Valley Christian Parent Guide to iPads (7th - 12th Grade)

We have created this guide in an effort to help parents navigate the management of their student iPad. We hope you find it helpful but if you have more questions email us at helpdesk@vcschools.org

Installing/Removing Apps

School Apps:

  • Mosyle School App (already installed on all student iPads): Students can install school-related apps found in the Mosyle School app. These apps can be installed or removed by the student depending on whether or not it’s needed for a particular class.

Non School Related Apps:

  • Parents can install a variety of apps (games, entertainment, etc) in AppleTree. Here’s how:
    • Login to AppleTree with your parent email address (be sure to use the same email address we have on file for you).
  • You can filter by category using the search tool. The “My Apps” category filters down to those apps that are currently selected, if any. Click the green “Install App” buttons to install apps, and the “red “Remove App” button to remove them. The response may not be immediate, but you should see the changes applied to the iPad within a few minutes.

  • Notes regarding AppleTree:
    • Certain apps and games may be hidden from use during school hours by our management system. Those apps will reappear after 3:00 PM.
    • Messages is already turned off for middle school students. For high school students, if you’d like to remove the Messages and/or FaceTime apps, search for “Restrict Messages” (or “Restrict FaceTime”) and click Install App. It will remove those apps.
    • Students can have up to ten extra apps at a time. You can remove and add apps whenever you like. The apps available are limited to those that have been requested by parents and/or students and then approved by the iPad team. If you’d like to add an app to the list let us know and we will do our best to add that as one of the choices. As a general rule, apps rated above 12+ or apps that include social media content are not available. Some apps are not free and are not available unless our school has purchased licensing. As time goes on, we will add more apps to the list.

Textbooks

Many textbooks are offered in digital format, but not all. Some classes use hard copies or a classroom set instead. Most digital textbooks can be accessed through the Classlink app. Some will be accessed through Canvas. Each teacher will explain to the students how to access each particular textbook.

Web Filtering

We use the Securly Content Filter. It is automatically installed on every student iPad. The filter is applied no matter where the student is and which WiFi the student is connected to. A parent app is offered to all parents. You can go to https://www.securly.com/parent-login to create an account. Please make sure you use the same email address for Securly as you do for your Veracross parent account. Please note that VC does not manage parent accounts in Securly. If you need a password reset, you will need to go through the Securly support links.

The parent app allows parents to allow or block content categories and individual websites. You can also set downtime schedules and even “pause” the Internet at the push of a button.

Of course, a content filter is no substitute for training children to use discernment online. We teach students to browse in a responsible, Christ-honoring manner through our Digital Citizenship curriculum, and we hope you will also talk with your student about your family’s values and expectations.

What the School Controls

  • School apps and digital textbooks can be sent to student iPads automatically.
  • The school decides which apps are available, to keep iPads in line with school policy.
  • Teachers can control which apps students can use during class.
  • The tech team can remotely erase the iPad, reset restrictions, and remove a forgotten passcode.
  • Parents can add non-school apps, such as games and entertainment apps, through AppleTree (see above).