Information Technology Department

Schoology login information

IXL Video Tutorial for Parents (3:15)

• Teacher must have already created a student account in order to use IXL. Parents - contact your child's teacher.
• Help for elementary students (some middle school students) in reading and math. 
• IXL Parent Quick Guide (PDF) 

Google Hangouts Meet Video Tutorial for Parents (3:56)

• Help for parents in using Google Hangouts Meet, a virtual meeting using audio and video functions

For additional assistance, please submit a help desk ticket at https://support.isd15.org to the St. Francis Area Schools Information Technology Department.

Schoology login information

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Technology Support to St. Francis Area Schools Families

If you need device or application technical support or help with user access to programs including staff, student and parent portals, please submit a help desk ticket at https://support.isd15.org. Choose the school building you are associated with and add your contact information. Once the help desk ticket has been received, a technology staff member will be assigned. The staff member will generally respond via email. If you request a phone call, please include your phone number to the help desk ticket. At this time we do not plan to make home visits. If an item needs to be replaced, arrangements can be made for drop-off or pick-up at one of the school sites within the district. If you need immediate support, note this on the help desk ticket.

For questions, comments or additional support, call Jeff Kienitz, technology coordinator at 763-753-7124 (email jeff.kienitz@isd15.org) or Marika Hendricks, office professional at 763-753-7158 (email marika.hendricks@isd15.org). If you reach voicemail, please leave a detailed message with your name, phone number and the reason for the call. 

If you need a device from the District, please fill out the Technology Equipment Checkout Agreement and contact your building's principal. Contact information is available in the tab above.

Each student who is actively using the District's internet must have a Technology Internet Use Form on file. 

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How to connect your Chromebook to the Internet, using a compatible Wi-Fi network.

Step 1:  Turn on Wi-Fi 

1.  At the bottom right, select the time
2. Select Not Connected Note: If you see your Wi-Fi network name and a signal strength, your Chromebook is already connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on Wi-Fi
4. Your Chromebook will automatically look for available networks and show them to you in a list

Step 2:  Pick a network and connect 

• How to connect to an open network Select the Wi-Fi network. Remember, your information might be visible to other people on this network.

• You may connect to a secure network by:

1. Select the secure Wi-Fi network
2. Type the network password
3. Select connect.

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Five Steps to Clean/Disinfect your Chromebook to Prevent Coronavirus Spread

As the world continues to deal with the threat of the novel coronavirus, people are looking for ways to clean and disinfect their living spaces and belongings. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites, so your best precaution is to wash your hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. But they also say current evidence suggests that SARS CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, may remain viable for hours or days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. So cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces—like your Chromebook or other electronics—is a best practice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your home or community.

Now let’s talk about how to properly clean and disinfect your Chromebook. You will need some bleach-free disinfectant wipes or a solution of 40 percent rubbing alcohol/60 percent distilled water. Using full-strength rubbing alcohol can damage the oil-repellent (oleophobic) coating that helps to keep smudges off the screen. You will also need a couple of microfiber cloths or any cleaning cloths that are linen-free. A can of  compressed air is optional if you want to remove any dust that might be hiding in your Chromebook This step isn’t necessary for disinfecting purposes.

Harsh cleaning supplies, such as bleach, should never be used on your electronics since they can also damage the screen and other parts of your Chromebook. Also, avoid any abrasive cleaning brushes or cleaning pads that might scratch the surfaces of your Chromebook.

Last precaution—never spray any cleaning solution directly onto your Chromebook or any electronic for that matter. You should always apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and then apply it to the device to avoid any liquid getting into the device and causing damage. 

Step 1 - Completely power down your Chromebook or unplug the power cord if you are cleaning a Chromebox. If applicable, remove the battery from the bottom of the Chromebook. Most Chromebooks do not have easily-removable batteries, but this is a good precaution, if possible.

Step 2 - Disconnect any cables or peripherals that are plugged into your Chromebook. This will allow you to access and clean every part of the device.

Step 3 - Use the compressed air to remove larger pieces of dirt or dust that might be in your keyboard and ports. When using compressed air, only give it a few short bursts and never turn the can upside-down. If you have an extra cleaning cloth, you can also dampen it with plain water and wipe down the device during this step.

Step 4 - Use the disinfectant wipe or apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol solution to the cloth and completely wipe down the entire Chromebook, including the screen and around each key of the keyboard. Use a small amount of pressure to remove any fingerprints or smudges on the screen, but not too much since this could damage the display. If you aren’t comfortable using the cleaning solution on the screen, you can buy disinfectant wipes specifically designed for LCD and laptop screens.

Step 5 - After everything is dry, you can use a dry microfiber to buff the screen to remove any haze that might be lingering on the display from the disinfecting process.

The same process can also be used for any external peripherals, such as a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse or even your phone.

Broadband Internet Service Resources

Cybersecurity Resources

Internet Offers by Providers during COVID 19

 

If you have any questions about Distance Learning, please contact your building’s principal/program supervisor.

Cedar Creek Elementary School
Shelly Gilmore at 763-213-8781 or michelle.gilmore@isd15.org

Early Childhood Family Center
Jennifer Dupre at 763-753-7171 or jennifer.dupre@isd15.org

East Bethel Elementary School
Melissa Kivi at 753-213-8901 or melissa.kivi@isd15.org

St. Francis Elementary School
Ryan Johnson at 763-213-8671 or ryan.johnson@isd15.org

St. Francis High School
Doug Austin at 763-213-1501 or doug.austin@isd15.org

St. Francis Learning Center
Deb Parson at 763-753-7149 or debra.parson@isd15.org

St. Francis Middle School
Scott Manni at 763-213-8501 or scott.manni@isd15.org