Monday, October 07, 2013

iPad Set up Letter - Sent home TODAY!

October 7, 2013

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The School Division’s IT Department is ready to begin rolling out iPads in Middle Schools!

Our rollout is a few weeks behind schedule as a result of Apple releasing iOS7, the updated iPad operating system, on September 18th and our decision to ensure that all Middle School student iPads are deployed with the most current version of operating system.

Last week, Division IT staff worked with the staff at Ness Middle School to pilot the iPad setup process with students. In these initial iPad setup sessions at Ness, we have identified several issues that slow the in-class setup process significantly. These issues are specifically related to the setup and confirmation of the Apple ID.

To expedite the iPad rollout in our school, we are asking that parents review the attached form to ensure that students have all of the necessary information to complete the setup of their iPad which will happen at George Waters MS very soon.

This form includes the following information:

Email Address & Password Used to create the Apple ID
The email address will be the same as the Apple ID. We are asking that parents also supply the password of the email account used to create the Apple ID. Having this information will allow staff to quickly troubleshoot potential issues related to verifying the Apple ID. Note: this can be changed by the parent after the set up process is complete.

Apple ID Account Information (Required)
Please ensure your child knows the Apple ID and password. Be aware that the password is case-sensitive. Note: this can be changed by the parent after the set up process is complete.

Apple iPad Passcode: (Required)
The passcode is a 4 digit number that students will use to unlock their device. This passcode is to be selected by the student. We are asking that students pre-select their passcode to expedite the setup process avoiding the delay while students try to decide what their passcode should be. Suggestions for selecting a passcode... perhaps that last 4 digits of your phone number, birth month & day...  A code that the student will not forget.

Apple ID Security Questions (Required)
During the initial iPad rollout at Ness, we encountered several students who were prompted to provide security questions for their Apple ID. Typically, you would have been asked to select security questions and provide answers at the time you created the Apple ID. We are asking that all parents and their child select a question from each group and provide the answer in the event that they are asked to enter security questions during the in-class setup. Having these questions and answers ready to enter will greatly expedite the rollout.


Apple iCloud Email Account
As part of the in-class setup, your child will be creating an email account that will be associated with their Apple ID. This email address will initially be used to communicate with teachers and classmates. This section on the form has been included for students to record their icloud.com email address which they will be creating during the in-class iPad setup. There is no information for parents/students to complete in this section prior to iPad set-up day.




We, at George Waters Middle School are concerned for privacy of this important information but also are aware that without this information the set-up of the iPad is impossible.  We want the set up process of the iPads to be as efficient and as safe as possible for all students. To ensure this happens please use your best judgement so your child knows this information. Starting October 9, 2013, GWMS staff will have students log in to their email account and iTunes account to ensure they know their information and everything is working correctly.

Options to get this information to your child’s teacher:


  • Complete the form below and submit to your child’s homeroom teacher.
  • Email Mr. Schmidt at bschmidt@sjsd.net (grade 6 students) or Mr. Bonnici at cbonnici@sjsd.net (grade 7/8 students) with the required information. Mr. Schmidt is the digital lead teacher for grade 6 students/ teachers. Mr. Bonnici is the digital lead teacher for grade 7/8 students/teachers.
  • Have students keep their information in a secure location (IE. Personal device like an iPod, mobile phone, etc). 
  • Parents can drop the completed form to Mr. Mead in the school office
  • Parents can email the completed form to Mr. Mead at amead@sjsd.net
  • Parents can phone the school office (204-888-4898) to share the information
  • Other ways in which parents feel most comfortable in getting this information to the school safely and securely

            **If emailing information please indicate your child’s name and homeroom.
            **Students require this information by Wednesday, October 9, 2013

            If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Mead at 204-888-4989 or by email amead@sjsd.net.

            Sincerely,



            Andrew Mead

            Principal




            George Waters Middle School iPad Set Up Information Form




            Child’s Name: __________________________________           Homeroom: ______________

            Email Address used to create the Apple ID: Email: ____________________________ Password: ________________________

            Apple ID Account Information Apple ID: __________________________ Password: ________________________

            Apple iPad Passcode       _____ _____ _____ _____ (4 digit code)

            Apple ID Security Questions
            As part of the setup process, your child may be prompted to select 3 security questions and provide answers. To expedite the setup process in class, it will be helpful to have students come to class with questions and answers ready. From each of the three groups, please check one question and supply the answer:

            Question Group 1                                                                        Answer_____________________________
            ·         What was the name of your first pet?
            ·         What was the first movie you saw in a theater?
            ·         What is the last name of your favorite elementary school teacher?

            Question Group 2                                                                        Answer_____________________________
            ·         What is your dream job?
            ·         What is your favorite children’s book?
            ·         What was your childhood nickname?

            Question Group 3                                                                        Answer_____________________________
            ·         In what city did your parents meet?
            ·         What is the name of the street where you first grew up?
            ·         What is the name of your favorite sports team?

            Apple iCloud Email Account
            As part of the setup process, your child will be asked to create an icloud.com email account that will be associated with their Apple ID. This will be done when your child is setting up their iPad. A record of this account will be kept with the teacher. There is no information for parents/students to complete prior to iPad set-up day.


            We, at George Waters Middle School are concerned for privacy of this important information but also are aware that without this information the set of the iPad is impossible.  We want the set up process of the iPads to be as efficient and as safe as possible for all students. To ensure this happens please use your best judgement so your child knows this information. Starting October 9, 2013, GWMS staff will have students log in to their email account and iTunes account to ensure they know their information and everything is working correctly.
            • Complete the form below and submit to your child’s homeroom teacher.
            • Email Mr. Schmidt at bschmidt@sjsd.net (grade 6 students) or Mr. Bonnici at cbonnici@sjsd.net (grade 7/8 students) with the required information. Mr. Schmidt is the digital lead teacher for grade 6 students/ teachers. Mr. Bonnici is the digital lead teacher for grade 7/8 students/teachers.
            • Have students keep their information in a secure location (IE. Personal device like an iPod, mobile phone, etc). 
            • Parents can drop the completed form to Mr. Mead in the school office
            • Parents can email the completed form to Mr. Mead at amead@sjsd.net
            • Parents can phone the school office (204-888-4898) to share the information
            • Other ways in which parents feel most comfortable in getting this information to the school safely and securely


            If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Mead at 204-888-4989 or by email amead@sjsd.net.

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