Welcome Center

Standard YouTube URLs start with youtube.com, but all YouTube videos also have a "shortened" version that starts with you.tu.be (click the "Share" button for any YouTube video, to see the shortened URL). Even though they redirect to the exact same video, shortened URLs present security issues, so shortened YouTube URLs are blocked for students (not staff). Be sure to give students the link that begins with youtube.com NOT you.tu.be. Example: All 3 links below go to the exact same video, but only #1 and #3 work for students. Students get the "brick wall" Shen error screen with link #2. Since YouTube URLs follow a specific pattern, it's easy to figure out the equivalent "standard" URL.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpYk7xZCqnw (standard YouTube URL - with ads)

2. https://youtu.be/UpYk7xZCqnw (shortened YouTube URL - won't work for students)

3. https://www.youtube.com/embed/UpYk7xZCqnw (if desired, use the trick described here to create a slightly different URL without ads)

A powerwash is like a "factory reset" for Chromebooks. It can be used to resolve issues that prevent the device from working properly. Note: A powerwash erases locally saved data (in most cases students won't have anything saved locally to their Chromebook). Google Drive data is not affected.

To powerwash: Restart the Chromebook, but don't login. Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R simultaneously and follow the prompts (click powerwash, then continue). After a few moments, the screen will go blank, then restart. Click Get started. When prompted to connect to a network, temporarily choose SHEN-BYOD. Click accept and continue. Login with any Shen account. Click I Agree with BYOD policy. Click Done. [printable help sheet can be found here].

Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, all elementary teachers (K-5) have access to the District's premium subscription for Pear Deck, Blooket and Playposit. In addition, Gr 3-5 teachers have premium access to Formative.  Click this link for details and tutorials.

Students should be instructed and encouraged to use the Clever Portal which allows access to multiple programs with a single login.  K-2 students, especially, will benefit from using Clever badges. These are unique QR codes that eliminate the need for students to type in a username and password. Teachers can print sets of Clever badges for both home and school. Link to: 

• Clever for Shen Teachers

• Shen Technology Information for K-3 Families

Beginning Sept 2020, teachers no longer need to manually create ReflexMath rosters. Reflex rosters are auto-populated based on SIS Math sections. In addition, students and teachers can use a single sign on (SSO) via Clever. In other words, Reflex passwords will no longer be necessary if the user accesses Reflex through Clever. 

New-to-Reflex students: When accessing Reflex through Clever for the first time only, when prompted, "Link your student account"-- click GO -- no need to type teacher name. When prompted "Select your class" -- click My class is not listed. Student will then be taken directly to their Reflex account to begin the initial diagnostic.

• ReflexMath toptips 

SIS Messenger allows you to quickly send a message to an entire group of parents without having to manually create a contact list in Gmail. Just be aware that SIS messages come from an automated email address (messenger@shenschools.org) -- NOT from YOUR email address. Therefore, parents cannot "reply" to reach you. It is recommended you list your email in the message and remind parents to use that, rather than "reply."

Link to: SIS Messenger Instructions

• TEACHER Guidance for Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences video [5:20]) - updated 11/2021

• PARENT Info for Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences

Standardization, to the extent possible, makes it easier for students and parents to access learning materials, track and organize assignments, meet deadlines and manage time. Follow these standards when using Seesaw, Google Classroom and Google Meet.

Link to: Shen K-5 Quality Standards for Seesaw, Google Classroom and Meet

Digital Citizenship is a LIFE SKILL that needs to be taught explicitly. Please incorporate Common Sense Education lessons into your instruction throughout the year.

Link to: Digital Citizenship website with links to Common Sense Education lessons