Week of September 18, 2023

 Managed Apple TV UPDATES:

• Starting on Friday, September 22, 2023, all TTSD (managed) classroom TVs will undergo TWO important updates

1. 
   Reduced Connection Delay: We're making a significant improvement to reduce the extended delay when connecting your laptop or iPad to the AppleTV. Say goodbye to those frustratingly long waits!
2. Pass Code to Connect - ONLY 1st Time: We're modifying the code to enable connection attempts only on the initial connection, eliminating the need to reconnect "every time." This change will simplify the process and save you time.

These updates aim to enhance your classroom technology experience, ensuring smoother and more efficient interactions with our AV equipment. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we strive to improve your learning environment.

TTSD Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee

In May 2023, we launched the TTSD Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee. We're inviting staff, community members, and students to join us in our ongoing efforts to evaluate generative AI tools in PK-12 education. The committee's core objectives are:

1. Develop TTSD AI Policy: Create a district-wide policy for the responsible use of generative AI by staff and students.
2. Provide AI Professional Development: Offer continuous training to empower staff and students to effectively utilize AI tools in education. Join us in shaping the future of AI in education.

If you'd like to join this committee, please fill out this form TTSD AI Committee Membership Interest Form.

LAST Back to School Update

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance at TTSD:

• Students: At this time, there is NO approved AI generating tool approved for TTSD student use (no vendors have signed the Data Privacy Agreement)
• Staff: At this time, AI tools ARE allowed & encouraged for use by staff with the following TTSD AI Guidance
• Quick Tips: 
1. Use ChatGPT as a tool for suggesting edits to your own writing.  Suggested prompts (it's all about the prompts...) include:
• Make the following more concise: "_______"
• Check for bias in the following: "_______"
• Check for tone in the following: "________"
1. Install Origin AI Detection extension tool (for a quick check on submitted work)
2. Explore content creation with AI tools such as ChatGPT and Canva's Magic Write: presentations, lesson plans, etc.  (SEE requirement to give credit in TTSD AI Guidance for AI generated content creation)
3. Use ChatGPT in the classroom with YOUR account to discuss PROs and CONs of AI in our society. 
• Avoid generating text live on a display in class
• Review generated text for bias and accuracy before presenting it to students
• If biases or inaccuracies are detected in generated text, edit the text or determine an appropriate mitigation response prior to sharing the content
  
  

This is good practice, as teachers should read or watch supplemental materials they self-select in full before presenting them to students. This practice aligns with TTSD's Materials Selection and Procurement policy (IIA-AR) which requires staff to check for bias in advance and determine a plan to address any bias located prior to introducing the material - in an effort to support ACB (Every Student Belongs).

 

• NOTE: As we explore any new technology, be aware there are pros and cons and potential bias.  Keep yourself up to date with drawbacks of these new AI tools and how they have implicit bias due their human creation: EXAMPLES:
• Educational Impacts & Benefits of AI (TTSD)
• U.S. Department of Education Shares Insights and Recommendations for Artificial Intelligence (US Dept of Ed Article)
• The U.S. Department of Education and Experts Discuss “AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning” (US Dept of Ed Webinar - recorded)

School Communication Tools - UPDATE - Remind & Synergy Mail

The Remind communication tool has been formally introduced as our teacher, coach and staff communication tool for the 2022-23 school year:

• PROs

• Remind allows for two way communication WITH TRANSLATION

• Remind is synced nightly with Synergy (classes, student and parent contact information).

• Archived communication to protect staff and students.

• SMS, email, App - allows for parents, staff and students to customize HOW they are notified of a new communication.

• CONs

• Teachers (at this time) cannot individually message students under 13 yrs old (ie you are missing assignment ____)

• This is NOT an issue at High School

• Staff/Teachers cannot easily message the guardians of a student (without knowing who they are)

• No formatting options

• SOLUTION:

• 
  
  We are introducing “Synergy Mail” (replaces "Communication") to address these “CONs”

• TeacherVUE: Access "Synergy Mail" under the HOME menu, or by clicking a student’s seating chart picture and selecting “Compose Email.” (See KB article for Synergy Mail documentation)
  

• 
  
  
  

• Office Staff / Synergy SIS: Access "Synergy Mail" by clicking on the mail icon

• 

NOTE: During the 2023-24 school year, TTSD IT and Communications Dept will be working to consolidate our official communication tools to meet our needs. To suggest a tool or offer a feature or function you need for your job, please complete this Communication Tool Survey

Week of August 21, 2023 - Summer Update #3 / Welcome Back Teachers!

WELCOME BACK TEACHERS!  It's going to be a great year! Please find some important updates below for this new school year:

PK-12 Teachers:

Remind is now integrated into the Synergy TeacherVUE "Home" menu for easy school to home communication (Replacing "Communication").  Remind already has your classes rostered and when you select to "translate" your message, parents and students will receive your message in their home language via text or email (or App) without having to sign up.  Additionally, when they respond in their home language, it will translate BACK into your preferred language. (Use your Google login for Remind.)

AppleTVs are now TTSD Classroom Standard: 

• AppleTVs & Mounted Displays: NEW TTSD Classroom Standards
• Options for Connecting to Your Classroom Display

Digital Citizenship Lessons are necessary for ALL AGES

Our students are navigating a time where honed technology skills are essential to their future.  Please take time through the school year, beginning in the first weeks, to review the responsibilities that come with using these tools responsibly and learning these skills to open opportunities. Topics to explicitly discuss are:

• Online bullying (including cyberbullying)
• Responsible use of social networking
• Digital health (screen time in moderation)
• Digital literacy - deciphering real vs fake information online

As we all explore the new technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) (see TTSD's AI committee Pros/Cons Spring 2023), we all deserve an opportunity to learn about these tools in a safe and thoughtful way.  Please look for to additional opportunities this fall to learn about AI @ TTSD.  

Need some suggestions on how to bring this topics into your specific grade level?  Please see Seesaw digital lessons scope & sequence (link to Seesaw Computer Science lesson library) for age appropriate, lesson plans and activities for students in elementary school.  For secondary students, please see Common Sense Media for ideas or specific lessons that will resonate with your students.

Elementary School Updates

• STUDENT iPad APP LIST: The amount of Apps available for students has been streamlined and prioritized for use in the classroom.  Thank you for your participation in the Spring app survey sent to all ES and MS teachers.  Based on your feedback of valuable classroom apps, there is now a list of refined apps available to students.  See 2023-24 Fall iOS Student App List.  
• Want to request a new App? 
1. First review the TTSD Digital Resources Menu
2. If not on the menu, see "Requesting a Resource for Student/Staff Use"
• YouTube.com will initially be blocked on all PK-5 student iPads.  
• Please begin the year with digital citizenship lessons and activities with your students to ensure they are given the opportunity to make informed decisions with their technology use. 
• Then, if your grade level team would like to use the YouTube resources in your classrooms for instruction, please just submit a Tech Request. 

================================================

Don't miss previous Summer Updates:

• Summer Update #1 - How to print securely in your school, using "SecureCopy Papercut" printer.
• Summer Update #2:
• Timeline for teachers, parents and students to access Parent/StudentVUE and Canvas
• How to check out a document camera

 

Week of August 14, 2023 - Summer Update #2 / Welcome Back Secretaries!

Summer Update #2

Timeline for Synergy, Canvas & Clever

• Please see Knowledgebase (KB) article entitled "Beginning of School Year: Software & App Ready Dates for Fall 2023" to learn about important dates for our systems
• Highlights:
• Blackboard - new GRADES ready (classes updated Aug 21st)
• Synergy default year = 2023-24

How to Check Out a Projector or Document Camera 

• Beginning Fall 2023, all TTSD Classrooms should now have a mounted projection system (either a mounted projector or classroom display mounted on the wall).  
• Apple TVs are also now a classroom standard and should be available in every TTSD classroom.
• With this, document cameras and unmounted projectors are optional devices available for a teacher to check out.  To check out one of these devices for the school year, use the service request form(s)
  below:
• Service Home > Request New Service > * Device Request > Document Camera
• Service Home > Request New Service > * Device Request > Projector

Week of July 3, 2023

 

Summer Update #1:

This summer we will be implementing Papercut across all district copiers. This initiative aims to address the issue of secure & flexible printing to school copiers. 

One of the notable advantages of Papercut is its seamless integration across our district. With this implementation, you will gain the ability to print to any Papercut enabled copier without the need to install additional copiers/software drivers. 

Papercut is already enabled on your device, so there are no further steps you need to take, and we will let you know when it is available at your school's copy machine.

For detailed instructions on how to print to the copier using Papercut and how to log in at the copier, please refer to the links provided below.

Print to PaperCut Copiers (from your laptop)

Papercut Sign In (at the copier)

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we introduce Papercut as our new printing solution. We are confident that this implementation will bring significant benefits to our district, promoting sustainability and improving printing efficiency.

Week of June 12th

 End of Year Wrap Up:

What a great year we have had again together.  As you pack up your classrooms and begin transitioning to summer break, the IT Department wanted to make sure you had a few Quick Tips to end the year with your technology and accounts (and maybe some summer projects):

1. Year End Check List for Staff
2. Important Dates:
   
   
   
1. June 20th, (Tuesday): Phone system maintenance
2. July 17th, (Monday): Synergy will be set to 2023-24 school year
1. Blackboard & a few other systems will be available with new year
3. August 18th, (Friday): Last day for schedules to be "pushed out" in Synergy
4. August 19th, (Saturday): First day Canvas, Clever, Seesaw, Remind will have Fall 2023 classes and students loaded for staff and teachers to view.
5. Other digital resources/curriculum Beginning of School Year Software & App "Ready Dates"
1. Canvas courses will be available for teachers August 21, 2023 (Monday)

Digital Resources for Summer Learning

Resources for Summer Learning: 😜

• Check Out CANVAS New Quizzes!
  
  

• SEESAW Self-Paced Learning 

• "Register" on any free training video to view

Week of June 1, 2023

 

June ANNOUNCEMENTS

• 
  PK-5 Classrooms: Looking for a meaningful way for students to reflect on their accomplishments this school year?
• Seesaw: June Classroom Dailies: PK, K-2, 3-5
• Knowledgebase articles for "End of Year":
• Year-End Checklist: Teachers, Computers & Carts
• Year-End Checklist - Secretaries
• Secondary:  Grade Book End of Term Checklist (Canvas & Synergy) 

DOWN DAY WEEKEND - SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2022

The first Sunday of EACH month is reserved for the IT Department to perform disruptive (but necessary) maintenance on our networks systems.  With 24/7 access to online resources for our staff and students, we have reserved the FIRST Sunday of each month to perform this work.

Please note Sunday there will likely be disruption to various systems that may impact your access to: TTSD accounts, network resources (wifi), internet filter and Mac/iPad "Self Service"

Week of May 1, 2023

 DOWN DAY WEEKEND - SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2022

The first Sunday of EACH month is reserved for the IT Department to perform disruptive (but necessary) maintenance on our networks systems.  With 24/7 access to online resources for our staff and students, we have reserved the FIRST Sunday of each month to perform this work.

Please note Sunday there will likely be disruption to various systems that may impact your access to: TTSD accounts, network resources (wifi), internet filter and Mac/iPad "Self Service"

APPLE TVs will be the classroom standard, beginning fall 2023 

 

Beginning Fall 2023, all TTSD classrooms will include an Apple TV as part of a standard classroom "setup."  IT and T&L will provide support and training on how to connect to the Apple TVs from your teacher device (and student devices) as well as how to integrate these into your instruction.  Additionally, the IT department is working to identify a district solution to remove projectors on carts for the remaining classrooms.  Three CFT classrooms are piloting three different mounted display options.  Please watch for additional information both on the technology blog and for ES and MS in the form of a feedback survey in a few weeks.

All TTSD Classrooms beginning Fall 2023!

 

 

 

 

 

Week of March 1st

 AUTO-TRANSLATED sCHOOL <> hOME cOMMUNICATION

Did you know?.....

• Remind is a PAID resource available for all TTSD staff (teachers, FPAs, coaches, club advisors, etc.) to be used for classroom/group communication.
• Remind is a communication tool available to ALL CLASSROOM teachers
• Remind is automatically set up with your classroom roster(s) from Synergy
• Remind is accessible through Clever, using your Google Login.
• Remind uses the students "correspondence language" in Synergy to auto-translate messages to their preferred language when you send your message in English (or any language) -- WITH NO EXTRA STEPS
• Families can RESPOND to your messages in their preferred language and it AUTO translates to your preferred language (by default staff preferred language = English)
• For students over 13 yrs old, Remind is set to use the student's cell phone (in Synergy) to send/receive text messages.

HELPFUL ("KB") ARTICLES ON USING REMIND @ TTSD.

• Remind Overview for Staff
• Top 10 ways schools use Remind
• Create Custom Class
• Adding a Second Teacher to your Group/Class

 DOWN DAY WEEKEND - SUNDAY, March 5, 2022

The first Sunday of EACH month is reserved for the IT Department to perform disruptive (but necessary) maintenance on our networks systems.  With 24/7 access to online resources for our staff and students, we have reserved the FIRST Sunday of each month to perform this work.

Please note Sunday there will likely be disruption to various systems that may impact your access to: TTSD accounts, network resources (wifi), internet filter and Mac/iPad "Self Service"

"KB" = TTSD Knowledgebase (http://kb.ttsd.k12.or.us)

Week of February 5th - Down Day Feb 12th

DOWN DAY WEEKEND - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022

The first Sunday of EACH month is reserved for the IT Department to perform disruptive (but necessary) maintenance on our networks systems.  With 24/7 access to online resources for our staff and students, we have reserved the FIRST Sunday of each month to perform this work.

Please note Sunday there will likely be disruption to various systems that may impact your access to: TTSD accounts, network resources (wifi), internet filter and Mac/iPad "Self Service"

Week of February 5, 2023

 

End of Term: Synergy TeacherVUE Tips to Post Report Card Grades:

• Elementary Teachers:
• Using the Grade book? 
• Posting Marks Overview - Homeroom
• Elementary - Entering Grades By Class
• Posting Marks - Music, PE, and ELL
• Using The Elementary Report Card Comment Bank
• Secondary Teachers:
• Posting Grades for Middle and High School Classes

New Term: Synergy and Canvas Setup Tips:

As we begin QT3 / SM2, here are some helpful tips to get you started with success:

• Make sure you are truly "seeing" your students by using their preferred name ("Nickname") on reports, seating charts, attendance lists.  Students have the option to update their preferred name through the office/counseling office, to use the correct name for students in TeacherVUE, you'll want to ensure you are using the TeacherVUE "Nickname" in seating charts, etc. to use student's preferred name. 
• For secondary teachers, make sure you have "Nightly Sync" set to ON for Canvas assignments to automatically flow to TeacherVUE. 
• Canvas Grade Passback Nightly Sync
•  ** Your school MTSS team relies on your Synergy grades to be current
• ALL TTSD students should have the opportunity to build technology skills (ISTE standards) and using Canvas for digital workflow, missed assignments & opportunities to demonstrate proficiency one consistent way across all classrooms to support these necessary skills.
• 2022-23 Canvas Course Setup Checklist - Secondary Teachers