my ipad tells me verification failed there was an error connecting to the apple id server

That has happened to me when I was not on the English keyboard. My advice is to make sure that you're keyboard is set to the same language keyboard you used when you setup your Apple ID.

Greetings, misspaz83.

It appears that you're having a problem signing into iCloud on your iPad using your Apple ID. You've received a message stating "verification failed there was an error connecting to the apple id server". We understand how important it is to back up your iPad, and we're glad to help with this.

Manage and use your Apple ID -- Using a browser on your computer, log into your Apple ID account page using this link: Apple ID account page. If you're able to log into your account page, try signing into iCloud on your iPad again.

Change your Apple ID password -- If you're still unable to log into iCloud on your iPad, change the password of your Apple ID, and try again.

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password -- If you were successful signing into iCloud on your iPad, you'll need to review the services in this article. Sign out of the ID with the old password, and sign back in with the new.

If the issue remains, have you successfully logged into iTunes & App Store on your iPad?

Let us know how that goes.

Take care.