Frequently Asked Questions
Did you research 1:1 Initiatives at other schools before making decisions?
Our team visited several schools that already have a 1:1 Laptop or iPad program in place. We visited Holland Christian Schools in Holland, MI; Chelsea School District in Chelsea, MI; Perkins School District in Sandusky, Ohio; Defiance School District in Defiance, Ohio; Laingsburg Public Schools in Laingsburg, MI; Dansville Public Schools in Dansville, MI; and Zeeland Public Schools in Zeeland, Michigan. We have additional trips to other districts planned in the near future. Also, we took a team of teachers and administrators to Chicago for a full day of 'briefing' at Apple on developing a 1:1 program, and sent staff to MACUL the past several years where they attended seminar sessions focusing on 1:1 programs. During our visits we talked with the staff at those schools to find out the best practices in order to make more informed decisions on each aspect of this project.
Why an Apple® and not a PC or Tablet?
Apple® products tend to be less susceptible to viruses. Click here for more information on viruses. The products offered by Apple®: iLife® and iWork® suites, tend to be easier to learn. Click here for iLife Suite. Click here for iWork Suite. Many students are already familiar with some of the applications and products like iTunes® and Garageband®. Macs® tend to be a little more “plug and play” ready than PC’s. Apple® is also very environmentally friendly. Click here to learn more about Apple®. While our students will now be issued iPads®, the MacBook Airs will still be used in computer labs and mobile carts. iPads were chosen in part for the 40,000+ "educational" apps. that are available in an ever growing list.
Why did you start at the middle school and not the high school or elementary schools in 2012-2013?
The decision was made based on building leadership and staff. It was determined that due to Mr. Hood's (Principal) experience with managing technology and the staff's flexibility, interest, drive, and willingness to try new things that the middle school building was the best fit for the first year of the project. Mr. Hood is extremely proud that his building was chosen to lead the charge. He believes that it is already paying benefits as we learn more each day. It should make deployment at the high school next fall much easier.
The elementary program is totally different than either that of the middle or high school. The iPads® are to be used as a classroom resource. They do not have the same requirements to "go home" with the students. This makes deployment of the iPads® much easier and faster to implement. It was decided that the program could move forward very quickly.
Will students have more homework?
Not necessarily, but what they do at home may change. Rather than doing conventional "homework" assignments or working math problems, they may be viewing a video demonstration or reading the "how to" at home. Then they will be doing the actual work or experiment in the classroom where they have the support of the teacher.
Why can’t they just use our home computer?
They will be downloading and sharing documents, projects and information while in class to allow them to continue the learning process at home. Not all of this will be web-based. Each iPad® will have special educational apps. that may not be available on a tablet or home computer.
We have a tablet or iPad® at home. Can my student just bring that in to use instead of the district issued device?
Since the students will be collaborating and using some software or applications that the district is purchasing, we will not allow students to use their own device. We will not be able to install district owned applications on your personal tablet or iPad®. We also feel that putting the exact same device in the hands of every student gives each of them the same opportunity and levels the playing field. By providing the iPad® and all of the necessary applications, each student will have all of the tools they need to complete their class work in and out of school.
What if we don’t have internet access at home?
Most, if not all of the assignments will be loaded at school, so if you don’t have internet access the student will still be able to work at home. For those that do have internet access, they can expand their learning on the web. In a recent survey within the last year, we found that 95% of households had some sort of access to internet available. Remember there are Wifi access points around the community at local restaurants and even the Jackson District Library. Click here for locations and hours.
If the iPad® has a malfunction will I have to pay for that?
The iPads® are no longer under warranty, however if your iPad® seems to have a malfunction not due to any damage, please check with our Media Techs in the Library/Media Center to see if we can help. Any fee that you incur will be for accidental damage (during transport, at home or anywhere after the normal school day, i.e. after school sports or other activities) or negligence or abuse that results in damage.
Will my student go without a device if their iPad® needs work or repairs?
We will have a replacement iPad® available for any such instances where malfunctions or damage occurs. If the damage is deemed to be a result of negligence or accidental damage that could have been prevented, you may be required to pay (depending on the Option you choose) before your student will be allowed to take the iPad® home again. Students will be taught to “back-up” their work to a Google Drive or other web based location, so all of their documents and projects should be available on their replacement device.
How reliable are these devices? Are they susceptible to damage from general use?
The iPads® are considered very reliable. With proper care they can last for many years. Even though they will be in a protective case, they should still be handled with care, not dropped and will still be susceptible to liquid spills, so we ask that students do not eat or drink while using their iPad®.
What if they experience a problem or have trouble with their iPad®?
There is a Troubleshooting Tips section under Students on this website specifically for iPads®. There are two sections, one for the iPads, and one for the MacBook Airs as they may be using them in a computer lab or on a cart. It has many useful suggestions for students to use to resolve many different problems they may run into. They are being encouraged to try to figure out a solution on their own, ask a classmate for help or ask the teacher for help, before they enter a ticket or bring it to the Media Center for service. This again teaches them real world skills that they will find useful at college or in the workplace. If they cannot login to enter a ticket, there is a laptop available in the Library/Media Center for them to enter a ticket. Click here for Troubleshooting Tips.
What does the $30.00 Option 2 fee cover?
The $30.00 fee is a non-refundable annual fee that is applied to the first incidence of accidental/negligent damage to the iPad®. You may also be charged an additional $30.00 depending on the cost of the repair. This only cover the iPad® and not the charging cord, charging brick, cover or for Middle School the carrying case. It does NOT cover the device for theft, loss or misplacement. The full $500.00 will be charged in that event.An additional fee of $30 will be charged for each incident
What if I elect option 1?
If any damage occurs to the iPad® that is NOT considered a manufacturer's defect, you will be charged up to $500.00 to replace or repair the device. This fee is per incident and is based on the actual cost of the repair. You will be charged the amount of the repair UP TO the $500.00 if a full replacement is required. The fee will only be collected if damage occurs. You do not have to pay anything up front and if there is no incidence of damage, you will not be charged any fee.
What if I elect option 2?
You will pay a $30.00 non-refundable annual fee. An additional fee of $30 will be charged for each incident of accidental damage to the iPad®, that is NOT considered a manufacturer's defect. A fee of $30 will be charged for each additional incident of damage that occurs throughout the school year. By choosing this option you are limiting your liability to $30.00 per incident, rather than incurring up to $500.00 per incident. If it is determined that the damage was due to abuse or negligence, the fee could range up to the $500 replacement cost if the insurance won't cover the damage. Please talk to your student about the importance of treating the iPad® with care and respect.
What if I elect option 3?
The iPad® will not be allowed to leave the school. The student will “check in” the iPad® at the end of the day in the Media Center, and “check out” the iPad® each morning to use at school. In the event that your student forgets to "check in" the iPad®, you will receive a call from the school and be responsibility for repair/replacement due to damage up to the full replacement cost of $500.00. The iPads® will be charged overnight so your students will be prepared each morning to work throughout the day without charging the device. Charging cords and brick will stay in our charging cart and not be issued to students who are Option 3. If for some reason they need to recharge their device during the day, a loaner will be available to check out in our Library/Media Center.
What happens to the $30.00 from Option 2 if it is not used for damage to the iPad®?
The district has committed to use the funds to support the continued 1:1 Initiative and to help defer the cost of any repairs to the devices in the district.
What exactly do the fees cover?
The $30.00 non-refundable annual fee enrolls you into our pre-pay program. Each incident of damage will result in an additional fee of no more than $30.00. Should additional incidents occur, it is possible the student will be restricted from taking the iPad® home. If it is determined that the damage was due to abuse or negligence, the fee could range up to the $500 replacement cost if the insurance won't cover the damage. Please talk to your student about the importance of treating the iPad® with care and respect.
Should I agree to the fees or ask my student to be a part of that responsibility?
Some parents are choosing to have their student(s) work (chores, etc.) toward the $500 liability and then if they don’t need to use it, they put it in their college fund. Other parents have started an "escrow" account and placed $500.00 in the account. If the student doesn't have any damage occur during the school year, the $500.00 will be returned to the student or rolled over to the next school year. This helps them take ownership of the responsibility for the device.
What if we have a split household? Should both parents sign an agreement?
Both heads of households or parents must sign all of the forms.
If students have to check in their iPad® at the end of each day, will they still have time to catch their bus?
Students who will be checking in their iPad® at the end of the day, will be released early from their last class to allow them sufficient time to check it in at the Media Center. There will be a bell roughly 5 minutes before school ends (it is in the process of being set up) to allow them sufficient time to drop their laptop off in the Media Center. The process should go very quickly as they simply need to place it where directed to by the Librarian/Media Tech. The iPad® will be checked in after the student leaves. Depending on the number of students checking them in, it should not take very long. The check out process will be done at the start of the school day or as students arrive and should only take a few minutes.
Will there be a case or cover for the iPad®?
Western School District will provide a protective cover for each iPad®. The concept behind this it to better protect the iPad® against scratches, dings, and other damage. However, this does not negate the responsibility of the student to take care of the iPad® and it is important for him/her keep the iPad® in the case at all times. The cover does NOT completely protect the iPad® from damage that occurs when dropped, and in not guarantees there will NOT be breakage. We ask that students do NOT place stickers or other embellishment on the district provided case. We also will not allow students to replace the case with one of their own unless it is approved by the building administrator in advance. If parents choose to purchase a more protective cover, we ask that it be approved in advance and that they keep the original district supplied cover to put the iPad® in when returning it at the end of the school year.
Where will they store them at school (i.e. during gym, during after school sports, etc.)?
Students will be expected to lock their iPad® (in their protective cover) in their locker or other secure area during the day when they are not using them in class. They should place it on the top shelf and not set anything on top of it. They should not store it on the bottom of the locker where it may be damaged by heavy objects placed on top of it (like textbooks, sports, equipment, etc.) They should NEVER leave it unattended in a classroom or in any other location in the school. Any time that the iPad is not being used, the cover should be closed and the protective elastic straps should be on both corners. For those who will not be taking them home, they will receive instructions on the proper procedure to use when checking them in at the end of the day, and for checking them out in the morning.
Will this same iPad® follow the student until he graduates?
While for the most part, your student will use the same iPad® each year, there is a certain life expectancy to the iPads® and in the beginning, it will be updated and reissued to the same student year in and year out. At a certain point it may be necessary to begin to replace them or even use something different as technology changes. We will reevaluate this after the program has been in existence for several years, or as needs arise. The Board has committed to a refresh cycle at some point and we are still looking at how that will work.
How do they store their work? Will they be able to access it at home?
Students have access to Google™ accounts via the web. The accounts are managed by the school district and due to this they are each afforded 30GB of storage. They should be able to access this from any location where they can access the internet. They also have Dropbox which has 2GN of storage. We are asking students not to put a lot of photos, videos or music on their iPad® or in their back up drives. Teachers will be instructing students when and where to back up their work. Students are NOT allowed to attach the iPad® to any personal computer or other device to back it up.
What parental controls or filters will be available?
While there will be some filters in place to prevent students from going to inappropriate sites, nothing can be completely infallible. There is no substitute for monitoring your student’s use at home. We recommend not allowing your student to use their iPad® in a bedroom or other unsupervised area, or while you are asleep. There needs to be a practice of Good Digital Citizenship by the student to properly use the device for educational purposes. For more information and some helpful tips click here.
Will we be able to buy or add apps. to the iPad®?
Currently we are looking into how to best allow that. Middle school student's parents may be allowed to add apps. with their Apple ID, while high school students may allowed to use their own Apple ID to add apps. to their iPad®. There are certain age restrictions that apply. Please refer to the Handbook for more details.
Is anyone in the home allowed to use the iPad®?
This iPad® is provided for your student to use for educational purposes. While we encourage your student to share with you what they are learning, this device is not intended for more than one user – the student.
Can we take the iPad® on vacation?
The student may take the iPad® with them if they travel, however it is their responsibility to keep it safe and secure. If the iPad® is damaged, lost or stolen the student will be charged the full replacement cost of the iPad® which is $500.00.
What if the iPad® is lost or stolen?
Should the iPad® be lost or stolen, it is very important to report it to the school within 24 hours. If you suspect the laptop was stolen, you MUST file a police report. Please inform the school immediately if you cannot locate the laptop, or suspect it has been taken. You will be responsible for the full replacement cost of the device which is currently $500.00.
What if a fellow students needs to use their iPad®?
Each student will be issued their own iPad® which will be assigned to them exclusively. There would be no reason to let another student "borrow" their iPad®. The iPad® will be the responsibility of the student to whom it is issued, so they should never let another student use or borrow their iPad®.
Will they turn the iPad® in at the end of the year?
Yes, the iPad® will be turned in to be prepared for the next school year. The students will be given instructions as that time nears on the procedure for turning them in to the Media Center. If you have an iPad® or Mac at home, your student may continue to learn over the summer. They will primarily be working with the iLife and iWork Suites of applications, so you may choose to purchase those from the App. store if your Mac at home does not have those apps. Their work will be stored in Google Drive or Dropbox so they will have access to that over the summer.
We’re a PC family, not a Mac family, what do we do after they turn them back in? Can we keep them over the summer?
There will be some maintenance work that must be done over the summer on the iPads® so they will need to be turned in at the end of the school year. Also we never know what students will be returning to Western School District the following school year so we can’t take a chance on those iPads® not being returned.
What happens if my student transfers to another school?
The iPad® will remain the property of Western School District, so it must be turned in at school immediately. Failure to do so will result in being charged the full replacement cost of the device at $500.00 and possible involvement with the local police.
Are there tips for troubleshooting problems?
Go to our Troubleshooting page on the website: Click here
Our team visited several schools that already have a 1:1 Laptop or iPad program in place. We visited Holland Christian Schools in Holland, MI; Chelsea School District in Chelsea, MI; Perkins School District in Sandusky, Ohio; Defiance School District in Defiance, Ohio; Laingsburg Public Schools in Laingsburg, MI; Dansville Public Schools in Dansville, MI; and Zeeland Public Schools in Zeeland, Michigan. We have additional trips to other districts planned in the near future. Also, we took a team of teachers and administrators to Chicago for a full day of 'briefing' at Apple on developing a 1:1 program, and sent staff to MACUL the past several years where they attended seminar sessions focusing on 1:1 programs. During our visits we talked with the staff at those schools to find out the best practices in order to make more informed decisions on each aspect of this project.
Why an Apple® and not a PC or Tablet?
Apple® products tend to be less susceptible to viruses. Click here for more information on viruses. The products offered by Apple®: iLife® and iWork® suites, tend to be easier to learn. Click here for iLife Suite. Click here for iWork Suite. Many students are already familiar with some of the applications and products like iTunes® and Garageband®. Macs® tend to be a little more “plug and play” ready than PC’s. Apple® is also very environmentally friendly. Click here to learn more about Apple®. While our students will now be issued iPads®, the MacBook Airs will still be used in computer labs and mobile carts. iPads were chosen in part for the 40,000+ "educational" apps. that are available in an ever growing list.
Why did you start at the middle school and not the high school or elementary schools in 2012-2013?
The decision was made based on building leadership and staff. It was determined that due to Mr. Hood's (Principal) experience with managing technology and the staff's flexibility, interest, drive, and willingness to try new things that the middle school building was the best fit for the first year of the project. Mr. Hood is extremely proud that his building was chosen to lead the charge. He believes that it is already paying benefits as we learn more each day. It should make deployment at the high school next fall much easier.
The elementary program is totally different than either that of the middle or high school. The iPads® are to be used as a classroom resource. They do not have the same requirements to "go home" with the students. This makes deployment of the iPads® much easier and faster to implement. It was decided that the program could move forward very quickly.
Will students have more homework?
Not necessarily, but what they do at home may change. Rather than doing conventional "homework" assignments or working math problems, they may be viewing a video demonstration or reading the "how to" at home. Then they will be doing the actual work or experiment in the classroom where they have the support of the teacher.
Why can’t they just use our home computer?
They will be downloading and sharing documents, projects and information while in class to allow them to continue the learning process at home. Not all of this will be web-based. Each iPad® will have special educational apps. that may not be available on a tablet or home computer.
We have a tablet or iPad® at home. Can my student just bring that in to use instead of the district issued device?
Since the students will be collaborating and using some software or applications that the district is purchasing, we will not allow students to use their own device. We will not be able to install district owned applications on your personal tablet or iPad®. We also feel that putting the exact same device in the hands of every student gives each of them the same opportunity and levels the playing field. By providing the iPad® and all of the necessary applications, each student will have all of the tools they need to complete their class work in and out of school.
What if we don’t have internet access at home?
Most, if not all of the assignments will be loaded at school, so if you don’t have internet access the student will still be able to work at home. For those that do have internet access, they can expand their learning on the web. In a recent survey within the last year, we found that 95% of households had some sort of access to internet available. Remember there are Wifi access points around the community at local restaurants and even the Jackson District Library. Click here for locations and hours.
If the iPad® has a malfunction will I have to pay for that?
The iPads® are no longer under warranty, however if your iPad® seems to have a malfunction not due to any damage, please check with our Media Techs in the Library/Media Center to see if we can help. Any fee that you incur will be for accidental damage (during transport, at home or anywhere after the normal school day, i.e. after school sports or other activities) or negligence or abuse that results in damage.
Will my student go without a device if their iPad® needs work or repairs?
We will have a replacement iPad® available for any such instances where malfunctions or damage occurs. If the damage is deemed to be a result of negligence or accidental damage that could have been prevented, you may be required to pay (depending on the Option you choose) before your student will be allowed to take the iPad® home again. Students will be taught to “back-up” their work to a Google Drive or other web based location, so all of their documents and projects should be available on their replacement device.
How reliable are these devices? Are they susceptible to damage from general use?
The iPads® are considered very reliable. With proper care they can last for many years. Even though they will be in a protective case, they should still be handled with care, not dropped and will still be susceptible to liquid spills, so we ask that students do not eat or drink while using their iPad®.
What if they experience a problem or have trouble with their iPad®?
There is a Troubleshooting Tips section under Students on this website specifically for iPads®. There are two sections, one for the iPads, and one for the MacBook Airs as they may be using them in a computer lab or on a cart. It has many useful suggestions for students to use to resolve many different problems they may run into. They are being encouraged to try to figure out a solution on their own, ask a classmate for help or ask the teacher for help, before they enter a ticket or bring it to the Media Center for service. This again teaches them real world skills that they will find useful at college or in the workplace. If they cannot login to enter a ticket, there is a laptop available in the Library/Media Center for them to enter a ticket. Click here for Troubleshooting Tips.
What does the $30.00 Option 2 fee cover?
The $30.00 fee is a non-refundable annual fee that is applied to the first incidence of accidental/negligent damage to the iPad®. You may also be charged an additional $30.00 depending on the cost of the repair. This only cover the iPad® and not the charging cord, charging brick, cover or for Middle School the carrying case. It does NOT cover the device for theft, loss or misplacement. The full $500.00 will be charged in that event.An additional fee of $30 will be charged for each incident
What if I elect option 1?
If any damage occurs to the iPad® that is NOT considered a manufacturer's defect, you will be charged up to $500.00 to replace or repair the device. This fee is per incident and is based on the actual cost of the repair. You will be charged the amount of the repair UP TO the $500.00 if a full replacement is required. The fee will only be collected if damage occurs. You do not have to pay anything up front and if there is no incidence of damage, you will not be charged any fee.
What if I elect option 2?
You will pay a $30.00 non-refundable annual fee. An additional fee of $30 will be charged for each incident of accidental damage to the iPad®, that is NOT considered a manufacturer's defect. A fee of $30 will be charged for each additional incident of damage that occurs throughout the school year. By choosing this option you are limiting your liability to $30.00 per incident, rather than incurring up to $500.00 per incident. If it is determined that the damage was due to abuse or negligence, the fee could range up to the $500 replacement cost if the insurance won't cover the damage. Please talk to your student about the importance of treating the iPad® with care and respect.
What if I elect option 3?
The iPad® will not be allowed to leave the school. The student will “check in” the iPad® at the end of the day in the Media Center, and “check out” the iPad® each morning to use at school. In the event that your student forgets to "check in" the iPad®, you will receive a call from the school and be responsibility for repair/replacement due to damage up to the full replacement cost of $500.00. The iPads® will be charged overnight so your students will be prepared each morning to work throughout the day without charging the device. Charging cords and brick will stay in our charging cart and not be issued to students who are Option 3. If for some reason they need to recharge their device during the day, a loaner will be available to check out in our Library/Media Center.
What happens to the $30.00 from Option 2 if it is not used for damage to the iPad®?
The district has committed to use the funds to support the continued 1:1 Initiative and to help defer the cost of any repairs to the devices in the district.
What exactly do the fees cover?
The $30.00 non-refundable annual fee enrolls you into our pre-pay program. Each incident of damage will result in an additional fee of no more than $30.00. Should additional incidents occur, it is possible the student will be restricted from taking the iPad® home. If it is determined that the damage was due to abuse or negligence, the fee could range up to the $500 replacement cost if the insurance won't cover the damage. Please talk to your student about the importance of treating the iPad® with care and respect.
Should I agree to the fees or ask my student to be a part of that responsibility?
Some parents are choosing to have their student(s) work (chores, etc.) toward the $500 liability and then if they don’t need to use it, they put it in their college fund. Other parents have started an "escrow" account and placed $500.00 in the account. If the student doesn't have any damage occur during the school year, the $500.00 will be returned to the student or rolled over to the next school year. This helps them take ownership of the responsibility for the device.
What if we have a split household? Should both parents sign an agreement?
Both heads of households or parents must sign all of the forms.
If students have to check in their iPad® at the end of each day, will they still have time to catch their bus?
Students who will be checking in their iPad® at the end of the day, will be released early from their last class to allow them sufficient time to check it in at the Media Center. There will be a bell roughly 5 minutes before school ends (it is in the process of being set up) to allow them sufficient time to drop their laptop off in the Media Center. The process should go very quickly as they simply need to place it where directed to by the Librarian/Media Tech. The iPad® will be checked in after the student leaves. Depending on the number of students checking them in, it should not take very long. The check out process will be done at the start of the school day or as students arrive and should only take a few minutes.
Will there be a case or cover for the iPad®?
Western School District will provide a protective cover for each iPad®. The concept behind this it to better protect the iPad® against scratches, dings, and other damage. However, this does not negate the responsibility of the student to take care of the iPad® and it is important for him/her keep the iPad® in the case at all times. The cover does NOT completely protect the iPad® from damage that occurs when dropped, and in not guarantees there will NOT be breakage. We ask that students do NOT place stickers or other embellishment on the district provided case. We also will not allow students to replace the case with one of their own unless it is approved by the building administrator in advance. If parents choose to purchase a more protective cover, we ask that it be approved in advance and that they keep the original district supplied cover to put the iPad® in when returning it at the end of the school year.
Where will they store them at school (i.e. during gym, during after school sports, etc.)?
Students will be expected to lock their iPad® (in their protective cover) in their locker or other secure area during the day when they are not using them in class. They should place it on the top shelf and not set anything on top of it. They should not store it on the bottom of the locker where it may be damaged by heavy objects placed on top of it (like textbooks, sports, equipment, etc.) They should NEVER leave it unattended in a classroom or in any other location in the school. Any time that the iPad is not being used, the cover should be closed and the protective elastic straps should be on both corners. For those who will not be taking them home, they will receive instructions on the proper procedure to use when checking them in at the end of the day, and for checking them out in the morning.
Will this same iPad® follow the student until he graduates?
While for the most part, your student will use the same iPad® each year, there is a certain life expectancy to the iPads® and in the beginning, it will be updated and reissued to the same student year in and year out. At a certain point it may be necessary to begin to replace them or even use something different as technology changes. We will reevaluate this after the program has been in existence for several years, or as needs arise. The Board has committed to a refresh cycle at some point and we are still looking at how that will work.
How do they store their work? Will they be able to access it at home?
Students have access to Google™ accounts via the web. The accounts are managed by the school district and due to this they are each afforded 30GB of storage. They should be able to access this from any location where they can access the internet. They also have Dropbox which has 2GN of storage. We are asking students not to put a lot of photos, videos or music on their iPad® or in their back up drives. Teachers will be instructing students when and where to back up their work. Students are NOT allowed to attach the iPad® to any personal computer or other device to back it up.
What parental controls or filters will be available?
While there will be some filters in place to prevent students from going to inappropriate sites, nothing can be completely infallible. There is no substitute for monitoring your student’s use at home. We recommend not allowing your student to use their iPad® in a bedroom or other unsupervised area, or while you are asleep. There needs to be a practice of Good Digital Citizenship by the student to properly use the device for educational purposes. For more information and some helpful tips click here.
Will we be able to buy or add apps. to the iPad®?
Currently we are looking into how to best allow that. Middle school student's parents may be allowed to add apps. with their Apple ID, while high school students may allowed to use their own Apple ID to add apps. to their iPad®. There are certain age restrictions that apply. Please refer to the Handbook for more details.
Is anyone in the home allowed to use the iPad®?
This iPad® is provided for your student to use for educational purposes. While we encourage your student to share with you what they are learning, this device is not intended for more than one user – the student.
Can we take the iPad® on vacation?
The student may take the iPad® with them if they travel, however it is their responsibility to keep it safe and secure. If the iPad® is damaged, lost or stolen the student will be charged the full replacement cost of the iPad® which is $500.00.
What if the iPad® is lost or stolen?
Should the iPad® be lost or stolen, it is very important to report it to the school within 24 hours. If you suspect the laptop was stolen, you MUST file a police report. Please inform the school immediately if you cannot locate the laptop, or suspect it has been taken. You will be responsible for the full replacement cost of the device which is currently $500.00.
What if a fellow students needs to use their iPad®?
Each student will be issued their own iPad® which will be assigned to them exclusively. There would be no reason to let another student "borrow" their iPad®. The iPad® will be the responsibility of the student to whom it is issued, so they should never let another student use or borrow their iPad®.
Will they turn the iPad® in at the end of the year?
Yes, the iPad® will be turned in to be prepared for the next school year. The students will be given instructions as that time nears on the procedure for turning them in to the Media Center. If you have an iPad® or Mac at home, your student may continue to learn over the summer. They will primarily be working with the iLife and iWork Suites of applications, so you may choose to purchase those from the App. store if your Mac at home does not have those apps. Their work will be stored in Google Drive or Dropbox so they will have access to that over the summer.
We’re a PC family, not a Mac family, what do we do after they turn them back in? Can we keep them over the summer?
There will be some maintenance work that must be done over the summer on the iPads® so they will need to be turned in at the end of the school year. Also we never know what students will be returning to Western School District the following school year so we can’t take a chance on those iPads® not being returned.
What happens if my student transfers to another school?
The iPad® will remain the property of Western School District, so it must be turned in at school immediately. Failure to do so will result in being charged the full replacement cost of the device at $500.00 and possible involvement with the local police.
Are there tips for troubleshooting problems?
Go to our Troubleshooting page on the website: Click here
Western School District 1400 S. Dearing Rd. Parma, MI 49269 517.841.8100
Working together with our community to educate all students as individuals to become successful in a complex world.
www.westernschools.org
Working together with our community to educate all students as individuals to become successful in a complex world.
www.westernschools.org