iPad-Parent and Student Information
iPad Initiative
I am very excited the Superintendent and the Board of Education has supported an iPad initiative for all 9-12 students at Valley Heights Jr./Sr. High School. This initiative will provide many positive educational benefits to our students. At this time we are developing policies and procedures that will assist us in making a smooth transition to excellent use of iPads as a tool in the educational process. This specific information will be shared with students when the iPads are checked out to students. Below, I have given you some general information to be of assistance in preparation of our iPad initiative.
Philosophy:
Technology plays a major role in all areas of life. Our current technology within the building is excellent. However, we feel this is a perfect time to provide our students with unlimited opportunities to further their education in non-traditional ways using the iPad. At the same time, we are committed to offering an appropriate balance of teaching learning tools and techniques for all students. Technology is simply another learning tool that will give our students a more well-rounded education making our students college and career ready.
Why iPads:
A number of factors played into the decision to purchase iPads. Some of the factors include; functionality, mobility, design, size, battery life, variety of education applications, ease of use, and price. We also wanted the staff to have a device with the same capabilities.
Information for BACK TO SCHOOL (iPads)
In this section I will try to answer some common questions you may have about the iPad initiative.
- We will have a time before school starts where students and parents will come to get the iPad checked out and go through a basic orientation.
- Students will have the same iPad for the next 3 years. (Seniors will have the opportunity to purchase them at a pro-rated price)
- Insurance/Care/Deposit--students will be responsible for caring for their device and will be expected to return them at the end of the year in good working condition. Students will be charged a $25 Technology deposit at enrollment time. Students will be responsible for the first $100 in the event the device is accidentally damaged and needs repaired. (Intentional damage may result in the student paying the full amount of the repair). Depending on your personal homeowner’s insurance policy, you may be able to add the device to your policy at a minimal cost. *We are still finalizing this procedure, more information on this topic will be available prior to students receiving their iPads.
- Students will have access to their device 24/7. Obviously, you as parents will need to establish ground rules for iPad use outside of the school day. Devices will have Internet filtering on them at all times at school.
- USD No. 498 will also be able to restrict the content that can be put on the device.
- Students will need to have a personal iTunes account. I believe many students already have an account set up. If you do not, that is something that is relatively easily to do. (FYI--You can set up an account without adding credit card information. . . .I would recommend this option). iTunes cards can be purchased if students want to add music and personal apps to their account.
- Students iPads will come loaded with some default apps that include; Pages, Keynote, Numbers and etc. Other apps may be added by the school or the student. Some will be free and others may cost. ie. Graphing Calculator apps are available ranging in price from free to $3.99. The typical cost of most apps is $.99. Students may load their own, appropriate, personal music on the iPad.
- The district will purchase a case for each student’s iPad which will be checked out when students receive the iPad.
There has been quite a bit of information shared, however I feel it was important you have some basic information about our iPad deployment in the fall. This year will be a learning experience journey with the iPads which we will spend a great deal of time planning to make sure it is successful. There will be some bumps in the road, but we will adjust and change as needed. We appreciate your patience as we begin our new exciting journey. Please call (785-363-2508), email (dpotter@valleyheights.org) or stop by with any questions, suggestions, ideas and etc. so we can make this a great experience for our students.
