MCS Technology

Spring 2024

Technology Services: News and Updates

IT Staffing: New Roles and New Faces

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Dorenda Kidd

Dorenda Kidd was promoted to lead the Help Desk team in January. Her areas of responsibility include managing the Field Tech and Help Desk teams for Moore County Schools and all associated projects.

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Soso Boye

Soso Boye initially came to Technology from Pinecrest High School as a Field Tech I. Since that time he has been promoted to Tech III - Inventory Specialist. His areas of responsibility include managing the collection and sales of end-of-life tech products for Moore County Schools.

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James Lynthacum

James Lynthacum, no stranger to Area III schools, was promoted to Tech III in the Help Desk in February. In this role he will increase Moore County Schools Technology Department's capacity to offer timely remote support to all users.

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Benjamin Webster

Welcome Benjamin Webster, the newest addition to the MCS Technology team. He will be the Field Technician primarily servicing ABE, PHE, SFL, WEE, WPE, and WPM.

Important Updates

Forced Updates & Device Restarts

Cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Windows system updates include essential security patches that protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other cybersecurity threats. By keeping our systems updated, we're not just protecting individual devices but safeguarding all of Moore County Schools digital assets.

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Flexible Scheduling: We understand the importance of having control over when your computer updates. Therefore, before an update deadline, you will receive notifications allowing you to choose a convenient time to apply the updates.

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Classwize - Our next generation of student device management

Classwize training is complete. MCS will begin transitioning to Classwize beginning in April by grade bands. School staff will be notified via email one week before Netref is switched off with links to the login page- please bookmark this in your browser. Notification emails will include a link to the most up to date quick start guide and quick tips videos. The Secondary DIF training team will have live video support available Monday and Wednesday each week of your grade band rollout.

High Schools:

Launch Date: April 15th
Live Support: Monday & Wednesday 3:30 - 4:45

Middle Schools: Includes HFE & WME 6-8

Launch Date: April 22nd
Live Support: Monday & Wednesday 3:00 - 4:00

Elementary Schools: Includes HFE & WME 2-5

Launch Date: April 29th
Live Support: Monday & Wednesday 2:30 - 3:30

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Google Chromecast: Wireless Display Made Easy

MCS Technology is in the process of deploying Google Chromecasts to classrooms with existing TV displays and will be sending one along with future classroom TV installations. Chromecasts offer reliable, high-resolution wireless connection between your teacher laptop and classroom display. 15 minutes of training is enough to get teachers comfortable projecting a Chrome tab or entire desktop from anywhere in their classroom.

Watch the video below to learn more, or click this link for instructions.

If you'd like to be in our next round of deployments let us know in the linked form. Note that at this time, students are not allowed to cast to classroom displays.

Chromecast Form

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Managed Printer/Copier Contract

Moore County Schools' current contract with Carolina Business Equipment for Managed Printer/Copier Services will be expiring on June 30, 2024. In order to assist with selecting either a renewal or new contract, we would like your feedback on the current system. Please respond using the Google Form linked below.

Managed Print/Copy Service Survey

Need Help?

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Remote Help App

Moore County Schools will be installing the Remote Help app on your computers in the coming weeks. This tool will enable our help desk team to quickly resolve issues, ensuring you experience minimal downtime and can resume work promptly.

Learn More About Remote Help

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Password Site 🔑

Solid passwords are the foundation of good cyber hygiene. Passwords should be long, complex, and change from time to time. From https://password.ncmcs.org you can manage your MCS network and MCS Google passwords from a single interface, including creating password recovery questions in case you forget your password. Instructions for using the site are available below.

Reset MCS Password Instructions

Tickets and the Knowledge Base

All MCS staff have the ability to enter tickets directly to Technology support. Direct entry saves time and puts you in contact with the staff agents that can help. All staff can submit help desk tickets here.

Click here for a tutorial video on using the Help Desk site.

In addition, the Help Desk Knowledge Base has scores of guides and walkthroughs for using MCS approved devices, networks, and platforms. Searching is easy, just type the name of the device or issue and any related documentation will populate a clickable link. The Helpdesk FAQs & Knowledge Base are found here.

Tech Around The District

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WEE 5th Grade Cyber Safety

Special Agent D. Pulliam teaches WEE 5th graders about cyber safety.

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CAM Students Design Video Games

Students work with Mr. Clint Rogers in the DIF lab at Cameron Elementary to design and code their own platform video games.

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New Helpdesk Manager Dorenda Kidd

New Helpdesk Manager Dorenda Kidd introduces her team to Media Specialists and Media Tech staff at NCMS.

Offers for MCS Employees

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AT&T Cell Phone Service Discounts

Did you know that as a Moore County Schools employee, you are eligible for up to a 25% discount on cellular service? Please see information on this flyer for details.

AT&T Discount Info