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Welcome to the MCPS IT Wire, a monthly newsletter that provides staff with important technology information and resources from the departments of Business Information Services, Digital Innovation, Infrastructure and Operations, and Student And Data Systems. The IT Wire has three sections: Professional Development, Tools & Resources, and Dates, Tips, & Reminders.
In this issue........
Professional Development
Professional Development
Spring Instructional Technology Professional Development
There are many sessions available this winter/spring on technology topics like:
ParentSquare
Artificial Intelligence
Canva
Lightspeed
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Canvas
Join the Instructional Technology Insights Communication Group
New! The Department of Digital Innovation is launching a communication space dedicated to sharing the latest in instructional and innovative technologies.
In this group, you'll receive:
Bi-weekly updates featuring tips, tricks, and tools to help you integrate technology seamlessly into your teaching.
Insightful strategies to enhance student engagement.
Stay tuned for actionable content that will inspire new ways to use technology effectively in your classroom. Let’s work together to make learning more impactful and innovative!
Tools and Resources
Tools and Resources
End of Google Doc Cloud Assignment in Canvas
End of Google Doc Cloud Assignment in Canvas
The legacy version of Google Doc assignment in Canvas, referred to as a Google Doc Cloud Assignment, will be removed as an option to share an assignment with students by the end of Marking Period 2/Semester 1. Canvas is no longer supporting Google Doc Cloud Assignments, since creating the Google Assignment LTI option. In addition to Canvas fully supporting Google Assignment LTI, another added benefit to using Google Assignment LTI is its integration with Originality Reports (plagiarism detection). Refer to the resources on the right to learn how to use Google Assignments LTI and Originality Reports.
Dates Tips and Reminders
Dates Tips and Reminders
Data Privacy Week
Data Privacy Week
Celebrate Data Privacy Week: January 27–31, 2025
Data Privacy Week is a time to focus on safeguarding personal and professional data. As public school system employees, we handle sensitive information daily. Let’s ensure we’re doing our part to protect it!
Here are actionable steps you can take to participate and enhance your data privacy practices:
Review Your Privacy Settings: Check the privacy settings on your devices, email accounts, and social media platforms. Adjust them to limit the amount of personal information shared publicly.
Strengthen Your Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Consider a password manager to keep them secure and easy to access.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by activating MFA wherever possible.
Avoid Phishing Scams: Stay vigilant about suspicious emails or links. When in doubt, don’t click—verify the sender’s legitimacy first. Remember to report any suspicious work emails to abuse@mcpsmd.org.
Secure Sensitive Files: Lock sensitive documents on shared drives or your computer with secure permissions or encryption.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about data privacy best practices and share privacy tips with your colleagues to protect student and staff data.
Explore valuable resources, tips, and activities provided by the National Cybersecurity Alliance to help you make informed decisions about safeguarding data. Visit Stay Safe Online to learn more.
MP2 Report Cards-End of Marking Period Report Card Procedures
MP2 Report Cards-End of Marking Period Report Card Procedures
- Last Update to Student Schedules: Monday, January 27, 2025
- End of Marking Period: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
- Teacher Grades Due by End of Duty Day: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
- School Grades Due: By 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025
- MP2 Report Card Posting Window in Synergy: January 21, 2025 through Thursday, January 30, 2025
All households regardless of having an active ParentVUE account will have a paper-based report card sent home with students from school
All households regardless of having an active ParentVUE account will have a paper-based report card sent home with students from school
Posting of report grades is required or a student will not receive a report card.
Posting of report grades is required or a student will not receive a report card.
Elementary
Elementary
Secondary
Secondary
Next Year School Assignments
Next Year School Assignments
Student’s next year school assignments have been completed in Synergy. Use Synergy reports U-NYR502 and U-NYR503 to view assignment details (refreshed nightly).
Synergy Updates
Synergy Updates
SGGCR and Transcripts
Grades 9-12 SGGCR will be uploaded to ParentVUE in February.
Grade 9-12 transcripts will be uploaded to school folders on the evening of Thursday, February 6, 2025.
GT/SIPPI
The U-STU508 GT/SIPPI Screening Roster is now available in Synergy for 2024-2025 student lists. It has been enhanced to provide a Survey Required flag to minimize the need to collect Teacher and Staff surveys for the GT identification process.
Teacher and Staff Advocacy surveys are also now available in Synergy.
Hard copies of the GT/SIPPI parent input form letters (with directions) were mailed the week of January 27, 2025. Digital copies will also be available in ParentVUE.
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