FAQ

How do I best care for the iPad?

Whether your family purchases an iPad from the District or brings their own device, the student should care for the iPad as follows:

• Only use a clean, soft cloth to clean the device's screen; don't use cleansers of any type. Microfiber cloth is best.
• Insert and remove charging cables carefully to prevent damage to connectors.
• Handle the device carefully. Screens can crack when dropped, twisted or subjected to pressure from stepping or leaning on them. Do not stack other objects (books, binders, etc.) on top of the iPad. Be careful with carrying iPads in backpacks. The weight of other objects in a backpack is often enough to crack an iPad screen or warp the frame.
• Do not leave the iPad in places of extreme temperature, humidity, or limited ventilation (e.g., in a car) for an extended period of time.
• Students are expected to keep food and beverages away from the device.
• Make sure the iPad and accessories are secure when they are in or out of sight. iPads should not be left in an unlocked locker, a desk, a backpack, or other location where someone might take it. Do not leave iPads unsecured while charging in public places.
• Students should secure their iPads with a Passcode. This protects their data from theft and loss.
• Do not remove or damage the iPad's asset tag.

back to top

How do I best care for my Otterbox case?

The Otterbox case is very rugged and will survive heavy use.

• Open the case carefully to ensure that stress is not placed on the plastic corners
• Never put the keyboard case in a backpack without attaching cover.
• Any seemingly INTENTIONAL damage to the case will void the warranty, and we will be unable to help you.

back to top

My student is using their iPad at all hours of the night, is there a way to automatically lock their out of non-academic apps or shut off the iPad?

While Ridgewood requires students to have iPads at school, there is no directive about using iPads at home. Parents may do anything they deem fit to manage their student's use of the iPad while outside the district that does not interfere with Ridgewood’s management of the iPad. Apple does not provide parental controls that will automatically or remotely control the iPad; however, there are options of managing an iPad under restrictions or family sharing.

back to top

My student spends most of their time gaming or watching movies on their iPad, can I restrict how they use their iPads at home?

While Ridgewood requires students to have iPads at school, there is no directive about using iPads at home. Parents may do anything they deem fit to manage their student's use of the iPad while outside the district that does not interfere with Ridgewood’s management of the iPad. Apple does provide some restrictions for parents; however, many of these restrictions are designed for younger children and may interfere with a student's ability to use the iPad at school.

back to top

Does Ridgewood filter the internet at school or at home?

In accordance with the law, Ridgewood provides web filtration on all devices that connect to our network. We are unable to restrict devices connected to cell coverage although school regulations state that students must access the internet through Ridgewood while on the campus. Once students are at home, iPads connect to the internet through home Wi-Fi on your personal network. For more information on how to restrict access at home, please contact your Wi-Fi provider.

back to top

Why does my iPad have an asset tag?

Since everyone at Ridgewood has an iPad, it is very difficult to distinguish between devices. The asset tag allows us to quickly identify the device and provide services to students including finding lost iPads.

back to top

My student went to school without a fully charged iPad, is there a place they can charge it during the day?

The Ridgewood library offers some charging stations. There are also multiple outlets located throughout the building for students to plug in their own chargers should they need to. If students are having trouble maintaining their battery levels, they may purchase a portable charger or should look into battery saving techniques such as limiting the non-educational use of the iPad during the school day.

back to top

I have an iPad for my student, but now we are moving out of the district. Can I keep the iPad?

The iPads are Ridgewood High School property and are not currently available for purchase. Students who transfer out of the district mid-year must return the iPad to the Technology Office. Student transcripts will not be released until the iPad is returned.

back to top

Can I have a BYOD iPad?

Students are permitted to bring their own iPad (BYOD) for use in Ridgewood's Digital Learning Program; however, through our experience over several years we have found that iPads must meet strict minimum requirements. Many of the apps required for class will need to run on the latest operating system (iOS), and projects and eTextbooks will use a significant amount of device storage space.

back to top

What if I already have my own iPad; can I use it instead of the Ridgewood iPad?

Yes, however it must meet the minimum requirements of a BYOD iPad.

back to top

What are the minimum requirements of a BYOD iPad?

• Acceptable iPad Models: iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro
• 32 GB of storage or greater with at least 15 GB available for curricular content
• A protective case
• A charging cable and brick (power adaptor)

back to top

Does a BYOD iPad work at school?

The iPad will work on the school network. However, with regard to managing BYOD iPads, if an iPad is not issued by Ridgewood it cannot be added to Apple's School Manager. This means that a personally-owned iPad cannot be placed in a "focused mode" as a Ridgewood iPad can. When an iPad is "focused mode," a teacher has the ability to lock down student iPads into a specific app for the purpose of administering an assessment or if students need to be directed to a specific web page. Ultimately, this is beneficial for the student and enhances their learning.

back to top

Can I bring a device other than an iPad to school?

Yes. Ridgewood does not restrict students from using devices other than iPads. Students are, however, required to also have their iPad with them; some activities that teachers assign may only be available on the iPad. From a support perspective, the technology staff can effectively support the use of iPads, which is more difficult to do with a BYOD program that allows any type of device to be used. In addition, Ridgewood will not purchase apps on devices other than school owned iPads and will not help maintain non-school devices. Teachers also reserve the right to restrict the use of devices in their own classrooms. Please refer to the Acceptable Use Policy for more information on the use of personal mobile devices.

back to top

I don't like the case that came with the iPad. Do I have to use it? Can I use a different case or no case?

Yes, students must utilize the case provided on the iPad. The case is designed to protect the iPad against breakage. iPads that do not have a case will not be insured against breakage and damage and may result in additional charges.

back to top

I lost/broke the charger to my iPad, how do I get another one?

Please go to an Apple Store to purchase a replacement; Ridgewood does not have extra chargers on hand. This does not include lost/stolen chargers which must be replaced by students at their own expense.

back to top

Does Ridgewood provide/sell styluses or Apple Pencils?

No. For students who find it easier to write on an iPad with a stylus or Apple Pencil (iPad Pros only), may purchase those accessories at their own expense.

back to top

Does Ridgewood provide/sell portable chargers?

No. We recommend that students charge their iPads each night in preparation for school the next day. If you find that the battery does not last long enough to stay charged through the day, we suggest purchasing a portable charger.

back to top

How can I extend my iPad's battery life throughout the school day?

There are other good habits for extending your iPad's battery life:

1. Place the device in Airplane mode (Settings)
2. Checking which apps are taking up most of your battery power. Here's HOW you do it.
3. Make sure the device is in "sleeping" between periods instead of using the device for social and non-school activities.

back to top

How do I create a new Apple ID?

If you have never created a personal Apple ID before, you will need to create one before attending an orientation. You will need to create an Apple ID and verify it through your email address. If you do not have a personal email address, you may use your (firstname.lastname@rebels.ridgenet.org email address via Gmail.

back to top

How do I update the email on an existing Apple ID?

If you already have an Apple ID that is not managed by another institution, you may continue to use this Apple ID at Ridgewood. To update the email address, go to appleid.apple.com to access your account. You will need to have access to the email linked to your Apple ID.

back to top

Why does Ridgewood use personal Apple IDs instead of school-maintained Apple IDs?

Because Ridgewood does not limit or restrict students from any apps on the iPad, we believe it is important for students to have access to all of their apps under one Apple ID. We will gift or "loan" apps to students' personal Apple IDs and will be able to see some basic account information, but we will not have access to your Apple ID account.

back to top

Can I share an Apple ID with family members?

It is highly recommended that students do not share their Apple IDs with anyone. We understand that many of our students have been sharing an Apple ID with parents or siblings. Once a student reaches high school, access to apps and having access to account information is critical. Best practice is for students to have access to the Apple ID password and email account linked to the Apple ID at all times. Family sharing will allow students to continue to access apps from family accounts, but will limit a student's ability to purchase (even free) apps needed for classes during the school day. There are situations where a family will find it necessary to more closely monitor a student's access to an Apple ID, but we would like families to seriously consider giving their student an independent Apple ID. For more information on Apple Restrictions , Family sharing , or managing an Apple ID , please click on the links.

back to top

What are the profiles Ridgewood puts on my iPad?

All RIdgewood iPads are enrolled in Ridgewood’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) system called AirWatch as well as Apple School Manager. These profiles allow Ridgewood to assign apps to students, track missing iPads, and allow iPads to be used for testing. These profiles shall not be removed while the student attends Ridgewood. Violation of this could result in discipline as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy.

back to top

What is “focused mode” and why is it important?

“Focused mode” is made possible through using both AirWatch and Apple's School Manager When an iPad is "focused mode," a teacher has the ability to lock a student's iPads into a specific app for the purpose of administering an assessment or if students need to be directed to a specific web page or application. Ultimately, this is very beneficial for the student and enhances their learning.

back to top

How do I backup to the iCloud or iTunes?

It is very important to maintain a backup on your iPad. Things happen and iPads break. For more information on how to backup your iPad, see Apple's Backup Page.

back to top

I do not have enough iCloud space, how do I backup my iPad?

You have two options for backing up if you do not have enough iCloud space. (1) purchase more iCloud space from Apple. This is relatively inexpensive, but it is a monthly fee. (2) Back your iPad up to iTunes on your home computer. This is a free option, but it does require you to manually backup, whereas an iCloud backup is automatic.

back to top

Where do students go if they want to learn more about using an app?

Many app tutorials are available on YouTube and Lynda.com . If you are unable to find what you are looking for there, you can also get app help on school days from 7:30am to 4pm in the Technology Office Room 136 or during Rebel Period in Room 234 from the Technology Apprentice Program (TAP).

back to top

I am unable to download an app from AirWatch Catalog. Where do I go for help?

First, check that you are signed in to the App Store with the same Apple ID that you were using when you purchased the app. Then, check that the app is not in your "Purchased" tab in the App Store. If you are still unable to download an app from AirWatch Catalog, the Technology Office.

back to top

How do I contact the Technology Department if I have a question?

Email the general Technology account at technology@ridgenet.org. We do our best to answer within 24 hours; however, this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 3 days, please try reaching out again.

Is there a way to give my input on how the iPad program is working for my family?

We always welcome your opinions, comments, and concerns in regards to the Digital Learning Program. Please follow this link to leave your comments.

back to top

Is there a way to give my input on how the iPad program is working for my family?

We always welcome your opinions, comments, and concerns in regards to the Digital Learning Program. Please follow this link to leave your comments.

back to top

My student lost their iPad at school. Is there a way to track it?

Yes, any iPad registered with our mobile device management system (required on all iPads used for school) can be tracked on our WiFi. Students should go to the Technology Office for assistance tracking iPads. You can also track iPads through Apple's Find My iPad App using iCloud.

back to top

My student's iPad was stolen, how do I get a new one?

Ridgewood does not provide coverage for lost iPads. An iPad that is stolen will be covered as long as there is proper documentation including a police report.

back to top

My student's iPad is broken and needs repair. How do I do to get it fixed?

Bring the broken iPad to the Technology Office Room 136. Staff there are trained to diagnose damage and determine best way to fix the iPad. iPads that can not be repaired by school personnel will be shipped to our verified vendor. Some additional charges may apply depending on the level of damage. The process may take a few weeks and a loaner iPad may be assigned if necessary.

back to top