Category: Blog

PCCS Introduces Pre-Populated Bookmarks for Enhanced Accessibility!

We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic update for both staff and students at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (PCCS)! Our commitment to providing a seamless digital experience has led us to introduce pre-populated bookmarks, making it even easier for you to access essential resources. These bookmarks are conveniently organized within a designated folder labeled “PCCS Bookmarks” on any Chrome browser when logged in with your PCCS email.

For Staff:

Clever – Convenient access to Clever services.
Google Dashboard – Aka the Waffle
Mistar-Q – PCCS Student Information System (SIS)
Tech Requests – Submit technology support requests.
Rubicon Atlas – PCCS Curriculum – Explore PCCS curriculum.
Canvas Catalog – PCCS PD – PCCS catalog of PD offerings
PCCS Tech – PCCS technology information and support
NWEA MAP Login – Easily log in to the NWEA MAP assessment platform.

For Students:

Clever – Convenient access to Clever services.
Canvas – Navigate your courses on the Canvas learning platform.
Google Dashboard – Aka the Waffle
Mistar-Student Connection – Access grades, attendance, and other student records
Digital Learning Hub – Explore resources for digital learning.
K-12 Student Handbook – Refer to the comprehensive student handbook.

We want to emphasize that this enhancement won’t affect any bookmarks you’ve already created. You’re still free to add and customize additional bookmarks to suit your individual needs.

These bookmarks will only appear when logged into Chrome with your PCCS email. For those unfamiliar with logging into Chrome with your PCCS email visit this link for support with logging in to your web browser.

At PCCS, we’re dedicated to providing a user-friendly digital environment, and we believe these pre-populated bookmarks will be a game-changer in streamlining your online experience. We hope you enjoy the added convenience and accessibility they bring to your daily routine. Happy browsing!

Plan ahead with the REMC Professional Learning Annual Calendar

If you are looking to enhance your technology integration skills, explore new instructional delivery methods or learn tips and tricks from Michigan educational practitioners – The REMC Association has something for you! To help with your professional learning planning, check out their REMC Course schedule through June 2024.

Take a look at all course offerings and register today! Earn 10 FREE SCECHs upon completion. Simply visit www.remc.org/remc-all-events/.

First Reminder: Close Down Technology for Break

As winter break gets closer, please add the following to your to-do list:

On FRIDAY before you leave…

PLEASE SECURE ALL VALUABLES in the classrooms and office spaces you inhabit. This includes laptops, document cameras, Apple TVs, remotes, and interactive pens.

Further, would you please make sure all iPads and Chromebooks are in their carts and those CARTS ARE LOCKED and plugged in before leaving.

Finally, would you please also POWER OFF any of the following equipment, if it is equipment you handle:

projectors
sound amps
SmartBoards
desktop computers
monitors
printers

THANK YOU for your cooperation.

Tech break checklist

GIFs in Google Slides

No matter where you fall in the GIF camp (hard or soft G), you can be excited about the new update in Google Slides. You can now directly search and add a GIF from the insert menu, no need for any extensions or add-ons.

You will be able to search for the GIF or sticker you want.

You can filter for stickers or GIFs. Enjoy this new feature!

It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later!

I wanted to announce that I will be leaving P-CCS, and my last day will be Monday, January 8th. Supporting such amazing educators and staff here at P-CCS has been such an honor and pleasure. Your passion for the students is such an inspiration. I say “See you later,” because I will be accepting a position for Wayne-RESA. As the learning, innovation, and technology consultant, I will support all of Wayne County help implement best practices around technology integration, and ensure that all educators feel supported through innovative professional learning. I hope to connect with more of you in the future and wish you all the best.

Matt Smoot

Zoom.us Changing to Zoom.com

Over the next few months Zoom will be migrating their email addresses from @zoom.us to @zoom.com. You may receive emails from both domains; please know that emails from these two domains are legitimate. In the coming months, you’ll also notice their website and other collateral change to zoom.com.

Join this Year’s Ditch Summit

Once again, Matt Miller is putting on the Ditch That Textbook Digital Summit. It is a free online conference for teachers to discuss technology, pedagogy, and more. As usual, you can access the recording, notes, and presentation resources through the end of the summit, January 5, 2024. You will also gain access to videos and presentations from previous summits.

It begins December 11, 2023. Go to https://ditchsummit.com/ to learn more and register.

Create Your Own Connections Puzzle

Many people enjoy playing the New York Times game, Connections. Did you know you can easily create your own Connections puzzle to share with students or vice versa? No log-in is required, just create the puzzle and share the link. This could be a great way to review vocabulary and find connections between concepts.

Try it yourself! https://connections.swellgarfo.com/

Have a great break!

Happy Thanksgiving break, one and all.

As you close out your classrooms for a well deserved break the rest of this week, please ensure these technology items are also taken care of. Thanks!

Classroom Technology

Please also secure or take home all District-assigned devices (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.), as well as all personally-owned devices.
Power off projectors/IFPs, sound amps, and desktop computers. Unplug any lamps, power strips, etc. You may leave district printers and copiers plugged in and powered on.
If you have a cart of devices, ensure that all devices are plugged in, the cart is locked and plugged in.

THE GOOGLE FOR EDUCATION NEWSLETTER ISSUE 69

A few highlights from the November issue….

Create Digital Thank You Cards with Applied Digital Skills
Gobble up the fun this Thanksgiving! In our Show Appreciation with Google Slides lesson, your students can create heartfelt digital cards showcasing their creativity while expressing gratitude.

Arts & Culture: Take your Students on a Virtual Field Trip to the White House
The White House is opening its virtual doors with a new guided tour on Google Arts & Culture. You’re invited to virtually explore the historic grounds with your class, no permission slips or travel arrangements required.

Arts & Culture: Native American Heritage Month
Explore Google Arts & Culture’s Indigenous Americas hub which honors Native groups’ rich heritage and evolving presence, and is expanding with of nine new digital exhibits.

Arts & Culture: A Taste of China
Learn about Chinese culture through its gastronomy and explore 5,000+ years of culinary heritage on Google Arts & Culture.

See past issues or sign up for the Google Education Newsletter.