10.26.26: TSCPL Educator Cards - Finney

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) is an incredible resource for all Shawnee County patrons. Most of you know that TSCPL partners with local school districts to provide library cards for students (upon parent approval at enrollment), but did you also know that staff can get a free teacher library card? 

What makes this card different from your personal library card? 

• Books and classroom resources

• access to check out digital items and up to 30 physical items

• keeping your business and personal checkouts completely separate

• charges from lost and damaged items are cleared at the end of each semester

AND you don’t have to live in Shawnee County to get a TSCPL educator card? Want to learn more, visit https://tscpl.org/tscpl-school. If you’d like to request a teacher card, please contact Marcy Sandberg or myself and we will make the necessary arrangements with TSCPL.

10.14.26: PLC Test Makeup Rules & Etiquette - Finney

Now that it's the 2nd quarter, we wanted to review a few rules and etiquette expectations for PLC test makeup. 

If you didn't know, the WRHS library offers a space for PLC test makeup every Wednesday (unless otherwise noted). This is an option for all students and staff. However, it does not provide or guarantee: 

• 1-to-1 student monitoring and/or IEP supports

• Transportation - all students must find their own way home at 3:30

• Test completion - all tests will be collected at 3:30, regardless of completion
  
  

Marcy & I often leave the library (and/or building) during PLC time. Therefore, student monitoring is handled by our library clerks. To ensure their afternoon goes smoothly, please note: 

• The PLC testing registration form is open from 7:30 AM Tuesday to 1:00 PM Wednesday or until full.

• PLC testing is capped at 20 students. 

• Provide any physical or paper test materials before PLC starts on Wednesday (1:32 District - 2:38 WRHS)

• Include any test codes for digital tests in the form.
  
  

Additionally, going forward, students will be required to hand over their student ID upon entering testing. If a student cannot provide their ID, they will not be able to test that day.

For a full list of rules and expectations, please read here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dta_1bZ2psIe8UiDExlp0U2pk3R2QveN1wwtuXo_mcs/edit?usp=sharing

The link to register students for PLC testing is here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAL7U582XCjPQNHQ7Ivf3oYApogSJK7lwL5Fe49sgyAG4b_g/viewform?usp=dialog

9.30.26:  Banned Books Week is Oct. 4 - 10, 2026
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.  

Book Challenges vs. Book Bannings
Challenge = an objection or formal complaint made by an individual or group to restrict or remove material from a school or library
Banning = result of a challenge when material is removed or restricted from a school or library collection

Explore further through Banned Books Week Trivia, reading books on the Goodreads Banned, Censored, and Challenged Books list, or reviewing NPR's Special Series Banned and Challenged:  Restricting access to books in the U.S.

9.23.26: News Literacy Project daily activity slides

News literacy is the ability to determine the credibility of news and other information using the standards of quality journalism. It involves “thinking like a journalist” to determine what information to trust, share, and act on. News literacy teaches people how to think critically about timely issues and sources of information, not what to think. It helps foster healthy skepticism while avoiding cynical distrust of all news and information.

The News Literacy Project has a framework for teaching news literacy. Here are slide decks with a lesson for each of the five standards.

These daily “do now” resources are an ideal way to maximize news literacy learning in the opening minutes of class. These slides are designed to tap into research-based strategies to assist in effective classroom management, boost student engagement and improve retention. They can be used as formative assessment tools across subjects and grade levels. 

Other slide decks are available:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Grammar & Editing

• Press Freedom

• STEM

• Vocabulary

9.9.26: Using the WRHS Library Cricut Machine - Finney

Did you know the WRHS Library now has a Cricut machine!? Thanks to a generous donation from Sarah Thomas, we have a machine for use. You can cut out vinyl, cardstock, or even load a sharpie and ask it to write for you! Want to know how to get started? 

1. Go to design.cricut.com

2. Select your machine. At WRHS that is a Cricut Explore Air 2

3. Download Design Space® for Windows® (Must agree to terms and conditions)

Once the design space is downloaded, it should create an icon on your desktop. You will be prompted to sign in or create a free Cricut account. This will happen in your web browser, then launch the design space in it’s own platform after sign-in. 

If you’re looking to make a simple design (cut out vinyl letters for a classroom display), you would select “New Project” and design from scratch. From there, you can input text, change font, and design your project. 

If you’re looking to make more complicated designs, images, etc., you’ll either need to design your own SVG files, or purchase them through the Cricut Access account. Pro tip, you can make a free trial for 30 days. 

Here is a full tutorial on how to do step-by-step design, cutting, printing, etc.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oACBZcMJEa8 

Please note, the WRHS Library only has a small collection of donated Vinyl. If you’re wanting something for your specific project, you’ll need to provide it yourself. Here is a link to Cricut vinyl on Michaels, which offers a teacher discount. 

8.10.26: August PD Resources - Finney

Good morning everyone! I hope you’re not stressing on your final day before students arrive. If you’re new to us, this is “Teach & Tech Talk.” Sarah, Tab, Marcy, & I collaborate weekly to share technology and instructional resources via email. Typically, you can expect these emails at 3:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday, but I wanted to be proactive and get this first one out to everyone just a bit sooner. 

And as promised, here are the resources from the building PD on Thursday, August 6th.

• Bell-to-Bell Instruction with Finney & Sommers

• AI Overview with Sandberg & Anderson

• Advisory Overview

• Go Guardian Work Aid from Nicole Richmond

5.4.26: Need a new Book Rec? - Finney

If you’re looking for a book to get you through the last few weeks of school, do I have the book for you! Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok is the memoir of Oliver James. Oliver grew up, and struggled through the school system, in his hometown of Bethlem, Pennsylvania, but he had one secret: he didn’t know how to read. He struggled through being undiagnosed ADHD & OCD, and learned how to memorize and “fake it” just enough to get passed onto the next grade each year. After years of internal and external struggle, Oliver decided to say the following words to his fans on TikTok: “What's Up? I can’t read.” What followed was an incredible surge of love and support from readers, and educators, around the world.

It’s currently on order for the WRHS Library, and should be here in August, but you can put it on hold at TSCPL & Libby here. 

4.29.26: Are You Utilizing Your Library Resources? - Finney

Did you know that every April, the American Library Association celebrates libraries, library workers, and the universal right to read? School library month is the entire month of April, and April 19th - 25th is National Library Week!

Obviously we’re a bit biased down here, and we think libraries are amazing! Our goal is to ensure all our patrons have the support they need, while also providing equal access to whichever form of information you need. But did you also know… Read the full post here!

2.25.26: Watch a new Documentary this weekend: The Librarians - Finney

Every year I try to recommend a new educational and thought provoking documentary for you to watch. This year, I’d like to bring your attention to The Librarians by PBS Independent Lens. According to educational guides available from PBS, The Librarians seeks to explore the potential educational and social impact of the “war on words” that comes from book banning in the United states. It explores the importance of intellectual freedom, encourages civic engagement and dialogue, and hopes to inspire discussion about how books can build connection and understanding. 

Want to watch it now? The Librarians is currently available to stream on the PBS Independent Lens Website, and the PBS Youtube Channel.  

2.23.26: ACT Test Prep Resources - Finney

In a little over one week, the majority of our WRHS Juniors will be taking the statewide ACT during school. Thankfully, that means there is still time to prepare! The library has lots of options and opportunities to help prepare for the ACT (and multiple standardized tests).

Want to go old school? The WRHS Library has several physical (and eBook) test prep handbooks available for checkout in the library. Swing by this week to grab one! Topics include: ACT, PSAT, AP Computer Science, AP Psychology, and more!

Interested in digital options? With a TSCPL Library card, patrons can access Learning Express Library, which provides resources to support high school and college students, educators of younger students, and career preparation. Services included guided support and practice tests for education exams like the ACT®, SAT®, AP® Tests, CLEP, GRE, MCAT, LSAT and more.

Swing by the library to see what other options we offer today!

11.5.25: Read the Research on Kids, Tech, & AI - Finney

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (which if you are, I don’t blame you), we all know that kids of all ages now are using more and more technology: in their free time, in class, on their phones, AI, social media, etc. So what do we do about it? Well, the first step is to know your facts and read the research. Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization that focuses on educating families about technology and kids. They work to review media, provide lessons for educators, and collect research to share out with families. Here are some of their more recent research studies that might intrigue you:

• Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions

• The State of Kids and Families in America 2025

• The 2025 Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight

• Research Brief: Teens, Trust, and Technology in the Age of AI

• Unpacking Grind Culture in American Teens: Pressure, Burnout, and the Role of Social Media

Want to see more? Here is the link to all of their current research studies. Pro tip, if the file seems a bit long, the first 2-6 pages of the study reviews all the essential findings, if you don’t have the mental stamina this time of year to read a whole report. 

10.15.25: Happy Digital Citizenship Week! - Finney

Are you looking for information to share with your students, friends, or even family, about how to make good choices online? Especially in regards to AI? “Each year during the third full week of October, Common Sense Media leads Digital Citizenship Week, an annual campaign to promote a healthy, balanced, and positive approach to media and tech use among young people.”

Starting Monday, October 20th, visit Common Sense Media’s website to explore resources for K-12 students. Resources include activity calendars with linked lessons and activities, social media challenges, online webinars, training for educators, and more! All of which are designed to help support student digital well-being in the age of AI.

Curious about the program? Feel free to reach out to your WRHS Library staff and we would be happy to collaborate with you!

10.8.25: Get Creative with Block Poster! - Finney

Have you ever needed to print a poster for your classroom, but you were limited by the standard size of paper that will run through our copiers? Well, do I have the hack for you! Block Poster is a free online resource that will take any .jpg file you have, and convert it to a multi-page PDF poster. That even includes custom Canva designs you may have created. All you have to do is cut out (or find a reliable student) and paste the pages together to create your own full-sized poster! Pro-tip: the higher quality .jpg file you can make, the better your image will expand to a full size poster. 

Want to see it in action? Swing by the library to see one of our displays. We always have block posters utilized in our space. 

Also, don’t forget that the USD 437 Print Shop offers professional quality printing services at a fee. Please coordinate with your department head if you would like to order something for your classroom. 

10.1.25: Banned Books Week is Next Week! - Finney

Banned Books Week is on the way! October 5th - 11th, 2025, we celebrate and bring awareness to equitable access to books, literacy, and resisting censorship. Book banning and challenges have steadily been on the rise for the last four years in the United States. For information on Banned Books Week, how to promote reading, and resist censorship in your own classroom, be sure to visit the American Library Association and the Freedom to Read Foundation webpages, or read Pen America’s article “The Normalization of Book Banning.” Also, be on the lookout for emails from Mrs. Sandberg & myself throughout the week, or visit the library to get your hand on your own copy of a banned book. 

5.5.25:  Another new documentary from Finney!

You know I love a good documentary, so here is another recommendation for you! Featured on the Literary Activism & Book Riot newsletter (sign up here if you’re interested), Banned Together follows a group of librarians, educators, student activists, and politicians responding to a 2022 book ban that removed 97 titles from school and public libraries. Interested in learning more and giving it a watch? Banned Together is currently available for streaming on Apple + or Amazon Prime. Learn more about the film here!

3.10.25: Ferguson's Career Guidance Center - Sandberg

3.5.25: Lesson Ideas from Checkology - Finney

Checkology, an online resource that helps students learn how to evaluate information online, has partnered with the News Literacy Project to provide example lessons on a variety of topics from "introduction to algorithms" to "evaluating science based claims." Lessons are available for a variety of grade levels, and there are even a few in Spanish. My favorite so far is “Can You Search Like a Pro?” This 15-30 minute mini-lesson comes with tutorials for online searching and lateral reading, and an activity asking students to help evaluate a current conspiracy theory posted online regarding birds (ARE THEY REAL!?). 

Want to access this lesson and more? You can view the full list of lessons here: https://get.checkology.org/explore/. Once there, you can preview any lesson, and register for free to view the full lesson resources. Simply state that you are a public school teacher at WRHS, sign up with Google, then you can access lessons, posters, and resources.

Let us know if you want to try any of these in your classroom. Marcy or myself would be more than happy to pop-in and demo one with your classes!

3.3.25: March is Media Mentor Month - Finney

Happy March, and with that, Happy Media Mentor Month! Keri-Lee Beasley, an international school teacher and digital literacy coach located in China, recently shared resources on her blog Tip Of The Iceberg, to get students and kids talking about online media. Additionally, she shared some wonderful talking point cards that could be used as discussion starters, or even attendance questions. Take a look here, and get kids talking about all things media literacy! 

2.26.25: The Trust Me Documentary - Finney

Are you ready for another watch me documentary recommendation from Finney? This year I’m bringing you Trust Me. Backed by organizations like The News Literacy Project, Getting Better Foundation, and the Knight Foundation, this full-feature documentary dives into human nature, how news impacts us, and why media and news literacy is so impactful. From mistrust, to mental health, to political division and the bias bubble, looks into what can happen if we fall victim to mis-information and negative news.

Want to know more? Watch the trailer, view Common Core Standard Aligned Activity Guides, and read about the creators and experts on their website: https://www.trustmedocumentary.com/

Want to watch for free? Cardholders at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library have access to Kanopy. Watch on a laptop, download the app to your smart TV or Tablet, and stream the video there. Pro-tip: once you log-in with your TSCPL credentials, you will need to make an email & password log-in, so I suggest doing this first on a computer. https://www.kanopy.com/ 

Watched it and want to discuss? Swing by the library! We’re always ready to hear your ideas!

2.24.25: Citing AI Images - Finney

One of the most entertaining (and sometimes painful) elements of AI is its ability to create custom generated images. Students and staff alike create these images to use in posters, projects, and classroom activities, but did you know you still need to cite AI images? Especially when using those images in a professional setting, because they are still not your original work. This article from Dr. Monica Burns explores AI images, how to teach them in the classroom, and how to cite them. Read more here: https://classtechtips.com/2024/11/06/how-to-cite-ai-images/ 

2.21.25: Have You Checked MediaWise Lately? - Finney

If you have had the pleasure of Mrs. Sandberg or Mrs. Finney visiting your classes for a research activity, more than likely your students have watched a MediaWise video on YouTube. MediaWise is a fantastic resource created by Poynter, and supported by PBS NewsHour and adult ambassadors like Lester Holt and John Green, to teach media users of all ages how to be critical thinkers when accessing information online. My favorite part about MediaWise? The majority of its videos are narrated by teenagers, so our students aren’t just listening to another adult telling them what to do. 

My favorite playlist that MediaWise produces is “Is This Legit?” Where teenangers work to evaluate a current hot-button issue that has been floating around social media. For example, in Season 4 of “Is This Legit?” the most recent video evaluates the claims of American mercenaries recently invading Russia.

Follow the YouTube Channel to see live updates here: https://www.youtube.com/mediawise 

Learn more about MediaWise & Poynter here: https://www.poynter.org/mediawise/ 

2.12.25: News Getting Overwhelming? Use the Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart - Finney

It’s that time of year again, and the news is starting to get out of hand. How do we ensure that the information we are reading, watching, and potentially sharing online is credible? And how do we then teach those skills to our students? Well, one of the best ways is to practice lateral reading, fact checking, and reading upstream before believing any of the information you see online. But additionally, whenever I am faced with a topic that doesn’t sound quite right, I like to find three different news sources, all from different biased perspectives, read each, and try to find the middle ground. What facts are the same in each article? Which ones are exaggerated in source A, but not in source C? 

Click HERE to read the full post. 

02.05.25 - Finney

Happy National News Literacy Week! From February 3rd - 7th, the “sixth annual National News Literacy Week, presented by the News Literacy Project, The E.W. Scripps Company and USA Today, focuses on providing educators with the tools and resources they need to help students more skillfully navigate today’s information landscape.” With so much going on in the world, and students finding most of the news on social media, there is never a bad time to reinforce skills on evaluating and fact checking news sites, bias, all while learning about the 1st Amendment and the role free media plays in our society.

Interested, follow this link here for more information! There are so many lesson plans, infographics, and resources that you can save for later use.

https://newslit.org/news-literacy-week/?nab=0

8.26.24

This school year brought with it new monitoring software - GoGuardian. This software performs the functions of Classwize with some enhanced features. Attached is a guide for teachers. Skip to page 7 and go from there. We don’t need the first section on setting up classes because it has been completed for us.

GoGuardian also is one of our filtering systems. Our IT department gave it a good shot at getting all of the apps, websites, etc. on the whitelist - stuff that’s allowed. However, there are bound to be some that are missed. Before you have your class use an app or website, put in a School Dude ticket and ask to have it put on the white list. If something you need is blocked, create a School Dude ticket. Our IT team has been very responsive!

5.21.24 - Confused by DELL, LENOVO, PLANTRONICS, etc.??  Who wouldn't be?!

Wondering what the heck needs to return before departing for summer?

You may have seen an email which caused some confusion or angst. Here's hoping (fingers crossed) that we can provide some clarification.

Return items to C627, the Storage Room if...

• you will NOT be at WRHS for the next school year,

• there will be construction in your room, or

• you wish for items to be secured with other similar resources for your department.

If you wish to securely keep items in your room, then email Finney or Sandberg to visit your room to scan items for renewal through May 2025.

Now, for the details on Tech...
There are two sides to the circulation system - LIBRARY materials (14 digit barcodes starting with 34532) and RESOURCES which are textbooks, novels, calculators, and technology. It's unfortunate the cataloging of Technology Resources isn't clear for the end user to understand what items are on their account.  So, here's an attempt to explain some:

• LENOVO 8 digit barcode number is the chromebook.

• LENOVO 14 digit barcode is the chromebook power cord.

  • Sometimes the chromebook power cords are a DELL product.
    Teachers were initially issued TWO chromebook power cords.

• An HP item has a 10 digit barcode and is likely your teacher laptop, which would also have a power cord, another 14 digit barcode item.

• An APPLE is an iPad, which was checked out with a power cord and brick although those two items are not barcoded but need to return.

• A PLANTRONICS is the micrphone/headset which was in teacher laptop bags. Check all the zippered locations of the backpack.  ;)

You may view your account by visiting:

http://library.usd437.net
Log In (upper right) then
Sign in with Google (left)
At the top of the page you should see Home, Catalog and My Info.
Under the My Info you will see Items Out and the two sections Library Materials and Resources.

If you have any questions about Resource descriptions or renewal of any materials, please speak with Finney or Sandberg.

Your assistance is GREATLY appreciated in helping to keep track of district property.  THANK YOU!!!

5.1.24:  Give a course evaluation via Google Forms - Heather Stessman

5.3.24  Frontline info - Heather Stessman  

Thanks so much for your participation in the professional learning activities last Friday!  Here’s your reminder to manage your activities in Frontline so you get your points.

And if you’re using anything you learned that day (or already knew), why not go for double word score and get some application points that can help you move across the pay scale?  Here is a link to Ann Janca’s video on how to take what you learned to application. Alternatively, you could engage in an Impact Cycle with Sarah or me around these (or any) topics and get up to 12 Impact points!

In order to get the points you earned, it’s important for you to follow up in Frontline within 30 days of the activity.  Here is a workaid, developed by central office personnel, that does a good job walking you through and explaining what each section is.  I’ve highlighted in a blue color the information that is especially pertinent right after a PL day like we had recently.

Pro tip:  If you plan to move across the payscale for 2024-25, your letter of intent is due to SEC by June 1. One can find that form in Frontline > My Info > My File Library, then select Organization Files.

Our magnificent PDC reps, Ann Janca and Jessica Luse, are the go-to gurus if you have questions or concerns, but Sarah or I would be more than happy to assist, too!

4.12.24: Use your phone as a Canva Presentation Remote - Finney

One of the best ways to be successful in education is by sharing with each other, so I’m so excited to pass along this resource shared by another wonderful K-12 Librarian in Kansas. All credit for the content of this post goes to Brenda Lemon, who is a librarian in the Chapman Unified School District 473. So let’s get to it!

I’m sure at this point you’ve used Canva in your classroom, or know a teacher near you who has.One of my new favorite tools is using Canva presentations to spice up regular slide presentations in class. It takes all the guesswork out of creating a visually appealing presentation. But now, not only can you make your presentations, Canva has created a way to make your phone your presentation clicker. If you want to try, open a slide presentation in Canva and click present. Then, click on the three vertical dots and select Share Remote Control. It will give you a QR code to access on your phone.Once you’re connected, use your phone to advance the slides, and don’t forget to try out the additional magic enhancements. 

If you want to see this in action, watch this TikTok video. 

3.27.24: Limited upcoming lab availability - Heather

Read the full post here.

3.18.24: TikTok Boom, What do you think? - Finney

One of the biggest news stories over spring break was the “Tik Tok Ban,” or H.R.7521 - Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a piece of legislation that if passed by the house and senate, and signed into order by the president, would give ByteDance 6 months to sell the popular application TikTok to a company whose origins are not in China. But what else would passing this bill give the government the ability to ban, and how does it hold up against the 1st Amendment? Additionally, lawmakers are claiming one of the biggest threats to national security lay with China’s ability to use TikTok to interfere with the 2024 election - something Russia used Facebook to do in the 2016 election. 

Click HERE to read the full post!

3.6.24: A new documentary... - Finney

Needing a new documentary to watch over Spring Break? The Disruptors is a new documentary that “aims to educate, reframe our view of ADHD”. While some may think that ADHD is negative, over diagnosed, or a fake diagnosis, “The Disruptors” looks at the strengths that having an ADHD brain can give you. Featuring celebrities, innovators, and CEOs, this documentary attempts to debunk myths and reframe our perception of ADHD.

Learn more here: https://disruptorsfilm.com/ 

The documentary is accessible to watch through the streaming platforms: Amazon Prime, YouTube, and iTunes. 

2.28.24: TikTok Creators for Educators - Finney

Social Media isn’t just for the kids, it’s for teachers and learning too! There are several wonderful creators on TikTok that work to spread the love of learning, teaching hacks, and even current events. Are you nervous about starting an account? Don’t want to see nothing but a stream of dancing teenagers and stupid pranks? You can feed your algorithm by using the search bar within the app to search any of these creators or hashtags. Want to see more of a certain style of video? If you see a video you like in your feed, the longer you stay on that video (or if you go to the video’s creator home page) you’ll be more likely to see more of that. Or, avoid the suggested videos in the FYP feed and stick only to the Following feed to see videos by creators you follow. Remember, you don't need to create and share videos to see what has been shared by these creators. 

• @educaorandrea - Andrea is a teacher turned teacher trainer. Her most popular series is “things my high schoolers said that left me speechless.”

• Click HERE to read the full post. 

2.12.24: New & Improved TSCPL Website - Finney

About a week ago, TSCPL dropped a new and improved website for library users. Here is what you need to know: 

• You can now easily search the catalog by using the search box in the center of the landing page! 

• There are 4 navigation drop down menus across the top of the page: Books, Movies & Music - Visit - Tools & Services - Events & Classes. HINT: Easy access to Libby, Hoopla, & The Beanstack App for reading challenges can be found at the bottom of the Tools & Services drop down menu. 🙂

• Upcoming events, relevant articles, and featured resources can be found by scrolling down the main page, to just past the search box.

Click HERE to read the full post. 

2.5.24:  Did you remember to celebrate National Change Your Password Day?  - Heather Stessman

Happy National Change Your Password Day to all who celebrate!  I’m writing this on February 1, the actual day, and I’m BEGGING you to do some celebrating, perhaps during some downtime you may have during parent-teacher conferences this week.

Hacking is, sadly, ubiquitous and hackers are not just coming for corporations or individuals with deep pockets. We’re seeing more and more K-12 schools getting hacked, and right here in Topeka, we’ve seen the havoc it can cause in our judicial and healthcare systems.  According to nationaltoday.com, “Research proves that one is responsible for the cyberattacks they face, as many hackers admit that many online users have poor security and are easily hackable. This is because we form simple, easy-to-remember passwords and use them for all our internet accounts.”   

Let’s look at some ways you can protect both your personal information and the security of your data at school:

Setup good passwords from the get-go:  Avoid using passwords that have personal information in them, like your name or date of birth. Use a good mix of alphabet, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same passwords for everything. Be careful what you share on social media about things like the make and model of your first car, mother’s maiden name, etc. These are often the security questions that websites use, right? So don’t put those things out there inadvertently, by answering questions (I see this A LOT on Facebook) asked by people you don’t know, as innocuous as it might appear or as fun as those quizzes to tell you which Friends character you are. I am guilty of this one….(Monica, here!) And, for whatever reason, I REALLY wanted to flex the fact that my first car was a beater when people were talking about theirs.  Not smart of me. Those online things are often ways to mine information about us.

Two-factor authentication: I know, I know. I don’t like it, either, when I’m trying to login to Infinite Campus and don’t have my phone nearby. But honestly, is it really that big a deal once you get the hang of it? You can use the same authentication app (for most of us, it’s Google’s, but there are many other options, such as Authy) to set up 2FA for your social media, your personal Google accounts, and lots and lots of merchants, like your mobile phone carrier. If an online merchant says, “Hey! Do you want to set up two-factor authentication?” say YES!  Here’s a video that shows you how to set up Google Authenticator for various sites, including Facebook.

Classlink: Remember your new staff academy experience?  Yeah, me neither!  We went through so much info in a short amount of time and I left that day awash in tech tips and passwords - some needed special characters, some needed my complete address while others just needed my “five and three.” I remember vaguely hearing something about a password locker and luckily Sarah knew exactly what I was talking about when I mentioned it to her.  It was Classlink!

Classlink really does simplify my life every day! The district has added many of the applications that we all use regularly (Frontline, Infinite Campus, TalentEd, etc) AND I have added several apps and websites that are important specifically to me. Watch how to do this on this short-ish video I made, put me on 1.5 speed and learn how to:

• Create folders to combine apps in a way that makes sense to you and cleans up your dashboard a bit.

• Add apps and websites that you use a lot, but the district didn’t automatically add.

• Edit your passwords if you want to.  And you do, because, you know, it’s the holiday!

And there’s more!  Click here to find a quick guide, created by Classlink, that you can print (or add to Classlink!) for future reference.

1.31.24:  Prepping for parent-teacher conferences - Heather Stessman

Click here to find the full post.

12.15.23:  Tackle the Day playlist & district video policy - Heather Stessman  

11.17.23:  Scheduling the library and labs in Google Calendar - Heather Stessman

FINALS are right around the corner! If you need an alternate space during finals week, please get it reserved now!  You can do that straight from your Google Calendar by following these directions.

And, as an Easter egg for you, here's a printable finals schedule!

11.3.23:  Try a Collaborative Poster! - Vicky Finney

I don’t know about you, but for me October 2023 was the longest month in the history of school months. We’re all feeling tired, fried, and ready for turkey and a good nap. So, if you’re looking for an idea to help your class meditate, or some mid-year team building, here is a fun idea from Madison @mbbcreations. Find the full text here.

10.30.23:  New Technology for Checkout: Apple Pencils! - Vicky Finney

For those of you who have taken advantage of using the iPads that are available for staff checkout, you’ll be excited to know that now we have Apple Pencils as well! Your WRHS Library acquired 10, 1st Generation Apple Pencils. The Apple Pencil “expands the versatility of iPad and opens up new creative possibilities. It’s sensitive to pressure and tilt so you can easily vary line weight, create subtle shading, and produce a wide range of artistic effects — all with pixel-perfect precision, so it’s as natural to use as a pencil.” All while simply pairing via bluetooth and charging via Lightning. 

If you’re interested in trying this new technology, visit your WRHS Library today!

10.9.23:  Mandatory Vector trainings - Heather Stessman

With only one day of building PD in August, SILT really didn’t know where to fit in all the state-required trainings we usually do (think bloodborne pathogens, Jason Flatt Act, etc.), so it’s a good thing the district moved to a different delivery method this year: Vector. 

Vector is a one-stop shop for these trainings, including the videos AND accompanying questions that must be answered for the training to be considered complete. They’re much like Edpuzzle in that way.

A word of caution: some of our colleagues who have tried to get started on the videos have opened Vector only to find there’s nothing there. No…that doesn’t mean they don’t have to do the trainings :) It might behoove you to take a look, and, if there are no videos listed, let Sarah or me know so that we can get that rectified. Because if you’re thinking what I’m thinking, you’re planning to use whatever available downtime there is during the upcoming parent-teacher conferences to knock those out.  

Here’s a quick video of where to look for Vector (hint: it’s in Classlink).

Update:  the district sent out this guidance on getting to Vector in an email dated October 7:  Using your web browser, go to the Vector Training, K-12 Edition website for Auburn-Washburn USD 437: https://usd437-ks.safeschools.com/ 

Username is your full district email address.

9/18/2023:  Genially - interactive presentation creation tool - Marcy Sandberg