Converting PDFs and other files

If you need to convert a file from one format to another, never use any online file converter (e.g. Cloudconvert) because there is no guarantee what will happen with your data.

Most files can be converted on your PC or Chromebook without additional apps, for example:

• In Google Drive, right-click on any PDF file and select: Open With -> Google Docs to convert it into an editable document

• On a Chromebook, opening a file in the Gallery app will allow you to Save As other file types (e.g. .webp to .png)

As always, if you have a particular need, speak to your ITSS or put in a helpdesk ticket.

Home Access to Clever

For families who want their students to access curriculum resources at home, we have placed a link to Clever on all school webpages under "For Families & Students".

K-1 students who use Clever Badges will not be able to use their badges at home and will need to know their usernames and passwords.  Teachers can provide these to families in person or via a phonecall.  Usernames and passwords must never be sent via email or ParentSquare.

Keep Your Windows Files Synced With Google Drive

To avoid losing any of your important files, it is important to ensure that they are backed-up to your Google Drive.  If you have files in your Windows Downloads, Desktop, Documents, or other folders, these will not be backed-up by default.

Watch the video to the right to see how to automatically back-up your Windows folders to Google Drive. 

Accessibility Tip: Remember Alt Text

Think of all the critical information visuals communicate.

Now imagine what it would be like to try to understand something with no visual clues.

People living with normal vision often take this for granted and this is why Auburn School District encourages the use of alt text. 

Alt text is the use of text to describe the function or appearance of non-text elements like icons, charts, and images.  It is one of the pillars of accessible design as it allows people with disabilities (or those with different access needs) to understand a visual using a screen reader or other accessibility tools.

Google Docs, Google Sites, and Parentsquare all have built-in functions to add alt text

Did You Know?  Securly Classroom

October 2025 brought some exciting new features to Securly Classroom.  These include:

• A more efficient task bar for the most commonly-used tools

• Block plans have been updated to Access Plans

Teachers can now:

• Apply multiple Access Plans in each session, and move students between plans

• Access students' AI chat history with Securly Chat

See the video to the right for an overview of how to use these new features.

Newline Tip: Classroom Tools

All Newline boards have an app called "Classroom Tools" that features popular functions that you can access quickly, including a timer, a stopwatch, screen zoom, and a random picker.

These can be minimised when you don't need them, and they live "between the screen and glass" so, not matter what you are presenting (Newline, Chromebook, doc cam,) they will always be visible on top.  Give them a try!

From your Apps launcher on the Newlines board, look for Newline Classroom Tools.

ParentSquare: Field Trip Permission Slips

Teachers can use ParentSquare to create a post to send student permissions slips and collect back parent/guardian approval electronically. Follow these directions to learn how.

Field Trips and Travel district webpage as additional resources for field trips including helpful flowcharts, links to forms, and other resources.

W2/1095 Opt Out

Go Paperless! Through Employee Access you can opt out of mailed copies of your W2 and 1095 forms.

These reports will always be available through Employee Access and can be accessed anytime.

If you opted out last year, there is no need to opt out again, but if you would like to opt out for the first time the deadline is 12/31/25 for the January forms mailing.