What’s New?

• A new Student Information System (SIS) will upgrade MyBPS, one application at a time, starting with ‘daily attendance’ this fall. District PD hours will be allocated to training. Please complete the SIS survey to help ensure it meets your school’s needs: http://goo.gl/9m6yS.
• New L4L laptops are here! Nearly 75% of eligible staff has swapped for a new model. L4L orientation sessions begin on August 29th. Encourage teachers to register for a session at www.mylearningplan.com.
• Support effective teaching with data & reports available in the BPS Data Warehouse (https://bpsdepot.mybps.org/dw/). Access MCAS, attendance, ‘Leading & Lagging’ indicator, GPA data & more.

Need Technology Help?

• Let the OIIT Service Desk be your gateway to technology support. Call 617-635-9200 (Mon-Fri 7am-4pm). Principal/Headmaster calls are our priority. Please press #6 to jump to the top of the queue.
• For how-to tutorials, FAQs, Ed Tech resources, the new Library & Media Services website & Technology Purchasing support, visit OIIT online at: www.bostonpublicschools.org/technology.
• Email messages, records, and information with lasting value must be retained in accordance with the BPS Records Retention policy. Remember – when in doubt, don’t delete!
• OIIT offers varying levels of school-based & centralized 21st century technology PD throughout the year. Visit us online or contact the Service Desk to learn more.

Learn about Emerging Technologies

• Join our new district-wide technology committee! Engage with us as you try out and implement new technologies in your school. Share what you learn as your experience will help shape district technology standards. Be on the lookout for more to come!
• Engage families in student learning and help bridge the digital divide with the Tech Goes Home program. TGH benefits your school, students & families through a web-based, 21st century curriculum taught at your school by your teachers for your families & students.
  
• Comcast is offering monthly, low-cost Internet access ($9.95 + taxes) to families with a student who participates in the free lunch program. Check out this offer today and share it with your school community at: www.internetessentials.com.
• OIIT continues to upgrade BPS’ wireless and network infrastructures as part of our 5 Year Infrastructure Upgrade Plan.
• Wikis, blogs & podcasts, oh my! BPS Connect (http://connect.mybps.org) is the district’s online community for communication & collaboration. Contact us to request training on how to create an online group for your school!

Be Safe Online

• Remind teachers & staff to connect L4L laptops to the BPS network on a weekly basis to run critical software & security updates. Also, fall is L4L registration time! Stayed tuned for info in a Superintendent’s Email Bulletin.
• Bullying & cyber-bullying are crimes. Report incidents to the Mayor’s Anti-Bullying Hot Line at 617-534-5050.
• Educate staff, students and parents about Cyber Safety. BPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) podcasts, Cyber Safety curriculum resources and downloadable materials are available at: www.bpscybersafety.org.
• Soon City & BPS passwords will be one! We’re working with City Hall’s technology staff to streamline account management practices. More information is forthcoming!

Technology & the BPS Acceleration Agenda

Technology is a key driver of educational innovation to prepare students for college & career success in the 21st century and beyond. Using technologies that empower students to engage in learning everywhere aligns to Boston’s Acceleration Agenda by accelerating literacy & science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) skills; fostering learning in the arts & digital media; enriching extended learning and after-school programming; globally connecting the classroom; and enhancing communication, collaboration, creativity & critical thinking.

To learn more about these tech updates, visit OIIT at: www.bostonpublicschools.org/technology

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