Sites will contact you directly with information regarding the device take home pickup.  Please check your individual school's website for schedules.

What device is my student going to receive and why that device?

All students will be checked out an iPad, a case, and charging cords.

Can my student use their own device instead of using what the district provides?  The district recommends using a district provided device.  This provides consistency with the software and tools the students will be expected to use during class.

Can my student opt out of having a device?  The device is an important tool for the education of your student. Students who do not have a device may be at a disadvantage because they will not be able to access information and create the same products that other students can. If you feel strongly that your student should not use the device please contact a principal at your school.

Will there be Internet filtering on devices that go home?   Yes.  Devices will have the same filtering when they are off campus as when the device is on campus.  Putnam City will provide what we feel is the best filtering product to meet our needs, however content on the internet is constantly changing and no filter is 100%.

Can students access their personal social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, through the device?  All sites that are blocked at the school will be blocked at home as well. We do our best to filter social media and some streaming services, however no filter is perfect. Students may find some work arounds.  There are sites that have both educational and entertainment value. Part of the process will be helping students develop the skills to know how and when to use the tools appropriately.

What if we don’t have internet access at home? Many resources do not require internet access for students to be able to complete work. Depending on the assignment the student may need to remember to download an offline version before they leave the school.  There are many resources within the community where students can access free wifi in school parking lots, libraries and businesses.   There are also low cost options for getting high speed internet in your home if you qualify for Free or Reduced lunch.  Two local programs are the Connect2Compete program through Cox Communications or AT&T Access. If your family has a unique situation, contact the principal at your school. More information is available here.

What happens if students transfer schools? The iPad stays at the school that assigned the iPad to the student. It does not transfer with the student.  The student will receive an iPad from the school they transfer to once they arrive at their new school.

What if our family leaves the district? iPads will need to be returned to the school as part of the checkout process.  Any iPad that is not returned to the school will be put into “Lost Mode” and rendered unusable until it has been returned to the school.

What do students do when they need technical help? Students should contact their teacher for assistance. 

What if a student loses the device or if it is stolen?  Students should contact their teacher for assistance.  They will work the technology department to put the device into Lost Mode when the device connects with the internet, it will:

• make a sound to help you identify the location of the iPad.

• display a message stating that the iPad is lost and give information about where to return the iPad.

• not be functional until it is taken out of lost mode by a site or by the district technology department.

What do I do if my device is stolen away from school?  If you believe the device has been stolen, contact your local police department. A copy of the police report is required to be given to the school.  Also contact “The PIT” or the Site Technology Coach so they can put the device in “Lost Mode”.

What do they need to do to care for the iPad.  Soft, lightly damp cloths can be used to clean both the iPad and case. Be very cautious that there is not enough water on the cloth for it to drip. Alcohol wipes can be use on the screen.  Treat it gently, be aware of where you put it in your bag, don’t leave it where it can get stepped on or sat on, or damaged in anyway.  In addition, the device should not be left in cars where temperatures can get too hot or cold and cause damage to the device.

What if the student breaks the screen or keyboard case, the device is lost or stolen? Putnam City School District is proud to be a one-to-one technology district. This individual access to iPads allows our students the privilege to be on the cutting edge of education. To ensure that we can continue this program, students will be held accountable for damaged iPads. Below is the iPad Continuation Plan. Even with this plan, the district incurs a large amount of repair cost. Students will be held accountable for a portion of repair cost upon the second incident of damage during high school, even if the damage does not occur within the same school year. Incidents of damage do not start over each year, instead they carry over each year.  If a device is stolen or lost, it counts as 

What if the student loses their charger?   Apple replacement chargers will be available for purchase. You can opt to replace the charger with a third party charger that is Apple Certified.

Can students buy and use accessories? Students cannot replace the case the iPad comes in with another case.  Accessories, such as headphones and stylus, can be purchased by students and used with the iPads.

What about student privacy while using the devices?  The District’s foremost concern is for students’ protection and privacy. The following measures are in place to protect students and their privacy.

• Internet usage while at home.  All Internet traffic from the device will be part of the student’s internet history, which is collected as part of filtering the device.

• Location tracking.  The District does not track location, unless a device is lost or missing.  If the device is placed in “Lost mode” it will display a message that it is lost along with information about about how to return the iPad. The iPad cannot be used until the device is released from “Lost Mode”. The iPad will send the district information of its location while in “Lost Mode” which will enable the district to locate and track the lost or missing device.

• Camera.  The district cannot remotely access the camera or recording functions of the device.

• Documents, photos etc.  Files created on the device or using district accounts may be accessed, as needed, by teachers or administrators.

Will parents have access to device passcodes?  To ensure student privacy each student will set their own passcode during the set up process.  The District is able to clear a passcode at the request of the student or the request of the student’s parent/guardian if the student is under 18. To ensure that we only give access to the proper people. Parents/guardians who wish to have a passcode cleared will have to contact the school may be required to provide identification.

What about limiting screen time for students? The district does not plan on your student spending the entire day on the device, but we do not force screen time limits for the devices.  The goal for the devices is that they be used as a tool for creative purposes rather than for passive purposes.  Here is a link to a research article which discusses the effects of different types of screen time.

Do students use an Apple ID? Yes, students will have Managed Apple IDs. Managed Apple IDs are special school-created and school-owned accounts that provide access to Apple services. Managed Apple IDs are designed to meet the privacy and security needs of schools, including limitations on purchasing and communications. Some of the benefits of using Managed Apple IDs are:

• Upgraded iCloud Storage. Managed Apple IDs receive 200GB of free iCloud storage.

• Access to iCloud services. iCloud services include, iCloud Drive, Photos, Safari, Notes, News, Calendars, Reminders, and Backup.

• Schoolwork. Class rosters created in Apple School Manager are automatically available in   Schoolwork. Student progress reporting can optionally be enabled in Apple School Manager.

• Institutional password reset.

• iWork collaboration. Teachers and students in the same organization can collaborate with iWork and Notes.

• Students cannot make purchases using their Managed Apple IDs.

How can the district afford to provide a device for every student? The funds for the devices come directly from Putnam City bond initiatives passed by patrons, including the 2020 Bond.

Can other family members use the device? The device is provided for individual student access, and is meant to be used as an educational tool for the individual student. The iPad is not set up for multiple users.

Who do I contact for further information?  Feel free to contact your school if you have further questions about the device take home program.