Questions and Answers

The following are answers to questions that have come up since our initiative began in 2012. Click a question in the list below to view the answer. If you don't see your question answered below, please let us know.

Note:  We are always evaluating the features of our initiatives.  As a result, we occasionally modify our practices.  We will do our best to keep this page updated.

What iPad model(s) is the District providing?

D102 uses various iPads from the 6th-9th generation depending on grade level and/or specific situations.

*Subject to change each year, depending on model availability and cost.

At this time, we collect all the iPads at the end of each school year and students pick them at the beginning of the year in August.

Does the district provide any accessories with the iPad?

The district provides a case, a charger, and a cable when a student receives his or her first iPad from the district.  Unless otherwise instructed, each student should keep the case, charger and cable for the duration of their time in D102.

Do I have to pay for my student’s iPad?

While the District will purchase the student iPads, families are required to pay a $75 Learning Device Fee each year, in grades 4 through 8. This fee is insurance in case your student damages his/her iPad. The fee covers any repairs needed during the course of the school year.  However, if your student's iPad is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, you may be charged for the replacement.

Is the $75 fee refundable at the end of the year?

No.

Wouldn't it be cheaper for me to buy my student an iPad instead of paying the fee each year?

There are several reasons we feel the Device Fee is actually better for families.  First, over the course of five years, the total is still significantly less than what a new iPad would cost, at current pricing levels.  Second, all routine repairs to your student's iPad are covered by the fee.  While it is possible to purchase outside insurance for a personal iPad, most plans either have a per-incident deductible or a limit on the number of claims.  Third, we reserve the right to replace student iPads at some point, based on device capabilities and learning needs.  Finally, there are management capabilities that are not available to us unless the devices are purchased by the district.

What happens if a student damages his or her iPad?

If the damage can be repaired, there is no charge to the student or family. All repairs are covered by the Learning Device Fee.  The one exception to this is if the damage can be shown to have been intentional.

If the damage is NOT repairable, the family may be charged the replacement cost of the iPad.

What happens if an iPad is lost or stolen?

If a student loses his or her iPad, he or she should notify the school office as soon as possible.  The district has a limited ability to track the location of an iPad, but time is of the essence.  If a student's iPad is lost or stolen, the family may be responsible for the cost of replacement.  If you believe your student's iPad was stolen, we ask that you file a police report and provide a copy to the district.

What happens if a student loses his or her charger or cable?

It is the family's responsibility to replace a lost or broken charger or cable.

The district will provide a charger and cable only once.  It is your student's responsibility to keep track of them during their time in D102.  If he or she loses that charger, the family will need to replace it.  While it is not necessary to purchase an Apple charger, we strongly recommend buying a name brand from an established retailer.  Cheap products from eBay or other Internet retailers are susceptible to overheating and failing.

Do students have to use the district-provided case? Can a student purchase addition accessories?

We ask that students use the district-provided case, unless there are extenuating circumstances.  Please contact the tech person at your child's school if you have questions.

Students may install screen protectors; however, in our experience, scratched screens are very uncommon.  Screen protectors generally do not protect against cracks resulting from a drop.

Points to keep in mind about cases and other accessories:  

Can a student decorate his/her iPad?

Under no circumstances should any student decorate or write on the iPad itself.

Can a student bring his or her own iPad to use at school?

We believe it is in the best interest of the student that he/she use the district-provided iPad.

Is Internet access on the iPad filtered?

When connected to the District's wireless network, all Internet access is filtered.  The iPad is not filtered when connected to a wireless network outside the district.

Does the school track web site visits by the students?

The District's web filter logs all Internet access when the iPad is at school.  The District does not  track Internet access when outside the District network.

Can the iPad be taken with when traveling?

iPads can be taken on domestic trips if the student will be absent for less time than the extended travel guidelines outlined in the Student Handbook. Also per the Student Handbook, iPads are not allowed to be taken out of the United States.

Since students cannot bring their iPads to the locker room, what should they do?

Each school makes provisions allowing students to store their iPads before going to PE.  Students will learn the procedure at the start of the school year.

Do students take their iPads with them during fire drills/evacuations?

No.  Students will leave all their belongings in their classroom during drills/evacuations.  Note:  Your child's school will inform you about their specific policies.

Does my student have to have an Apple ID (iTunes account)?

Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, an Apple ID is not required.  All apps necessary for school work will be provided by D102 and are installed automatically.

What happens to the iPads during vacations?

Students keep their iPads during vacations.  If the family would prefer, the student is welcome to leave their iPad in their locked locker.  That said, at the discretion of the District or school, we may require that the iPads be left at school to take advantage of breaks to perform routine maintenance.

Will my student keep his/her iPad over the summer?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collected student iPads over the summer.  In the spring, we will evaluate whether to reinstate this practice.

Can other people use my student’s iPad?

The District provides the iPad for the use of the designated student only. No one else should use the district iPad.

Are there parental controls for what the student can see on the iPad?

While iPad activity at school is filtered, we cannot determine how your home network is configured. While we cannot provide technical support for home filtering solutions, we do know that there are options available, including from your Internet provider or the maker of your wireless router. There is no substitute for supervision and setting rules for use of the district-provided iPad (or any other technology) at home.

If you wish, you may enable restrictions on your child's iPad when they are at home.  Be aware that if you do this, you will be responsible for disabling the restrictions each day so that the iPad can function at school.  We ask that you provide the passcode to the school office so that staff may disable the restrictions if necessary.  You can view Apple's information on Restrictions (Parental Controls), here.

Important:  If a passcode prevents School or District staff from accessing any student's iPad for any reason, we might have to restore the device to factory defaults, resulting in the loss of the student's data.

I have a question about a school policy/rule regarding iPad use. Who should I talk to?

Your child's teacher should be your first point of contact for anything related to your child's experience at school. After that, you are always welcome to contact the principal of your child's school. If they can't answer your question, they'll put you in touch with someone who can.

Does the district provide all necessary apps?

Yes.

Can I install all the District apps on home personal iPad?

No.  District-owned apps are assigned to the device rather than the student, so unlike the regular App Store, district apps will not appear in the "Purchases" section of the App Store.

Can my student download Apps or Music?

All required Apps will be purchased and distributed to student iPads. Each school has different policies regarding installation of apps other than those provided by the District.  Students will be informed of the policies at the start of the school year.

Should a student sync his or her iPad at home?

Student iPads are configured to disallow connecting to a home computer.

How is student data on the iPads backed up?

Early in the school year, students will learn ways to make sure important data is backed up.

Syncing/uploading to Google Drive is one of the best options and is supported by many apps, including Notability.  For apps that do not support Google Drive, the easiest option is often to email the item to oneself.

Are all of the textbooks on the iPad?

Not all textbooks are currently available in electronic format.  Students have been provided logins and passwords to access those resources and materials that are available on line or on the iPad. Traditional resources are available and will be used when needed. Additionally, teachers create and share electronic resources with students through Schoology which is accessed from a computer or iPad.

Your student will learn about each of his or her textbooks from his or her classroom teachers.

What is Schoology?

Schoology (pronounced “school-uh-gee”) is an online system where students and teachers communicate and share information for school and classroom functions.

Are all teachers required to use Schoology?

All teachers in grades 4-8 use Schoology for, at minimum, posting homework.  However, other uses of Schoology are at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

Will I have to click to view updates for each of my student's classes separately in Schoology?

Yes and no.  The bulk of the information from your child's classes (referred to as courses in Schoology) will appear in the "My Children" tab.  From there, you can see a listing of updates posted to each of your child's classes and you can switch to view a calendar of dated entries (major assessments and projects).  Some information specific to an individual course will be best viewed by visiting that course's page.  You will only see information directly related to your own child.

I'm concerned about the amount of time students spend with their devices. What should I do?

As important as we believe the iPads are to support student learning, we also feel very strongly that our students develop good habits of use and a sense of balance in everything they do. We are constantly looking at patterns of use at school and will respond where necessary and appropriate with rules and policies. At home, there is no substitute for setting rules for use of any technology, not just the district-provided iPad. While the district owns the iPad, you "own" your child.  We support you in setting rules about when and how often your child uses their device at home. Please feel free to bring any concerns to your child's teacher or principal.

Do students still need school supplies since the iPad will be accommodating many of those requirements?

School supply lists have been adjusted to take into account the iPads; however, there is still a need for classroom supplies depending on the class.

Can I purchase a wireless (Bluetooth) keyboard case for my child's iPad?

The decision to purchase a keyboard case is yours; however, be aware of the following: (1) we have options available to assist with longer writing while at school; (2) the District cannot provide technical support; (3) the District is not responsible for damage or loss; (4) use of a Bluetooth keyboard may reduce battery run-time; and (5) we cannot guarantee that a keyboard case purchased at one point in time will be compatible with future iPads provided by the District.