The more detail you can provide the better, we can troubleshoot quicker and hopefully with the need for less back and forth communication which can slow a work order down.
Things to consider including/adding to a work order:
Exact web address(s)
Names and or IDs of students who are having the issue or need assistance
Details on what the error is
The sticker number(s) of the computers/technology that are having issues
Dates/Times that issues occur
Screenshots of what the issue is or error you are seeing
Did you know you can reset your students' password without calling the help desk?
From the DORA dashboard select the Student Password Reset Tool
Once the tool opens, click on the Single & Bulk Password Reset Icon
*The next page may take a moment to load, this is normal
Use the filter fields to search for students by name or student ID Number
Highlight the students name by single-clicking on the students' name
Enter a new password and confirm the password and click Submit
Student Password Reminders
Grades 3 - 5 are able to change their passwords, but are not required to.
The default password is the students first initial + last initial + 8-digit birthday (MMDDYYY)
Example:John Smith, with a birthday of 8/29/2015 would be js08292015
Grades 6-12 must change their passwords from the default; and must meet the following complexity requirements:
Be at least 10 characters long
Must contain 3 of the 4 complexity requirements
Upper case letter
Lower case letter
Number
Special character
Upcoming Qmlativ Training Sessions
The IT Data Team will be holding Zoom Drop-In sessions over the next several months. This will be an opportunity for all staff to join online and ask questions and gain live support.
Clerical Open Lab Working Sessions
These working sessions will occur monthly, in-person and will rotate audiences. Sessions will provide focused time for work on registrar, enrollment tasks and Qmlativ focused clerical tasks. Providing options for clerical teams to rotate in attendance.
12/19/23 from 9:30-11:00 AM, All Clerical Staff, JMAC Boardroom
The data team is collaborating with PK-12 to select additional dates and times that will be the most efficient use of time for our office staff.
Office Manager/Data Manager Meetings
Qmlativ Focused Learning will continue at the PK-12 Monthly Office Manager Meetings for Elementary, Secondary and Department Office Managers. Depending on the length of the agenda, a separate meeting may be scheduled.
Qmlativ Support
The FPS District Migration Teams are currently receiving a high volume of requests for support. It is likely there will be a slower than normal response due to the Qmlativ project but know we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.
If you have questions or a need for support, please submit an IT work order. This allows us to prioritize work orders that have a greatest impact to student learning and district operations.
Secure your technology during winter break!
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop and other technology
Store technology in a secure cabinet, drawer, or storage cart, and ensure that the storage is locked
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it in to the main office during Winter Break
Do not leave your technology sitting in a car
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment
Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
Do not place anything heavy on your laptop
The screen can be easily cracked/damaged
Technology that is found left out during the break will be brought back to the IT Office and it is the staff members' responsibility to come and pick up the laptop from IT
If IT takes a piece of technology they will leave a notice on your desk that the technology has been picked up by IT
IT would like to share with you that Brad Pierce, Assistant Director of IT, has accepted a position at Clover Park School District leading their Technology Services department as the Director of IT. We are so proud of Brad and his accomplishments. Brad has been an integral part of our team over the past 13 years, playing a pivotal role in enhancing our district’s technological infrastructure, managing various projects, and ensuring the smooth day to day operations of our technology services. We are grateful for his contributions, and we wish him the very best in his next journey.
IT Work Order System
Reminders:
Did you know you can submit and IT Work Order via email?
Simply email itworkorder@fpschools.org
You will get the confirmation email that your work order was submitted and the work order number after sending.
It is very important to put in an IT Work Order for all technology-related requests/needs verses directly communicating with individual staff.
We use the work order system to prioritize and manage workloads.
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)
We had our first meeting of the year on October 25th Upcoming Meetings
Small Breakout Groups – November 15th
Group Meeting – December 6th
Qmlativ Update
Help Documents and Resources
Once logged into Qmlativ, you have access to an abundance of helpful resources within your Knowledge Hub. From the top right corner of your screen click Knowledge Hub and Help Center for documentation and guidance. With the Help Center you may also use the search bar to quickly find documents that walk you through completing your everyday tasks in the system.
In addition to the Help Center written documentation, you also have access to a collection of short training videos to assist you in this transition.
These self-paced videos can be found on the Qmlativ Training site accessible through DORA. Resources will continue to be added to the training site throughout the year.
Upcoming Qmlativ Training Sessions
The IT Data Team will be holding Zoom Drop-In sessions over the next several months. This will be an opportunity for all staff to join online and ask questions and gain live support.
Clerical Support Staff Sessions Office Managers
Qmlativ Focused Learning will continue at the PK-12 Monthly Office Manager Meetings for Elementary, Secondary and Department Office Managers. Depending on the length of the agenda, a separate meeting may be scheduled.
Open Lab Working Sessions
These working sessions will occur monthly, in-person and will rotate audiences providing focused time for work on registrar and enrollment tasks and options for clerical teams to rotate in attendance.
11/21/23 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM, Elementary Office Managers and Secondary Data Managers, JMAC Boardroom
12/19/23 from 9:30-11:00 AM, All Clerical Staff, JMAC Boardroom
The data team is collaborating with PK-12 to select additional dates and times that will be the most efficient use of time for our office staff.
Qmlativ Support
The FPS District Migration Teams are currently receiving a high volume of requests for support. It is likely there will be a slower than normal response due to the Qmlativ project but know we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.
If you have questions or a need for support, please submit an IT work order. This allows us to prioritize work orders that have a greatest impact to student learning and district operations.
You can change the color theme to personalize your software display as desired. This change only affects your personal view and can be modified at any time.
Click the Down Arrow icon next to your name at the top right of the screen. You see the My Options drop-down menu.
Select Themes from the menu then select the color theme you wish to use. You see a preview of the color theme you selected.
Select Save at the bottom right. The theme you selected is applied and you return to the screen you were previously on.
Creating a Favorite
Setting up favorites in the software can save time if you access a particular area frequently. If you wish to access specific screens or areas in the software without going through the menu path selection, you can set up the screens or areas as favorites. You can click the Star icon at the top left of any screen to display your favorites. Each favorite listed also has a Tile on the home screen.
Once logged into Qmlativ, you have access to an abundance of helpful resources within your Knowledge Hub. From the top right corner of your screen click Knowledge Hub and Help Center for documentation and guidance. With the Help Center you may also use the search bar to quickly find documents that walk you through completing your everyday tasks in the system.
In addition to the Help Center written documentation, you also have access to a collection of short training videos to assist you in this transition.
These self-paced videos can be found on the Qmlativ Training site accessible through DORA. Resources will continue to be added to the training site throughout the year.
Qmlativ Support
The FPS District Migration Teams are currently receiving a high volume of requests for support. It is likely there will be a slower than normal response due to the Qmlativ project but know we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.
If you have questions or a need for support, please submit an IT work order. This allows us to prioritize work orders that have a greatest impact to student learning and district operations.
2023/2024 School Year Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)
The first meeting of the TAC for the 2023/2024 school year will be held on Wednesday, October 25th, location to be determined.
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
IT Work Orders
While we understand that each request / call to IT is of high importance to the person submitting the request, some requests have a broader impact to district operations. We will get to all requests as time permits.
These items are examples and are meant as a guide. These are not all encompassing to the tickets submitted:
Technology moves (please remember staff should not be moving technology equipment – phones/printers/etc)
Qmlativ Update
This summer, Franklin Pierce Schools received a significant upgrade to our Student Information System which we refer to as Skyward or Skyward SMS 2.0. We went through a migration process at the end of June and are now in Qmlativ as of July.
Help Documents and Resources
Once logged into Qmlativ, you have access to an abundance of helpful resources within your Knowledge Hub. From the top right corner of your screen click Knowledge Hub and Help Center for documentation and guidance.
With the Help Center you may also use the search bar to quickly find documents that walk you through completing your everyday tasks in the system.
In addition to the Help Center written documentation, you also have access to a collection of short training videos to assist you in this transition. These self-paced videos can be found on the Qmlativ Training site accessible through DORA. Resources will continue to be added to the training site throughout the year.
Trouble Logging In?
Resetting your Qmlativ Password
If you are unable to login, please use the “Forgot your Username or Password?” link located on the Qmlativ login screen.
When staff reset their Qmlativ password, it is important to also update your stored password in DORA. This allows you to automatically login and avoid failed login attempts that could lock you out of your account.
Note, if you receive a message that your account is locked, the “Forgot your Username or Password?” link will unlock your account as well.
Updating Your Qmlativ Password in DORA
Once you reset your Qmlativ password, go back to DORA and right click on the FPS Qmlativ app and click Edit Password.
Next, click the blue pencil to edit.
Enter your updated credentials and click Save (bottom right side of your screen.)
You now will automatically be signed in to Qmlativ when you click on the app from DORA.
Qmlativ Support
The FPS District Migration Teams are currently receiving a high volume of requests for support. It is likely there will be a slower than normal response due to the Qmlativ project but know we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.
If you have questions or a need for support, please submit an IT work order. This allows us to prioritize in alignment with the above outlined priorities.
All student laptops and chargers should be returned to their home school and checked-in in Destiny no later than June 24, 2023
If you have students who will be participating in Summer School, the student will turn in their current laptop and be assigned a new one for Summer School
End of year housekeeping reminders:
If you are leaving the school district:
Please return all technology to IT no later than Friday, July 7, 2023
If you have a desktop computer and or an external monitor, please put in an IT Work Order indicating you are leaving and the room number your technology is in
Para laptops:
Please return all technology to IT no later than Friday, July 7, 2023
If you are working for the district over the summer and will need the use of a laptop, please have your supervisor email IT (itworkorder@fpschool.org) letting us know so that we can make arrangements
If you are returning to the district next year:
You may take your laptop home with you
Just remember, it is your responsibility per the Technology Acceptance Agreement that you signed
If you choose not to take your laptop home, please bring it to IT for safe storage over the summer
Classroom Technology:
Document cameras, microphones, remotes, and desk phones are assigned to the classrooms
If you took your Document camera home for remote learning please return it to the classroom and keep an eye on your email for further instructions
IT will be inventorying/auditing the technology in all classrooms this summer
Buildings may be fiscally responsible for missing/damaged items
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change the location of my desktop(s) and or phone in my classroom? A: Please do not move the desktop(s) or phones in the classrooms. A work order needs to be submitted so that IT can move the technology, if feasible (dependent on power, network connections, and space)
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what do I do with my technology? A: You may take your laptop and external monitor with you, all other equipment (phone, remotes, document cameras, and phones are assigned to the classroom)
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what will be phone extension be? A: Your phone extension will be determined and assigned after IT receives room/building assignment information from your building or department
Help Desk during the summer!
The help desk will close for the summer on Monday, June 26th, and will reopen for the 2023/2024 School Year on Thursday, August 10th.
If you need assistance during this time please call the IT Office Manager at 253-298-4656.
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC met on May 31st to share quick presentations on topics, software, programs, that they would like for the TAC to explore in the 2023/2024 School Year.
The committee also decided to meet monthly on Wednesday's on a rotating schedule
One month the whole committee will meet and the next the sub-committees will meet
Dates and times of the meetings will be coming soon
A huge thank you to the planning committee members who helped us to revamp the TAC and to the 2023/2024 SY participants!
Don't forget to D.U.S.T before leaving your classroom!
Disconnect from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) Unplug your document camera Secure your laptop Turn off your projector
For a seamless connection and tech hassle-free ensure you Disconnect your laptop from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) after each use. The easiest way to disconnect from WiDi, press the Windows and P key and select disconnect.
It is also important to Turn off your projector before you leave to help save the life of the projector and if it is a projector that has a bulb, to extend the life of the bulb.
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)
We held our first meeting of the TAC on April 26th. This is the first time since March of 2020 that the TAC has been able to meet. We are excited to have the committee back!
Questions to ask yourself to help determine if an email is valid or potentially malicious?
Do you know the sender?
Are you expecting this email?
Does this email make sense?
Have you validated the email address?
Is the context of the message out of the ordinary?
Am I being pushed to act quickly?
Am I being asked to enter account information (username, email, password)?
If you ask yourself these questions and have any concerns don't open the email and forward it to the work order system at itworkorder@fpschools.org.
Please help us welcome Erin Wright to the Data Team
Erin comes to IT from the PK-12 Office as the Executive Manager to the Deputy Superintendent and prior to that she worked with WSIPC. Erin is bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are excited to have her as part of the Team!
Qmlativ Student Focus Group training continues.
Coming soon....Q-micro videos! Q-micro videos will be a collection of short, content-focused Qmlativ training opportunities accessible to all district users. Training videos will include but are not limited to Qmlativ General Navigation, Teacher Access, Main Office & Data Tasks.
Qmlativ user training continues. Focus Group trainings are ongoing as well as drop-in sessions to work through Qmlativ processes with the Data Team. Additional user training opportunities will be released over the next several months. Stay tuned!
The deadline for filling out the form is Friday, March 24th
We are hoping to get a wide representation of staff on the TAC, from entry-level technology users to advanced users as well as from all buildings/departments.
Did you know the district is required to filter internet content as part of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)?
We use a product called Securly that blocks inappropriate content on district devices based on how a website is categorized (ie. adult content, drugs, streaming services, gambling, social media, games, hate).
Sometimes a website's category is updated causing a previously available site to become blocked or a previously blocked site to become available.
If you feel a web resource is being blocked in error, please submit an IT work order and we will review the resource to determine if it needs to go through the Technology Approval process or if it has been miscategorized.
The IT Network Team got the privilege to present at the December 6th Board Meeting
To learn more about the districts current Digital and Cyber Security please see the Power Point presentation below. If you are interested in getting more information about the district's Cybersecurity, please call us at extension 4647.
Do you have a fear of missing out on the latest instructional software, hardware, or online resource available?
Did you know that IT maintains a list of all district approved instructional software, hardware, and online resources?
If not, check out the Staff Technology Resources folder in DORA and click on the Approved List.
There you will find a list of over 500 programs, hardware and online resources that have been reviewed by the district.
If you do not see something on the list that you think should be please fill out the Approval Form which can also be found in the Staff Technology Resources folder in DORA.
TAC (Technology Advisory Committee) is coming back soon!
Keep an eye on the Team Review for more information.
Qmlativ Bulletin!
Your one stop shop for all things Qmlativ was recently delivered to your in-box via the Qmlativ Bulletin
IT, Human Resources, and the Business office will be publishing 6 bulletins between now and August 2023 that will be full of great resources and knowledge about the Qmlativ Migration.
Teams Messaging
Soon IT will be disabling the auto launch of Teams messaging on all staff laptops.
This will increase the speed of which your laptop will start up.
If you use Teams daily you can re-enable auto launch if you want it for your laptop, please contact the help desk for assistance.
There are only 215 working days until we GO LIVE in Qmlativ!
Given that there will be a lot of new information available for all staff as we move through these 215 days, Qmlativ will have its own newsletter! This will include progress updates, training, FAQs, and other tips and tricks to prepare everyone for this change.
We are excited to introduce the newest member of the IT Team!
Please help us welcome Michaela Watts as our new Data and Application Analyst. Michaela will be replacing Greg Beach who has accepted a wonderful opportunity outside the district. Michaela’s passion for data analysis and her wealth of knowledge of our district's systems makes her a wonderful fit to our team. Michaela’s first day with the IT team will be June 20th.
Preparations are happening!
We are currently working on cleaning up existing data and will meet with available focus groups over the summer!
In August, we will dive in with user training to set everyone up for success as we prepare for our migration in July 2023!!
Student Laptop Return
All student laptops and chargers should be returned to their home school and checked-in in Destiny no later than June 24, 2022
This will include remote student laptops
If you have students who will be participating in Summer School, the student will turn in their current laptop and be assigned a new one for Summer School
End of year housekeeping reminders:
If you are leaving the school district:
Please return all technology to IT no later than Friday, July 1, 2022, via an appointment
More information on how to sign up for an appointment will be coming soon via email.
If you have a desktop computer and or an external monitor, please put in an IT Work Order indicating you are leaving and the room number your technology is in.
If you are returning to the district next year:
You may take your laptop home with you.
Just remember, it is your responsibility per the Technology Acceptance Agreement that you signed.
If you choose not to take your laptop home, please bring it to IT for safe storage over the summer.
Classroom Technology:
Document cameras, microphones, remotes, and desk phones are assigned to the classrooms
If you took your Document camera home for remote learning please return it to the classroom and keep an eye on your email for further instructions.
IT will be inventorying/auditing the technology in all classrooms this summer.
Buildings may be fiscally responsible for missing/damaged items
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change the location of my desktop(s) and or phone in my classroom? A: Please do not move the desktop(s) or phones in the classrooms. A work order needs to be submitted so that IT can move the technology, if feasible (dependent on power, network connections, and space).
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what do I do with my technology? A: You may take your laptop and external monitor with you, all other equipment (phone, remotes, document cameras, and phones are assigned to the classroom)
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what will be phone extension be? A: Your phone extension will be determined and assigned after IT receives room/building assignment information from your building or department.
2022 OnCon Icon Awards - Top 100 Technology Professional Awards
Please help us congratulate Liza Klumpar, CTO, on being named in the Top 100 Technology Professionals by OnCon. Award winners were selected by their peers and technology Community. Voters selected the winners based on the success and positive impact on their organization, and their strong contributions to the technology community through thoughtful leadership, innovation, and great leadership!
Technology Software/Hardware Approval Process
Don't forget to get approval before using a new website, software, or hardware!
If you are looking at using a new website, software, or hardware you want to make sure that it is approved first, to do this go to the Staff Technology Resources folder in DORA
For a complete list of technology that has been reviewed click on the Approved list
Here you can find programs that have been requested and their status, pending, denied, or approved, and who it has been approved for
If you do not see the website, software, or hardware that you are looking for you can submit a Hardware/Software Request via the Approval Form icon
In the Staff Technology Resources folder, you will also find Board Policy and Procedures 2022 which discuss the Electronic Resources, Internet Safety, and Digital CitizenshipImage
When in doubt submit a Hardware/Software Request!
Qmlativ Training Sessions
Keep an eye on your inbox for a mini training video: Get to Know Qmlativ (and the opportunity to earn a treat!)
We are excited to introduce you to our 3 new team members!
Please help us welcome Clay Woolfork, Peter Swift, and Ivan Vazquez
Clay Woolfork will be our Network Infrastructure Manager. His primary role is to manage the network, systems, and security infrastructure for the district. He comes to us from the Wenatchee School District.
Peter Swift is our Network Systems Administrator. His primary role is to administer our current systems and security infrastructure. Peter is a Franklin Pierce High School alumni.
Ivan Vazquez is our newest Information Technology Support Specialist. He is assigned to Christensen, Collins, Elmhurst, and Washington as their building tech. Ivan is a Washington High School alumni.
Reminders from your techs!
Restarting your computer
It is important to restart your computer at least once a week while connected to the internet
To restart your computer you will go to the start menu, power, and select restart
Shutting down ta computer and restarting a computer are two different processes
Restarting your computer signs out the users, closes open apps, checks in for available updates, and clears out old information
Locking the mobile laptop carts/towers
Please remember to lock the mobile laptop carts when they are not in use or unattended.
Secure your technology!
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop and other technology
Store technology in a secure cabinet, drawer, or storage cart and ensure that the storage is locked
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it into the main office during Winter Break
Do not leave your technology sitting in a car
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment
Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
Do not place anything heavy on your laptop
The screen can be easily cracked/damaged
Technology that is found left out during the break will be brought back to the IT Office and it is the staff members' responsibility to come and pick up the laptop from IT
If IT takes a piece of technology they will leave a notice on your desk that the technology has been picked up by IT
Preparations for the Qmlativ migration continues to be underway!
You can check out the Qmlativ Roadmap and get answers to some commonly asked questions on the IT Qmlativ webpage.
Thank you!
IT would like to thank everyone for the cards, treats, and kind messages during IT Appreciation week! We truly enjoyed all of it and are very thankful to get to work with all of you.
The Qmlativ migration has been extended, however, the work and momentum will not stop. Focus groups will continue to meet and dive deeper into Qmlativ training and features. THANK YOU, Focus Group members!
We look forward to bringing you a more streamlined and successful experience!
Updated Technology Software/Hardware Request Form v8.1
Did you know that the district has a Technology Software/Hardware Request form and approval process?
This process ensures the protection of student and staff data
Confirms technology fits with district approved curriculum and/or student support
Verify the requested software/hardware can be supported and integrated with district infrastructure
Per school Board Policy/Procedure 2022 – “All technology, including software, hardware, and online programs/resources must go through the district technology approval process and be approved prior to use.”
The latest version 8.1 provides an outline of the updated approval and implementation process, and expected timelines.
Approval form v8.1 can be found in DORA under the Staff Technology Resources Folder, along with the Approval List and Board Policy/Procedure 2022.
Your focus group team members are busy looking at Qmlativ resources to help plan training for all users. They have your best interest in mind and will ensure you get the training you need!
Q-Tip: Qmlativ will have easy-to-read indicators in the student profile!
Secure your technology!
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop and other technology
Store technology in a secure cabinet, drawer, or storage cart and ensure that the storage is locked
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it into the main office during Winter Break
Do not leave your technology sitting in a car
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment
Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
Do not place anything heavy on your laptop
The screen can be easily cracked/damaged
Technology that is found left out during the break will be brought back to the IT Office and it is the staff members' responsibility to come and pick up the laptop from IT
If IT takes a piece of technology they will leave a notice on your desk that the technology has been picked up by IT
Don't forget to D.U.S.T. before you leave your classroom!
Disconnect from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) Unplug your document camera Secure your laptop Turn off your projector
For a seamless connection and tech hassle-free ensure you Disconnect your laptop from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) after each use. The easiest way to disconnect from WiDi, press the Windows Key and P and select disconnect.
Seventeen (17) Focus Groups have been established and are meeting to help prioritize migration tasks and training for all users. Thank you focus group members!
We want to hear from you! If you have any general questions, feedback, or concerns regarding Qmlativ, please send them to qmlativ@fpschools.org
Q-tastic facts - Qmlativ will allow you to customize your dashboard with graphs, real-time data, and color scheme!
Increasing Phishing Emails:
IT is seeing an increase in phishing emails
Phishing emails are ones that impersonate someone else in an attempt to gather sensitive information to be used maliciously
Ways to spot a phishing email:
Look at the full email address, is everything spelled correctly, especially the part after the @ symbol
Does the email say it is coming from someone in the district, but it is the external warning banner on it
If you get an email you are unsure of DO NOT click on anything or respond, forward the email to itworkorder@fpschools.org and delete the email
Junk emails
Do you get emails from companies, they are not phishing emails they are legitimate emails but you don’t want/need them?
Instead of deleting them, right-click on the email, click Junk, and then block the sender
Secure your technology during winter break!
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop and other technology
Store technology in a secure cabinet, drawer, or storage cart and ensure that the storage is locked
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it into the main office during Winter Break
Do not leave your technology sitting in a car
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment
Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
Do not place anything heavy on your laptop
The screen can be easily cracked/damaged
Technology that is found left out during the break will be brought back to the IT Office and it is the staff members' responsibility to come and pick up the laptop from IT
If IT takes a piece of technology they will leave a notice on your desk that the technology has been picked up by IT
Did you know that Skyward is migrating to Qmlativ?
The migration to Qmlativ will encompass all Skyward systems: Student Management, Employee Access, Human Resources, and Financial Management.
The go live date is July 6, 2022
Not sure what Qmlativ is? Check out this short video
Don't panic! More information and trainings will be provided over the next several months
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Project Manager, Andi Sledge, at asledge@fpschools.org or extension 4639
Please help the IT Team in wishing Brian Runnalls good luck with his new adventures!
Brian has been with the IT Team for 10-years this month as the Network Infrastructure Manager and has played a vital role in getting the district network infrastructure in a very good state. Brian has accepted a great opportunity to work for a global company in a unique position. His presence and expertise along with his dedication to the district will be greatly missed. We cannot thank him enough for all his hard work, dedication, and care for both the team and the district.
We will miss you and wish you the very best in your new tech adventure!
Please help us welcome the newest IT Team Member, Andi Sledge!
Andi has been with the district since 2019 as the District Attendance Liaison and will be joining the Data Team as the new Data Systems Specialist/Project Manager
Her primary focus will be the migration to Qmlativ from Skyward
We are very excited to have her join our team
Did you know the school district will be migrating from Skyward to Qmlativ?
Be on the lookout in future Team Reviews for more information about focus groups, meetings, and general updates
Downtime Notifications from IT
FPSIT@fpschools.org will be the new address for ALL system downtime notifications
This will include updates and major system releases
This email is only for notification, and it will not be monitored
If you have questions regarding the downtime notification, please contact our Help Desk at ext. 1234
Student Laptops
Please make sure that when a student is assigned a laptop for the first time that they sign into the computer while at school and are able to get all the way to the desktop prior to taking the laptop home
By making sure that the student gets all the way to the desktop ensures that the account activated processes on the laptop has been completed correctly
This is especially important for students who will be doing school remotely
Don't forget to D.U.S.T. before you leave your classroom!
Disconnect from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) Unplug your document camera Secure your laptop Turn off your projector
For a seamless connection and tech hassle-free ensure you Disconnect your laptop from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) after each use. The easiest way to disconnect from WiDi, press the Windows key and P and select disconnect.
IT Help Desk
IT Help Desk, for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
IT Work Orders
Did you know you can submit an IT Work Order via email?
Simply email itworkorder@fpschools.org
You will get the confirmation email that your work order was submitted and the work order number after sending
You can also submit a work order or check on a work order by clicking on the IT Work Order icon in DORA
Don't forget to D.U.S.T. before you leave your classroom!
Disconnect from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) Unplug your document camera Secure your laptop Turn off your projector
For a seamless connection and tech hassle-free ensure you Disconnect your laptop from your WiDi (ScreenBeam) after each use. The easiest way to disconnect from WiDi, press the Windows key and P and select disconnect.
IT Help Desk
The help desk is open and ready to assist you!
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
End of year housekeeping reminders from Information Technology (IT)
If you are leaving the school district:
Please return all technology to IT no later than Friday, July 9, 2021, via an appointment
More information on how to sign up for an appointment will be coming soon via email.
If you have a desktop computer and or an external monitor please put in an IT Work Order indicating you are leaving and the room number your technology is in.
If you are returning to the district next year:
You may take your laptop home with you.
Just remember, it is your responsibility per the Technology Acceptance Agreement that you signed.
If you choose not to take your laptop home, please bring it to IT for safe storage over the summer.
Classroom Technology:
Document cameras, microphones, remotes, and desk phones are assigned to the classrooms
If you took your Document camera home for remote learning please return it to the classroom and keep an eye on your email for further instructions.
IT will be inventorying/auditing the technology in all classrooms this summer.
Buildings may be fiscally responsible for missing/damaged items
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change the location of my desktop(s) and or phone in my classroom?
A: Please do not move the desktop(s) or phones in the classrooms. A work order needs to be submitted so that IT can move the technology, if feasible (dependent on power, network connections, and space).
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what do I do with my technology?
A: You may take your laptop and external monitor with you, all other equipment (phone, remotes, document cameras, and phones are assigned to the classroom)
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what will be phone extension be?
A: Your phone extension will be determined and assigned after IT receives room/building assignment information from your building or department.
Please keep these simple tips in mind when planning your next presentation:
Always test the connection to the projector in advance
IT recommends a minimum of 45-minutes to an hour prior to presenting, this allows you and IT time to troubleshoot if there is an issue
Always disconnect from the projector when you are done presenting or at the end of the day. Failure to disconnect can cause connection issues the next time you or someone else presents in the room
To disconnect, press Windows Key + P and click the Disconnect button
District Cell Phone Request Form
IT has created a new InformedK12 form to request a new or replacement district cell phone. The form can be found in DORA by clicking on the Staff Technology Resources folder and then the Cell Phone Request form.
Student Password Reset Tool
Basic guidelines
The tool will only function from within the district's network; it will not work from home or other locations.
Passwords can only be reset for students who are on the district network; if they are at home they will need to bring the computer into school and connect it to the district's network to change the password on their computer
The students can stay in their car, they need to get close to the building and make sure the laptop connects to the district wireless before logging in and resetting their password
Staff can see only students assigned to their respective school assignments.
Instructions
From the DORA dashboard, select the Student Password Reset Tool
Once the tool is open, click on the Single & Bulk Password Reset icon
The next page may take a few moments to load, this is normal
Use the filter field to search for the user by name or student ID number
After entering the student's information, highlight the user by single-clicking on the user
Enter a new password and confirm the password
By default under Account Options, the following is preset for you:
User must change password at next logon
Force unlock account reset
Elementary staff, please unselect the option "User must change password at next logon"
Click Submit
IT Technical Support Options
Please have students/families experiencing technical difficulties reach out to IT directly
By the students/families contacting IT directly, we remove the middleman. We typically can resolve the issues quicker as we can ask the questions directly to the one who has the computer
If a family states that they are having trouble getting through to the help desk, the Technical Assistance Request form and the in-person appointments are the best routes
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Technical Assistance Request Form for students/families
Students and families can submit a request for a callback or email from IT
From the district website, they will go to the IT Support banner and click on the Click here to submit a request online
Once the request is submitted, IT will reach out to the family via the format that they have selected. All submissions are returned in the order in which they are received
In-person appointments
If a student/family needs to come into the IT Office for hands-on technical support, they can go to the district website to the IT Support banner and click on the second link, for an in-person appointment
With Spring Break next week please keep these tips in mind when you leave for break:
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop, tablet, and other technology equipment.
Store technology equipment in a secure cabinet, drawer, storage cart, or learning wall cabinet and ensure that the storage is locked.
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it into the main office during Spring Break.
Do not leave your technology equipment sitting in a car.
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment.
Do not place anything heavy on the equipment. The screen can be easily cracked/damaged.
Before you leave each day, don't forget to check for D.U.S.T.
Disconnect from your WiDi
Unplug your document camera
Secure your laptop
Turn off your projector
Thank you!
The IT Team would like to thank all of the staff and schools who sent us kind words and treats for IT Appreciation week. Everything was very much appreciated and enjoyed by the staff. Thank you for making us feel so appreciated!
IT Technical Support Options
IT would like to ask staff to please have students/families experiencing technical difficulties to please reach out to IT directly
By the students/families contacting IT directly, we remove the middleman. We typically can resolve the issues quicker as we can ask the questions directly to the one who has the computer
If a family states that they are having trouble getting through to the help desk, the Technical Assistance Request form and the in-person appointments are the best routes
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Technical Assistance Request Form for students/families
Students and families can submit a request for a callback or email from IT
From the district website, they will go to the IT Support banner and click on the Click here to submit a request online
Once the request is submitted, IT will reach out to the family via the format that they have selected. All submissions are returned in the order in which they are received
In-person appointments
If a student/family needs to come into the IT Office for hands-on technical support, they can go to the district website to the IT Support banner and click on the second link, for an in-person appointment
As a reminder please do not move technology in the classrooms/offices
If you need to have a desktop, printer, phone, projector, TV moved please put in an IT work order with where you would like the technology moved
It is also helpful if you put a sticky note or a sign in the room indicating where you would like the technology
IT will do our best to accommodate all moves but please know that not all moves are feasible
If you have a question on whether or not you should move something it is always best to call the Help Desk, in-district extension 1234, out-of-district 253-298-4647 option 1, or put in a work order
Tips to spotting a phishing email!
In today's environment, so much of our daily lives are conducted online and via email, the chances of getting a phishing email are very high. The IT department works very hard to block and stop phishing emails from getting to your inbox; it does still happen.
Here are some tips to spotting a phishing email:
Check the email address, mostly what is after the @ symbol in the address
Example: example@mail.fpschools.net instead of example@fpschools.org
Is the email designed to make you panic?
Is it asking you to confirm personal information, or is it telling you that your information is compromised and you must enter your credentials to verify
Check the greeting, spelling, and grammar
Is the email addressed to you specifically, or is it a general greeting?
Does it include a fake invoice or want you to click on a link to make a payment?
Ask yourself, do I have an account with this company or know the person who is contacting me?
What to do if you think you have gotten a phishing/fraudulent email?
Do not click on the link or attachment
Call the IT help desk or forward the email to the IT Work Order system
Help Desk: In-district extension 1234, Out-of-district 253-298-4647 option 1
IT Work Order system: itworkorder@fpschools.org
Delete the email
IT Technical Support Options
IT would like to ask staff to please have students/families experiencing technical difficulties to please reach out to IT directly
By the students/families contacting IT directly, we remove the middleman. We typically can resolve the issues quicker as we can ask the questions directly to the one who has the computer
If a family states that they are having trouble getting through to the help desk, the Technical Assistance Request form and the in-person appointments are the best routes
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Technical Assistance Request Form for students/families
Students and families can submit a request for a callback or email from IT
From the district website, they will go to the IT Support banner and click on the Click here to submit a request online
Once the request is submitted, IT will reach out to the family via the format that they have selected. All submissions are returned in the order in which they are received
In-person appointments
If a student/family needs to come into the IT Office for hands-on technical support, they can go to the district website to the IT Support banner and click on the second link, for an in-person appointment
If you are unsure of the sender’s email address and/or its content, contact the IT Help Desk for further assistance
Do not click the link or attachment
IT Help Desk: In-district extension 1234, Out of district 253-298-4647 option 1
FPS Information Technology Department will not request user account information via email
Do not provide your user account to anyone
This action will compromise your email account and our district’s Active Directory accounts and may potentially compromise our network security
Emails that contain a malicious virus/Trojan can disable our network district-wide
FPS Information Technology staff will always have their email signature
If you don’t see our signature, it didn’t come from our department
If we need to get more details, including the email content in question, we will contact you directly
A Phishing email’s primary purpose is to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and sometimes credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity
A proactive approach is our best defense for these types of malicious emails. Please be vigilant and help our district systems be protected
IT Work Orders
The IT Office would like to remind everyone of the importance of submitting work orders. With all of the moving parts of distance learning, work orders are more important now than ever to keep track of requests. Emailing the IT staff with requests run the risk of being lost in emails.
Ways to submit an IT Work Order:
From the Work Order System
Go to DORA and click on the IT Work Order icon
Sign in with your Active Directory (computer login)
Email the work order system
From outlook email itworkorder@fpschools.org
With this method, make sure that you get an email confirmation that your work order was received
IT Technical Support Options
IT would like to ask staff to please have students/families experiencing technical difficulties to please reach out to IT directly
By the students/families contacting IT directly, we remove the middleman. We typically can resolve the issues quicker as we can ask the questions directly to the one who has the computer
If a family states that they are having trouble getting through to the help desk, the Technical Assistance Request form and the in-person appointments are the best routes
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Technical Assistance Request Form for students/families
Students and families can submit a request for a callback or email from IT
From the district website, they will go to the IT Support banner and click on the Click here to submit a request online
Once the request is submitted, IT will reach out to the family via the format that they have selected. All submissions are returned in the order in which they are received
In-person appointments
If a student/family needs to come into the IT Office for hands-on technical support, they can go to the district website to the IT Support banner and click on the second link; click here for an in-person appointment
From the Extension Locker-Skyward Screen, click Edit
Under Credentials, click on the "eye" icon next to password to confirm the most recent password is in place
Remove the previous password, update the password to the new one and click Save
Staffing Changes in IT
It is with great pleasure that we announce some changes to the IT department.
Sean Atherton has accepted a role as our Network Systems Specialist.
Johnathon Hackett, who worked as a summer helper this summer, has accepted the IT Support Specialist position opened by Sean taking the network position.
Joshua Baird has accepted a position as a Temporary IT Support Specialist.
We are very excited about these changes and want to wish them congratulations!
IT Technical Support Options
IT would like to ask staff to please have students/families experiencing technical difficulties to please reach out to IT directly. By the students/families contacting IT directly, we remove the middleman. We typically can resolve the issues quicker as we can ask the questions directly to the one who has the computer.
If a family states that they are having trouble getting thru to the help desk, the Technical Assistance Request form and the in-person appointments are the best routes.
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Technical Assistance Request Form for students/families
Students and families can submit a request for a callback or email from IT.
From the district website, they will go to the IT Support banner and click on the Click here to submit a request online.
Once the request is submitted, IT will reach out to the family via the format that they have selected. All requests are returned in the order in which they are received.
In-person appointments
If a student/family needs to come into the IT Office for hands-on technical support, they can go to the district website to the IT Support banner and click on the second link; click here for an in-person appointment.
Information Technology would like to say a huge THANK YOU for all the support, kind words, encouraging emails and cards, treats, and offers to help. The surprise visits with donuts, cookies, coffee, and so much more have helped fuel all of us through this unprecedented and challenging start of the school year.
Information Technology Statistics from September 1 - 23
Phone Calls
46,072* calls came into the Help Desk
*This includes call that came in after hours and on weekends
22,900 of those calls were answered during business hours
22,648 calls to the IT Mainline 4647
Work Orders
1,475 work orders opened
1,083 completed
Appointments with IT
320 appointments made, many of these had two or more students per appointment
IT Support Request Form
343 requests for an email or a call back has been made
298 of those have been contacted as of the end of business on September 23rd
IT Technical Support Options
IT Help Desk, open for both staff and students/families
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Technical Assistance Request Form for students/families
Students and families are able to submit a request for a call back or email from IT.
From the district website they will go to the IT Support banner and click on the Click here to submit a request online.
Once the request is submitted IT will reach out to the family via the format that they have selected. All requests are returned in the order in which they are received.
In-person appointments
If a student/family needs to come into the IT Office for hands on technical support they can go to the district website to the IT Support banner and click on the second link, click here for an in-person appointment.
During COVID, the IT Help Desk is open to both staff and families. We recently extend our help desk hours to provide technical support to our families.
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
Phone Number:
In-district from a district phone: 1234
Out of district or from a cell phone: 253-298-4647 option 1
Tips to protect your account from being compromised!
Create a strong password that:
Uses a Password Phrase – Having a password phrase makes it easier for you to remember your password without making it easier for somebody to guess or hack.
Does not contain your user name or real name.
Does not contain personal information, such as birth dates, names of family members, or pets.
Contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numerals, or symbols.
Is significantly different than previous passwords.
Don’t share your password – You are responsible for what happens under your username and password.
Do not write your passwords down
Beware of Phishing attempts!
All emails that do not originate from Franklin Pierce School District will have the following note added to the top of the email as a reminder: “This email originated from outside of Franklin Pierce Schools. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.” Depending on the format of the email the reminder may not always be highlighted.
The note is to help you identify emails that may not be from a trusted source and to exercise caution.
Do not click on attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. If you are unsure of the sender’s email address or its content, please contact the Help Desk at ext. 1234 for assistance.
Do not reply to emails or attached documents that ask you to submit your username and password.
If unsure, simply delete the email or contact the IT Help Desk for further assistance.
Information Technology is scheduling appointments for guardians to pick up technology for their students grades Kindergarten thru 12th grade.
The guardian needs to call IT at 253-298-4656 between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM to sign up for an appointment.
Student Laptop Technical Support
Information Technology is able to offer technical support to students and guardians
It is best for the student or guardian to call IT for technical support
Hours:
Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Phone Number: 253-298-4647 Option 1
Email Best Practices Reminder
During this uncharted events there’s been an increasing email phishing attempting to access or acquire sensitive personal information.
Here are the reminders on Email Best Practices:
Always check the sender’s email address. If you are unsure of the sender’s email address and /or its content contact IT Help Desk at ext. 1234 for further assistance. Do not click the link or attachment.
FPS Information Technology Department will not request user account information via email.
Do not provide your user account to anyone. This action will compromise your email account and our district’s Active Directory accounts and can potentially compromise our network security. Emails that contain a malicious virus/Trojan can disable our network district wide.
FPS Information Technology staff will always have their email signature. If you don’t see our signature, it didn’t come from our department.
If we need to get more details including the email content in question, we will contact you directly.
Phishing email main purpose is to attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and sometimes credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.
A proactive approach is our best defense to these type of malicious emails. Please be vigilant and help our district systems protected.
Thank you!
The staff at Information Technology would like to thank everyone for the love and support that you have shown our department during the district closure. We thank you for all of the love you have shown our department.
Thank you, Franklin Pierce School Board and Superintendent Goodpaster!
Information Technology had the privilege to present to the School Board and Superintendent Goodpaster at the February 11th School Board Meeting. It was a wonderful experience getting to share all the exciting projects that IT is currently working on and planning in the coming months and years. We look forward to presenting again in the future.
Senseon Case Study
IT had the opportunity to partner with another one of our vendors, Senseon, on a case study.Senseon is a cyber security platform that uses artificial intelligence to analyze the behaviors and traffic on our network and district devices to look for threats.
Changes are coming to the help icon options in Canvas to serve you
and your students better.
Currently, when teachers click on help in Canvas, they see 3 options:
Search the Canvas Guides
Report a Problem (ticket opened with Canvas)
Canvas 101
Students see:
Ask Your Instructor a Question
Search the Canvas Guides
Report a Problem (ticket opened with Canvas)
The new options that will be available:
Teachers:
Search the Canvas Guides
Report a Problem (will open a ticket with district IT)
Students:
Ask your Teacher a Question
Search the Canvas Guides
Students will no longer have the option to submit a ticket directly to Canvas; instead, they will need to ask their teacher for assistance first.
On Tuesday February 18th, we will be adding a link in DORA, for all staff, called “Help Desk.” The link is for the remote connection program, sometimes used to connect to your computer when working with IT on the phone. The tool allow us to see what you see on your computer and assists in troubleshooting problems you may be encountering. In order for IT to be able to connect to see your desktop, the program must be run from your computer and the connection code must be provided to IT staff at the time of the call. The link will only be functional when you are on your district device on the district network.
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop, tablet, and other technology equipment.
Store technology equipment in a secure cabinet, drawer, storage cart or learning wall cabinet and ensure that the storage is locked.
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it into the main office during Winter Break.
Do not leave your technology equipment sitting in a car.
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment.
Do not place anything heavy on the equipment. The screen can be easily cracked/damaged.
Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items.
Do not leave your technology in the car.
Technology that is found left out during the break will be brought back to the IT Office and it is the staff members responsibility to come and pick up the laptop from IT. If IT takes a piece of technology they will leave a notice on your desk that the technology has been picked up by IT.
Before you leave each day, don't forget to check for D.U.S.T.
Disconnect from you WiDi
Unplug your document camera
Secure your laptop
Turn off your projector
December Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting
The next TAC meeting will be on Wednesday, December 18th from 4:30-6pm, in the Franklin Pierce High School Corrigan Room. All are welcome to attend.
Please help us welcome Greg to the Information Technology Team. Greg is our new Data and Application Analyst and will be working closely with Bianca Ibarra on the data side of programs such as Teacher Ease, Maia, rostering, Skyward and so much more. Greg comes to us from the Archdiocese of Seattle's, St. Charles Borromeo school in Tacoma. We are excited to have Greg as part of our team!
Email Best Practices
Do not click on attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. If you are unsure of the sender's email address or its content, please contact the Help Desk at ext. 1234 for assistance.
All emails originating from outside the district will have the following note added to the top of the email as a reminder: "This email originated from outside of Franklin Pierce Schools. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe."
Do not share your computer or Skyward logins with others
If you have a substitute, the main office can assist the substitute with gaining access to your classes in Skyward through the substitutes account
For Skyward access for Clerical positions, the building Office Manager or Administrator will need to put in a work order outlining the access the sub will need.
FPHS One to One Take Home Update
FPHS has continued to explore different ways to use their 1 to 1 student laptops and are finding exciting ways to engage their students
The Principal has started to send out a weekly one question survey to students via Microsoft Forms, the student with the best answer wins a prize
He is able to gather real time data from the students at the same time teaching them to use their district email
The use of Canvas has increased throughout the school
Teachers are able to put their lessons in Canvas when they are going to be out of school and direct the substitute to have the students complete the work in Canvas
Students are able to do more research based assignments in class
IT is proud to announce that as of Monday, September 16th FPHS is a 1:1 student laptop take home school. All students at FPHS have been assigned a laptop and charger that they are responsible for bringing to school each day. In just under 3 hours, the IT team was able to deploy 960 laptops to students. Thank you to the Admin and staff at FPHS for helping to make this possible!
LAN School
LanSchool will be disabled district wide to allow ELPA21 screening tests. Due to ELPA21 tests not having a set testing window, LanSchool will be off indefinitely. AIR has added LanSchool to their forbidden application list because it allows view and control of student machines. In order to comply with AIR regulations, LanSchool must be turned off.
We are working to find a solution that will allow classrooms to use LanSchool or a similar program without impacting state testing.
CTE classrooms will remain functional in regards to existing LanSchool installations.
SBAC Secure Browser:
All student computers must have the latest version of SBAC Secure Browser for ELPA21 and SBAC activities.
Please ensure your student devices have been rebooted before testing begins, this will ensure the devices get the latest versions required and the machines is fresh for testing purposes.
Securing your technology, please keep these tips in mind:
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to or loss/theft of their laptop, computer, tablet, or other technology equipment
Store technology equipment in a secure location such as a locking cart, cabinet or drawer
Store all student laptops in the laptop cart, plugged in and charging with the lock on the cart
Do not leave your technology in the car
Be careful with food and drink around your equipment. Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
Remember if something happens to your technology to report it to IT immediately
Technology Approval Portal
On Monday (9/9/19) a searchable technology approval portal will be added to DORA (Staff Technology Resources folder).
You will be able to find which technology, hardware, software, online resources, have been approved for use within the district.
The portal will also have a link to the InformedK12 form for submitting technology to be reviewed.
As new requests are submitted you will be able to track the approval process through the portal.
With help from Teaching & Learning we will continue to grow the list and add helpful details about each item.
Email Best Practices
Do not click on attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. If you are unsure of the sender's email address or its content, please contact the Help Desk at ext. 1234 for assistance.
All emails originating from outside the district will have the following note added to the top of the email as a reminder: "This email originated from outside of Franklin Pierce Schools. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe."
Do not share your computer or Skyward logins with others
If you have a substitute, the main office can assist the substitute with gaining access to your classes in Skyward through the substitutes account
For Skyward access for Clerical positions, the building Office Manager or Administrator will need to put in a work order outlining the access the sub will need.
Restart your computer!
Rebooting your staff machine periodically while on the District Internet will ensure you get all settings and updates required
While at your school or department click on the start menu, followed by the power icon and then select restart
Before you leave each day, don't forget to check for D.U.S.T
The end of the school year is coming quickly. Here are some housekeeping reminders from Information Technology (IT):
If you are leaving the district, please return all technology including, but not limited to, laptops, iPads (James Sales and Assistive Technology) and cell phones (including power cables and accessories) to IT no later than Monday, June 24.
If you have a desktop computer and/or external monitors, please submit a work order indicating that you will be leaving the district.
If you are returning to the district next year, you may take your laptop home with you. Just remember it is your responsibility per the Technology Acceptance Agreement that you signed.
If you choose not to take your laptop home with you, please bring it to IT for safe storage over the summer.
Document cameras, microphones and remotes: Please leave them in the classroom
Classroom phones: The phone stays with the classroom; please do not unplug the phone or move it. If you would like the phone in a different location for next year, please submit a detailed work order.
If you have a district-issued cell phone but do not work during the summer please also turn in your cell phone to your building or department Office Manager for safe keeping over the summer.
Frequently asked questions: Q: Can I change where my desktop(s) are located in the classroom? A: Please do not move them yourself. A work order needs to be submitted so that IT can move the computers, if feasible (dependent on power, network connection, and space).
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what do I do with my technology? A: You may take your laptop with you. All other equipment stays with the classroom.
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what will my phone extension be? A: If you are staying in the same building, but you are moving to a different classroom, your phone extension will stay the same. IT will be working with the Office Managers on all room moves and will take care of switching the phone numbers to the new classroom. Please do not move the phone.
If you are changing schools/locations completely, you will receive a new phone extension for that school/location. Once again do not take your phone with you.
If you are returning equipment, the IT Office is located at 11807 24th Ave E. Until the end of school, we will be open from 7:30AM-4PM, Monday - Friday. Once summer starts, we will be open from 7:00AM-3:30PM, Monday - Friday. If you have any questions please call x4647.
Have a great summer, and we look forward to seeing everyone during the 2019-2020 school year!
Tips to protect your account from being compromised!
Create a strong password that:
Uses a Password Phrase – Having a password phrase makes it easier for you to remember your password without making it easier for somebody to guess or hack.
Does not contain your user name or real name.
Does not contain personal information, such as birth dates, names of family members, or pets.
Contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numerals, or symbols.
Is significantly different than previous passwords.
Don’t share your password – You are responsible for what happens under your username and password.
Do not write your passwords down
Beware of Phishing attempts!
All emails that do not originate from Franklin Pierce School District will have the following note added to the top of the email as a reminder: “This email originated from outside of Franklin Pierce Schools.” Depending on the format of the email the reminder may not always be highlighted.
The note is to help you identify emails that may not be from a trusted source and to exercise caution.
Do not click on attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. If you are unsure of the sender’s email address or its content, please contact the Help Desk at ext. 1234 for assistance.
Do not reply to emails or attached documents that ask you to submit your username and password.
Microsoft Office Suite Trainings for June
Are you wanting to brush up on your Outlook skills?
Outlook Basics / Intermediate: Thursday, June 6th from 4:35 - 5:35 PM in the District Office C-View Room
Outlook Advanced: Thursday, June 20th from 4:35 - 5:35 PM in the District Office Board Room
Enroll today through the IT Website / MS Office Suite Training / Onsite Training Tab
Enrollment for the training will be checked at 3:30 PM the day of the scheduled training. If there is no one enrolled for the training, it will be canceled. Please make sure you are enrolling for onsite classes.
If you attend an onsite training, please bring a laptop. If you do not have a district laptop, please submit an IT Work Order 48-hours before the training to have a laptop provided.
Want to brush up on some of your Microsoft Office skills this summer? You can always complete the Online Microsoft Trainings. The online trainings cover basic thru advanced courses in Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Improved Technology Approval Form
A revised technology approval form is now live in DORA in the Staff Technology Resources folder
The form is now an Informed K12 document and will automatically be routed through the process
Remember if there is a piece of new technology, software or website that you would like to use, please fill out the Technology Software/Hardware Approval form before use
IT and Teaching and Learning are working on an updated software list that will be searchable
June Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district. The TAC meets monthly to review the district’s progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology within their buildings.
The last meeting of the year will be on Wednesday, June 12th from 4:30-6pm, in the Franklin Pierce High School Corrigan Room. All are welcome to attend.
Do not click on attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. If you are unsure of the sender's email address or its content, please contact the Help Desk at ext. 1234 for assistance.
All emails that originate from outside of the district will have the following note added to the top of the email as a reminder: "This email originated from outside of Franklin Pierce Schools. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe."
Do not share your computer or Skyward logins with others
If you have a substitute, the main office can assist the substitute with gaining access to your classes in Skyward through the substitutes account
If you are in a clerical position and will have a substitute, please work with the main office to submit a work order to have the substitute granted the access that they need in Skyward
Updating Skyward password via DORA:
From DORA, right click on the Skyward App
Select Update Password
From the Extension Locker-Skyward Screen, click Edit
Under Credentials, click on the "eye" icon next to password to confirm the most recent password is in place
Remove the previous password, update the password to the new one and click Save
Improved Technology Approval Form
A revised technology approval form is now live in DORA in the Staff Technology Resources folder
The form is now an Informed K12 document and will automatically be routed through the process
Remember if there is a piece of new technology, software or website that you would like to use, please fill out the Technology Software/Hardware Approval form before use
IT and Teaching and Learning are working on an updated software list that will be searchable
Microsoft Office Suite Trainings for May
Are you wanting to brush up on your Publisher skills?
Publisher Basics: Thursday, May 2nd from 4:35 - 5:35 PM in the District Office C-View Room
Publisher Intermediate: Thursday, May 16th from 4:35 - 5:35 PM in the District Office C-View Room
Publisher Advanced: Thursday, May 30th from 4:35 - 5:35 PM in the District Office Board Room
Enroll today through the IT Website / MS Office Suite Training / Onsite Training Tab
Enrollment for the training will be checked at 3:30 PM the day of the scheduled training. If there is no one enrolled for the training, it will be canceled. Please make sure you are enrolling for onsite classes.
If you attend an onsite training, please bring a laptop. If you do not have a district laptop, please submit an IT Work Order 48-hours before the training to have a laptop provided.
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop, tablet, and other technology equipment
Store technology equipment in a secure cabinet, drawer, storage cart or learning wall cabinet and ensure that the storage is locked
If you do not have a way to lock up your technology please turn it into the main office during Spring Break
Do not leave your technology equipment sitting in a car
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment
Do not place anything heavy on the equipment. The screen can be easily cracked/damaged
Thank you for making the OneDrive transition go smoothly!
IT would like to take a moment to say thank you to each of you for making the transition to OneDrive such a smooth process. We could not have done this transition without you
Microsoft Office Suite Trainings for April
Are you wanting to brush up on your Advanced Microsoft Word skills?
Word Advanced: Thursday, April 18th from 4:35 - 5:35 PM in Franklin Pierce High School's Corrigan Room
Enroll today through the IT Website / MS Office Suite Training / Onsite Training Tab
Enrollment for the training will be checked at 3:30 PM the day of the scheduled training. If there is no one enrolled for the training, it will be canceled. Please make sure you are enrolling for onsite classes.
If you attend an onsite training, please bring a laptop. If you do not have a district laptop, please submit an IT Work Order 48-hours before the training to have a laptop provided.
SBAC Testing reminders from the techs
Before the first day of testing making sure to open the WA Secure Browser to verify that it is working
Before each student starts a test make sure the computer has been restarted
The Common "Tech" Issues During Testing document also has useful information
When calling the help desk, please be prepared to provide this information:
Does the student have a valid testing ticket
What is the student's ID number?
What is the Asset Number of the computer?
What is the exact error that the student is getting?
Don't forget to plug in all computers in the charging cart at the end of each day and that the laptops are charging. If your cart has a charging button, make sure you press the button.
Software Center
Did you know that there is a Software Center where you can access and download some of the district approved software?
If you do not have an icon on your desktop, you can search Software Center.
Once you find a program, you want to download put a check mark next to the program and click install in the bottom right.
Are you wanting to brush up on your Microsoft Word skills?
In March IT will be offering two on-site trainings on Microsoft Word
Word Basics: Thursday, March 14th from 4:35-5:35 PM in the District Office Board Room
Word Intermediate: Thursday, March 28th from 4:35-5:35 PM in Franklin Pierce High School’s Corrigan Room
Enroll today through the IT Website / MS Office Suite Training / Onsite Training Tab
If you attend an onsite training please bring a laptop. If you do not have a district laptop, please submit an IT Work Order 48-hours prior to the training to have a laptop provided.
Franklin Pierce Schools featured on Classlink website
"Classlink streamlined access and gave teachers back valuable minutes of instructional time." Liza Klumpar
Classlink is the Single Sign-On vendor for DORA.
Securing your technology
Please keep these tips in mind:
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to or loss/theft of their laptop, computer, tablet, or other technology equipment
Store technology equipment in a secure location such as a locking cart, cabinet or drawer
Store all student laptops in the laptop cart, plugged in and charging with the lock on the cart
Do not leave your technology in the car
Be careful with food and drink around your equipment. Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
Are you interested in learning more about the Microsoft Office Suite?
Information Technology (IT) is now offering training both online and onsite.
The training includes Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint and OneNote.
The next onsite training will cover Excel Intermediate and will be held on Thursday, February 7th at Washington High School Ridgeway Room. Enroll today through the IT website / MS Office Suite Training / Onsite Training Tab.
If you attend an onsite training please bring a laptop. If you do not have a district laptop, please submit an IT Work Order 48-hours prior to the training to have a laptop provided.
Microsoft OneDrive for staff
After much testing, IT is now starting to roll out the migration from H: Drive to OneDrive across the district for all staff.
We are doing this a building at a time and have been able to automate the process.
Currently, Information Technology, Maintenance, Support Services, Nutrition Services, and Keithley have been fully migrated to OneDrive.
Please be on the lookout for emails on when your building will be migrating to OneDrive.
A few reminders about technology as we hit the mid-year mark:
Please do not move any stationary technology equipment – desktop computers, printers, phones. If you need something moved to a new location, please open an IT work order and we will assist with the move. When technology is moved we must ensure it is moved in a safe manner, network connectivity is maintained and power is available.
Remember to lock the mobile laptop carts when they are not in use or unattended.
All laptops should be placed back in the cart at the end of the day plugged in, charging and the cart locked.
IT has been testing the automatic operation of OneDrive so that your computer will
Install the latest version of OneDrive, merging any previous versions so that you only have one
Automatically sign you into the OneDrive application
Start to sync your online OneDrive files with your PC OneDrive files
These efforts ensure greater accessibility and reliability to your files. Stay tuned for more information.
Microsoft Office Suite Trainings
IT will start offering Microsoft Office Suite trainings.
Both online and in-person trainings will be available covering several software titles from the Microsoft Office Suite including, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Additional information will be available via the training page on the IT web-page.
Mid-Year Reminders
Help Desk:
Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:30 am - 4:00 pm
In-District Extension: 1234
There is no "Help Desk" email address
IT Work Orders
Did you know you can email your work order requests to itworkorder@fpschools.org
DORA - MyFiles
Did you know you can access your computer files from DORA?
Once you sign into DORA on the bottom of the page you will see two icons, My Apps and My Files
When you click on My Files a new window will open up so you can access your files.
The first time you access My Files, it is recommended to do at school.
You will be able to see your District H Drive and other folders you have access to.
If you are using OneDrive you will want to click on Manager Services and click on the Office365 Connect button.
You will be asked to sign in using your district email, you will then be asked to give permission to ClassLink OneClick to access your OneDrive files, you will want to click Accept.
Once you have signed in the first time you will be able to access your OneDrive and School Network files from anywhere.
With the winter break fast approaching, please keep these tips in mind:
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to or loss/theft of their laptop, computer, tablet, or other technology equipment
Store technology equipment in a secure location such as a locking cart, cabinet or drawer
Store all student laptops in the laptop cart, plugged in and charging with the lock on the cart
Do not leave your technology in the car
Be careful with food and drink around your equipment. Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items
New and Improved: OneDrive
We are testing a new update to Microsoft OneDrive. This update will be more reliable and will sync files quicker.
OneDrive offers increased sharing, collaboration, and more space for everyone. Added to those benefits is that it is also much more cost effective than the older H: drive storage system.
After further testing OneDrive will become the district’s default method for personal file storage and H: drives will be phased out. More updates will follow in the upcoming weeks.
Please remember to lock the mobile laptop carts when they are not in use or unattended.
All laptops should be placed back in the cart at the end of the day plugged in, charging and the cart locked.
How to have a strong password?
We all know it is important to have a strong password. Here are some tips on what makes a strong password:
Make your password long
Try using a nonsense phrase
Include numbers, symbols and upper and lowercase
Do not reuse passwords
Keep your password secret and change it regularly
Password Reset Tool
Don't forget all teachers now have the ability to reset and unlock student accounts at their school via the Password Reset Tool in DORA! Reminders:
You can only reset students assigned to your school while you are connected to the district network.
Login is automatic from DORA
You can search by students name or ID number
The Importance of Restarting Your Computer
IT recommends that you restart your computer at least once a week while in the district so your computer is the most up to date.
To restart a computer you will go to the start menu, power, and select restart.
Shutting down a computer and restarting a computer are two different processes.
Restarting your computer signs out users, closes apps that are open, checks in for available updates, clears out old information.
Starting this year, elementary students will each be assigned their own laptop for the year.
Over the summer, IT staff were able to deploy more than 6,500 student laptops in over 250 charging carts.
In addition to the 1:1 roll out at the elementary level, Gates HS will also be 1:1.
All other secondary schools received additional laptops and carts providing a laptop for every 1.3 students.
Help Desk - Phone Extension: 1234
Call us, we can help! Hours: Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The goal of the help desk is to provide quick answers or solutions to smaller technology issues or questions.
Examples of help desk issues:
Password reset - account locked out
Setting a default printer
Shared drive access (H: drive, site share)
Shortcut creation
Program install / update
Please do not have students call the help desk line. If you have a student who needs to have a password reset, we need to speak to a teacher.
If an issue cannot be resolved in a reasonable amount of time after the initial triage, a work order will be created and escalated to an on-site visit.
Moving Technology
As you are settling into your classrooms for the school year, please refrain from moving your phone, printer and any other related technology equipment.
Only IT Personnel are allowed to move district technology equipment.
If you would like to have technology moved within your classroom please submit an IT Work Order.
Wireless Access
As a reminder, the guest WiFi access for individuals who are coming into the schools as a guest, such as a guest speaker.
The district and guest WiFi are not to be used on employee's personal devices such as cell phones.
If you have a guest speaker that needs WiFi access please speak with your Office Manager.
Password Reset tool for student accounts
We are excited to announce that in the coming weeks IT will be rolling out a student password reset tool to staff.
This will allow teachers to reset their students Active Directory (computer) logins.
Please be on the lookout for more information.
Student email
During the 2017-2018 school year, we rolled out student emails to grades 6-12.
With the One to World deployment of student laptops in the elementary schools in the coming weeks, we will be rolling out emails to grades 3-5.
Please be on the lookout for more information as we get closer to the launch.
With all staff and students having access to DORA everyone now has access to their H: Drive folders anywhere they are.
After you log into DORA, there are two icons on the bottom of the page, My Apps and My Files, by clicking on My Files you will have access to your H: Drive along with other shared folders you have been granted access to.
Technology Purchases
IT is here to make your life easier and to make sure that all technology works with the current technology in our schools, and that we can support the hardware/software requirements.
IT must purchase all technology related items that in anyway get connected to, used with, or are dependent upon your computer, desk phone, projector, or other technology in your classroom/office.
If you would like to purchase some technology, please place an IT Work Order so we can review the items and assist in the purchasing.
If you have any questions, please call IT at x4647
SchoolMessenger App - Available Soon!
IT is in the process of rolling out the SchoolMessenger app.
The app is a new feature that is included in the district’s current SchoolMessenger subscription.
The app is for teacher-initiated messaging (TIM), which allows you to use the app to communicate with parents/guardians and students, individually or in groups, and to exchange files (such as permission slips, photos from field trips, etc.).
We will be providing training and support in the coming weeks – be on the lookout!
Nightly Equipment Reminder
To ensure long equipment life and aide in the nightly automated IT maintenance, please do the following at the end of the day:
Disconnect from your wireless display
Power off computers
Turn off AV system and/or projector
If you need assistance with this, please call the help desk at 1234
Always check the sender’s email address. If you are unsure of the sender’s email address and/or its content contact IT Help Desk at ext. 1234 for further assistance. Do not click the link or attachment.
FPS Information Technology Department will not request user account information via email.
Do not provide your user username, password or other personal information in response to an email. This action will compromise your email account and our district’s Active Directory accounts and can potentially compromise our network security. Emails that contain a malicious virus/Trojan can disable our network district-wide.
FPS Information Technology staff will always have their email signature. If you don’t see our signature, it didn’t come from our department.
If we need to get more details including the email content in question, we will contact you directly.
The latest phishing email is a good reminder to use your best judgment when receiving emails that are questionable. Phishing email main purpose is to attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and sometimes credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.
A proactive approach is our best defense to these type of malicious emails.
Help Desk
In the coming days, you will see a new icon on your desktop titled Help Desk, formerly IT Q Support. This is a remote access tool that the techs can use to assist with troubleshooting when you call the Help Desk line.
The Help Desk is open from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm during school days by calling 1234 from any district desk phone.
Qmlativ
The first of the four focus groups (grading, registrar, attendance, behavior) will be meeting March 1st and 2nd.
Additional focus groups will begin meeting to plan transition and training for the move to Qmlativ.
The focus groups are made up of teachers, office staff, principals, department staff and district administrators.
The committee members will help plan future training and serve as liaisons for their respective areas.
Wireless Display (WiDi) Visibility
In response to feedback regarding wireless display, we are have been making adjustments to improve the quality and reliability of wireless systems in your buildings.
The changes include programming and configuration updates to district wifi as well as the WiDi receivers in every classroom.
If you have any trouble with your projector or wireless display, please call the Help Desk at ext. 1234 or put in an IT Work Order
Technology Advisory Committee
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Franklin Pierce High School Corrigan Room.
All are welcome to attend.
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district. The TAC meets monthly to review the district's progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots, and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology throughout the district.
We’re proud to announce that student email has expanded to grades 6-8.
Student email will allow more collaboration among staff, students and access to additional instructional resources.
With this expansion comes many of the Office 365 applications we as staff have come to love and use daily.
Access is available for students on or off campus, from any web-enabled device.
Skyward Upgrade Coming for 2019-2020 School Year
We are excited to share the upcoming changes to our Skyward system. As many of you may remember the last time changes were made to Skyward was several years ago. We are in the initial phases of planning for a complete overhaul of the Skyward software, database, servers, and security. The new system will be called Qmlativ or “Q” for short. Franklin Pierce Schools will change from Skyward to Qmlativ the 2019-20 school year. These changes intend to take advantage of the latest technology. The updates to the system will, among other things, increase system performance, reduce steps to perform tasks, create more accessible data reporting and enhance data security.
Additional benefits:
User-Friendly Design (Live Tiles)
Professional Development Center
Custom personalization
Powerful Analytics
Flexible Architecture
Self-Service Support
Intelligent Search Capability
Several small committees will be created to address, plan and communicate changes to every section within Skyward. These committees will be made up of district staff who will help identify areas to focus training and serve as a liaison to their respective area and communicate the changes and features.
Keep an eye out for additional details and training options. Also, we will post a monthly “Q” project status on our department webpage.
Canvas
Current statistics
3,500+ students have logged into Canvas this school year into 860 courses.
New Feature Alert
A new feature in Canvas that we would like to highlight is the Quizzes.next.
Teachers can create quizzes that include stimulus questions that model those found in the SBA testing.
There are hotspot questions which have an image a student can click on, and the information is provided, these are like the hot text questions in the SBA tests.
This is a great way to help prepare our students for the SBA testing.
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district. The TAC meets monthly to review the district's progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots, and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology throughout the district.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. All are welcome to attend.
Instructional Laptops Reminders
Classrooms/Offices should be locked when you are not there.
The laptop, tablet, or other technology equipment must be secured in a locked storage container at all times when unattended.
If the laptop, tablet, or technology equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged due to negligence, intentional misconduct, or non-compliance with this agreement, on or off school property, you are responsible for replacement or repair costs.
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district. The TAC meets monthly to review the district’s progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology within their buildings.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 10th from 4:30-6pm, in the Franklin Pierce High School Corrigan Room.
All are welcome to attend.
DORA Pilot for Students
Starting on January 16th IT and Teaching and Learning will be piloting DORA with a select group of K-12 classes.
After evaluating feedback from the pilot groups, DORA will be available to all students.
DORA will be set as the Chrome web-browser home page for all student computers.
DORA for students will start with a limited number of apps with more apps being added over time.
Elementary Students will have access to:
• Canvas • ThinkCentral • ConnectEd • Science Dimension
Secondary Students will have access to:
• Canvas • Office 365 • Grades Online • ConnectEd
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to or loss/theft of their laptop computer, tablet, or other technology equipment
Store technology equipment in the secure location such as a locking cart, cabinet or drawer
Do not leave your technology in the car
Be careful with food or drink around your equipment. Liquids are the number one enemy of electronic items.
Do not place anything heavy on the equipment. The screen may be a liquid crystal display, and it doesn't take much to crack
Email Best Practices
As a reminder, phishing emails are going around. This type of phishing is to attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and sometimes credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.
A reminder from the Information Technology department regarding email best practices.
FPS Information Technology Department will not request user account information via email.
Do not provide your user account to anyone. This action will compromise your email account and our district’s Active Directory accounts and can potentially compromise our network security. Emails that contain a malicious virus/Trojan can disable our network district-wide.
FPS Information Technology staff will always have their email signature. If you don’t see our signature, it didn’t come from our department.
Always check the sender’s email address. If you are unsure of the sender’s email address and its content contact the IT Help Desk at 1234 for further assistance.
Do not click on attachments or links from unknown recipients.
Do not forward any emails that contain links to IT Department. It is best to contact our department via phone at ext. 1234.
If we need to get more details including the email content in question, we will contact you directly.
YouTube site open to students in grades 6-12
Students will now have access to YouTube resources within a safe learning environment.
As a reminder, students and staff will be filtered so that inappropriate videos, advertisements, and comments are blocked.
Software Center
Software Center is an exciting replacement for the older Software Library website many of you have used in the past.
The new Software Center is a friendly application installed on your staff computer which allows you to browse and install current district approved software.
With Software Center staff can install approved software on-demand when you need it, all without needing IT assistance.
Please do not leave your technology out and unattended. We have had a couple of thefts lately and the best way to prevent this is for technology to be put away when not in use.
If you are not in your room, your laptop needs to be locked up.
DORA (District Online Resources and Applications)
For Staff
On November 3rd the IT department will be placing the DORA icon on all staff machines desktops. This will be a direct link to DORA.
For Students
On January 3rd DORA will be available to all students. Just like we have done with staff there will only be a few apps for students to start with.
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is working on prioritizing the apps that will be rolled out to students.
Student Emails for grades 9-12
After much work and anticipation we are ready to roll out student emails to grades 9-12.
Students will be able to email each other as well as district staff only at this time.
The use of student emails will open up some collaboration tools in Canvas and allow students the ability to access certain online Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint from anywhere.
IT will be sending out more information about student emails in the coming weeks.
Standardized Web Browser
Starting November 6th, we will be moving our officially supported web browser to Chrome.
This is an effort to best support the many different web resources and online curriculum used by our district.
While you are still welcome to use your currently installed browser, we no longer will be actively deploying or supporting other browsers unless specifically required by a particular vendor.
During the 2017-2018 school year, Skyward will be releasing major system updates which require the system to be unavailable between 12:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
The dates for this school year are:
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district. The TAC meets monthly to review the district’s progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology within their buildings.
The first meeting of the year will be on Wednesday, October 25th from 4:30-6pm, location TBD. Please check back here for the meeting location. During this first meeting, we will be setting the schedule for the year. All are welcome to attend.
DORA (District Online Resources & Applications)
Here are some tips for when you are using DORA.
Time Out
After 15 minutes of inactivity in DORA, it will time out and take you back to the sign in page. Any pages you have opened will remain open
Lock your computer
It is always important to lock your computer when you are not using your computer. With DORA, it is even more important. To lock your computer press control, alt and delete on your keyboard and select lock.
Icons with a key in the corner
The key indicates the apps that DORA will log you into automatically. This is accomplished in one of two ways.
The app is linked to our Active Directory and already knows your username and password (examples: Office360, Canvas, Atomic Learning)
DORA will ask you to enter your username and password the first time you use it and then remember it for future use (examples: Skyward, EDS, AESOP)
DORA More Information Link
One of the options under DORA on the district website is DORA - More Info. Here you will find some frequently asked questions along with very helpful 3 training videos.
Notifications
The next feature of DORA that we will be rolling out are notifications. Starting on October 9th, you will start seeing notifications when you open DORA. These may be a one-time message or they may be there for a few days.
DORA on your desktop
In the next few weeks, we will be placing a DORA icon on the desktop of your computer for quick access to the DORA portal.
Over the summer, Learning Walls at Ford Middle School and Franklin Pierce High School were installed. The learning walls consist of a projection board; ceiling mounted LED projector, two rolling white boards, a presentation cart, an audio system including a lanyard microphone for the teacher and still to arrive a new HoverCam Ultra document camera.
Information Technology would like to thank all of the staff for your patience as we worked on this project over the summer.
If you are experiencing any issues with your learning wall, please call the Help Desk at 1234.
Up next will be Keithley Middle School and Washington High School!
DORA (District Online Resources and Applications)
DORA is a dashboard that will allow access resources and websites from a single location. Additionally, DORA is a Single Sign On (SSO) portal, meaning that when clicking on links within DORA, you will not have to login again to the linked webpage (password manager).
DORA will be available to all district staff on Monday, September 18th. At launch DORA will contain all of the links currently found on the “For Staff” dropdown on the district website. Access to your h: drive will also be available through DORA in and out of the district network (h: drive access at home!). More resources, webpages, applications and student access will be added throughout the year.
Please keep an eye on your email for a message about DORA later in September with more launch information and links to training videos.
Secondary Student Laptop Deployment
Over the summer IT continued to work on the 2:1 student laptop deployment.
This summer was the secondary school's turn.
A majority of the carts of 30 N23 student laptops have been delivered, with the remainder scheduled to be delivered shortly.
The number of carts that are assigned to each school is based on their enrollment and the 2:1 ratio.
If we have not already been to your school to do training on the new N23 student laptops, we will come to your school soon.
Wireless Display Upgrade
Our district continues to improve on our Wireless Display technology.
This technology allows teachers and students to wirelessly connect and project screens with ease.
The latest generation adds improved ease of use, reliability, centralized monitoring capabilities and school or department logos on the screens.
Starting earlier this summer we began upgrading Wireless Display systems in Phase 1 and 2 Learning Wall schools’ classrooms and conference rooms. If we have not already been to your room for replacement, we will be visiting soon.
Securing your Technology
With the start of the school year, we want to make sure to remind all staff, that all technology is being secured when you are not in the room.
Please make sure that laptops are not being left unattended, they should be put away in a secure location.
Also, make sure when you leave that you are not leaving your laptop in your car.
Please help us welcome Vince Genna and Sean Atherton to the IT Team.
Vince will be covering the following locations: Central Ave, Collins, and Harvard.
Sean will be filling in while Ron is out and will be helping us out over the summer.
Welcome DORA (District Online Resources and Applications)
If you have not heard the district has selected ClassLink as the districts SSO portal and it now has a name! We are still on track to have the portal available to all staff and students at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is now the district standard for all computers.
For those of you who do not have Windows 10, we are currently working on an upgrade option that will allow you to upgrade at your own convenience, without turning in your computer or worrying about your files.
There will be Windows 10 training material in Atomic Learning under FPSD Training & Resources starting on June 9th. For more information, please visit the IT website to review the new Windows 10 FAQs.
10 Digit Dialing
Due to an area code overlay plan in Western Washington, local calls will be required to include the area code by the end of July.
For example, calls to local cell phones where you could dial 8-405-9426 will now be dialed as 8-1-253-405-9426.
It is best to start dialing with this new method immediately. Internal calls to the district can still be dialed by extension, for example 4647 for IT or 1234 for the IT Help Desk.
Please see the IT website for more information.
End-of-year Reminders
The end of the school year is coming quickly. Here are some housekeeping reminders from Information Technology (IT):
If you are leaving the district, please return all technology including, but not limited to, laptops, tablets, HoverCam document cameras and cell phones (including power cables and accessories) to IT.
If you have a desktop computer and/or external monitors, please submit a work order indicating that you will be leaving the district.
If you are returning to the district next year, you may take your laptop/tablet home with you. Just remember it is your responsibility per the Technology Acceptance Agreement that you signed.
If you choose not to take your laptop/tablet home with you, please bring it to IT for safe storage over the summer.
Document cameras and projectors: Please leave them in the classroom and make sure that they are securely locked up.
Classroom phones: The phone stays with the classroom; please do not unplug the phone or move it. If you would like the phone in a different location for next year, please submit a detailed work order.
If you have a district-issued cell phone but do not work during the summer please also turn in your cell phone to your building or department Office Manager for safe keeping over the summer.
Frequently asked questions:
Question:
Can I change where my desktop(s) are located in the classroom?
Answer:
Please do not move them yourself.
A work order needs to be submitted so that IT can move the computers, if feasible (dependent on power, network connection, and space).
Question:
I am changing classrooms/schools, what do I do with my technology?
Answer:
You may take your laptop/tablet with you.
All other equipment stays with the classroom
Questions:
I am changing classrooms/schools, what will my phone extension be?
Answer:
If you are staying in the same building, but you are moving to a different classroom, your phone extension will stay the same.
IT will be working with the Office Managers on all room moves and will take care of switching the phone numbers to the new classroom.
Please do not move the phone.
If you are changing schools/locations completely, you will receive a new phone extension for that school/location. Once again do not take your phone with you.
If you are returning equipment, the IT Office is located at 11807 24th Ave E.
Until the end of school, we will be open from 7:30AM-4PM, Monday - Friday.
Once summer starts, we will be open from 7:00AM-3:30PM, Monday - Friday.
If you have any questions please call x4647.
Have a great summer, and we look forward to seeing everyone during the 2017-2018 school year!
Email Best Practices
Lately, phishing emails are going around. This type of phishing is to attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and sometimes credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.
A reminder from the Information Technology department regarding email best practices.
FPS Information Technology Department will not request user account information via email.
Do not provide your user account to anyone. This action will compromise your email account and our district’s Active Directory accounts and can potentially compromise our network security. Emails that contain a malicious virus/Trojan can disable our network district wide.
FPS Information Technology staff will always have their email signature. If you don’t see our signature, it didn’t come from our department.
Always check for the sender’s email address. If you are unsure of the sender’s email address and its content contact IT department at ext. 4647 for further assistance.
Do not forward any emails that contain links to IT Department. It is best to contact our department via phone at ext. 4647.
If we need to get more details including the email content in question, we will contact you directly.
Microsoft Outlook Clutter
What is clutter: A new email feature that keeps track of what emails you read and which ones you ignore. Over time it will move emails you're likely to ignore into the clutter folder.
Can clutter be turned off: Yes
Sign into the web version of Outlook.
Click on "mail."
On the navigation bar go to Settings > Options > Mail > Automatic processing > Clutter.
Change the setting to "Don't Separate Items identified as Clutter" and click "Save."
June TAC Meeting
Your last chance to attend a TAC meeting this school year is June 7th! The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district.
The TAC meets monthly to review the district’s progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology within their buildings. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 7th from 4:30-6PM in the District Office Board Room.
All are welcome to attend.
June Staff Technical Training
With the end of school so near, we will not be holding a Staff Technical Training in June. We hope to resume next school year.
Thank you everyone for your patience in recent weeks. We have been short 2 Information Technology Support Specialists. Interviews for the open position are in progress and we hope to have a new team member in a few weeks.
From August 1, 2016 until April 25, 2017 the IT Team have received 7,763 work orders and have closed 7,700. Some of the work orders that have been closed during this time were opened prior to the August 1, 2016 date.
Canvas
Want to save some time grading papers and assignments?
Use the SpeedGrader tool in Canvas!
Canvas now contains almost 18,000 files from district classes and 23 new Canvas classes have be started in the past month.
If you have any questions about getting started contact Brad Pierce at jpierce@fpschools.org
Staff Technical Training - Family Access Message Center
This training will be geared specifically for Office Managers, Elementary Office Assistants, Registrars and Building Admin
Tuesday, May 9th, from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the C-View Room located at the District Office - 315 129th Street South
Thursday, May 11th, from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at Support Services - 11807 24th Avenue East
Everyone is invited to attend these 30-minute training sessions on Skyward basics. Bring your questions on everything from accessing your time off records to how to take attendance.
There is no need to sign up for the training. Just come with your questions and ready to learn!
More information can be found on the IT website under upcoming events.
June TAC Meeting
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district. The TAC meets monthly to review the district’s progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology within their buildings.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 7th from 4:30-6pm in the District Office Board Room. All are welcome to attend.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
ClassLink has been selected as the district SSO portal.
We are in the early stages of setup and testing.
The TAC and administrators will get the chance to put ClassLink through its paces this Spring.
We are on track to have the ClassLink portal available to all staff and students at the beginning of next school year.
Over the past few months we have been researching options for a single sign-on portal.
A single sign-on (SSO) portal will allow staff and students to login to a single webpage with their current computer username/password and have a dashboard with access to district approved programs and systems all in one place and without the need to sign in to each program again.
We are excited to be able to provide this resource for you. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.
SPED Computers
With the recent deployment of student laptops to elementary schools, we are now in the process of deploying laptops to the SPED Resource Centers, and touch screen desktops to the SPED Support Centers.
IT is currently working with LSS, principals and the teachers on the schedule and placement of the computers. If your school has not received replacements yet, we will be there shortly.
Securing your technology over Spring Break
It is the staff member's responsibility to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage or loss/theft of their laptop, tablet, and other technology equipment.
Store technology equipment in a secure storage cart/learning wall cabinet and ensure that the storage is locked.
Do not leave your technology equipment sitting in a car.
Be mindful of food or drink around your equipment.
Do not place anything heavy on the equipment. The screen can be easily cracked/damaged.
Thank you!
All of us here in the IT Department would like to thank everyone for all the notes, cookies, fruit, pizza and kind words we received last week.
We are grateful to be able to support such a great district and staff.
Canvas
If you have not already logged into Canvas, go to https://fpschools.instructure.com and use the same username and password you use to sign onto your computer.
Staff will automatically see all their assigned classes with their full rosters, while students will only see the classes that they are currently enrolled in.
Currently there are over 1,200 students and 100 teachers active in 355 FPSD Canvas courses.
If you have any questions about getting started contact Brad Pierce at jpierce@fpschools.org
Call us, we can help!
Hours: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone Extension: 1234
The goal of the help desk is to provide quick answers or solutions to smaller technology issues or questions.
Examples of help desk issues:
Password reset - account locked out
Setting a default printer
Shared drive access (H: drive, site share)
Shortcut creation
Program install / update
If an issue cannot be resolved in a reasonable amount of time after the initial triage, a work order will be created and escalated to an on-site visit.
Skyward Password Resets
If you need to reset your Skyward password, you can do so on your own.
On the Skyward login page, just below the Sign In button, there is a Forgot your Login/Password link.
For those who have a district-issued email, an email will be sent to your fpschools.org email.
If you do not have a district-issued email, the email will go to the email that you have provided HR.
Staff Technical Training
The next set of trainings will be May 9th and 11th. (With Spring Break the second week of April we will not be hosting technical trainings in the month of April).
Technical trainings are on a different topic/program each month and are an open time for staff to come and ask their questions. There is no set agenda; we have staff available who can answer your questions.
If you have a topic/program you would like to see covered please email Bianca Ibarra atbibarra@fpschools.org
TAC – Technology Advisory Committee
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of staff from around the district.
The TAC meets monthly to review the district’s progress towards the adopted technology goals, provide input on technology initiatives and pilots and act as an ambassador to promote the positive aspects of technology within their buildings.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 26th from 4:30-6pm in the District Office Board Room. All are welcome to attend.
SBAC Prep
We are dedicated to making sure that all of the computers and systems are ready for the upcoming testing season.
Our techs are busy double checking and prepping for the demands of testing.
If you have a computer or lab that you would like IT to look at please put in a work order.
Historically our district technology has had great success during testing and we expect similar results this year.
Windows 10 will be coming soon to all staff computers.
There will be a self-service option.
More information about Windows 10 can be found on Atomic Learning.
Information will be posted soon on the IT website.
November Technical Training Available to All Staff
Technical trainings will be held the second week of each month and will be offered on two different days from 8-8:30 a.m. and 3-3:30 p.m.
Keep an eye on the IT website for dates.
November's topic will be quick troubleshooting techniques. Topics that will be covered will include addressing trouble with your speakers, changing your view on Powerpoint, WiDi best practices, clutter, and more.
WiDi Reminder
Connecting to WiDi: Make sure the screen/TV says "Ready to Connect" prior to trying to connect your laptop.
Disconnecting from WiDi: You must disconnect from the WiDi first and then turn off the computer.
Training this November will focus on how to use your WiDi effectively.
Information Technology Help Desk
Information Technology will be rolling out a help desk line in the coming weeks to help answer quick questions/needs.
More information about the help desk will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Microsoft Outlook Clutter
What is clutter: A new email feature that keeps track of what emails you read and which ones you ignore. Over time it will move emails you're likely to ignore into the clutter folder.
Can clutter be turned off: Yes.
Sign into the web version of Outlook.
Click on "mail."
On the navigation bar go to Settings > Options > Mail > Automatic processing > Clutter.
Change the setting to "Don't Separate Items identified as Clutter" and click "Save."
Welcome, Kevin!
Please help us welcome our newest Information Technology Support Specialist, Kevin Zulauf!
Kevin will be supporting Brookdale, GATES/New Pathways, Ford, and Transportation.
In the coming weeks, IT will be rolling out a new technical training series.
The trainings will cover topics including, but not limited to, Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, and learning walls.
These will be monthly 30-minute sessions that will be open for all to attend.
Please keep an eye on the IT Department web page and calendar for the dates and times of the trainings.
If you have suggestions on topics you would like to see covered please email Bianca Ibarra at bibarra@fpschools.org
A Reminder About Canvas
Did you know that Canvas does a nightly update of all of your class rosters?
No need to add and drop students from your classes, just log in and you will see all of your students for the class.
There is no need to build/maintain your own rosters.
IT Work Orders
In order to be able to assist all staff and students effectively and efficiently, we ask that you please utilize the IT Work Order system.
By entering a work order, not only do you have a way to track the progress and but we are able to make sure that everyone's concerns and needs are met in a timely manner.
To log into the work order system, go to the district website, For Staff, and then click on IT Work Order.
You will use the same username and password you use to sign into your computer.
Did you know we have a Technology Hardware/Software Approval Process?
A list of already approved software and technology is on the district website under Information Technology, Technology Software/Hardware Resources.
The list also lets you know if you can download the software from the Software Library or if an IT work order is needed for the installation.
If you want to use software or technology that is not on the list, you need to submit a Technology Software / Hardware approval form before using/purchasing the software/website/technology.
Did you know you can download the approved software?
The software library is accessed by using your computer login.
Once you sign in you will want to select User Console Library and then search for the program you are looking to install and follow the prompts.
Most programs install in the background.
There are currently over 100 programs in the software library.
The end of the school year is coming quickly. Here are some housekeeping reminders from Information Technology (IT):
If you are leaving the district, please return all technology including, but not limited to, laptops, tablets and cell phones (including power cables and accessories) to IT no later than Friday, June 24, 2016. If you have a desktop computer and/or external monitors, please submit a work order indicating that you will be leaving the district.
If you are returning to the district next year, you may take your laptop/tablet home with you. Just remember it is your responsibility per the Technology Acceptance Agreement that you signed.
If you choose not to take your laptop/tablet home with you, please bring it to IT for safe storage over the summer.
Document cameras and projectors: Please leave them in the classroom and make sure that they are securely locked up.
Classroom phones: The phone stays with the classroom; please do not unplug the phone or move it. If you would like the phone in a different location for next year, please submit a detailed work order.
If you have a district-issued cell phone but do not work during the summer, please also turn in your cell phone to your building or department Office Manager for safe keeping over the summer.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I change where my desktop(s) are located in the classroom?
A: Please do not move them yourself. A work order needs to be submitted so that IT can move the computer, if feasible (dependent on power, network connection, and space).
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what do I do with my technology?
A: You may take your laptop/tablet with you. All other equipment stays with the classroom.
Q: I am changing classrooms/schools, what will my phone extension be?
A: If you are staying in the same building, but you are moving to a different classroom, your phone extension will stay the same. IT will be working with the Office Managers on all room moves and will take care of switching the phone numbers to the new classroom. Please do not move the phone.
If you are returning equipment, the IT Office is located at 11807 24th Ave E.
Until the end of school, we will be open from 7:30am-4pm, Monday - Friday.
Once summer starts, we will be open from 7am-3:30pm, Monday - Friday.
If you have any questions please call x4647.
Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing everyone during the 2016-2017 school year!
Canvas is a Learning Management System (LMS). The main objective is communication (teacher-to-student, teacher-to-parent, student-to-student and staff-to-staff).
What can I use canvas for?
A repository for your syllabus
Calendars
Instructional content
Files/documents
Sharing of links to outside content
Chat/discussion pages
Create assignments and quizzes
Collaborations
Lesson plan idea banks
Who can benefit from using Canvas?
Everyone! Staff, Teachers, Students, and Parents!
"Canvas has been a life changer for me as a learner, teacher, and member of a professional community! As a teacher, I am able to create interactive, dynamic lessons that involve 21st century skills of appropriate technology use. As a learner and part of my professional community, the ease and accessibility of content through Canvas fits my busy schedule while still allowing me to be an active part of a learning community. I feel so lucky to have Canvas as a power tool in my toolbox!"
~Rosita Castellano, GATES High School Dean of Students/Administrative Intern
"My 3rd grade students have been using Canvas in very simple ways. They are answering a question from text in the core reading program as well as watching (and re-watching) videos and responding to them, which helps with their ELA speaking & listening goals. I see a huge benefit in Canvas for my students as they are developing strategies for reading text and responding in writing on the computer all while becoming increasingly comfortable with technology."
~Sally Wheeler, 3rd grade teacher at Midland Elementary.
How do I log in?
From the district website, click on For Staff, Canvas and log in with your Active Directory (computer) login.
An import is run nightly from Skyward into Canvas to update class rosters.
How do students log in?
From the district website, students will click on For Student, Canvas and log in with their Active Directory (computer) login.
Students will only be able to see the classes that they are enrolled in.
Where can I find more information?
Linda DiGiorgi from Teaching & Learning will be offering trainings in May.
Once she has the details she will be uploading the dates to the ProDev system.
Questions?
If you have any further questions, please contact Lindsey Smith, Information Technology Office Manager at lismith@fpschools.org or x4647.
You can also enter an IT Work Order.
Coming soon to a computer near you: Windows 10!
Information Technology will be asking for 71 staff volunteers this summer to upgrade their machines to the Windows 10.
More information on how to volunteer will be coming soon!
Are those items you want to purchase right now technology related? Is the items in anyway connected to, used with, or dependent upon your computer, desk phone, projector, or other technology in your office/classroom?
If the answer is yes, please stop and place an IT Work Order!
We are here to make your life easier and to make sure that the new technology you want will work with your current technology, and that we can support the hardware/software.
Before you purchase, please place an IT Work Order.
If you have any questions, please call IT at x4647.
Moving Technology
Don't forget that if you want to move computers, phones, printers, or other technology in your classroom/office, you must place an IT Work Order.
IT needs to make sure that the location you are wanting to move it to will work and that everything is connected correctly.
Simply plugging a cable into the wrong location can take down the network for your office/classroom, building, or even the whole school.
Did you know you can check on the status of your IT Work Order?
Once you log into the work order system, you can see the status of any work orders that you have entered. To do this, follow these steps:
Once you have logged in, click on "Requests."
Then click on the work order of which you want to check status.
You will be able to see the technician assigned to the work order and the "due by date."
You can add a note to an existing work order. Click on "Actions" > "Add Notes" > Add in the message to the technician and check "Email this note to the technician > "Add Note".
Canvas Update
As of the end of February, we had 119 courses, 52 teachers, and 779 students/staff using Canvas across the district. Have you always wanted a class website?
Check out Canvas!
To log in, you will use your Active Directory login (same one with which you use to sign into your computer).
Students are auto-loaded into teachers' classes; there is no need to add students or give them a passcode.
Students sign-in the same way, by using their username (their Student ID number) and their password (their birthday in mmddyyyy format).
The links to Canvas can be found on the District website under "For Staff" and "For Student."
Guest Wi-Fi access is available for guests that need internet access; it is not intended for students or staff use. The Guest Wi-Fi is available during business hours only.
To acquire access to Guest Wi-Fi after regular business hours, please submit an IT Work Order with ample notice so we can set that up for you.
For your guest to access the Wi-Fi, they will connect to the FPSD-Guest network.
Once the guest connects, they will open their web browser and a portal page will appear asking for a username and password. You can acquire the username and password from your office manager.
Securing Your Technology
Throughout the year, and especially during holidays, please keep these tips in mind:
Please care for your laptop/tablet and refer to the Instructional Laptop Liability Form for care and security.
Store technology equipment in the secure storage cart/Learning Wall cabinet and ensure that the storage is locked.
Make sure that technology is not left in unattended vehicles.
We are pleased to announce that Franklin Pierce Schools is reconvening the Technology Advisory Committee for its third year to provide structure for expert and novice users of technology to discuss optimizing technology integration in our schools. This group will continue to focus on steering our district technology efforts to meet the diverse needs of teachers and students to positively impact teaching and learning.
This advisory work can best be accomplished by a group that represents perspectives from a wide range of grade bands/levels, content areas, teaching roles, departments, and schools.
Membership on this committee is voluntary, meeting monthly after the regular work day.
If you are interested in participating on this committee, please discuss your interest with your principal or district department head. You'll then need to complete the Participant Interest form, and send it to Lindsey Smith, IT Office Manager by Friday, October 30. Please reach out to Lindsey Smith for the Participant Interest form. Interested parties will be informed of their membership on the team by November 3.
Our first meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, November 18, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at a location to be determined.
Thank you for considering participating with us in this work!
Liza Klumpar
Linda DiGiorgi
Director
Instructional Technology Specialist
Information Technology
Teaching and Learning
Welcome new IT staff
IT would like to welcome our new Network Systems Specialist, Seth Seastrum, and our new Data Systems Specialist/Technical Trainer, Bianca Ibarra!
Seth comes from a military background and has been quickly adapting and learning our district's systems. He will be supporting the following schools: Central Avenue, Collins, Ford, Franklin Pierce HS, Elmhurst, Harvard, Midland, NSRC, and Transportation.
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
The Canvas LMS pilot is off to a great start with 50+ active courses from 31 teachers and 570 students. Several buildings and departments, including LSS, Gates, and Christensen have also begun using Canvas for file sharing and team collaboration.
If you are interested in learning more about Canvas, please contact Information Technology at extension 4647 or by emailing Lindsey Smith.
The main objective for Canvas is communication (teacher to student, teacher to parent, and student to student). We will be pre-loading the teachers' classes and roster into Canvas so that each class has its own page.
Teachers will be able to load their syllabus, instructional content, files, documents, links to outside content, create chat and discussion pages, create assignments and quizzes that can be completed online, as well as a class calendar.
We also hope to use Canvas as a staff resource (i.e. - create Canvas pages for staff to staff communication, collaboration groups, trainings, grade level teams, etc.).
On Friday, September 4, a group of staff from across the district will be attending a training where they will learn how to use the program.
The goal is that these staff members will then be able to go back to their schools/departments to train others. More information about Canvas and when you are able to start using it will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Do you need to move technology?
If you need to have a piece of technology moved (e.g. - phone, computers, etc.) please place an IT Work Order. Please DO NOT move your technology.
Moving technology can cause disruption to both the service to your technology as well as to your entire school.
Technical Issues?
The way that Information Technology can prioritize our work and make sure that all issues are resolved as quickly as possible is through our work order system. If you are having a technical issue, please submit a detailed Work Order.
If you can include screen shots of error messages that helps us out. Bringing technology to the Information Technology office is not recommended as our technicians are out in the field and there may not be anyone in the office to assist you.
You may have seen the option to try the new Outlook, the districts recommendation is to not switch to the new Outlook and stay with the Classic Outlook at this time. The new Outlook is in a Beta or test environment at this time. If you have switched to the new Outlook and would like to revert back to the Classic Outlook toggle the icon on the top right of Outlook and you will be switched back to the Classic Outlook.
Teams Video Conferencing
Starting on Monday, March 11th FPS will transition from Zoom to TEAMS as the District's remote learning/meeting space. You will still be able to use the free version of Zoom, knowing it has fewer features and a 40-minute time limit for meetings. You will also be able to join Zoom meetings that other organizations have created.
TEAMS has all the same features that Zoom has including the ability to create/schedule meetings, share screens, mute audio, chat, and have breakouts within the meetings.
Zoom Housekeeping:
This is a great time to delete your Zoom files. There is no records retention requirement for Zoom recordings and related documentation. However, if they still exist, these materials will have to be provided in response to a public information request.
Recorded meetings, classes, chats, etc. can be located by searching Zoom on your device. Note that you may have multiple Zoom folders on your hard drive and in your OneDrive. You should be able to delete the entire folder at once. Once deleted, be sure to go to your trash and delete it from there as well.
Malware Awareness
Cybersecurity threats and attacks to school districts are increasing and they are more aggressive.
Our IT staff are working continuously to ensure we are always protected. But the IT Team cannot do it alone. Most attacks are originated from users’ lack of awareness when clicking links. Below is some information about cyber threats and how to protect us from being the next victim.
What is malware?
It is a major cyber security threat that can have devastating consequences for districts/organizations. It is malicious software designed to infiltrate devices and disrupt, steal, or exploit sensitive information.
There are many types of malware, and each involves a different method of exploitation:
Viruses: Self-replicating programs that infect other files on a computer or network
Trojans: Programs that appear legitimate but contain malicious code that can steal sensitive data, log keystrokes, or give remote access to the attacker.
Ransomware: Programs that encrypt valuable files on a user’s device, denying access and demanding money in exchange for access to the files.
Malvertising: Programs that disguise themselves as ads to trick users into visiting unsafe sites and downloading code.
Spyware: Programs that operates in a covert manner, allowing attacker to monitor user’s activity and collect sensitive data.
Botnets: Programs that infect a network computers or multiple devices, putting them under control of an attacker who can use them to overwhelm a targeted server with traffic.
Adware: Programs or website that display ads or pop-ups on a computers or device, typically overwhelming a system’s memory usage, causing the device to slow down or even crash.
Phishing Virus: It is a form of malware that is installed on a user’s computer as part of a phishing attack. It is part of the social engineering approach to entice victims into disclosing private information.
Facts:
There are 560K new pieces of malware detected daily.
4 organizations/companies fall victim to ransomware attacks every minute.
1 Billion malware programs are currently circulating.
We have security systems in place, and they are effective. We also know it takes the whole organization to protect our security systems from cyber threats. Please continue to practice STOP. THINK. VERIFY the source of the message or when in doubt do not click links or pop-up ads. Attackers are always looking for vulnerability in the system and users. If your device is experiencing abnormal behavior (slowness, blue screen, lock screen, etc.), please contact our Help Desk at ext. 1234 immediately. The malware can spread widely and quickly.
Starting on Monday, March 11th FPS will transition from Zoom to TEAMS as the District's remote learning/meeting space. You will still be able to use the free version of Zoom, knowing it has fewer features and a 40-minute time limit on meetings. You will also be able to join Zoom meetings that other organizations have created.
TEAMS has all the same features that Zoom has including the ability to create/schedule meetings, share screens, mute audio, chat, and have breakouts within the meetings.
TEAMS training opportunities will be provided in multiple ways; in-person, independent, and informal drop-in.
In-person training (please bring headphones to the training):
Date
Time
Location
Tuesday, February 13th
7:30 - 8:15 AM
JMAC Board Room
2:30 - 3:15 PM
JMAC F1 Conference Room
4:30 - 5:15 PM
JMAC F1 Conference Room
Monday, February 26th
7:30 - 8:15 AM
JMAC Board Room
Wednesday, February 28th
2:00 - 2:45 PM
JMAC F1 Conference Room
Friday, March 1st
7:30 - 8:15 AM
JMAC F1 Conference Room
Informal Drop-In:
During the week of March 4th, there will be multiple TEAMS meetings set up throughout the week for you to drop in ask questions, and test out the features. More information on the dates, times, and meeting links to come.
Independent Trainings:
FAQ link coming soon
Training Resources coming soon
Zoom Housekeeping:
This is a great time to delete your Zoom files. There is no records retention requirement for Zoom recordings and related documentation. However, if they still exist, these materials would have to be provided in response to a public information request.
Recorded meetings, classes, chats, etc. can be located by searching Zoom on your device. Note that you may have multiple Zoom folders on your hard drive and in your OneDrive. You should be able to delete the entire folder at once. Once deleted, be sure to go to your trash and delete it from there as well.
IT Work Order Reminders
It is very important to put in an IT Work Order for all of your technology-related requests/needs verses directly communicating with individual staff.
IT uses the Work Order system to prioritize and manage workloads.
You can always submit your questions/requests via an email to the IT Work Order by emailing itworkorder@fpschools.org
Qmlativ Update
New Mobile App Enabled!
Did you know that you can access Qmlativ from your mobile device while on-the-go?
In addition to using your device's web browser, you may now download the Skyward Mobile App to access a condensed and mobile-enhanced version of Qmlativ.
The FPS District Migration Teams continue to receive a high volume of requests for support. It is likely there will be a slower than normal response due to the Qmlativ project but know we will do our best to respond as soon as possible. If you have questions or need support, please submit an IT Work Order. This allows us to prioritize work orders that have the greatest impact to student learning and district operations.
Email Security - STOP. THINK. VERIFY
We have seen a rise in email security threats coming into the district. These threats include phishing attempts, impersonation attacks and compromised users. One of the first steps in determining if an email is legitimate is to look at the sending email address. FPS IT adds a banner to all external senders, to quick identify emails originating outside the district. When you see this banner, you know the email is not from a district employee.
Always review the sender's address. Do you know this sender, and their email address? Are you expecting this email? If the answer to either question is 'no', then the email may be suspicious.
Please forward any suspicious emails to itworkorder@fpschools.org or immediately call our Help Desk at extension 1234
Dropbox Access
Dropbox is a file sharing site, that has many functions similar to Microsoft OneDrive. As the site has gained use of training resources, access to the site will be available to staff.
Dropbox access is for external training and informational resources, and not for district file storage or upload.
Please continue to utilize Microsoft OneDrive as your primary file storage, backup and sharing platform. Dropbox is not open for student use.
Vimeo Access
Vimeo is a video hosting and sharing website, similar to YouTube. As the site has gained use of training resources, access to the site will be available to staff.
Vimeo access is for training and informational purposes, and not for curriculum or use with students. Vimeo is less moderated and filtered than YouTube, and is not open for student use.
Vimeo should also not be used to upload, edit or share videos of students.
Reminder the IT Help Desk is available to families for support, in addition to staff and students.
Families can call the Help Desk for technical support during the school year, Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
Calling from out of district or by cell phone, dial 253-298-4647, option 1
In-district, calling from a district phone, extension 1234
Protect & Secure Your Tech
Remember it is the responsibility of staff to take appropriate precautions to protect their laptops and other district issued technology from damage or loss/theft.
Best practices to help prevent damage or loss/theft:
Store technology in a secure and locked cabinet, drawer, or storage cart.
Do not leave your technology in a vehicle.
Liquids are technology device's #1 enemy! Be mindful of food or drink near your device and equipment.
Do not place heavy objects on your laptop. Heave objects can damage screens.
Qmlativ Update
Upcoming Qmlativ Training Sessions
The IT Data Team will be holding additional Zoom Drop-In sessions in January. This will be an opportunity for all staff to join online and ask questions and gain live support.
The FPS District Migration Teams continue to receive a high volume of requests for support. It is likely there will be a slower than normal response due to the Qmlativ project but know we will do our best to respond as soon as possible. If you have questions or need support, please submit an IT Work Order. This allows us to prioritize work orders that have the greatest impact to student learning and district operations.
