MasterLibrary Schedules (MLS) Facility Integration

EMS replaced with ML Schedules

As previously shared, the district has a new facilities management system called MasterLibrary Schedules (MLS), which now serves as our replacement for the Virtual Event Management System (EMS)

For those that need to reserve district spaces, please read through this post and familiarize yourself with the basic instructions for logging into, and learning how to use, this new system.

MasterLibrary is currently used within the district for building maintenance and IT requests via ML Workorders. Staff will use their same district Google login credentials when accessing MLS.

MasterLibrary Schedules (MLS) direct link (https://mi50.mlschedules.com)

Once logged in, the facility request procedures are similar to our previous system (EMS). However, to further assist you with navigating the new platform, here are a few resources that you may find helpful:

  1. Basic User Quick Start Guide
  2. Getting Started Guide – Training Videos, Glossary, FAQ
  3. Make a Request (Video)
  4. Using the Calendar
  5. Additional Reports

To reiterate, effectively immediately, Virtual EMS has been phased out and all staff members must make facility usage requests in MLS by going directly to https://mi50.mlschedules.com (feel free to bookmark), click Log in with Google and sign in with their current district Google account creds. MasterSchedules

Once your ML Schedules account is created, you can immediately start making facility reservation requests. Booking confirmations or other communications regarding your request(s) will automatically be sent to your district email. 

Additional resources:

All requests for building space will need to be made ONLINE directly through MLS and will no longer be processed manually by Facilities. 

 

– For questions or issues relating to booking FACILITIES, please email Marie Rogers.

For AUDITORIUM / THEATER usage, please email Paul Bird.

– For any technical issues with MLS, please follow the instructions above for reaching out to IT.

 

Please note, we will be offering several virtual drop-in sessions via Google Meet throughout the month of August for interested staff. Revisit this page as it will be updated with those dates and times. 

Thank you in advance for your patience as the district rolls out this new facilities reservation platform. With hundreds of requests coming through on a daily basis, your booking requests and any questions that you may have about MLS will be addressed as quickly as possible. 

Google Vids

Google Vids
Vids can help deepen learning opportunities, up-level instruction, and inspire the next generation of storytellers in a variety of scenarios, for example:
  • Educators can support diverse learning styles and help students retain information with instructional videos and deep dives on complex concepts.
  • Students can work on video projects and review recorded lessons.
  • Education leaders can easily incorporate video in their school newsletters and create internal training videos for staff. Vids is also integrated with Google Workspace for Education tools like Google Assignments, empowering educators to easily assign video projects or post video explainers right to their students.

Why you’d use it

Similar to other productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Vids includes an easy-to-use interface and the ability to collaborate in real-time and share videos securely from your browser. You can easily get started with a variety of templates organized by use cases to create a new video. From there, you can add motion with animations, transitions, and photo effects, and customize your video using the Vids royalty free education-friendly stock content library or your own media directly from Google Drive or Google Photos.
  • To start, open Google Vids and choose an option to create a new video. You can create a new video or make a copy of an existing video for editing.
  • You can use Vids on your computer with the two most recent versions of these browsers:
    • Chrome
    • Windows only: Microsoft Edge
    • Other browsers may work, but you might not be able to use all of the features.
  • Dive into Google Vids with their free, self-paced online training course, designed specifically for educators and available now in the Google for Education Learning Center. You can also leverage this one pager to get a quick summary of what you can do with Vids.
  • Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with Google Vids

Master Library Schedules

EMS replaced with ML Schedules

Beginning this week, facility use requests will now be made via a new platform called MasterLibrary Schedules. This is replacing EMS. Like Maintenance and Tech Request, this will be housed through MasterLibrary. Access will be available via the following link: https://mi50.mlschedules.com/

Staff will receive an activation email when their account is ready. Roll-out will begin with building administrators this week. Access for teachers and other staff will continue to roll out by the end of June. Please keep an eye out for an email from Master Library Schedules

From there the procedures are similar to our previous system. However, to further assist you with navigating the new platform, here are a few resources that you may find helpful prior to its launch:

  1. Basic User Quick Start Guide
  2. Getting Started Guide – Training Videos, Glossary, FAQ
  3. Make a Request (Video)
  4. Using the Calendar
  5. Additional Reports

To reiterate, staff members should make facility usage requests by browsing to https://mi50.mlschedules.com after receiving the welcome email from MasterLibrary Schedules. 

More resources:

Windows 11 Update will occur on district Dell laptops in the coming weeks and months

Windows 11 for Dell laptops

Hello P-CCS Staff.

We are currently in the process of updating our fleet of laptops to Windows 11 and over the summer we will be enforcing an update for all Dell laptops to the Windows 11 operating system. The Windows 10 operating system will no longer receive updates after October 2025, so it is imperative that we start rolling out these updates to prevent any disruption in the fall. We have already pushed the update to the entire tech team and two schools without any issues.

The policy will download and stage the update in the background without requiring user interaction. Once the update is fully staged, the laptop will require a restart to complete the installation. The policy is configured so that laptops will only restart automatically outside of school hours (5 PM – 7 AM) to ensure that classroom instruction is not disrupted.

If the laptop is turned off outside of these hours, you may receive a message informing you that a restart is required to finish the installation. We urge you to complete this step at your earliest convenience, keeping in mind that the update process could take up to 30 minutes.

Once again, this update policy will only apply to the Dell laptops. For the time being, we are delaying updating the HP laptops.

If you have any questions or run into any problems during the upgrade, please don’t hesitate to contact technology by submitting a service request.

Thank you,

Reprise: Tech-To-Do’s Year-End Checklist

As you make plans to close up your classroom for the summer (and enjoy a well deserved break), please note and in some cases, take care of, the following items as the timing dictates:

  1. Save, Update, and Share Your Content

    1. Current Canvas courses will close and get placed in your past enrollments. However, there are considerations to check in the End of Year Canvas Post. Also note Canvas Studio is being Discontinued for 25-26 School Year. If you have videos currently stored in Canvas Studio that you wish to retain, you will need to download them by the end of August (see this blog post for more info).
    2. If you are leaving the district or hoping to collaborate with colleagues over the summer you might review this post: Sharing Digital Resources with Colleagues – P-CCSK12 Tech
    3. Clever: Staff and Students will have access to all clever resources throughout the summer. Clever syncing will be on pause starting on Monday June 10, 2025 giving student’s access to their 24-25 teacher’s pages and links until around mid-August when syncing will resume for the 25-26 school year. If you’re interested in learning how to make the most of Clever in your classroom, consider looking at training and ideas here.
    4. IXL: PCCS’s digital subscription for K-5 elementary students will continue throughout the summer. Students will have access to their NWEA skill plans (which were just updated with any spring scores) all summer. Students will have access to any current teacher starred skills through around mid-August, you might consider un-starring skills for students because they travel with students from year to year. Students in 5th grade currently will lose access around mid-August when syncing begins for the 25-26 school year as they will then be recognized as 6th graders.
    5. Edpuzzle: AFTER your grades have been transferred to the gradebook, it’s recommended that teachers delete their Edpuzzle classes. Issues can sometimes arise when Canvas courses that were integrated with Edpuzzle are copied from one year to the next. It is recommended that teachers delete their Edpuzzle classes before the new school year starts and new students join your classes. Please follow the directions in Edpuzzle’s Best Practices: Closing Out the School Year.
  2. Tech Housekeeping: Secure, Return, and Power Off (typically around the last day of school)

    1. Please comply with the directions of your principal and main office to turn in or secure all classroom technology equipment such as document cameras, microphones, interactive pens, and remotes.
    2. Please also secure or take home all District-assigned devices (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.), as well as all personally-owned devices.
    3. Power off projectors/IFPs, sound amps, and desktop computers.
      1. You may leave printer and copiers plugged in and powered on
    4. Follow the care suggestions for classroom audio

Important Update: WeVideo Discontinued for October 2025

wevideo discontinued

Our district’s WeVideo subscription is ending on Oct 26, 2025. While this mostly impacts Middle Schools, we know staff across the district may have used WeVideo to create amazing projects over the years. We appreciate all your innovative work with video tools like WeVideo as well as Canvas Studio (also discontinued next year). This change comes as we’ve recognized several new or recently enhanced video creation tools available in our district:

What You Need to Do:

You must download and save any video content you want to keep from WeVideo before the end date. After that, you won’t be able to access your projects on the platform. If you’d like to convert to a free account (1G storage space), you would still have access to your accounts, projects, and exports. However, you will lose access to all the classes, assignments, and groups.

How to Download Your WeVideo Projects:

  1. Log in to your WeVideo account via Clever or sign in with Google
  2. Go to your “Projects” section.
  3. Open/Edit the project you want to save.
  4. Look for an “Export” button in the top right.
  5. Select your desired quality (Standard or HD).
  6. Once rendered, save the video file to your Google Drive, an external drive, or your computer.
  7. Repeat for all your projects.

If you have any questions about downloading your videos, converting to a free account, or identifying the best alternative for your project goals for next year, please reach out for support by submitting a help desk ticket. We understand this change may require some adjustments, and we are here to support you.

Summer Learning Opportunities

Summer vacation is around the corner. If you feel the like taking part in some free learning opportunities, here’s a list of offerings to check out:

  • Tri-County AI Collaborative Professional Learning Network is taking place next school year but applications are due June 6. It will require administrator support for substitute costs. Information Flyer and Application
  • Shake Up Learning Summer Series: This asynchronous video course hosted by Kasey Bell is available from June 3-July 24. Find out more.
  • REMC continues to offer free courses all summer long. Professional Learning – REMC Home
  • Get Started with Google AI in K12 Education Learn more about how to use Gemini to support your work and productivity.
  • Lumio Palooza: As mentioned last week, all teachers have been provisioned with Lumio accounts. While this program is designed to enhance Smartboards, it can still be used on existing technology in your classroom. Learn more about it Jul 15-16. If you can’t attend, recordings will be available. Lumio Palooza July 2025
  • Classwize Training for Teachers: Classwize, our digital classroom management tool is offering several sessions this summer to help you maximize your use and learn more about the newest features. All sessions are the same so you only need to register for one. Linewize Learning Resources – Classwize
  • Check out Wayne RESA’s Summer Learning Blitz for August for free learning opps.

 

Tech-To-Do’s Year-End Checklist

summer break tech to-do

As you make plans to close up your classroom for the summer (and enjoy a well deserved break), please note and in some cases, take care of, the following items as the timing dictates:

  1. Save, Update, and Share Your Content

    1. Current Canvas courses will close and get placed in your past enrollments. However, there are considerations to check in the End of Year Canvas Post. Also note Canvas Studio is being Discontinued for 25-26 School Year. If you have videos currently stored in Canvas Studio that you wish to retain, you will need to download them by the end of August (see this blog post for more info).
    2. If you are leaving the district or hoping to collaborate with colleagues over the summer you might review this post: Sharing Digital Resources with Colleagues – P-CCSK12 Tech
    3. Clever: Staff and Students will have access to all clever resources throughout the summer. Clever syncing will be on pause starting on Monday June 10, 2025 giving student’s access to their 24-25 teacher’s pages and links until around mid-August when syncing will resume for the 25-26 school year. If you’re interested in learning how to make the most of Clever in your classroom, consider looking at training and ideas here.
    4. IXL: PCCS’s digital subscription for K-5 elementary students will continue throughout the summer. Students will have access to their NWEA skill plans (which were just updated with any spring scores) all summer. Students will have access to any current teacher starred skills through around mid-August, you might consider un-starring skills for students because they travel with students from year to year. Students in 5th grade currently will lose access around mid-August when syncing begins for the 25-26 school year as they will then be recognized as 6th graders.
    5. Edpuzzle: AFTER your grades have been transferred to the gradebook, it’s recommended that teachers delete their Edpuzzle classes. Issues can sometimes arise when Canvas courses that were integrated with Edpuzzle are copied from one year to the next. It is recommended that teachers delete their Edpuzzle classes before the new school year starts and new students join your classes. Please follow the directions in Edpuzzle’s Best Practices: Closing Out the School Year.
  2. Tech Housekeeping: Secure, Return, and Power Off (typically around the last day of school)

    1. Please comply with the directions of your principal and main office to turn in or secure all classroom technology equipment such as document cameras, microphones, interactive pens, and remotes.
    2. Please also secure or take home all District-assigned devices (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.), as well as all personally-owned devices.
    3. Power off projectors/IFPs, sound amps, and desktop computers.
      1. You may leave printer and copiers plugged in and powered on
    4. Follow the care suggestions for classroom audio

Get Ready to Transform Your Lessons with Lumio!

introducing lumio

We are thrilled to announce that all secondary (elementary teachers already have access) teachers will soon receive access to Lumio by SMART, a powerful web-based learning platform designed to elevate engagement and streamline your workflow. Lumio effortlessly transforms your existing content into dynamic, engaging learning experiences on any device.

Lumio allows you to import, combine, and edit pages from your PDFs, Google Slides, PowerPoint, and  SMART Notebook files into a single lesson, adding only the pages you want to make your lessons flow from start to finish. You can also save time by browsing through thousands of FREE customizable, ready-made resources created by teachers for teachers in the Lumio library.

The platform is packed with features designed to engage students, including game-based activities like Match ‘Em Up, Super Sort, and Monster Quiz, which can be customized in minutes to get students excited about content and gauge understanding. You can also create individual or collaborative Workspaces from any lesson page, allowing students to contribute in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class to build understanding together. Tools like Shout It Out! enable instant brainstorming and discussions, capturing student ideas in one space.

Lumio is a perfect complement to the new SMART Board MXv5 or v4 displays that some of you may have. You can open your Lumio lesson files directly from the display, eliminating the need to connect your computer. You can deliver Lumio lessons live in the iQ whiteboard on the SMART Board. When you sign in to your SMART display with your school account, your Lumio lesson files can sync directly to the display.

However, you absolutely do not need a SMART Board to use Lumio! Lumio works seamlessly with any existing technology. Teachers can launch their Lumio lesson from any device (laptop, tablet, interactive display). Students can join with any device that has a browser, such as Chromebooks, iPads, or even a phone. Instead of students solely looking at one large display, they can access everything they need directly on their own devices. Lessons can also be set to be self-paced and can be assigned through Canvas.

Starting next week, you will receive a welcome email from Lumio, followed by 4 additional follow-up emails over the coming weeks. These emails will guide you through getting started and exploring the possibilities with Lumio.

Lumio is accessible from the Google “Waffle.”

Get ready to save time, enhance your lessons, and increase student engagement with this versatile tool! Lumio is designed to maximize every student device and create rich, collaborative learning experiences.

We are excited for you to explore Lumio and see how it can support your teaching practices and student learning!

Beware Phishing Emails

Local school districts continue to experience significant phishing email campaigns. Typically these phishing emails ask the recipient to click on a link and provide personal information, like an email password. The emails might appear to be from the district, a staff member, or another district’s employee, but are in fact malicious. When for example someone might click a “Docusign” link and sign in via the Google sign in, they aren’t where they think they are. The payload as shown below, actually captures the login and signs the user in, but also gives some access to bad actors.

spoofed sign in Gmail screen

Our district and other districts will never ask a staff member, student, or parent/guardian to provide a password or personal information via email. Some variants of phishing emails circulating are listed below. If you receive any of these, do not click on any links. At a minimum, ignore/delete them, but ideally, click the phish hook so that they email can be reported and if found malicious we can easily click a button and remove it from all others’ inboxes that might have it.

  1. A phishing email with the subject line (Staff Member Name) Shared a Document and it appears to be sent from DocuSign, on behalf of some district employee. If you receive such an email, DO NOT open the blue DocuSign link that is towards the bottom of the email. Ignore/Delete the email or better, click the phish hook.
  2. A phishing email with the subject line Action Required  – IMPORTANT UPDATE and it appears to come from a district department, such as the technology department. If you receive such an email, DO NOT click on the link or copy and paste the link into your browser. Ignore/Delete the email., or better, click the phish hook.
  3. Other subject line variants:
    Final Notice – Action Required

    Final Notice – Action Required to Prevent Account Deletion

  4. Act Now…

Finally, note, if you have a district account impacted by falling victim to a campaign, please submit a help desk ticket for assistance. If a personal email address is impacted by a phishing email, please contact your email provider for assistance. For other sensitive accounts, try to improve their security posture by enabling two factor authentication.

Unfortunately, phishing emails continue to be a threat in our digital world. For more tips on identifying and preventing phishing emails from impacting you, review the Secure Our World Phishing Tip Sheet shown below.

tips to avoid phishing

tips to avoid being phished