Refresh 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page for the upcoming device update at Westside. This resource is designed to provide clear, up-to-date information about what certified and classified staff can expect as we transition to the latest technology. Whether you’re curious about timelines, device specifications, or how to prepare, you’ll find answers to the most common questions right here. Our goal is to ensure a smooth, informed rollout that supports teaching and learning across the district.
The device you receive will be based on the location you are assigned to, and the employee group you belong to. Here is a high level overview:
Teachers and administrator at the elementary level: A 13" MacBook Air laptop plus an 11" iPad (A16) with an Apple Magic Keyboard Folio case and a Logitech Crayon.
Teachers and administrator at the secondary level: A 13" MacBook Air laptop plus an 11" iPad Air with an Apple Magic Keyboard case and a Logitech Crayon.
Administrative Assistants: We will be updating the MacMini deskop machines to a new, 13" MacBook Air laptop. You'll keep your existing screen, keyboard and mouse to use with it. The devices are not to be taken home unless directed by HR or your building administrator.
Educational Assistants: A 11" iPad (A16) with a Logitech Rugged Combo 4 keyboard case.
We will be deploying the devices in phases.
Teachers and administrators: We will begin the transition starting mid-April and our goal is to have everyone with their new device before they leave for the summer.
Administrative Assistants: We will begin migrating you to the new device after students leave for the semester. It will likely be June when you get your new device set up.
Educational Assistants: EA's will receive their new device in the fall.
Each building will be facilitating the device transfer process. Your building tech will reach out to you with specifics.
In general though, you'll be setting up an appointment with a tech team member where they will walk you through setting up your new device(s), ensure that your data is properly syncing, and then collect your old device(s). You'll leave your old device(s) with the tech and walk away with your brand new setup!
The tech will hold on to your old device for a few weeks just in case there was any data that didn't get synced over.
Check out the video below for a look at what the setup process will look like for your MacBook Air.
Unfortunately, no. We have partnered with a trade in company to buy back our devices to help us reduce the out-of-pocket cost to the district for the refresh and we will need to turn in all current devices to them to meet our obligations. HOWEVER, there WILL be a community sale where the trade in partner will offer up devices to our community for a discounted price!
YES! Our trade in partner will be conducting a sale to offer devices to the Westside community at a discounted price. We are still working out specifics on dates, but it will likely be mid-July and held at the Community Conference Center. As we finalize details, we'll post updates on this website, as well as Westside's main web page and social media.
It depends. If you are leaving Westside at the end of the year, and have no extended obligations and can return your technology by 5/27, you don't need to complete the transition process.
However, if you are on an extended contract, need to do summer writing, teach summer school or do ANYTHING requiring a device past 5/27, you will need to transition to the new devices this spring.
The rationale for this is that we need to provide the current devices to our trade in partner by 5/27.
- Make sure your devices are fully charged and booted up. This will help save time!
- Ensure that you are signed into your Westside iCloud account on all devices and that Desktop and Document sync is enabled
- Do a little 'spring cleaning' to prune out un-needed files. Check out this page for tips!
- Come with your devices (Mac+iPad), the chargers for each device (power brick AND cords), and all accessories you were assigned (Apple Pencil, Keyboard Case, etc.).
In nearly every case, yes! The new iPads (for both elementary AND secondary) are between 50 and 100% faster than the current iPad Pro's! Apps like Notability, Explain EDU, Keynote, Adobe Express, Freeform and other 'staples' of our classroom use will be available just as they are now.