May 11th, 2026

Parents, families and caregivers of students currently in Grade 6 to 8 – you’ll soon be receiving an invitation to opt-in to receive a Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)-provided Chromebook for the 2026-2027 school year.

We are committed to ensuring that we’re supporting the needs of students when it comes to how we provide Chromebooks. For some students, a WRDSB-provided device isn’t needed for a number of reasons, including the availability of personal devices.

Students with Special Education (SEA) devices are not required to complete the opt-in process. They should continue to use the device assigned to them.

We remain focused on supporting the learning needs of all students.

Opt-In to Receive a WRDSB-Provided Chromebook

If you have a child currently in Grade 6 to 8, you will receive a message via School-Day inviting you to opt-in for your child to receive a WRDSB-provided Chromebook for the next school year. Paper forms are available upon request from your school’s Principal.

If you wish for your child to receive a WRDSB-provided Chromebook, please complete this form by June 8, 2026. This will help to ensure they have a device ready for them on the first day of school in September.

Please note: For the 2026-2027 school year, the opt-in process will only be offered to students entering Grades 7 to 9 or those new to the WRDSB. Students entering Grade 10 to 12 already have a WRDSB-provided Chromebook, so there is no need to opt-in.

Bring Your Own Device

Parents, families and caregivers who do not wish to opt-in to receiving a WRDSB-provided Chromebook may instead choose to provide their own device. Recommended technical specifications can be found on our website.

Learn more:

About WRDSB-Provided Chromebooks

  • WRDSB-provided Chromebooks remain the property of WRDSB.
  • Chromebooks will be assigned to an individual student.
  • Students graduating or leaving the WRDSB must return their Chromebooks.
  • Devices that are not returned will be remotely disabled.

Please note: The WRDSB is not responsible for the repair or maintenance of devices not provided by the WRDSB to students.

Tech@Home

Troubleshooting Resources

Need help troubleshooting a technical issue with your WRDSB-provided device? Visit the Tech@Home website to find a library of guides to help you!

For more information, reach out to your child’s school.