Technology Dept
Mission: Critical
The mission of the Darrouzett ISD Technology Department is to deliver reliable, secure, and future-ready technology systems that support teaching, learning, and district operations. We are committed to empowering educators, engaging students, and streamlining administrative functions through thoughtful innovation, responsive support, and a strong focus on equity, safety, and long-term sustainability.
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A little care helps keep your device ready for class and prevents avoidable damage.
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Carry it carefully. Close the screen before moving your laptop. Use its protective case when provided, and never lift it by the screen.
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Protect the screen. Keep pencils, earbuds, and other objects off the keyboard before closing the lid. Avoid placing heavy items on the device or squeezing it into an overcrowded backpack.
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Keep food and drinks away. Even a small spill can damage the keyboard or internal parts.
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Clean gently. Turn off and unplug the device before cleaning. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Never spray liquid directly onto the screen or keyboard. Ask the Technology Department before using cleaning products.
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Store it safely. Keep devices away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, pets, and places where they could be stepped on.
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Report problems early. Tell your teacher or the Technology Department about loose hinges, cracked screens, damaged cords, or other concerns. Please do not attempt repairs yourself.
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Updates help protect your information, fix problems, and keep school applications working properly. Some updates need a restart before they are complete.
When your device requests an update or restart:
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Save your work.
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Connect the charger and make sure the device has internet access.
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Follow the on-screen instructions and allow the update to finish.
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Keep the device powered on while it says an update is being installed.
Closing the lid is not the same as restarting. On a Windows device, select Start → Power → Restart, or Update and restart when that option appears.
If an update repeatedly fails, appears stuck, or requests an administrator password, contact the Technology Department. Include the exact message or a photo of the screen.
If you are unsure whether an update notice is legitimate, ask before clicking or downloading anything.
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Charging FAQs
When should I charge my device?
If you are authorized to take your device home, charge it before the next school day. Devices kept at school should be returned to their assigned charging location as directed by the teacher.Can I use a different charger?
Use the charger issued with your device or a replacement approved by the Technology Department. A charger may fit the port without providing the correct power.Can I use my laptop while it is charging?
Yes. Keep it on a firm, flat surface with the air vents uncovered. Avoid charging on beds, blankets, or inside a closed backpack.Does it need to reach 0% before I charge it?
No. You can recharge the battery before it runs out. There is no need to deliberately drain it.What should I do if it will not charge?
Check that the charger is securely connected to the device, power adapter, and outlet. If everything is connected and it still will not charge, contact the Technology Department. Bring both the device and its charger when requesting help.What if the charger is damaged or the device looks swollen?
Stop using and charging it. Notify a teacher or the Technology Department immediately. Do not tape damaged cords, force connectors, or press on a swollen device.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur volutpat tristique elit, vitae blandit massa suscipit vitae. Sed pretium cursus magna, eget mollis purus. Donec et mauris id metus ultricies vulputate.
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Need an app, website, browser extension, or other digital tool for school? Contact the Technology Department before purchasing it, installing it, or creating accounts for students. This includes free tools and trial subscriptions.
Please include:
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The name of the tool and its website.
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What you want students or staff to accomplish.
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The grade levels and approximate number of users.
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Whether it requires accounts or collects student information.
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Any cost and the date you hope to begin using it.
These details help determine whether the tool works with district devices, protects student information, and meets the intended classroom need.
Use school accounts for approved school services. Before uploading student records, photos, or other confidential information to an online service—including an AI tool—check with the Technology Department.
If an approved application is missing or will not open, report the problem instead of downloading a replacement from another website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I cannot sign in. What should I check first?
Make sure you are using the correct school account, check whether Caps Lock is on, and confirm that the device is connected to the internet. If you still cannot sign in, contact the Technology Department. Never include your password in a help request.Where do I find school applications?
Start with the ClassLink Launchpad linked on this page. Other district services, including email and grade portals, are available under Official DISD Links.My device is slow or an application is frozen. What should I do?
Save any work you can, close unused applications and browser tabs, and restart the device. If the problem continues, report what you were doing and any message that appeared.A website I need for class is blocked. Can it be reviewed?
Ask your teacher to send the website address and a brief explanation of its classroom use to the Technology Department. Please do not attempt to bypass the district’s internet filter.What if my device is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Notify your teacher or the Technology Department as soon as possible. Include when and where you last had the device or what happened. Prompt reporting helps the district respond and protect the account.What if I receive a suspicious email or an unexpected sign-in request?
Do not open attachments, follow links, share verification codes, or approve a sign-in you did not initiate. Contact the Technology Department. If you already clicked or entered information, report that immediately so we can help. -
Need help with a school device, account, application, printer, or classroom technology? Please email the Technology Department while the support ticket portal is being prepared.
Help us understand the problem by including:
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Your name and classroom or location.
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The device’s identification number, if available.
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The application, website, or equipment involved.
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What you were trying to do and what happened instead.
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The exact error message or a screenshot that does not expose private information.
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Whether the problem affects one person or several.
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Any troubleshooting you have already tried.
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Any immediate impact on instruction or testing.
A useful subject line might be: Room 104 — Classroom display will not connect.
Never send passwords or verification codes. If you cannot access your email, ask a teacher or contact the school office for help reaching the Technology Department.
For a lost device, suspected account compromise, or damaged battery or charger, notify a staff member or the Technology Department immediately rather than relying only on an email.
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New Tech For The 2025-2026 Year:
Darrouzett ISD is proud to announce the arrival of thirty-two brand-new Dell Latitude 3340 laptops for our students in Jr. High and High School. These modern devices offer faster performance, improved reliability, and enhanced support for the digital tools students use every day.
In addition to speed and efficiency, these laptops also include built-in fingerprint readers to provide an added layer of personalized access and convenience to help students stay focused while keeping their information more secure.
This investment reflects Darrouzett ISD’s commitment to equipping students with tools that support learning, growth, and safety in today’s digital classroom.
Tech Articles
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Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US Teenagers"Teenagers with higher non-schoolwork daily screen time are more likely to experience a series of adverse health outcomes."
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How technology is reinventing education"Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and other education scholars weigh in on what’s next for some of the technology trends taking center stage in the classroom."
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10 Brilliant Uses of Edtech in 2025"The true value of education technology doesn’t lie in its sophistication or its complexity; it’s the impact on learning that matters."
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What Is Educational Technology (Ed Tech), and Why Should Schools Invest in It?"Educational technology, or ed tech, encompasses a wide variety of applications, software, hardware and infrastructure components — from online quizzes and learning management systems to individual laptops for students and the access points that enable Wi-Fi connectivity."
Technology Assistance Programs & Resources
Below is a curated roster of national and Texas-ready initiatives that provide low- or no-cost internet service, refurbished devices, and digital-skills coaching. Feel free to use these links for your own household, share them with students, families, veterans, seniors, or nonprofits, and embed them on district resource pages.
Help us keep this list current: If you know of other legitimate programs that close the digital divide, whether national, statewide, or hyper-local, please email our technology team or submit a tip through the district help desk. We will vet and publish new resources on a rolling basis.
Thanks,
Louis Elston
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Clearing‑house connecting device donors with certified refurbishers to supply free or low‑cost computers to underserved communities nationwide.
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National Digital Inclusion Alliance program that trains local 'digital navigators' to provide one‑on‑one assistance with connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
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HUD initiative partnering with local public‑housing authorities to bring affordable broadband and devices to residents of HUD‑assisted housing communities.
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National program granting free computers to students, veterans, foster families, and nonprofits through an online application process.
Computers with Causes Website URL
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Provides refurbished PCs and hands‑on IT workforce training exclusively for U.S. veterans and their families.
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Delivers free livestreamed and in‑person technology courses tailored to adults 60 , covering topics such as video chat, online banking, and tele‑health.
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Intergenerational program where trained student volunteers offer free device training and tech troubleshooting for older adults via phone or Zoom.
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Portland‑based nonprofit that refurbishes e‑waste into no‑ or low‑cost computers and ships refurbished devices nationwide.
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Federal benefit offering up to $9.25 per month ($34.25 on Tribal lands) off voice, broadband, or bundled service for income‑qualified households.
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Online locator that aggregates low‑cost internet plans and device offers based on ZIP code, helping households find affordable options quickly.
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Offers discounted Chromebooks, $24.99/month hotspot rentals, digital‑skills coaching, and e‑waste recycling services across the U.S.
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Provides deeply discounted (up to 90% off) software licenses and hardware to verified nonprofits, charities, and libraries, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe products.