IPAD PARENT SUMMER INFORMATION

Ipad

BEDFORD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Bedford Area School District’s 1 to 1 initiative, which provides every student with an iPad, concluded another successful year. Throughout the last two years, we heard positive feedback from students, families, and the community on our commitment to enhance student learning with modern technology. Once again, to support learning we will permit students to keep their iPads for the summer rather than turn them in. The iPad is a useful tool not only for schoolwork but also for any other learning opportunities outside the classroom during the summer.

Question: Will the district’s device insurance program for the iPad continue to cover my child’s iPad during the summer?

Answer: Yes, but please remember we do not cover everything. For example, we do not cover loss. If you travel with the iPad, please secure it in a safe place. Additionally, we do not cover water submersion, so please keep the iPad away from the pool, beach, etc. Please review and download your insurance document here

Question: What if my child’s iPad needs repaired, gets lost, or damaged during the summer?

Answer: Our technology department and administrators work during the summer. Please contact your child’s building office with your issue. The office staff will either direct you to the principal or the technology department. We will not offer any loaner iPads during the summer. The technology department will work with you to either replace or repair your child’s existing iPad.

Question: What if I do not want my child to have the iPad during the summer?

Answer: If you’re concerned about your child having the iPad, we recommend you take the iPad and store it in a safe place for the summer. If you’re uncomfortable with this option, please contact your building administrators.

Question: Can we clean our child’s iPad and use disinfectant on my iPad? 

Answer: Yes. Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items and avoid excessive wiping. Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables. Don't use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives and do not spray cleaners directly onto your iPad. Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your iPad. 

Question: Is the district concerned about students spending too much time on their iPads?

Answer: Yes and No. First, this is not solely an iPad issue, but rather exposure to any screens. The district believes balance is an important element of life. We want students to engage in reading, writing, learning, playing, socializing, and all healthy activities of life. When school is in-session, we attempt to promote this balance. We ask parents to help promote this balance by making good decisions for their children at home. To promote this balance we recommend limiting the time your children spend on all screens including iPads, cellphones, gaming equipment, and television. Additionally, we recommend you closely examine your child’s habits around screen time at night or before bed. To help you in this endeavor we have enabled screen time on the iPads for parents to use. If you have any questions on using this feature, please contact the technology department at 814-623-4250 ext. 1205. In summary, while we do have concerns about screen time, we also know technology plays a huge role in students’ lives. Therefore, we want to promote balance and partner with parents to achieve this balance.

Question: Does the district monitor your child’s iPad activity during the summer?

Answer: No. This is the same as when students take their iPads home during the school year. When your child uses the iPad during the summer, they will do so under your supervision as per school board policy 815.1. Please know when they return and connect to our system, we may at that time discover issues or inappropriate use during the summer.

Question: Will I have to complete a new Agreement for District Device Use and District Insurance Program forms?

Answer: Yes. These forms are completed annually. The district will release information about completing these forms at the beginning of August 2020.

Question: Will my child get new apps and tools on the iPad since they are in a new grade and/or new classes?

Answer: Yes. Every building, grade, and class have certain apps and tools to support students. During the month of August, the district will begin to reconfigure the iPads remotely. We will release additional information prior to beginning the reconfiguration process.

If you have additional questions, please contact your building administrators or the technology department for assistance.

In closing, the iPads are valuable learning tools and we are pleased to partner with our parents and community to offer this educational opportunity during the summer months. Thank you for your support in making this initiative a great experience for everyone!

Sincerely,

The Bedford Area School District Administration

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