IT News and Notes - April 2020

Messasge from Mr. Porter

Dear Mentor Schools Staff,

As we continue to face these challenging times with students learning in non-traditional ways, we are so blessed to have so many keys to support our students. We are so lucky to have constant parent and family support for our initiatives. Another key is the technological resources available to our students and staff. And a final key is our outstanding teaching staff, who work hard to innovate and meet the needs our students have. Thank you for everything you are doing daily to support our students and Mentor Community.

Use of our Learning Management Systems

Over the past five years the district has moved to a consistent Learning Management System (LMS) for all grades:

K-2 - SeeSaw
3-4 - Goggle Classroom
5 - Google Classroom or Schoology
6-12 Schoology

These LMS's allow each teacher to post content from all of the other resources mentioned in this IT News and Notes that make it easy for students to access the content. Having the students turn in their assignments u sing these systems will also make for clarity and ease for both the student and the teacher. Next year we will be providing our 3rd and 4th grade teachers the option to use Schoology. More details about this for those who are interested will follow.

Wide Open School

Over the last two years we have used Common Sense Media as our provider for Digital Citizenship lessons. Recently they added strong instructional supports for schools and families called Wide Open School. You will find great free resources for subject areas along with sites to support at home learning.

Click to go to Wide Open School

IT Support and Video

In IT Tips and Tricks this month learn some more helpful hints while using ChromeBooks. This will be particularly helpful for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers.

[email protected] has be used extensively over the first three weeks of distance learning. During the first week, we saw an average of around 200 emails for support to the the IT staff. This has decreased as we move along and students, parents and teachers are becoming a little more comfortable with online learning. Please remember if you have any issues, don't hesitate to email

[email protected] .

Zoom Security

Zoom has continued to increase security settings as more teachers are using this program to connect with their students. Zoom has made the waiting room feature a default for all new meetings. This means that students need to be admitted into the calls. This may take an extra second, but it does help keep the call secure. Here is a brief article that explains that a little further.

Once in the call, you have an option to share your screen. There is an arrow next to that option. Click on the arrow and then Advanced Options. You can then choose Only Host can share screen. This can change if you decide you want a student to share.

FEATURED STAFF MEMBERS THIS MONTH

The ElementaryArt and PE Department and Bryan Kuhlman (MHS)

Our Elementary Art and PE Departments have found ways over the last month to use technology to spread hope and keep kids active. The Art Department has created the #MentorRainbows project. This project has kids and families making rainbows and putting them up in their house to spread hope during this time. Our PE department has taken to Twitter keeping their students active during a time when it is easy to become complacent. Check our our amazing ART and PE Teams on Twitter and the many engaging activities they are providing our students.

Also, Mr. Bryan Kuhlman at Mentor High School has done an outstanding. job continuing his use of technology to enhance the learning for students and staff. Check out Bryan's YouTube Channel - Teacher Tech where you can find short video clips to assist you with a wide variety of technology needs.