TPS student logins use the following format: (first name initial)(last name)(last 3 digits of student id)@tps501.org

For example, a student named John Doe with a student id of 012345 would have the email address jdoe345@tps501.org. 

TPS student passwords use the following format: (student id)(student initials).

For example, a student named John Doe with a student id of 012345 would have the password 012345jd.

To find a student id and email, follow the Synergy screenshots below.

Another easy way to find student emails - search for student names in Gmail.

Other scenarios you might encounter:

A student with a hyphenated last name or two last names

For example, John Doe-Smith, student id  012345, email would be the second part of the hyphenated or double last name - jsmith345@tps501.org, password  012345js

A student who joins in the middle of the year might have the last four digits of their student id in their email address. 

For example, Jane Doe, student id 123456, email could be jdoe3456@tps501.org. 

🔤 Text & Keyboard Fixes

Shortcut

What It Does

Ctrl + Space

Switches keyboard back to default if it was changed (e.g., foreign layout).

Alt + Shift

Switches between keyboard input languages.

Ctrl + Shift + L

Locks the screen (in case they need a quick break or timeout).

Ctrl + Shift + Backspace

Clears all autofill suggestions from a field (fixes wrong suggestions).

🪟 Window and Tab Recovery

Shortcut

What It Does

Ctrl + Shift + T

Reopens a recently closed tab (great for accidental closures).

Ctrl + W

Closes current tab.

Ctrl + Shift + W

Closes the entire window.

Ctrl + N

Opens a new browser window.

Alt + Tab

Switches between open apps and windows.

📶 Connectivity & System Settings

Shortcut

What It Does

Alt + Shift + S

Opens system tray/settings menu (Wi-Fi, battery, etc.).

Ctrl + Shift + R

Hard refresh — reloads the page ignoring cached content (good for stuck pages).

Ctrl + Alt + ?

Opens the keyboard shortcut cheat sheet on Chromebook.

🧒 Classroom Management Tips

Scenario

Fix

Screen is upside down

Ctrl + Shift + Refresh (⟳)

Keyboard is typing wrong symbols

Ctrl + Space to switch layout back

Missing tab or site closed

Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen

Chrome is zoomed in/out

Ctrl + 0 to reset zoom

Strange login behavior

Ctrl + Shift + Q twice to log out and start fresh 

Troubleshooting a Slow Chromebook

Printable Version

1. Check for Overloaded Tabs and Extensions

• What to do:

  • Close unused tabs—Chromebooks have limited RAM, and too many tabs can cause slowdowns.

  • Disable unnecessary extensions by visiting chrome://extensions.

• Pro Tip: Use Task Manager (Search + Esc) to see which tabs/extensions are using the most CPU and memory.
  
  

2. Restart the Device

• Why: Uptime over multiple days can lead to sluggish performance.

• What to do: Shut down the Chromebook completely, wait 10 seconds, and restart.
  
  

3. Check for Available Updates

• What to do:

  • Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates.

  • Make sure the device is on the latest version supported by its AUE (Auto Update Expiration) date.

• Note: Some performance issues stem from being behind on updates.
  
  

4. Review Storage Space

• What to do:

  • Go to Files > Downloads folder and delete unnecessary files.

  • Use Settings > Device > Storage Management to view what’s consuming space.

• Pro Tip: Encourage students to use Google Drive instead of local downloads.
  
  

5. Reset Browser Settings

• What to do:

  • Navigate to chrome://settings/reset and choose “Restore settings to their original defaults.

Why: This clears out cached settings or rogue extensions that may be causing issues.

Teachers can effectively use proximity and high expectations to keep students on task while using Chromebooks by consistently circulating the classroom and positioning themselves strategically. Proximity increases student accountability, as they are more likely to stay focused when they know the teacher is nearby and actively monitoring screens. At the same time, setting clear, high expectations for digital behavior—such as staying on approved sites, completing assigned tasks, and respecting tech rules—reinforces a culture of responsibility. When teachers follow through with consistent monitoring and positive reinforcement, students learn that Chromebook use is purposeful and part of a productive learning environment.

Additionally, TPS teachers have access to Securly Classroom. See the Securly page for more information on appropriate implementation.