GCS iPad Update
News for the week of August 12, 2013
Let's Get Started
We had a great iPad BootCamp. I can't thank you enough for taking time out of your busy summer schedule to come to school for a meeting.
The teachers enjoyed meeting all the kids. We installed lots of books and apps.
I mentioned in our parent meeting that you can enable restrictions on your child's iPad. Below are the instructions for doing that if you wish.
Please know, if you turn off the App Store for you child. We need to know if it's been turned off because there will be times when teachers want to install new apps during class.
Parental Restrictions
The first step is to turn on the Restrictions. Go to Settings > General > Restrictions >select Enable Restrictions. The first time you do this you will be prompted to set a 4 digit passcode. Set a passcode you can remember.
Filter Your Internet
One of the ways I encourage you to guard your child's heart is to filter the internet at home. There are many ways to filter and monitor your internet at home. At my house we use OpenDNS. OpenDNS Parental Controls is a good choice because it is free and easy to install.
If you are interested in learning more about OpenDNS Parental Controls, visit their web site by clicking here or click here for a review of the program.
Look at the iPad
- Notability
- eBackpack
- VitalSource Bookshelf
- Pearson eText
Freshmen need the following books:
- Biology
- History (We installed the history book, but the publisher hasn't made it go live yet. They should in the next few days)
- Math (either Algebra 1 or Geometry)
- Spanish 1
Sophomores need the following books and apps:
- Chemistry book
- History book (Bob Jones History 3rd edition)
- Elements app
- World History Patterns of Interaction iBook
- Spanish 2
- Math - (Geometry)
*We are not using the Algebra 2 Fuse book. If your child is taking Algebra 2, they will use a traditional book.
If your child is missing any of these apps or books, please email me.
Resource for Students
I'm sharing this information with you so that if your student panics late one night during the first couple of weeks of school, you will have a place to go for help.
First, I have tried to put all of our iPad resources on a web site. This is always a good place to start. Click here to visit GCS iPad Central.
If you want or need to look at the tutorial I'm sending to students today regarding Notability, our notetaking app, and eBackpack, click here.
Christina Jontra
Grace Community School
Email: cjontra@gracetyler.org
Website: gracetyler.org
Twitter: @jontracation