Tech Support: Starting this week, Joe will be at HH on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Please continue to run all tech requests through me or by using the IT Direct help ticket system.
Software Update: Everyday Mathematics (EDM) and All the Right Type (ATRT) are ready for use. I will be introducing or reintroducing ATRT to all students in grades 3-5 in September/October so they can begin or continue their keyboarding practice. After the students have time to practice in computer class, it would be great if students could have weekly practice (either at home or during a lab time). Please let me know if keyboarding practice fits in with your grade level homework plan or weekly classroom practice. Thanks for considering this.
Software Policy (MODIFICATION) - Over the summer the administration met and approved this letter to be sent out to families ~ WPS Student Account Online Policy. This letter modifies our software policy in that we don't need families to complete the Opt-Out form when using websites or tools that require us to create accounts. Please continue to read the terms of service in that a tool is appropriate for students under the age of 13 and fits the curriculum need. (All new curriculum tools are still being approved by the curriculum leaders.) You need to notify families of the tools you will be using with your students - this can be done with one letter at the beginning of the year or as you introduce the tool to your students.
The process for using a tool/app:
1. Explore the tool/app on your own. Check out the list of tools we already have to see if we already use a similar tool/app.
2. Demo the tool/app with a few students - gauge their interest, does it fit the need (Please keep in mind that the budget process requires us to build our subscription budget during the previous year's budget process. Sometimes there is money available and movement of tools. Sometimes there are not funds available to engage in new subscription service.)
3. If its a new tool/app, fill out the software request form. The appropriate curriculum leader will review the request. Once reviewed, you will be notified if the tool has been approved or not.
4. Once approved, Beth will notify you and connect with you regarding purchase and/or installation.
5. Always notify families of the tools you are using in your classroom.
HomePage for Safari and Google Chrome: We are in the process of setting the home page of Google Chrome and Safari. This fix is being pushed out to each computer. Every machine will eventually get it. If the computer does not have it set, restarting the computer will help.
Also I still see lots of black and white printing from the color printer. Please take a minute and change your printer if you don't need color.
Projector: Please be cognizant of turning off your projectors when you are not using it (especially in this heat).
Student/Teacher Computers: A new feature of the latest operating system on our computers (OS Yosemite) includes a screen lock. This is very new to us on the mac side of things (not new to PC users). With that being said, student's must be diligent in logging out of their laptops when they are done. I've had several students bring me computers with locked screens by another user in their class. If students close the lid of their laptops, the screen will lock under that user. In order to unlock the computer for a different user, you will need the student's password or restart the computer.
Tech 1-to-1 Days will return again this year. They will be held on the second Thursday of the month and will begin in October!!! Further details and sign-ups will happen later in this month.
WPSF Grants - If you are interested in writing a WPSF grant this year that includes technology, please let me know. As part of the grant writing process, an Instructional Technology Specialist must be an applicant on all technology grants.