Google Apps FAQs
What is Google Apps for Education?
Google Apps for Education is a suite of web-based programs providing email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, calendaring, online storage, research, and collaboration tools for all PUSD/PCOE students and teachers.
How is the PUSD/PCOE Google account different from a regular Gmail account?
Only those Google services that are applicable to an educational setting are provided in our PCOE Google domain. Some of the tools available in a public Google account will not be available in the PCOE Google domain.
What programs are available through Google Apps for Education?
PCOE/PUSD's Google Apps for Education includes Calendar, Docs, and Sites among others.
How will PCOE/PUSD's Google Apps for Education be accessed?
Google Apps for Education runs on an internet domain purchased and owned by the Plumas Unified School District and is intended for educational use only. As a cloud-based suite, Google Apps for Education will be available anywhere in the world via the web at: http://mail.google.com/a/pcoe.k12.ca.us
Will my Student be able to use his/her PCOE/PUSD's Google Account outside of school?
Yes from a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook computer with a supported browser and access to the Internet.
Does Google Apps for Education filter content?
All internet traffic in the Plumas Unified School district and Plumas County Office of Education is filtered for inappropriate content, however, there is always a chance students will be exposed to inappropriate material. While at school, staff will monitor use of Google Apps and other internet sites. Please monitor your students' use of Google Apps while off campus. At all times, whether at school or off campus, students are responsible for their adherence to PUSD's Acceptable Use Agreement. (Click here to view the agreement)
Google Apps for Education is a suite of web-based programs providing email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, calendaring, online storage, research, and collaboration tools for all PUSD/PCOE students and teachers.
How is the PUSD/PCOE Google account different from a regular Gmail account?
Only those Google services that are applicable to an educational setting are provided in our PCOE Google domain. Some of the tools available in a public Google account will not be available in the PCOE Google domain.
What programs are available through Google Apps for Education?
PCOE/PUSD's Google Apps for Education includes Calendar, Docs, and Sites among others.
How will PCOE/PUSD's Google Apps for Education be accessed?
Google Apps for Education runs on an internet domain purchased and owned by the Plumas Unified School District and is intended for educational use only. As a cloud-based suite, Google Apps for Education will be available anywhere in the world via the web at: http://mail.google.com/a/pcoe.k12.ca.us
Will my Student be able to use his/her PCOE/PUSD's Google Account outside of school?
Yes from a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook computer with a supported browser and access to the Internet.
Does Google Apps for Education filter content?
All internet traffic in the Plumas Unified School district and Plumas County Office of Education is filtered for inappropriate content, however, there is always a chance students will be exposed to inappropriate material. While at school, staff will monitor use of Google Apps and other internet sites. Please monitor your students' use of Google Apps while off campus. At all times, whether at school or off campus, students are responsible for their adherence to PUSD's Acceptable Use Agreement. (Click here to view the agreement)
What if I am just not comfortable with my student having a Google Account? Can I opt-out?
We want you to be involved with your student's education. To discuss how Google Apps for Education will be used at your student's school, please call your student's school. A delegate from the school will be happy to answer your questions and help you to understand your options.
If you still feel it would be best for your student to not utilize these tools, please complete our Opt Out form linked on the left of this screen. Please keep in mind, though, that the decision to disable your Student's Google Apps for Education account may effect his or her daily interaction in the classroom. While we will make every effort to accommodate any student who is not using these tools, the full impact of a lesson or project may not be felt by a student as the lesson or project may have been built around Google Apps.
What happens if students misuse their Google Accounts?
The same expectations for acceptable use of technology (as outlined in the (Student Acceptable Use Agreement) apply to Google Apps for Education accounts. Students who misuse their accounts will be referred to their school's administrator who will deal with any infraction on a case-by-case basis. Administrators may choose to suspend a student's account privileges entirely for a length of time appropriate for the offence. Parents/guardians will be notified should their student's account access be altered or suspended.
We want you to be involved with your student's education. To discuss how Google Apps for Education will be used at your student's school, please call your student's school. A delegate from the school will be happy to answer your questions and help you to understand your options.
If you still feel it would be best for your student to not utilize these tools, please complete our Opt Out form linked on the left of this screen. Please keep in mind, though, that the decision to disable your Student's Google Apps for Education account may effect his or her daily interaction in the classroom. While we will make every effort to accommodate any student who is not using these tools, the full impact of a lesson or project may not be felt by a student as the lesson or project may have been built around Google Apps.
What happens if students misuse their Google Accounts?
The same expectations for acceptable use of technology (as outlined in the (Student Acceptable Use Agreement) apply to Google Apps for Education accounts. Students who misuse their accounts will be referred to their school's administrator who will deal with any infraction on a case-by-case basis. Administrators may choose to suspend a student's account privileges entirely for a length of time appropriate for the offence. Parents/guardians will be notified should their student's account access be altered or suspended.
Privacy and Security
What types of safety and security measures are in place for Google Apps for Education?
PCOE/PUSD's Google Apps for Education complies with legal requirements for safety and security such as the Student Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Learn more about these acts.
What about Privacy?
PCOE/PUSD is responsible for protecting and safeguarding the confidentiality of student information. Google Apps is governed by a detailed privacy policy and security measures. Under our Terms of Service Agreement with Google,, they are obligated to comply with FERPA regulations. Additional information about Google Apps for Education security & privacy may be found athttp://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/privacy.html.
What assurances has Google given PCOE/PUSD that they will not collect data on my student?
PCOE/PUSD has a signed agreement with Google based on the terms of this agreement http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/terms/education_terms.html Please see Section 7. Google Apps for Education is compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA.)
Who has access to my Student’s account?
The Google Apps Terms of Service agreement with PCOE/PUSD's contractually ensures that our institution (students, faculty, and staff) are the sole owners of their data. Google will only access content stored on Apps when an administrator from PCOE/PUSD grants Google explicit permission to do so. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.
Does my Student retain copyright of their creations?
The same copyright rules apply to content in Google Apps for Education that would apply to any other creation, provided the student is the sole owner.
What protection will PCOE/PUSD provide so that my Student is not accessing inappropriate content on the web?
There are no advertisements used with Google Apps for Education. Google Apps for Education is an online collaboration tool that is accessed using a web browser and requires a login and password.
What types of safety and security measures are in place for Google Apps for Education?
PCOE/PUSD's Google Apps for Education complies with legal requirements for safety and security such as the Student Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Learn more about these acts.
What about Privacy?
PCOE/PUSD is responsible for protecting and safeguarding the confidentiality of student information. Google Apps is governed by a detailed privacy policy and security measures. Under our Terms of Service Agreement with Google,, they are obligated to comply with FERPA regulations. Additional information about Google Apps for Education security & privacy may be found athttp://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/privacy.html.
What assurances has Google given PCOE/PUSD that they will not collect data on my student?
PCOE/PUSD has a signed agreement with Google based on the terms of this agreement http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/terms/education_terms.html Please see Section 7. Google Apps for Education is compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA.)
Who has access to my Student’s account?
The Google Apps Terms of Service agreement with PCOE/PUSD's contractually ensures that our institution (students, faculty, and staff) are the sole owners of their data. Google will only access content stored on Apps when an administrator from PCOE/PUSD grants Google explicit permission to do so. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.
Does my Student retain copyright of their creations?
The same copyright rules apply to content in Google Apps for Education that would apply to any other creation, provided the student is the sole owner.
What protection will PCOE/PUSD provide so that my Student is not accessing inappropriate content on the web?
There are no advertisements used with Google Apps for Education. Google Apps for Education is an online collaboration tool that is accessed using a web browser and requires a login and password.