October 2025

Tech Tips

Data Security

Software Approval Process

If you want to use a new online app or Chrome extension, it must be reviewed for data security, to ensure that we are protecting our students' and staff's personal information. There is an extensive list on our website of sites that have been approved for use, as well as those that are unsafe and must not be used. Follow the link below for more information.

If you find that a website is blocked by the filter (i.e. one that does not require a staff/student login) please just submit a Helpdesk ticket.

Approved Tools Page

Google Sharing - Who Can See Your Files?

When sharing files with other users on Google, please be aware of the different levels of sharing:

Restricted -- only named individuals can view/comment/edit
Staff Only -- all staff in the district can view/comment/edit
Auburn School District #408 -- all staff and students can view/comment/edit
Anyone with the link -- anyone in the world can view/comment/edit

Try to share your files with the smallest group possible to avoid over-sharing sensitive information. Any exceptions to the group can request access later.

Helpdesk

Know Who Can Help at Your School

While Helpdesk tickets are the best way to receive support from the Department of Technology, there are also staff at your school who can assist with technical support. Every school has a:

BTC (elementary, WAHS) or TSS (MS/HS) - these staff can assist with technology that is not working correctly
ITSS - these teachers can help to support with using technology in the classroom and online curriculum

To ensure that you know to whom you can reach out, see the webpage below:

In-School Assistance

Adblocker for Students - 20th October

On Monday, 20th October, all student devices will have their ad blocker updated to the latest version uBlock. This will help to reduce distractions on websites and online videos.

Staff are encouraged to install this tool also, to increase safety while browsing online.

uBlock Origin Lite

No More Symbaloo

Also on 20th October, the Auburn District Symbaloo page will be discontinued. Please ensure that you have changed all your bookmarks. Links for staff can all be found on the Staff Links page, and student links are now found on Clever (which should be the new default homepage, please submit a ticket if this is not the case for any of your students).

Instructional Technology

Innovation Funds 25-26

If you are looking to add new tech for students into your classroom, or to upgrade a free teaching tool to the premium version, you can apply for Innovation Funds from the Technology Levy to support your project. $5/student FTE is allocated to each building.

Applications for Innovation Funds will be reviewed only once this year in November, so be sure that you send your proposals in sooner rather than later.

Full details of the program and how to apply can be found below:

Innovation Funds Process

Accessibility Tip: Don't Put Text in Images

When adding flair to your Google Docs, ParentSquare messages, email signatures, etc. it can be tempting to display text within an image. However, this text cannot be read by screen readers (e.g. Read&Write, ChromeVox) and so makes the information inaccessible to some of our students, staff, and families.

We recommend:

Placing any important information in plain text
Include important information in the alt text of your images.

More Accessibility Tips

When adding flair to your Google Docs, ParentSquare messages, email signatures, etc. it can be tempting to display text within an image. However, this text cannot be read by screen readers (e.g. Read&Write, ChromeVox) and so makes the information inaccessible to some of our students, staff, and families. We recommend: Placing any important information in plain text Include important information in the alt text of your images.

Robot Spotlight: Cubetto

Beginning Level | Screen-free | PreK-2

Cubetto is a primary focused robot that uses physical blocks to teach beginning programming. Students follow along with Cubetto's storybooks and maps to program their adventure.

This is a great device to introduce algorithms, directions, loops, and subroutines to students through the medium of storytelling, and without complex vocabulary or programming tools.

See available robotics kits

Google Classroom for Substitutes

When making sub plans, it can be hard to include technology due to Google Classroom access. One way to make this easier on you, your substitute, and your students is by making a separate Substitute Google Classroom. You can create an "Emergency Plans" topic to hold resources for those times when your absence is unplanned; and add other topics as needed for your regular plans. Place the class code in your sub plans folder so anyone covering your class can access it.

Thanks to Chinook ITSS Mike Signal for this Tech Tip!

Tech Tools

Don't Use ChatGPT, Use Gemini

Are you using ChatGPT as your AI bot of choice? It might be time to switch to Gemini! It offers a similar experience, with some important enhancements for education:

No data is sent back to Google from the AI chats
Gemini has been loaded with educational frameworks so that it "talks teacher" better than any other AI tool
Has pre-made "Gems" (specialised AI bots) geared towards learning, like the coding partner, learning coach, and writing editor

Access Google Gemini

AI Guidance for Staff and Students

Did You Know? Google Classroom Has AI Tools

You may have noticed a new Gemini link in Google Classroom - this will lead you to a new page where you'll find a selection of teacher-ready tools, such as lesson planning support, choice boards, vocabulary lists, and more. If you've used MagicSchool in the past, these are enhanced versions of those tools, now directly in Classroom!

Feel free to explore, or join the What's New With Google? session in the Fall Training Series to see a demonstration.

Fall Training Series

Newline Tip: Whiteboard App

The most powerful aspect of the Newline boards is the Whiteboard app. While it allows teachers and students to use the board like a normal whiteboard, there are many powerful features inside that can make your lessons more engaging and your preparation more efficient.

Watch the video to the right to learn more about these features.

Newline Whiteboard.mp4

Your Chromebook Has a Stylus

Not everyone knows that their teacher Chromebook has a stylus built-in. Watch the video to the right to see a demonstration of how to access your stylus and what you can do with it.

For any teachers without a Newline Board, this will allow you to access many of the same features while using your LFD.

Using Your Chromebook Stylus.mp4

ParentSquare for Conferences

Appointment Sign Up Posts can be used to create a block of times so that families can sign up for individual conferences or any other appointments during the year. ParentSquare has helpful articles, FAQ's, and best practices to get you started. Just navigate to New Post > Dropdown Arrow > Appointment Sign Ups.

Each teacher should work with their school principal on this scheduling.

Digital Citizenship

When Is Your Brain Ready For Social Media?

Although legally students can use social media apps when they are 13...should they? The lessons below challenge students to think about digital distractions and how that might affect their attention and their performance in school.

(Middle School students will receive this lesson as part of their designated time.)

HS Lesson Outline

ES Lesson Outline

Skyward

Customize Tiles

Skyward has expanded dashboard features that allow addititional tile customization. Start by clicking the dropdown arrow in the upper right corner of the tile and choose Configuration.

Display Title: Enter a custom name for your tile.

Show Icon: Toggle the default icon on or off.

Tile Size: Choose your tile size from the choices listed. Alternatively you can change your tile size on your dashboard by dragging the lower right corner.

Color Option: Select Custom to set custom colors for the Header & Icons, Background, and Body Text. Choose from existing colors, use the color bar or directly enter a hex code.

Pro Tip: Ask Gemini for a set of hex codes for a specific theme. Searching on the 1970's will give you colors like Avocado Green (#568203), Harvest Gold (#DA9100), Burnt Orange (#B7410E), Chocolate Brown (#7B3F00), and Tumbleweed (#DAAC88).

When finished, click Save or Reset to Default Settings to start over.

Shout outs!

ITSSes for 2025-26

A huge shout-out to our Instructional Technology Support Specialists (ITSSes) for this year. These teachers are the person in your school who can help support you with classroom application of technology and provide periodic training on new tools.

Priscilla Torres Rosas (Alpac) Erica Covey & Melissa Cox (Arthur Jacobsen) Janice Bigby & Sharayah Warren (Auburn High) Emily Goaslind (Bowman Creek) Kevin Olson & Andrew Allen (Cascade) Mike Signal & Kristen Wight (Chinook) Earnest Thomas & Melissa Rude (Dick Scobee) Matt McGovern (Evergreen Heights) Shawn Welsh (Gildo Rey) Aaron Morehead (Hazelwood) Mike Martin (Ilalko) Tanya Safsten (Lakeland Hills) Jordan Rutledge (Lake View) Emma Johansen (Lea Hill) Nathan Lemanski & Abigail Hagen (Mountainview) Art Spencer & Diane Zaida (Mount Baker) Stephen Bean & Thomas Olson (Olympic) Eva Millan & Melissa Verlander (Pioneer) Alejandra Soria-King & Andrew Lindberg (Rainier) Lisa Gallinatti & Corin Malone (Riverside) Erin Knudtzon (Terminal Park) Rick Chance & Lainee Dow (West Auburn) Madeline Bergstrom (Washington) Sandy Scott Skutt & Ashley Williams (Willow Crest)

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