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Ann Arbor Public Schools

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Start of the School Year

FAQ Topics

FAQ's FOR

STUDENTS & PARENTS

Why does my child need to use a district-provided device?

All students are deeply encouraged to use an AAPS issued device to facilitate the most effective and efficient use of teaching and learning time by ensuring that every student

1) has access to a working device with the necessary district-sponsored tools, web apps and program shortcuts.

2) can easily access the device with login credentials and updated security settings, and

3) has access to the district’s Technology Team to help troubleshoot device issues, handle device repairs, and provide annual device maintenance.

Where does my child pick-up their district-provided device?

At the beginning of the school year, student devices will be distributed at the student’s home school during the first couple of weeks of school. For those students attending A2Virtual+ please reach out to the Student & Family Help Desk at 734-997-1222 to schedule an appointment to pick up a device. For students attending A2VE, you will receive a location, date and time window to pick up a device. Once the school year is underway, ITD will deliver devices to the school based on enrollment records as they come in.

How does my child login to their district-provided tech account?

  • The student username structure is:  studentID@aaps.k12.mi.us 
  • The current student password can be provided to a parent or guardian or to your student by their teacher or by calling the Help Desk at 734-997-1222

How can our family get tech help when we experience a technology problem?

The Student & Family Tech Help Desk 734-997-1222 is staffed by Tech Team members, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30AM to 4:00PM to assist both students and families with technology problems. For after school hours or on the weekend, you can leave a voicemail message and/or send an email with the technology problem to family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us.

This help desk can help troubleshoot a technical problem, assist with a password reset, load additional software/app needs, or schedule an appointment to pick-up or drop-off a device for repair.

What if we don’t have internet access at home or recently lost our internet service?

The district works with families who are having connectivity issues or are in need of internet access through our A2Connects initiative to support student learning at home. Families can call the Student & Family Help Desk at 734-997-1222 to place a request.

How can I add parental controls on my child’s AAPS device to monitor online activity, block YouTube after school hours, limit non-educational games, etc.?

AAPS utilizes a cloud-based web filter called Securly to keep students safe on their  school-issued devices. To help parents monitor their child’s online activity, AAPS has made available the free Securly Home app. This application allows web-based filtering and parental controls on school-issued devices at home. Parents may set rules to allow or disallow certain websites, pause the internet connection to the device as desired, and receive weekly usage reports. To OPT-IN to the Securly Parent Portal service, please follow the steps highlighted below:

  • STEP 1:  Read about the AAPS Securly Parent Portal opportunity available to all families within the district.
  • STEP 2:  Sign-up on the Securly Parent Portal Opt-In Form.
  • STEP 3:  Look for an email from Securly when your account is ready to go (it can take up to 48 hours).
  • STEP 4:  Download the Securly Home App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  • STEP 5:  Navigate the App to explore different views into your child’s online safety and check out the AAPS Securly Parent Portal FAQs.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Student & Family Help Desk at 734-997-1222.

How and where should devices be stored/cared for at home?

Every family situation is different. We have found that some parents collect the device after the school ends for the rest of the day, some parents have their child charge the device in the parents bedroom overnight, and some parents require that their child use the device in a common area in the home where they can be closely monitored. It’s important to find a safe place to set-up a district-device during the school day and also at night time to ensure no unintended damage occurs and to ensure best practices online.

Here are some suggested best practices for caring for a district-issued device at home:

  • Use only a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the device. Avoid towels, paper towels, and other abrasive materials that may scratch surfaces.
  • Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables before cleaning.
  • Spray cleaners directly to soft cleaning cloth, not on the device.
  • Keep liquids away from devices.
  • Always remember to find a safe place to store your device when it is not in use so it doesn’t get damaged.
  • Charge your device each evening after daytime use. Do not leave the device plugged in unattended.