Canvas Parent FAQs
Canvas Parent FAQs
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Remember, if a parent made an account last year, they do not need to make one again because it's connected to PowerSchool for as long as the child is in our district. If they signed up with one teacher before (usually a homeroom/homebase teacher), they do not need to sign up with anyone else. It is important, however, to make sure they know how to log in as parents may be contacting you this way.
On that note, remember that any message you send on Canvas will also be sent to your email, so no worries about missing messages. You can also conveniently reply to a message via your school Gmail, and they will receive the message back.
Important Note: We are recommending that if parents want push notifications and be able to see more than they would with the Parent App, they should download the Canvas for Student app and log in with their parent credentials. So some parents, are downloading both the Canvas for Parent App and the Canvas for Student App.
FAQ #1: How do I know who has a parent account?
FAQ #1: How do I know who has a parent account?
As the classroom teacher, you should also check and see which parents are listed as "observers" on Canvas. To do this, click on your class and click on "People" and you'll be able to sort and filter your observers (parents/guardians) to see who is actually signed up:
FAQ #2: How can parents sign up and/or log in to their child's Canvas?
FAQ #2: How can parents sign up and/or log in to their child's Canvas?
If parents have never made an account, they'll need to get a code that can be generated by you as the classroom teacher or by me. If it's easier, just send them my way. The codes expire within 7 days, so they need to act quickly. This is called an "invalid pairing code," so if that's the message they're getting, that's why.
How To Export Codes For An Entire Class
1. Go to People on the left toolbar.
2. Above Group Set, click the three dots.
3. Click Export Sharing Codes
How To Export Codes For One Student
1. Go to People on the left toolbar.
2. Click on the child's name that needs a code.
3. Click Pair with Observer
FAQ #3: Where do parents log in and sign up?
FAQ #3: Where do parents log in and sign up?
Option #1: By Web
Option #1: By Web
They can go to the following website, which is listed on our website under Parent Links: https://nlsd.instructure.com/login/canvas
Option #2: By App
Option #2: By App
Parents can log in and sign up for Parent App and/Canvas for Student App. When they are on the App, they should type in nlsd to find our school district, and select Northern Lehigh School District Observers/Parents as listed above in the screenshot.
Parent Links and Videos To Share
Parent Links and Videos To Share
Below are step-by-step videos you can send to parents to show them how to sign up as well! They're also listed on our school website under Parent Links.
🎞Canvas - How To Create a Parent Account
🎞Canvas Parent Video - How To Use the Canvas App
FAQ #4: What if they have multiple children that need to be added to their account?
FAQ #4: What if they have multiple children that need to be added to their account?
If parents want to add multiple children, they need to have to log in/create an account with one. From there, they'll need to add the other codes for their other children.
Option #1: The Web
Option #1: The Web
Logging in to the following website, which is listed on our website under Parent Links: https://nlsd.instructure.com/login/canvas, they can click on the dropdown of their child's name, and then click "Add Student."
Option #2: The App
Option #2: The App
With the Parent App, they need to download/login to the Canvas for Parent App, click on their child's name, and then there's a dropdown arrow for the + Add Student. That's where they enter the code for the new child.
FAQ #5: What if multiple parents/guardians want accounts? For example, both the mother and the father want to have access.
FAQ #5: What if multiple parents/guardians want accounts? For example, both the mother and the father want to have access.
Each parent/guardian will need a different code to create an account. So once one parent uses one code, you, the classroom teacher, or I will have to generate another code for the other parent/guardian who is interested. See above for how to generate code(s) or contact me, and I will handle it.
FAQ #6: What if a parent cannot get logged in because they forgot their password?
FAQ #6: What if a parent cannot get logged in because they forgot their password?
If parents made an account but have forgotten their password, or have any issues at all, please direct them to contact me directly via email: bdunham@nlsd.org. When they try to reset their password on their own, they often don't receive the email, so I can directly change it myself. I can act on their behalf if they are having trouble and help solve their problems, so don't hesitate to just send the issues to me.
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