Overview & Benefits to Our Approach

As we announced earlier this year, Pacifica is changing its iPad program for the 2023-24 school year. We have spent the last few years observing student iPad use around campus and learning from others around the country, and we have taken stock of the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of technology use. We have read thousands of pages of material on how technology affects the physiology, psychology, and spiritual well-being of young people and adults. We have also spent hundreds of hours talking to students, teachers, and parents about best practices and wise approaches to technology use. The result of this extended investigation and experiential learning has led us to the conclusion that we need to take a further step in how we help our students manage their school-required technology use going forward. To that end, we are launching a 1-to-1 iPad program for the coming school year that will replace our old “Bring Your Own Device” iPad program.

What is a 1:1 iPad program?

A 1-to-1 iPad program is one where the school technically owns each device and so can manage every aspect of the iPad operating system. This allows the school to set and control all parameters for use of each device–from the operating system to the WiFi protocols, to phone tethering, to what apps are on the devices, to what information can be searched on the internet. It even allows the school to control the timing of when certain features can be accessed and when they cannot. We are certain this change in control will increase student focus on school related usage of the iPad, as well as dramatically reduce distraction. Participation in the 1:1 iPad program is required for all enrolled students.

Why is this good for our family?

We firmly believe that this change in our iPad program, which restricts the device to academic use only, will be deeply beneficial and life-giving for both students and families. By restricting the use of the iPad for school-related activities only, learning will significantly increase and families will experience greater peace of mind, knowing that the device is less likely to be a source of distraction or inappropriate use, whether on campus or at home. We also believe this change will significantly reduce tension between parents and their children around the use of iPads in the home.

We are ecstatic about these changes, and also understand it is imperative we continue teaching our students to live well with ubiquitous access to technology and information. So we will continue to refine our efforts by engaging in meaningful discussions and training about how we might best think and live well in our modern moment.

When will we receive the new iPad(s)?

The new iPads will be available for pick-up during the week of August 22, 2023.
Prior to pick-up, you must complete the iPad Contract posted in your MyPacifica Account. Once your contract is signed and submitted, you will be notified of the specific days and times when you can come to the Front Office to pick up your iPad and case. Parents will be asked to present a valid Driver’s License in order to take a device home.

Costs & Equipment

For all new students, the cost of the iPad Bundle is $900 per student, which includes the iPad, case, and AppleCare+. With our observation of our current Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) iPad program, this dollar amount is the approximate average our parents have been spending in years past. The total cost will be paid in-full within the first school year at Pacifica through your selected tuition payment plan starting in June. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact Sally Proctor in the Business Office.

Set-Up & Training

1:1 iPad Setup Instructions PDF

APPLECARE+ FOR SCHOOLS

HOW TO SET UP SCREENTIME

IPAD EXPRESS REPLACEMENT SERVICE

Requests & Suggestions

If you are having challenges with your iPad or have a suggestion for improvement, please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Requests & Suggestions Form

FAQs

What is included for the one-time iPad program cost?

Each student receives a 5th Generation iPad Air with Applecare+ and a case. The school has chosen this device because it meets all of our anticipated instructional needs, has state of the art technology, and has the lightest weight. We are also pairing this device with a super durable Logitech case with keyboard and a 4-yr AppleCare+ service warranty. AppleCare+ has a proprietary tech support line and 24-hour replacement device agreement which will reduce downtime in the event of a device breaking.

Who owns the device?

While the school technically owns the device, the students will keep the iPad in their possession at all times, including summers, and is responsible for repairing the device via the AppleCare+ warranty. Upon graduation, the ownership and control of the device will be transferred to the family and the iPad will be yours to take with you. Should a student leave prior to graduation, the ownership of the device will be transferred to the family assuming their fee has been fully paid.

How do I sign in to my new iPad?

Your iPad will be linked to your student upon initial sign in to the iPad via the Pacifica email address.

Can I buy an Apple Pencil or other accessories for my iPad?

Yes, we recommend that you buy a second generation Apple Pencil for your iPad Air. You are not allowed to change out your case for a different one, as this may void your warranty and will make it impossible for the school to tell whether you have a school device or not.

Can I purchase a different case and/or keyboard for my iPad?

No. You need to use the school designated case. If it breaks, you must replace it with the same case that is the same color.

What do I do if I have a problem with my iPad?

If it’s a problem that is intermittent, please contact Rev. Stratton or Mr. Ringuette for troubleshooting help first. If the device is not working, please try it with another iPad to see if it works (if an iPad issue, please contact Apple directly: (800) 800-2775 option 3). If no troubleshooting steps work and it is not yet a year since you received the device, please give the device serial number to Rev. Stratton or Mr. Ringuette, and we will work on getting you a replacement from Logitech. 

How do I turn on "Findmy" for the iPad?

Refer to this article from Apple. All students should turn on FindMy so that they can locate their device if lost.

What do I do if my iPad breaks or is broken?

If the device is faulty or damaged, please contact Apple directly at (800) 800-2775 option 3. If the iPad is completely broken and will not power on, please contact Rev. Stratton or Mr. Ringuette to initiate the replacement process. When working with Apple, you may have to provide a credit card deposit for service. See the AppleCare+ for Schools for iPad Bundle document for more details.

What costs are associated with repairing my iPad?

Under the AppleCare+ warranty you get two free instances of breakage within the four year time period. After that, you are on your own and prices can vary depending upon the nature of the repair needed. Contact Apple directly at (800) 800-2775 option 3 for more information.

What do I do if I lose my iPad? Or can’t find it?

Use FindMy iPad to see if you can locate the device. If you can’t locate the device using FindMy, please notify the school immediately, and the school can try to locate the device using our tracking software. If the iPad is permanently lost, you will be responsible for buying a new replacement iPad from the school at current market prices.

Can I use my iPad for personal things?

We generally discourage using your school iPad for personal things. That said, you can use some personal features of the iPad. The school reserves the right to lock the iPad and gain access to the iPad at any time.

What is being monitored on my iPad and why?

The school will not be actively monitoring iPads except in some classroom contexts via Apple Classroom. When the iPad screen is actively being monitored, the device will reflect this fact by indicating the monitoring at the top of its screen. Devices will not be actively monitored outside the classroom, and can only be actively monitored via Bluetooth which has a range of 75 feet.

What if there is an app that I need that I do not have access to?

Please let your teacher or Rev. Stratton or Mr. Ringuette know via email that you would like to request an app. Send an app store link in your email, as well as the academic reason for which you are requesting the app.

What happens to the iPad if I leave the school prior to graduation?

If you withdraw from Pacifica prior to graduation, we will remove management from the iPad and you can take the iPad with you. If you have any outstanding funds owed on the iPad, those will be due to the school. The school will NOT take the iPad back in lieu of payment.

Can I keep the iPad after graduation?

Yes, all senior iPads will be released from management at graduation and are yours to keep and dispose of as you see fit. The school will not retain any control or ownership of these devices.

Can I use ScreenTime in addition to Pacifica’s Mobile Device Management?

Yes you can. Instructions for how to set up screentime can be found here.

Can I use additional third party monitoring software like “Covenant Eyes” with this iPad program?

No, you cannot. However, the school deploys web filtering through Mosyle. If you become aware of websites that are inappropriate that students are able to access, please let Rev. Stratton or Mr. Ringuette know, and we will block those sites.

Will my child be able to communicate using their iPad?

No, they will not be able to. Students are allowed to communicate with their phones. The iPads are not for communication.

How does Pacifica monitor internet use on the iPad?

Pacifica does not monitor internet use, but we do use internet filtration on our WiFi system as well as through our MDM platform. We block adult content, YouTube, and other sites. As always, if you see students accessing things they should not, please let us know and we will add those sites to our list of blocked sites. Contact Rev. Stratton or Mr. Ringuette for more information.