Category: Blog

MISTAR-Q: Monarch Registration – Jan 22

Registration is open for Monarch: Jan 22 through May 13, 2024

Teachers are invited to transform their use of MISTAR by participating in Monarch, an asynchronous free online learning experience. Monarch is especially beneficial for teachers new to MISTAR.

Complete activities designed to increase your skill and knowledge of MISTAR teacher apps including Class Attendance, Grade Book, Seating Chart, generating reports, and more.

Working online at your pace, you will progress through four levels of activities. SCECHs are available: complete levels 1-2 to earn 7 hours, levels 1-3 to earn 11 hours, or levels 1-4 to earn 13 hours.

This course is free. Please register only if you fully intend to participate as there is high demand for this course.

Register here – After registering, watch for emails with details on how to get started.

Outdated Google Assignments Deprecated June 2024

The older Google Apps LTI (integration) will no longer be available in Canvas after June 2024. P-CCS turned off the ability to create new assignments with the previous integration in 2021, so a very small number of people will be affected. If you have copied old Google Assignments over from year to year, you may need to convert them to the updated Google Assignment.

What do you do with assignments created with the old integration?

Make a copy of the old assignment
On the right of the assignment, click More>Edit>More Options
Next to “Submission Type,” click the dropdown >External Tool.
Click “Find”, select “Google Assignments (LTI 1.3)”
Link your Google Workspace for Education Account (first time only)
Click Continue, attach the Drive Files needed
Choose your grading tool, make sure to update the due date and points
Click Create.
On the Canvas page, click Select>Save.

Video directions

If you have assignments created with the old integration (this will apply to very few of our teachers), those assignments will NOT BE available after June 2024 UNLESS you update them with the steps outlined above.

What are Google Assignments?

Google Assignments allow you to automatically create a copy of docs/slides/sheets for each student to edit (similar functionality to Google Classroom, if you are familiar with that platform). That document automatically includes their name, is shared with the teacher, is organized in a folder in Drive, and is attached to the assignment for submission. It also allows the teacher to observe student progress and give feedback on their work along the way.

Google and Canvas by Kaelyn Bullock

If you would like to learn how to create a Google Assignment, follow these steps.

Read Google’s guidance for more information about the integration. Please reach out to a TIS if you have questions.

Network Wi-Fi changes beginning February 6, 2024

In an effort to provide a more consistent and responsive network experience for staff and students, starting February 6, the current throttled PCCSK12-Guest network will be decommissioned. It will be replaced by 4 new networks: PCCSK12-Visitor, PCCSK12-Guest-BOE, PCCSK12-Guest-ESC, and an unthrottled PCCSK12-Guest network. The availability of these networks will vary by time, day, and location.

PCCSK12-Visitor will be available for legitimate visitors in school buildings weekdays, between 7 am and 2:30 pm. Account passwords for this network will be changed daily and will be made available to each building’s front office staff through the same method used to share daily sub account information.
Unthrottled PCCSK12-Guest will be available for guests in school buildings weekdays, after 2:30 pm and until 7 am the following day, as well as all day on weekends. No credentials will be required; only acceptance of the acceptable use policy.
PCCSK12-Guest-BOE will be available 24/7 for guests at the E. J. McCLendon Center. No credentials will be required; only acceptance of the acceptable use policy.
PCCSK12-Guest-ESC will be available 24/7 for guests at the Educational Support Center. No credentials will be required; only acceptance of the acceptable use policy.

Students and staff who have hitherto used the PCCSK12-Guest network for personal devices will need to join their respective PCCSK12-Student or PCCSK12-Staff network prior to February 6 to avoid interrupted access. In January, everyone is strongly encouraged to check their personal devices to confirm they are connected to the appropriate network and make adjustments as needed. If students have trouble adding their personal devices to the PCCSK12-Students network, please ask them to contact their school’s technology support team. If staff have trouble adding their personal devices to the PCCSK12-Staff network, please ask them to submit a service ticket.

Secure and close down technology for break

On FRIDAY before you leave for a well-deserved break…

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.

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.