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Tech Notes 🖥️

August 2024

Tech Notes 🖥️August 2024

Classlink Launchpad Classlink Launchpad

Sites and software access and various types of information are consistently being added to the Launchpad.

Classlink Launchpad
Start here. Always start here.
Classlink Launchpad Newsletter

AI Standing Newsletter AI Standing Newsletter

AI @ SPS Newsletter
A standing newsletter that will be updated from time to time as our positions and resources evolve.

We now have a district license for MagicSchool; see the AI newsletter for details.

Reminders for New and Returning Staff Reminders for New and Returning Staff

Where does tech documentation live?

For staff/students, we have numerous helpful articles on the TechTools site. Recently added to that site is an AI assistant (of course) that offers an additional way to locate useful content.

For families/community, we have information on the district website (some of which does lead back to TechTools articles).


Requesting Assistance:

The fastest and best way to get help is by opening a ticket using one of these contact methods.

Web: https://shakopee.incidentiq.com/ (Preferred)

E-mail: helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us

Phone: 952-496-5100 (or just dial x5100 when on-site)


Not on a mailing list you'd expect to be on?

Submit a help ticket explaining what emails or group you may be missing.


What's my login for [program/website/curriculum resource]?

If you cannot find the resource in Classlink Launchpad or the login does not seem to work, submit a help ticket.


How do I make a Smore account?

Notes on this are sent out directly to all staff (also included on the email about this newsletter) because we have a unique account set-up link that should not be published or shared outside of the district.


How do I print single sided or in color?

We have a TechTools article for that!


My question is more about tech integration versus something not working; who do I contact?

We have excellent tech integration (also known as Blended Learning Coaches) and Instructional Coaching staff who can help!

Printing Printing

zoom_out_map

The majority of printer removals and changes are done.


Notes are linked below with a list of all printers, by building, as well as how to add a printer. We'll be updating support notes to also include how to remove a printer.

Printer List
Install a Printer (Mac)
Install a Printer (PC)

Central Duplicating Updates Central Duplicating Updates

Central Duplicating Ordering/WebCRD has been updated. Login process will be the same as before - logging in as Standard Account with usual username and password.

Additional information will be sent out directly to staff.

Tech Tools - Central Duplicating

Website Migration & Teacher-Managed Content Website Migration & Teacher-Managed Content

As part of the on-going work to move to an updated version of the district website, teacher pages were phased out. Some teachers have used those pages in the past for classroom content or family or program communications. Use has not been consistent.


In partnership with communications, our recommendation in each case is to share the following:


  • Classroom content can typically be handled via Seesaw (elementary) or Canvas (secondary). That has been naturally occurring anyway the past few years so we are not very concerned there.
  • Family or program content can be a bit more nuanced. Typically, staff has put some work into this, expects to be able to make their own edits, and expects it to be available as needed. Our suggestion for now is to transfer that type of information to a Smore page. This has some immediate benefits for staff since it can be self-maintained, supports translation, and can be communicated to the appropriate audience via existing channels (those channels include messages from Infinite Campus, Seesaw announcements, and Canvas announcements).

macOS Updates macOS Updates

All staff should be on macOS 14 Sonoma. (All students should be as well; their pie chart looks similar as far as percentages are concerned). Running an operating system that is one or more versions behind can impact functionality and delay resolution of issues.

Notes found below; please start any updates via Self Service!

Staff device macOS versions
Upgrade MacOS
If you are not on the current version, this process can take an hour or longer!

Digital Resource Requests Digital Resource Requests

Reminder: Any iPad app, MacBook or PC software, on-line service, Google extension, or site that requires a login that is not currently documented or approved for use must be submitted for review via the digital resource request form.

Requests via the form will now automatically generate a help ticket for follow-up.

Software or Subscription Request

Student Device and Accounts Student Device and Accounts

Updated chart to show timing of device prep and account/system availability; this is not all-inclusive, just a high-level snapshot of significant items.

Infinite Campus - Additional Class Rosters Infinite Campus - Additional Class Rosters

These notes are most applicable, though not exclusively, to K-5:

It is possible and recommended to work with the school office to build specific class sections for multi-lingual, special services, and other groups that receive services but are not typically rostered as their own class.

This will be essential for creating those groups in Seesaw, or for tailoring access to certain curriculum materials.

The office will not know who to roster without direct input and consistent updates from staff.

Summer Device Swaps & Projects Summer Device Swaps & Projects

Various summer projects that may affect specific users or groups


  • Student login for Canvas & Infinite Campus via Classlink Launchpad - Additional details will be sent out the first week of school.
  • HP 705 PC refresh - In the midst of swapping out these older PCs, mostly affecting office staff, head cooks and custodians, media staff, and others.
  • Chromebook cart refresh - 2 carts each at East and West, 1 cart at Pearson. Will also swap out kiosk Chromebooks that are no longer getting ChromeOS updates.
  • Audio-Visual Updates - East, about half of the 300 wing; West, various rooms, Elementary (except Sweeney which is already done) 5th grade gen ed rooms. These are all full replacements or updates of projection, controls, and inputs.

Requesting Tech Help Requesting Tech Help

The fastest and best way to get help is by opening a ticket using one of these contact methods.


Web: https://shakopee.incidentiq.com/ (Preferred)

E-mail: helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us

Phone: 952-496-5100


If you need a call-back please add a good number and time to contact you in ticket.

Whenever possible and necessary we may also use remote support tools such as Splashtop to assist you.


Details help! For instance, student name and ID number is useful when submitting a ticket in regards to a student issue. Or letting us know if you already tried common troubleshooting steps such as restarting. "Student 123456 had this specific problem on their iPad starting at 9 AM this morning." is a much more useful starting point than "I have student with a problem." We appreciate the detail and it helps speed up the process of resolving an issue.

Shakopee Instructional Technology Services

Email: helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us
Website: https://techtools.shakopeeschools.org/
Location: 1200 Shakopee Town Square, Shakopee, MN, USA
Phone: 5100

Below the Digital Fold Below the Digital Fold

Audio-Visual Updates - 2024 Refresh
Updated version of the 2020 Audio-Visual Updates newsletter covering rationale and timelines for a-v work.
Tech Priority Areas 2024-2025
Newsletter Archive
Bryan Drozd
Bryan is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
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