps. Sometimes the mail app will not work because of the web filter, so you must authenticate this before it will work. That message should stop popping up once you do this. If you continue to have problems contact the IT department for assistance.
What is an Apple ID?
Apple ID is a login system that Apple Inc. has for many of its computer products, such as iWork, the iTunes Store, the Apple app store, and the Apple Store. The iPad uses an Apple ID to download apps, both free and paid. Apple has more information here: https://appleid.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MyAppleId.woa/
You can create an Apple ID for you or a student without a credit card by visiting this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT2534
Does the school sell laptops to parents?
No. Students in grades 1-5 are provided iPad Air tablets and students in grades 6–12 are provided MacBook Air laptops. Details on the devices we use at school can be found on the hardware and software tab above.
What technology is available to students?
In addition to the technology integration program in grades Pre-K to 12, Darlington encourages the use of technology throughout the school. A laptop cart is also available to teachers in grades PK-5 and iPad carts are available in Pre-K and Kindergarten.
What if I have problems with a personal device such as laptop or mobile device?
The Darlington I.T. Office can help with connection issues to the School's network, Internet, servers, and printers. We can also offer advise for other issues but cannot make general repairs or provide involved software assistance (i.e. virus removal, system recovery, corrupt files, etc.). If a repair is needed, we can recommend a local computer repair vendor.
How do I connect to the Internet with my personal laptop or mobile device?
The school network has wireless access points in all buildings which provide network connections. The network is secured and requires a network key for access. If you bring your own computer to school, visit the I.T. Office for connection instructions.
Where is the I.T. Office located?
The I.T. Office is located on the first floor of the McCallie-Kennedy Library for grades 9-12 and in the Yancey Library of Thatcher Hall for PK-8.
Where do I save my files, projects, and assignments?
Students and faculty are provided with unlimited cloud storage through their School Google Apps account. This can be used to store documents, any projects, and pending research. We recommend USB flash drives or hard drives for storing or backing up personal files. Personal data should always be backed up in case the laptop needs some type of repair. The I.T. Office is not responsible for backing up student data.
What operating systems does the school support?
We can support most operating systems on our network, with the most popular being Mac OS X. Mobile devices also work well on our network.
Can I load other software on the iPad or MacBook?
Yes. Using technology for educational and personal uses is important. For parents paying a technology fee, we want the school-provided device to be the only one your student will need. However, as a tool for your education, it is of the highest importance that you protect your laptop and maintain its stability. Adding anything to your laptop can affect its stability. We therefore suggest that you exercise careful judgment before installing software or hardware that may disrupt your computer use or violate the school's technology acceptable use policy. When a School-provided tablet or laptop is brought in for service and the I.T. Office determines the problem is software-related, the machine will be restored to the point it was first received. In this case, any additional software loaded on the machine will have to be reinstalled by the student. Also any personal data will have to be restored by the student.
If my student brings his own iPad or laptop, can the technology fee be refunded?
No. The technology fee offsets the cost of not only the device, but also things like software, support, maintenance, insurance, loaners, networking, etc. which help insure each student can be as productive as possible and teachers can rely on each student's device working alike.
Is the technology fee a one-time fee for 3 years or should we expect this each year?
The technology fee is an annual fee. The fee is used to offset many costs associated with the program, including the cost of the device over its lifetime, software, insurance, wireless access, Internet service, support, and maintenance. Devices are currently replaced after three years of service.
I am concerned that the iPad/MacBook Pro is the only source of textbook we will have. Is there a policy regarding issues with power failures or negligent service providers?
There is no policy per se regarding the impact of power failures and loss of Internet access at home as it relates to homework or school work, the assumption being that these services will be available. Many activities would continue to be performed without power or Internet if a student has a charged device. Otherwise, our teachers are very understanding when responsible students have technical issues at home. One of the 21st century skills we aim to teach our students is how to cope with technical problems, make alternative plans, and plan ahead for contingencies!
Is the purpose of laptops to move to all electronic textbooks and assignments? I don’t see the cost of textbook rights included in the fee explanation, nor is there a requirement to purchase textbooks as in previous years. Is the cost of electronic texts now in our tuition, or will there be an additional charge later on?
The main purpose of integrating technology into the curriculum is to better prepare our students to be 21st century citizens, support creation, and provide access to educational information. The technology integration introduction gives a good overview of our many uses of technology. Having access to more materials electronically is definitely a part of that. All students pay a Curriculum Fee which covers digital textbooks and most other required learning resources. The fee is $100 for grades PK–5 and $200 for grades 6–12, and is paid for during online enrollment. The School is always looking for the best way to provide the best learning resources to its students and teachers.
Does the cost for insurance stay the same even though my student is a 6th grader, and will only have the computer for one year?
The technology fee is fixed and helps offset insurance costs. The fee is evaluated annually and may change depending on the device being provided, software needs, and other expenses like insurance.
Can students use this computer over the summer?
Current students reenrolled in good standing for the following year will be able to take the device home for use over the summer. For students changing devices from one year to the next (i.e. rising 5th graders moving from an iPad to a MacBook), they will receive the new device before summer. More details on how that will work will be provided when we get closer to the end of school! New students will receive their device at the beginning of school.
Will students be able to download songs on their school computer to sync with their iPhone or iPod?
Yes. Students must use an AppleID corresponding to their Darlington e-mail address. Students who already have an AppleID can either change their AppleID e-mail to Darlington's or create a second account. Most find it easier to change. Students are allowed and encouraged to use their device for personal use, within the limits of the school's policy (outlined in the Rules of the Road) and the parent's rules.
Are students able to watch Netflix on their device at school if hooked up to the parents account and be able to Skype with others?
Yes, outside of the school day and established study hall hours. During the school day and study halls, though, computers should only be used for educational purposes only at the direction of their teachers.
Why did the school choose to go with a 64GB iPad instead of a 32GB model?
The decision to go with a 64GB iPad instead of 32GB was a direct result of our experience with the first three-year cycle of our device program. Most students hit the 32GB limit of those devices, but not just for personal reasons. When it is used for school projects (and video recording can use substantial space) as well as personal uses, the device filled up fast. Apps are also increasingly sophisticated and therefore larger. The same is true for some textbooks. We expect that demand for space just to grow, so to insure we acquired a device that would last for at least three years, upgrading to the next size up was a minimum requirement.
Why did the school choose to go with a MacBook Air instead of a MacBook Pro?
This decision was also influenced by our experience with the first three-year cycle of our device program along with feedback from students and teachers. The number one support issue with those MacBook Pros was faulty hard drives followed by broken screens. MacBook Airs with their solid state hard drives and plastic screens have proven far more reliable while still performing at a level our teachers and students demand. Although there was some initial concern regarding no longer having a DVD drive, that has proven over the past year to be far less needed than previously just because technology has evolved away from DVDs. Finally, our students and teachers have especially liked the lighter and smaller form factor as they carry the device with them throughout the day.
Darlington sets policies (listed to the right) to help guide the responsible use of technology by students, faculty, and visitors to campus. At all times, the main purpose of technology use at Darlington should be for educational purposes. Students using technology during academic times, such as during the school day or evening study hall, should only do so for educational purposes or at the direction of the teacher.
The Rules of the Road and Technology Acceptable Use Policy apply to all students in grades PK-12. Faculty policies and procedures are also provided.
Darlington Web Filtering Policy
Darlington uses Internet filtering software to both block access to inappropriate sites and to log all Internet activity. This filtering happens for all devices using the Darlington School campus network. It also applies to all school-issued devices both on and off campus, including tablets and laptops issued to students. The faculty policy applies to all adults on campus.
Requests for recategorization of blocked Web sites should be made to the I.T. Office and each request will reviewed individually. Student requests may require the approval of a teacher if the site is class-related. Residential student access to the Internet is turned off entirely on school nights from midnight until 6 a.m. the following morning. Note that some Internet services (such as games or video) may be blocked due to excess bandwidth consumption or incompatibility with the School's firewall. The Internet is too vast and quickly changing for any Web filter to keep up, but we do log all Internet use and expect all users to abide by the spirit of this policy.
The I.T. Office, in partnership with the Student Life and Counseling Office, analyzes this log information weekly. This is done by looking for general patterns of potential misuse as well as individual spot checks. In the case of spot checks, the parent and students will be notified of the result. In the case of any discovered issues, action taken may range from parent notification or conference, students being temporarily placed in a more restrictive filter group, or collection of the device.
CategoriesStudents PK-6Students 7-12Faculty
Adult Materials, Nudity, and PornographyBlockedBlockedBlocked
GamblingBlockedBlockedBlocked
Illegal and Peer-to-Peer File SharingBlockedBlockedBlocked
Internet Filter BypassingBlockedBlockedBlocked
Malware, Phishing, Spam, and other Security RisksBlockedBlockedBlocked
PlagiarismBlockedBlockedBlocked
Dating/Personal RelationshipsBlockedBlockedPermit
Social MediaBlockedPermitPermit
Digital Citizenship is a holistic and positive approach to helping children learn how to be safe and secure, as well as smart and effective participants in a digital world. Darlington is committed to teaching all students how to become positive digital citizens. That means helping them understand their rights and responsibilities, recognize the benefits and risks, and realize the personal and ethical implications of their actions. Instructional technologists teach digital citizenship ,in all curricular disciplines, and focus on three key areas:
  • Safety & Security: Understanding the risks that we face from others as well as from our own conduct, and the dangers posed by applications like viruses and phishing.
  • Digital Literacy:Learning how to find, sort, manage, evaluate and create information in digital forms. These literacy skills build on but are somewhat different from the traditional literacy of reading and writing.
  • Ethics & Community:Becoming aware of and practicing appropriate and ethical behaviors in a variety of digital environments. This area includes shaping your digital reputation and being a responsible citizen of the communities in which you participate, from social networks, to games, to neighborhood civic forums.
Have fun being part of your child’s experience.
  • Learn from your children: Ask them to teach you how to get into a chat room or “blog”
  • Have them show you their favorite online destinations
  • Check and use e-mail with some regularity
  • Know the services your child uses. Have them show you how to log in
Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children.
  • Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder
  • Monitor their compliance with these rules
Respect your child’s privacy but make certain they know personally everyone on their “buddy” list. No Strangers Allowed!
  • Chat room “friends” are not always who they say they are
  • Someone indicating that “she” is a “12-year-old girl” could in reality be a 40-year-old man
Keep the computer where everyone sees the screen. No Hidden Screens!
  • Never allow a computer with internet access in your child’s bedroom
Keep personal information private. No Personal Posting!
  • Your name
  • Age
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Friend’s or family names
  • Your school name
  • Any information that tells who you are or where you can be found (including pictures)
  • Make usernames generic and anonymous
Report strangers who solicit meetings with any child.
  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678
  • Teach your child how to recognize and avoid predators
  • Responsible adults do not pursue relationships with minors
Children should:
  • Be good cyber citizens
  • Know how to exit an inappropriate website
  • Remember that not everything you read online may be true