Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my email address change when we go to Gmail?

A: Nope. We will all be able to continue to use out first.last@alisal.org email addresses.

Q: Will I have to change my password?

A: That depends. Google requires a minimum of 8 alphanumeric characters (a mix of letters and numbers) in the password. If your password already meets this minimum, you’re good.

Q: Will I lose my old email, contact, or calendar info?

A: Nope. Your email, calendar, and contacts are all being transferred to your Gmail and Calendar.

Q: When will this take place?

A: We are working with a company to move all that data over to Gmail/Google over Spring Break. There will be a small pilot test group of folks who test it the week before to spot any problems.

Q: Will I still use the Outlook install on my computer?

A: No. Gmail is completely web-based. There’s nothing to install and you can login to it from any computer/phone/tablet, anywhere, as long as it is connected to the internet.

Q: How do I get to Gmail?

A: Probably the easiest way will be to go to the Alisal Single Sign-On portal and then click on the “District Mail” icon. This should be available April 3rd, 2018.

Q: Will I have to change how I get district mail on my phone?

A: Yes. This should be very easy on android devices. On iPhone/iPad your email is setup as a Microsoft Exchange account. You’ll stop using that and add the account again as a Google account. Alternatively, we highly suggest using the Gmail and Google Calendar apps for iPhone and iPad.

Q: Will there be training or help available for me?

A: YES! That is why Alisal Edtech built this website. We know not all staff have a digital device all the time, and some of us like paper a little better, so we printed about 300 copies of a Gmail and Google Calendar manual that you can also download on this website and print for yourself. After the transition if you’d like extra training, please reach out to your supervisor make arrangements me, or one of the Edtech TOSAs.