Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!!!
Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!!!
I cannot believe the start of the 2022-2023 school year is just 1 day away. In fact students will be arriving for the Meet and Greet in a couple hours! I am excited for this year though. Not because it will be the easiest year ever or because health and safety protocols are reduced or because I feel like there’s a shot I could win the lottery after listening to Allan’s one-in-a-million story during his opening remarks. It is because after working with all of you over the last few years and overcoming so much I know that we can do anything together. I love working in Wrentham and cannot wait for all that will be in-store for us this year.
Well, without any further delay, welcome to this year’s first Tech Tuesday message! I know you have been eagerly awaiting these rich nuggets of technology-related wisdom to flow into your inboxes again! All kidding aside, there is a lot of important information below so let’s dive in.
New Lunch Ordering Process
Last year Norfolk implemented a new lunch ordering system that uses Google Sheets as a way to get lunch counts to their Food Services staff efficiently and at no cost. The system was well received by Norfolk staff and their Food Services team. We will be implementing the system here in Wrentham this year! In short each teacher can browse to a page on the WPS website, open their Google Sheet, and enter their lunch counts. That is all!!!
This will replace the EZ Counter lunch ordering website we have used previously. You can reach out to Chrissy or I with questions about the technical aspects of ordering and Shelly with any lunch program related questions.
WiFi Update
To enhance the security of our district-owned devices we have changed our WiFi networks. All staff-owned personal devices (personal phones, iPads, laptops, etc) have been temporarily booted off our network. Not to worry! You will be able to connect to our WiFi again by the GUEST network. The password for the GUEST network is posted in school offices, workrooms, and teacher lunchrooms. You may join this network at your convenience on your own. Do not connect any WPS owned devices to this network.
Web Filtering
Over the summer we switched our internet content filtering strategy to better allow us to adjust to the various locations teaching and learning has happened over the last few years so we are prepared for any future scenario. The good news is we are continuing to use iboss, the same provider as before. The filtering will be applied to any WPS-owned device provided to students or staff no matter where it is used. Since we did make some adjustments you and your students may see an increase in websites being blocked. If that’s the case then submit a help desk request with the website you want unblocked.
2-Step Verification
As I shared during the opening remarks on Monday, 2-Step Verification adds an extra layer of verification to confirm the person trying to log into your Google Account is actually you. In this case I am recommending you use your cell phone to receive a text message from Google as your 2nd step of verification. Here are some resources to help you get setup:
It would be great if you enabled 2-Step Verification as soon as you have a moment. However, you will have time at the end of the Faculty Meeting on Monday, September 12th. 2-Step Verification must be enabled by Tuesday, September 13th. If you would like to use a method other than your cell phone for verification please contact me.
Cyber Security
Enabling 2-Step Verification will be a huge help in stopping cyber-criminals. However, cyber-criminals do not stop and are sophisticated and creative about how they attack. Even yesterday a local school district in Massachusetts was hit with a ransomware attack. Here's a link to an old Tech Tuesday Blog post about email safety and here's a link to Scott's Top 7 cybersecurity tips.
Web Help Desk
If you come across a technology-related issue make sure to submit a help desk request through Web Help Desk (must be on the school's network using a laptop for this to work). You can also email helpdesk@wrenthamschools.org. If all else fails, dial HELP (x4357). This helps us get the request to the technology staff member that can help out most quickly and efficiently.
Google Classroom Auto-Rostering
We automatically update Google Classroom rosters along with the rosters to all of our district-provided online resources. There’s no need for you to do anything to update your roster. This will continue through the year if your roster is adjusted.
Assigning Chromebooks
It is helpful to assign each student a Chromebook at the start of the year that they will use for the entire year. That helps with keeping them responsible for their device and holds them accountable if something goes wrong. It also increases the speed of the device.
Device Care
Turn Off and/or Restart Laptops: In order for your laptops and Chromebooks to receive critical updates and installs they need to be turned off or restarted. See this previous Tech Tuesday message for additional information.
Improving Laptop/Chromebook Battery Life: Unfortunately, no matter what we do a battery’s life will only get worse over time. This previous Tech Tuesday message will help make the most of your battery life. If your battery’s performance has degraded over the summer or cannot stand to be unplugged from the charging adapter let us know through the help desk so we can replace it.
Start of the year Chromebook Slowness: As students log into their Chromebooks for the first time you may notice they are running more slowly than at the end of the year. That is not unexpected. The first time a student logs into a new device extra information is pulled onto the Chromebook. When a whole class, grade level, or school is doing this at the same time it will slow things down. Just be aware that if you want to use the Chromebooks first thing on Wednesday it may take some time for them to be ready for action.
Substitute Access to Devices/Google Stuff
If the situation arises where you need a substitute to access your interactive panel or a Google resource we will be able to give them access to the panel through the substitute network login and the grade level substitute Google account. In order for the substitute to access specific things in Google those things will need to be shared with the substitute Google account. Later this week you will be provided with that login information to keep on hand. These accounts will be available starting on Tuesday, September 6th.