1:1 Device Initiative

The changing landscape of the world’s information to digital form will require today’s student to have a different set of skills than what was required just a decade ago. Future graduates must be equipped with not just the “three R’s”, but also with 21st century skills of communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. Students will need to be able to quickly find, synthesize and communicate information and collaborate with colleagues— not just in their own office, but within a global community of colleagues and customers.

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools want to ensure students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to responsibly navigate this emerging modern world. Therefore, PLSAS has implemented a 1:1 (student to device) program for grades K-12 to create a seamless and dynamic educational experience for students.

goals of the 1:1 Initiative

Enhance and accelerate learning
Leverage technology for individualizing instruction
Promote collaboration, increasing student engagement
Strengthen the 21st century skills necessary for future student success

The technology also increases access to digital curriculum, in place of traditional print textbooks and classroom equipment such as graphing calculators. The opportunity to use 1:1 devices gives students access to anywhere, anytime learning— in classrooms, in schoolyards, at a cyber cafe and at home.

Care, Maintenance and Use of iPads

Apps & Downloads

School-owned devices may not be synced to any other computer. Students in the 1:1 program will receive their device prior to the first day of school. The device will be loaded with apps relevant to the curriculum at no cost to families.

All apps purchased by the district are the property of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Students will be responsible for updating apps throughout the school year.

All devices are the property of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and as a result may be seized and reviewed at any time.

The student should have no expectation of privacy or materials found on the device.

Device Security for Students

Never leave a device unattended. When not in your personal possession, the device should be in a secure, locked environment. Unattended devices will be collected and stored in the school’s main office.

Do not lend your device to another person. Each device is assigned to an individual and the responsibility for the care of that device solely rests with that individual. Each device has a unique identification number and at no time should the numbers or labels be modified or removed.

District Policies Regarding Technology

Access to technology in Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools has been established for educational purposes. The use of PLSAS electronics is a valued resource to our community. All electronics must be used in support of the educational program of the District. This access may be revoked at any time for abusive or inappropriate conduct related to the use of electronics.

Improper use may also lead to restrictions placed on the device itself. Failure to comply with the District’s Bullying Prohibition Policy (#514), Electronic Technologies Acceptable Use Policy (#524), the Website and Intranet Policy (#525), the Student use of Cellular Phones, Digital Image Devices and Other Personal Electronic Devices Policy (#526) or the guidelines stated on this webpage for care and use of the device may result in the loss of privilege to take the device home or use it in general.

Device Care

Students are responsible for the general care of their school-issued device. Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the Media Center for an evaluation.
Device batteries must be charged and ready for school each day. Charge them only by plugging them into an electrical wall outlet using the provided charger.
Click here for information on how to extend your iPad's battery life.
No labels or stickers may be applied to the device.
Device cases furnished by the school district must be kept on at all times. If a device is damaged when it is not in the school-issued case, it is considered negligence and the student will be responsible for damages.
Devices that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to the Media Center. The school district will be responsible for repairing devices that malfunction. Devices that have been damaged from student misuse and/or neglect or will be repaired with cost being borne by the student/family. Students will be responsible for the entire cost of repairs to devices that are damaged intentionally.
Devices that are stolen must be reported immediately to the Principal’s Office and the Police Department.
Carefully transport your device to school every day.
An automobile is not a good place to store electronics.
Never place your device in a book bag that contains food, liquids, heavy, or sharp objects.
Avoid using any sharp object on the device screen.
Water and other liquids should not come in contact with your device. The screen can be cleaned with a soft, slightly water dampened, lint-free cloth.
Avoid getting moisture in the openings. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the device.

Click here for printable iPad Care Instructions

Camera & Microphone

Student devices come equipped with audio and video recording capabilities through a built-in microphone and front and/or rear facing cameras. All electronic recordings created with the device must comply with District policies and State and Federal laws. District policy prohibits the use of electronic recording devices in a manner that compromises the privacy of other individuals (District Policy #526). District policy also prohibits harassment and bullying (District Policy #514).

Users of the device are required to use it in a manner that complies with these and other District policies.

Use of the device in a manner that violates District policy may result in revocation of the device and may result in further disciplinary consequences.

iPad Case

Device Charging

Lost, Stolen or Damaged iPads

If the device is lost, it must be reported to the Media Center Staff as soon as possible. It may be the responsibility of the student and family to recover or replace the lost device. If necessary, the District and the police will assist in recovery.

If your device fails to work or is damaged, report the problem to the School Media Center as soon as possible. Do not attempt to gain access to the internal electronics or repair your device. Repair/replacement options will be determined by the School Media Center staff. You may be issued a temporary device or other materials until your device is working properly or replaced.

If the device is experiencing technical difficulties outside of school hours, you will need to wait until you return to school to fix it. Replacement fees will be assessed for lost or damaged items.

Any damage that is deemed to be the result of negligence or abuse will be the responsibility of the student. Repair and replacement costs will reflect current pricing of the device. Students who leave Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools must return the device and charger to the media center or school prior to leaving.

Guidelines for responsible internet use

Anything you do or post online creates a digital record, often called a “Cyber Footprint.” Nothing online is totally private, even if it is intended to be. Once digitized, it can be saved, sent and reposted.
A good rule of thumb: If you don’t want a parent, teacher, principal, future employer or college admissions office to know something, don’t post it online.
“Friends” aren’t always who they say they are; undercover police and pedophiles pretend to be kids online. Only interact online with individuals you know personally. Never give access to personal information, such as a profile or handle, to people met online.
Never post personally identifiable information online. This includes: full name, address, phone number, email, where you are meeting friends or where you hang out. It is very easy for someone to find you based on what you post online.
Regularly check your privacy settings on all commonly used sites and networks. Ignoring privacy settings on social media sites means your photos, contact information, interests and possibly even cell phone GPS location could be shared with more than a half-billion people.
Cyber bullying (threatening or harassing another individual through technology) is a growing concern. It takes many forms, such as forwarding a private email, photo, or text message for others to see, starting a rumor, etc.

PLSAS Technology Resources

Cyber Safety

Cyber safety is an important parent-child discussion to revisit frequently, from elementary school through high school. Experts warn that children are most vulnerable to online dangers while in their own home. The following suggestions are drawn from a wide variety of professional sources that may aid you in effectively guiding your child’s use of the iPad and other devices.

In accordance with the District’s Electronic Technologies Acceptable Use Policy (#524), outside of school, parents bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies and other possibly offensive media. Parents are responsible for monitoring their student’s use of the District’s educational technologies, including school-issued email accounts and the Internet if the student is accessing the District’s electronic technologies from home or through other location(s).

Digital Citizenship

Kids and teens today are using the immense power of digital media to explore, connect, create, and learn in ways never before imagined. With this power, young people have extraordinary opportunities and yet, they face potential pitfalls. Meanwhile, schools are dealing with the associated ramifications like cyberbullying, digital cheating and safety and security concerns.

These issues underscore the need for students to learn digital literacy and citizenship skills. Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools use Common Sense Media Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum to empower students to think critically, behave safely and participate responsibly in our digital world.

These 21st-century skills are essential for students to harness the full potential of technology for learning.

Digital Citizenship Curriculum

iTunes: Understanding Restrictions

iTunes: Using Parental Controls

iOS Software Inventory List

Media Agreements for Parents & Teens

The Common Sense Family Media Agreements are checklists that parents can use to guide conversations with their kids about media use. They are designed to help parents establish guidelines and expectations around media use and behavior that are right for their family.

Some families are comfortable using them as signed agreements. Others prefer to use them simply as checklists to guide conversations. Either way, they are a great way to helps parents and kids get on the same page about media and technology use.

Family Media Agreements

Monitor & Limit Screen Time

Experts suggest having teens surf the Internet in a central place at home, such as the kitchen or family room, rather than away from adult supervision or behind a closed door.

Know what your child is doing with technology and how his or her time is being spent. Technology can be a great tool and resource, but also has the potential to be a big distractor. Help your child learn to focus on completing tasks or assignments first before spending time on games, shopping and social networking.

Teaching today’s children how to manage multiple sources of information and potential distractions is a critical life skill, one best learned before heading off to college or the workplace.

PLSAS Curriculum Software Inventory

Put the Device to Bed, But Not in the Bedroom

Set Expectations for Technology Usage

Regularly share your expectations with your child about accessing only appropriate sites and content, as well as being a good person when online (even when parents aren’t watching).

Outside of school, it is likely that your child has already been confronted with multiple opportunities to access content that parents wouldn’t approve, such as pornography, hate sites, celebrity gossip, reality TV personal blogs and more; all of which may influence your teen’s beliefs, values and behavior.

Understand that your teen’s use of technology likely gives your teen the ability to connect to unfiltered public wireless networks (such as in a library or coffee shop, by picking up a neighbor’s wireless signal, or connecting to the Internet through a cell service). Therefore, it is important to maintain regular, open dialog about Internet use and access. Discuss your expectation for appropriate use and behavior. Experts strongly suggest installing software to filter and block inappropriate content on your wireless home network.

Student Use of Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the District offer Device insurance?

No, the district does not offer an insurance program.

The provided protective case has been shown to effectively withstand the daily use and accidental drop of the device. Any accidental damages to the device sustained while in the protective case will be covered by the school district. See the "Device Care" section on for more details.

Families may choose to purchase personal device insurance through a third party vendor.

What is the cost to my family?

Will I use my device in all of my classes?

PLSAS teachers have the discretion of allowing or not allowing the use of electronic devices during instructional time. Please respect and follow each of your teachers’ instructions.

If teachers permit use of electronic devices, users must adhere to District technology policies, use devices for educational purposes only, and not have the device be a distraction or disruption to learning.

Can the wireless network handle all of the devices?

How is the 1:1 device initiative funded?

Do I have to participate in this initiative?

As a district, it has been determined that this program will benefit students in their progress towards career and college readiness.

Policy 524 contains information regarding Student Use of Information Technology. Students are able to access the Internet from every classroom. Students are expected to follow guidelines for acceptable use of the Internet and Student Code of Ethics Using Social Media.

Should parents (or students age 18 or older) NOT want the following technologies to be used, please schedule an appointment with the MARSS Coordinator at the District Service Center and you will be asked to complete a form. This form must be completed annually by October 1st.

During the school day, for educational purposes, students have access to the following:

The Internet
Google Workspace for Education Plus and additional district-approved apps
iPad or school-issued tablet

If you wish to discuss your student's access to technology and complete a form limiting/denying your student's technology access, you can contact the Technology Department at 952-226-0060.

The District Services Center is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 4540 Tower Street SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372

1:1 Device Initiative

goals of the 1:1 Initiative

iPad Resources