Monday Memo
January 11, 2016
From the Principal.....
Angels Among Us....my tribute to you all....
A message from Aaron Campbell...
Teachers,
I just wanted to give you all a quick update regarding student iPads. Recently, I’ve started to notice an influx of issues involving downloading Apps, clearing out pass codes in Casper Focus, etc. After some investigating and working with both JAMF (our mobile device management system) and Apple, we’ve discovered that a bug in iOS 9.2 is preventing devices being managed by a management system from being properly managed. Effectively, commands are getting hung up, causing no action to happen on the iPad no matter how hard we try. This issue isn’t limited to just us either, which is good news.
What this means for you: You may/will notice that you try to download an app, it won’t download. You may/will also notice other issues, but the apps not downloading seems to be the most prevalent. The good news is that we know of a fix, but the bad news is it depends on Apple releasing the iOS update. Once the update becomes available, I will send out another e-mail so you can know to have your kids update their devices. Instructions on that will come at that time.
Thanks for being patient with us as we work through this, and so sorry for the inconvenience. I know how frustrating it can be when you can’t effectively do what you’re wanting to do with your students. And again, I promise I will let you all know about the fix as soon as I heard something.
Also - unrelated to the above issue. If you have recently received an iPad for a student and need some EarPods for them, or if you’ve been without a set of EarPods for them, please reply to this e-mail letting me know. Note, I do NOT mean replacement EarPods for ones that have been damaged/broken.
—
Aaron
DreamBox Update
Due the issue mentioned above by Aaron regarding the issue with app downloads no one will be able access Dreambox on the iPads until the bug is fixed and we can push the apps to the iPad. In the mean time, you as a teacher, you may still access Dreambox on your laptop via this web link:
Use your OKCPS single sign on credentials. Currently only Pre-K 6th grade regular education teachers will be able to log in with this link. Please try to log in this weekend and confirm that your class list has been added. It should have have uploaded over winter break.
DreamBox Overview for ARTHUR ES, OK
Join us for a webinar on Jan 12, 2016 at 3:30 PM CST. (NO FORMAL STAFF MEETING)
Register now!
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7897653855231547906
This webinar will include an overview of DreamBox, how it works, and best practices.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
This webinar is optional. You may attend in the media center, watch on your own, or get the link to watch it at another time.
You will also have access to PD on-demand and may watch it at your convenience to learn more about Dreambox learning. Our expectation is that you will choose the best learning option for you learning needs and schedule. Please be prepared to discuss your personal plan during your PLC's.
Infinite Campus Update
What is Infinite Campus?
- Infinite Campus is a district-wide database that helps manage student information and records.
- Infinite Campus replaces TERMS, SIPS and Smartweb, effective July 1, 2016.
- Teachers will use the online gradebook available through Infinite Campus; this will facilitate the most effective and efficient use of the "Parent Portal".
- Campus Portal refers to internal staff and Parent Portal is for parents.
- School site, department and other staff will receive training on how to update or view student records via Infinite Campus through the IT and ETS Departments.
Infinite Campus will mean big changes on how students are enrolled, how class schedules are created and how parents access the online gradebook.
Over the next few months, expect "Infinite Help" tips via staff newsletters, texts, emails and on the district website to keep you informed during the transition.
Mark Your Calendars for these Key Dates:
2016-2017
- Academic Planning Guide Submitted to the Board of Education for approval - January 11, 2016
- Pre-K Roundup: May 2-6, 2016
- Official Launch of Infinite Campus: July 1, 2016
- District-Wide Enrollment Dates: July 18-22, 2016