iPad Help

All students and parents are requested to annually sign the Student Technology Use Agreement online in Back-to-School Forms.

Failure to adhere to district policies, procedures, and guidelines for the use of district technology resources may result in revocation or restriction of access privileges and / or disciplinary action as defined in the Student Behavior Handbook. In addition to the district's standard consequences for misbehavior, any network misuse or illegal activities may result in contact with the student's parent/guardian, or if a violation of law has occurred, contact with law enforcement authorities.

Some learning apps use pop-up windows to open materials. If your iPad is set to block these pop-ups, you might not be able to see certain documents or activities.

Follow these steps to turn off the pop-up blocker on your iPad:

Open the Settings app on your iPad. Tap Apps at the bottom of the list. On the right side of the screen, tap Safari. Find the switch labeled Block Pop-ups. Tap the switch to turn it OFF (it should turn grey, not green).

Tip # 1: Restart the iPad

1. Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider, then wait for 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo.

Tip # 2: Reinstall the App from Self Service

The App on your iPad may need to be updated.

To update an app, first delete it from your iPad and then re-install it from the Self Service App Store.

Tip # 3: Update the iPad iOS Version

Updating the iPad can fix many issues on a device. Before updating your iPad, make sure you plug the charger in. Instructions to update your iPad are here.

Tip #4: Clear the Safari Cache

Clearing the cache in Safari can improve website settings or any incorrectly stored information.

How to clear cache in Safari on an iPad

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap Safari
3. Scroll down again and tap Clear History and Website Data, tap it once again to confirm

Additional information about clearing website data is here.

Tip #5: Talk to a teacher or the technician.

Your teacher may be able to navigate and troubleshoot the issue depending on the app and activity. Each school has a field technician that can help support students using their iPads.

If your student's iPad is locked and unable to open, contact your school for the correct student ID number to unlock it. If the iPad is still locked, the school will contact SPPS Technology Services on your behalf, and may need to request a new iPad if the issue cannot be resolved. Your school will have a conversation with your family about either picking up the new iPad from school or having it delivered to your home.

Students and families should notify a teacher or staff member immediately if their iPad is damaged or lost. No fines can be required for student iPad breakage or loss due to MN state statutes (sections 123B.34 to 123B.39). 

Depending on circumstance, schools may request, not require, families to pay for damaged or missing accessories or iPads. Additional consequences are determined by the school and can include loss of the privilege to take an iPad home and additional instruction in appropriate iPad use.

Saint Paul Public Schools uses iPad apps, Mac Apps and websites to support a variety of instructional goals. All iPad apps, Mac Apps and Website accessing student data are reviewed for content quality and security guidelines and available to students through a controlled ‘app store’ on district devices.

Staff can submit a technology service ticket to request an app or website be made available or blocked/removed.

A summary of district level subscriptions, accounts and request processes is listed below. Some schools and departments have purchased resources that are not reflected here on the district page.

Approved App List

Privacy Review Process

Students can talk to one of their teachers, or the field technician or library media specialist to get help with using their iPads to support their learning. Building staff may submit a Technology Service request on your behalf if they are unable to solve the issue.