iPad Expectations & Guidelines
All K-5 students are assigned a district-issued iPad the first week of school. Students will keep the same iPad throughout the school year and be required to transport it back and forth to school each day.
Receiving The Device
Students will generally receive their devices during the first week of school. Each classroom teacher will distribute iPads to students at a time that makes sense for them. Some teachers may distribute devices earlier than others.
The iPad model students receive will vary based on the district’s technology replacement cycle. Most of the GVSD iPads are 5th through 8th generation iPads.
IPad Cases
All district-issued iPads come with a STM Dux cover to help protect the device. Parents can purchase their own iPad case (if they choose) to offer greater protection and/or to personalize the cover for their child. Please be sure to check the iPad version (model and size) before purchasing. To find the iPad model of the device, follow the directions HERE. To find the correct specification (size) for each iPad model, click HERE. Please return the STM Dux cover to your child’s Technology Support office if you choose to purchase your own cover.
Returning The Device
End of Year - Elementary School
At the end of the school year, students will turn in their devices. All elementary students will turn in their iPads to their homeroom teacher. Failure to return a device will result in the student/parent being charged the full $364 replacement cost.
Transferring/Withdrawing Students
Students that transfer out of or withdraw from GVSD must turn in their devices to their school Tech Support prior to their last day of attendance. Failure to turn in the device will result in the student being charged the full replacement cost. The district will also file a report of stolen property with the local law enforcement agency.
Taking Care Of The Device
Students are responsible for the general care of the device they have been issued by the school. All students and parents should review the GVSD Device Care & Responsibility page before accepting the device.
Using The Device At Home
Students are encouraged to use their devices at home and at other locations outside of school. A Wi-Fi internet connection will be required for search capabilities, however, certain iPad apps can be used while not connected to the Internet.
Classroom Procedures
1. Each teacher will have rules and procedures related to the use of devices in his/her classroom. Students are expected to follow these rules just as any other classroom rule. Teachers will take disciplinary action, as appropriate, to maintain a safe and productive learning environment in the classroom.
2. Students should remember the device is to be used for learning, not for playing games or for other off-topic tasks, i.e. surfing the internet. Staying on task and focusing on the learning goal are necessary conditions for using the technology in class.
Loaner Devices
These procedures will be followed for the use of all loaner devices
Priority for use of loaner devices will always be students/teachers with devices in repair.
Loaner devices will not be given to students who forget their devices at home.
All loaner devices will be maintained in the Technology Support Office.
Devices will be pulled from the loaner inventory for new enrollments and for students/teachers with devices in repair. Devices will be added to the loaner inventory when students withdraw from school.
Safety And Security
1. The user should never give out identifying information including last name, address, phone number or his/her photograph over the internet and should never agree to meet in person anyone he/she has met online.
2. The user should never respond to items that are suggestive, obscene, harassing, demeaning, belligerent, or threatening.
3. The user shall notify an adult immediately if he/she receives a message that may be inappropriate or if he/she encounters any material that is not school-appropriate.
Vandalism
1. Vandalism includes any attempt to harm or destroy the system, the hardware, the software, or the data of another user.
2. Any vandalism will result in the immediate loss of computer services, school disciplinary action, and a referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
3. No stickers other than those used by the Garnet Valley School District for identification purposes should be placed on the device.
Transporting Devices Back And Forth To School
1. Always transport the device in the carrying case or backpack.
2. To conserve the battery, be sure the device is powered down and closed before placing it in the carrying case.
3. Avoid picking up or carry the device by its screen.
4. Always close the device and disconnect all cords before carrying.
Screen Care
1. Avoid touching the screen with pencils, pens or other sharp objects.
2. Avoid putting any pressure on the top of the device with books or other heavy objects.
3. Clean the screen with lint‐free, anti‐static, or microfiber cloth, or wipes. Never use a liquid cleaner such as window or glass cleaner.
Devices Left Unsupervised
1. Never leave the device in unsupervised areas including the cafeteria, on outdoor tables & benches, on buses, in classrooms, gyms, dressing rooms, restrooms, or hallways.
2. In case of a fire drill or other evacuation, follow the directions provided by the teacher.
3. Avoid taking or using their devices in an area where theft and damage are likely.
Power Management
1. Bring a fully charged device to school every day.
Earphones/Sound
1. Mute the device sound at all times unless given explicit permission by a teacher to use the sound for educational purposes.
2. Earphones or earbuds may be used at the discretion of an individual teacher.
Camera
1. Use the built‐in camera for educational purposes only. Any use that violates the privacy rights of others will be subject to disciplinary action.
2. Ask the person’s permission before you post/share a photo with others. Remember that photos that start off as a joke can escalate into cyberbullying especially if the photo is in any way unflattering, embarrassing, or compromising.
3. Although the district cannot and will not access the built‐in camera for monitoring purposes, if you are uncomfortable with the camera, cover the lens with a piece of paper. Do not apply tape directly to the lens since that will cause damage and make it unusable.
Internet Filtering
While the equipment is connected to the district network, internet use will be filtered and logged. Web content filtering beyond the district network is not as robust and is ultimately the responsibility of the parent.
After School Activities
Students are expected to take their devices home with them at the end of the day. Students who participate in after-school clubs, sports, etc. should be sure to lock their device in their locker or keep the device with them, if appropriate.
Hardware
1. Under no circumstances should you or anyone in your family try to repair or reconfigure the iPad. No attempt should be made to open or alter the internal components of the device. Removing any screws will render the warranty null and void.
Inspection/Privacy
Students should have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy. Devices may be inspected at any time and for any reason and the district retains the right to access and review all electronic transmissions and transmission logs contained in or used in conjunction with the district’s computer and electronic mail system.
FAQs
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The Garnet Valley School District recognizes the importance of providing a technology‐rich learning environment to prepare its students for maximum success as they continue their education or enter the workforce. Our 1:1 device program (one device for each student) is an important step in the process to take our students to the next level of achievement.
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NO, students do not have access to the App Store and cannot download their own apps. All apps are pushed out through the classroom teacher and Technology Department using the JAMF system.
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YES, can download and use the JAMF Parent App. Jamf Parent is a free iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch app that allows you to manage your child's school-issued iPad during after-school hours.
Please visit Getting Started with Jamf Parent HERE and click HERE to watch a short (9:06 min) video on how this system works. Be sure Bluetooth is on for both your personal device and your child's iPad.
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Any student device that stops working because of a hardware or software issue will be replaced by the district at no cost to parents. Outside of a hardware or software issue, parents are responsible to pay for damages to school-issued devices, same as any other piece of district-owned property, including textbooks or classroom equipment. Like last year, parents can choose to purchase accidental damage insurance for their child's device. Information on this optional insurance can be found HERE.
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YES, Comcast offers a program to qualified households called Comcast Internet Essentials. Comcast also offers laptops for $150 to Internet Essential customers. To learn more about these programs click HERE.
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Garnet Valley is only one of a handful of school districts across the country to be recognized as a Common Sense Certified School District. Garnet Valley was recognized for its commitment to providing safe and innovative spaces for students to thrive as they harness the full potential of technology for learning and life.
Garnet Valley's district-wide implementation of a digital citizenship curriculum supports a healthy district culture where the whole community is invested in helping kids thrive as digital learners and citizens. Please look at classroom-specific activities and school-wide events that promote the appropriate and responsible use of technology.
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YES, Garnet Valley has partnered with Family Zone, an industry leader in helping keep kids safe online. To access the Garnet Valley Family Zone site, click HERE.