May 11, 2022
Dear Shaler Area families,
As we rapidly approach the end of the school year, our Technology Department is beginning preparations for maintaining and updating student devices over the summer. Included in this communication is information outlining family and student expectations as we transition to next school year.
Student Devices
- As part of the Technology Department’s device replacement rotation, students in grades 4, 8 and 12 will return their district-issued iPads in school during the last week of school. The current 4th- and 8th-graders will receive new devices during the first week of the 2022-23 school year.
- All other students will be permitted to keep their devices over the summer.
- If your family still has a district-issued Chromebook, please return that device to Central Office before the end of the current school year.
Caring for Student Devices Over the Summer
- Keep them protected — iPads must remain in their case at all times.
- Keep them at home — iPads and chargers shouldn’t leave the house or travel on vacations.
- Keep them dry — iPads shouldn’t be used near pools.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight — Direct sunlight can cause the device to overheat and stop working.
Please note that families could be held responsible for replacing lost or stolen devices.
Device Safety & Best Practices
- iPads should not be left with a student 24/7 — Encourage time away from screens.
- Charge iPads nightly in a parent/guardian’s bedroom.
- Update iPads regularly. To update an iPad, go to “Settings,” choose “General,” then tap “Software Update.”
- When properly set up, access to the app store is restricted. If a family discovers the app store is accessible on a student device, please bring it to Central Office to correct the issue.
- Home Wi-Fi is not filtered on student devices. If desired, families should add appropriate filters to their home Wi-Fi. Please contact your internet provider for details.
For more tips, check out these resources from Common Sense Media:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s building principal.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sean C. Aiken
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Bryan E. O’Black
Deputy Superintendent