2024-2025 Staff Newsletters » August 29, 2024

August 29, 2024

Volume 4, Issue 2
From the Technology Office
Enroll in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Starting August 30th, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the security of our digital resources and protect sensitive information, the Everett Public Schools is introducing a new security measure: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Beginning on August 30, 2024, you will be able to enroll in the MFA security application, which adds an additional layer of protection to your accounts. This measure is essential for safeguarding our systems against unauthorized access and ensuring the safety of our educational environment.

To assist you in this process, we are providing self-help guides that will walk you through the enrollment and setup of MFA. These guides are designed to make the transition as smooth as possible, and we encourage you to refer to them when you enroll in MFA.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Tech Support at [email protected].

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school district secure. Joe PatutoChief Technology OfficerEverett Public Schools 
 
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From the Director of Instructional Technology

I hope this email finds you well and that your school year is off to a great start! I am excited to introduce myself as the new Director of Instructional Technology for EPS. It is an honor to join the community, and I am eager to contribute to our shared mission of enhancing student learning through innovative technology. 

Prior to starting this role, I was a high school English teacher at Lynn Classical High School, where I also supported many of our staff members with setting up and integrating ed tech tools in their classrooms, such as EdPuzzle and PearDeck, especially during remote learning. My expertise lies in leveraging educational technology tools to create engaging, inclusive, and collaborative learning environments that empower both teachers and students. I also have a very strong sense of the common difficulties and obstacles that teachers and students face when it comes to technology integration, and I genuinely enjoy working through and troubleshooting such challenges.  

I am very excited to support you with any educational technology needs or issues. It is important to note that IT is still the best contact for technology-related issues (i.e. networking, classroom hardware, etc), but when it comes to edtech tools such as Canvas, Clever, Aspen, etc., or an inquiry about acquiring a new tool for your school/the district, please feel free to reach out to me.
 

For Canvas specifically, some examples of the areas I can support you with include:
  • Cross-listing your course sections
  • Setting up your grading categories and syncing them with Aspen
  • Using integrated apps within your course (i.e. Remind, Lucid, NoRedInk, etc.)
  • Transferring Jamboards to Lucid and uploading them as assignments
  • Copying course materials from previous year(s)
The easiest and quickest way to get in touch with me is via Google chat or email, but you can also call me (ext. 691619). I will make myself available for on-demand, immediate support as much as possible, and am more than happy to even come to your classroom during school hours if you are facing a technical issue that is preventing you from proceeding with your lesson. 

I am also happy to share that I will be offering “office hours” for any staff member who wants more one-on-one support. My office hours will be on Tuesdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m., beginning this Tuesday, September 3rd. My primary location is at the high school in room 1609 (formerly central storage), but I am happy to travel to you as well! If this day/time does not generally work for you, I can coordinate with you individually.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if you have any immediate questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you all and wish you all an amazing school year!

 
Thank You.

Kristina Aiello
Director of Instructional Technology
Everett Public Schools