MyWay

MyWay is the name of the long-term effort underway in the Wayzata Public Schools to make sure that each and every one of our over 10,000 students are prepared to thrive today and excel tomorrow in an ever-changing global society. As a part of MyWay, we commit to putting digital learning devices (iPads) in the hands of students. At its core, the overriding goal of MyWay is to provide a world-class and personalized student learning experience.

MyWay goes far beyond just giving students iPads...it is about putting the world in their hands. It's a learning initiative aimed at providing all students with personalized learning experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination. We want students to experience, connect and interact with the world in ways that traditional textbooks and curriculum alone can't provide.

It was determined that the iPad is presently the tool with the greatest potential to meet the individual needs of students and provide a smooth integration into the district's technology environment. After considering the cost, limitations, available applications and portability, the iPad was chosen as the optimal device for our students.

Each student will be issued a new 16GB iPad, WiFi only, with a district issued protective case. Students will be given the option to provide their own personal protective case and may purchase additional peripherals, such as a keyboard, if they so desire. All students will be issued a district protective case. Students will be expected to keep the iPad in the District issued protective case (or an equally protective case).

No, Wayzata Public Schools no longer supports a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.

No. After careful research and discussion, Wayzata Public Schools has decided that the Apple iPad is our mobile technology learning device of choice and the only tablet device that will be supported.

Students in grades 6–12 will take their iPads in their protective cases home with them daily. For the elementary-age students, they will use their iPads only in the classroom.

Students completing grades 6–11 will be able to take their iPads home over the summer. We may need to update software and perform other maintenance and may ask that iPads be turned into the technology department for a short time.

Each day, students are expected to bring their fully-charged iPad to school in working order. There will be some extra power sources available in some classrooms, but there will not be power outlets at every desk. Students are expected to manage their device in a way that minimizes the likelihood of damage, loss or theft.

Students will be instructed in basic iPad security, and will set a passcode to their iPad to help secure their personal information.

If students fail to bring their device to school, they will be responsible for completing course work as though they had their device with them.

There is no cost to families for the iPad unless it is damaged, destroyed or stolen.

If an iPad is damaged, destroyed or stolen, it will be the responsibility of the student's family to pay for its replacement or repair.

Wayzata Public Schools recognizes the need to protect the District's investment in the iPads and to protect families from expenses associated with damages of the iPad. Parents may purchase iPad insurance through Safeware. If the no insurance option is chosen, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for all costs of repair and/or replacement.

To purchase insurance through Safeware, please contact the Technology Paraprofessional in your students school.

Yes, you should get a headset for listening to audio on the iPad. Headsets are widely available and can be purchased for around $10.

No, Internet access in the home is not required. Students will be able to access free wireless service at many local businesses. Students will have the opportunity to obtain necessary documents and information on their iPads to use offline. There are programs available to parents/guardians for reduced cost home Internet access via these providers:

• Comcast Internet Essentials
• TIES

iPads issued by the school district will be subject to the same content filtering as computers used in the schools. This filtering will be active on the iPads at all times on and off the school campus. Families will be provided information for internet filter options while using the device at home.

Yes. Support will be provided through parent/guardian workshops and district News updates. The district will provide valuable information to help parents/guardians manage the device at home and keep them informed of what is occurring at school.

No, all students will be provided with a managed Apple ID by the district. This managed Apple ID will be used for iCloud backups and other Apple services.

No. The district will purchase all necessary apps for students.

No, the district will provide approved apps through an in-house app store called Self Service. Self Service will be available on all student iPads and is where all school approved apps can be found and installed. Students can ask a teacher to submit an app for approval. Once that app is approved it will become available to students from within Self Service.

Start with the Apple education site at www.apple.com/education/ipad.

You can email your questions to helpdesk@wayzataschools.org.

Parents/guardians of students who have a disability should work with their student's IEP manager and/or Section 504 coordinator to determine what if any accommodations are needed when using the iPad.