Technology Support Guides for Staff
Saint Paul Public Schools is the second largest school district in Minnesota, and uses a variety of technical systems and tools for daily operations both in and out of the classroom.
This page is designed to capture and collect many of the most important staff tutorials and guides as both a new staff onboarding resource AND reference point for existing staff. For additional support not addressed on this page, please contact the relevant department, submit a technology services support ticket, or call Technology Services Call Support at (651) 603-4357.
Accounts and Logins
- Payroll and Timesheets
- Active Directory and Okta Multifactor
- Email access and forwarding
- Productivity Tools: Google Apps and Microsoft 365
- Google Voice
- Phone and Voicemail Setup
- Managed Apple IDs (MAIDs)
Payroll and Timesheets
All employees are paid every other Friday, on a two-week lag. Timesheets are due each week, on Friday. Each week, enter your daily hours worked. Submit your timesheet through PeopleSoft (Employee Self-Service). Peoplesoft / payroll login can be found on the staff website. To log into PeopleSoft or find additional information about timesheet submission, click here.
Active Directory and Okta Multifactor
All SPPS employees use Active Directory staff logins to manage user access and authentication to several different systems within the district, including:
- Computer Access - Log in to any district computer
- Campus, Schoology and other instructional tools
- Google Drive and Microsoft Office tools
- Email (Microsoft Office and Gmail)
In general, most staff accounts follow the pattern: e # # # # # #. Most student accounts follow the pattern: s # # # # # #.
To learn more about Active directory or reset your password, click here or contact the Technology Services team at (651) 603-4357
To look up or reset a student's Active Directory password, log in to the SPPS Teacher Activities page. Watch this short video walk through to learn more.
Okta is the chosen security provider for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for SPPS staff, tied to Active Directory login. To learn more about up your Okta account, click here.
Email access and forwarding
Microsoft Outlook email is used for professional communication by all staff. Learn more about your Microsoft Outlook SPPS email here.
Consider creating a professional email signature as appropriate. Select the appropriate email signature template from the SPPS Communications Toolkit. Then, follow these steps to update your email signature.
If away from work for a period of time, it is recommended to use as out of office notifications, as appropriate. Learn how to set up out of office notifications and send automatic email replies here.
Staff are also encouraged to use the Outlook calendar and scheduling assistant for meetings. To learn more about using the Outlook calendar, click here. To learn more about the Scheduling Assistant, click here. If you have an existing Google calendar you'd like to see on your Outlook calendar, follow these steps to add it to Outlook.
Each staff member also has a Gmail account associated with their Google Drive account.
Because many Google Drive files are shared on a regular basis, staff should set an email forwarding rule from Gmail to Outlook. This way, staff only need to check one email account and are notified if colleagues or students share files. Click here for a tutorial on how to forward email from Google to Outlook.
All students have a gmail account associated with their Google Drive and typically set up their email account on a school-issued iPad.
Productivity Tools: Google Apps and Microsoft 365
All SPPS staff have access to productivity and presentation tools in Google Drive and Microsoft Office 365. Students do not have access to Microsoft Office 365.
In general, academic and instructional staff use Google Drive (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets) for classroom instruction and professional collaboration. Many district level and operations staff also use Google Drive but may use Microsoft Office for specific projects or needs. Staff should consider the audience and best use cases when selecting tools
Learn how to access your SPPS Google account by watching this short video, or navigate directly to the Staff Login page. To access free tips, trainings, and resources for educators, explore the Google Teacher Center.
Learn how to access your SPPS Microsoft Office account by watching this short video, or navigate directly to the Staff Login page. To access free trainings on a variety of Microsoft tools, explore the Microsoft 365 Training Resources.
Note:
Educators and Instructional staff may see a warning or error message when attempting to open or edit Microsoft Office files from their computer desktop. This includes Word files, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. However, Microsoft Office is still fully accessible via any web browser and your spps.org account. Click here to log into your Microsoft Office 365 account. If you are unable to edit a Microsoft Office file, choose from one of the two options below:
- Open your SPPS Google Drive account and upload/convert the files to Google. Moving forward, access the file from your Google Drive, not your desktop. For a tutorial, click here. This is the recommended solution for any staff who primarily uses Google Apps.
- Open Microsoft OneDrive and upload the files. Moving forward, access the file from Office 365 via an internet browser, not your computer desktop. For a tutorial, click here. This is the recommended solution for any staff who needs specific functionality or formatting only provided from Microsoft.
Google Voice
Google Voice is available for all SPPS staff who require a professional texting/communication service with families, vendors or other partners as part of their regular job duties. If staff have a work - provided cell phone this should be used in lieu of a Google Voice account. To learn more about Google Voice, click here.
Staff can request a Google Voice number by submitting a Service ticket through the SPPS Service Desk Website. Google Voice usage activity will be monitored throughout the year. Any accounts not used in over 6 weeks will be deactivated. To reactivate your account, submit a new ticket.
Phone and Voicemail Setup
Many SPPS positions have access to a desk phone. For tutorials on setting up staff voicemail, click here.
To obtain, replace, or move a physical phone, submit a service ticket.
Managed Apple IDs (MAIDs)
Managed Apple IDs (MAIDs) are special, district-created and district-owned accounts that provide access to Apple services, while protecting the privacy of students and ensuring that students can only access features of the iPad that are district-approved. Managed Apple IDs are designed to access key iCloud services that are typically used in an education setting, as well as privacy features built specifically for schools.
To sign in with your Managed Apple ID, go to Settings and sign in using your @stpaul.k12.mn.us email address.
By signing into your Managed Apple ID, you'll have access to 200GB of Cloud storage. You'll also be able to create, share, and collaborate live on projects using Apple apps. Students and teachers can share files and folders in iCloud Drive. You can share photos with students and colleagues in a shared album. Signing in with district MAIDs is also essential for staff and students using Apple Classroom.
Use the links below to learn how to sign into your Managed Apple ID on your iPad and MacBook
- SPPS Managed Apple ID Guide
- Video Tutorial: Sign into your MAID on iPad
- Video Tutorial: Sign into your MAID on MacBook
IT Support
- Technology Services Service Desk Support
- Internet Filtering and App Requests
- Technology Services Field Technicians
Technology Services Service Desk Support
All communications with SPPS Technology Services are initiated via a service ticket, which is instantly routed through the automated system to the proper Technology Services Department staff. Service is provided, or built-in processes are triggered, to resolve an incident or deliver a service. The service ticket provides an efficient way to receive status updates; communicate with Technology Services staff; review ticket history; or search the Knowledge Base.
To Submit, View or Edit a ticket, select the "Submit Service Desk Ticket" below, or click on this link. Login with your Active Directory password, the same password used to log into a computer.
Internet Filtering and App Requests
SPPS Wifi and student iPads are configured with internet filtering. On SPPS wifi, adult content is blocked from access, as well as social media site such as Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok. While no content filter is 100% foolproof, the Technology Services team is responsive in continually adjusting filters to keep students and staff safe and protected. To add or remove a website from the content filter, submit a service ticket.
Student iPads are configured with additional pre-installed internet filtering. When students take iPads home, the same websites are blocked from access automatically on the home network.
Technology Services Field Technicians
Technology Services Field Technicians are assigned to schools based on combinations of size and technical request volume. Technology Services staff support student and staff technical needs on iPads, Macbooks and other district provided technology.
- Building administrators and other media support staff work in collaboration with Field Techs to lead technical events such as student or staff device deployments.
- Staff should submit a service ticket based on the type of technology support needed.
Resources for Educators
- Infinite Campus
- Clever
- Seesaw (Pre-K through Grade 5)
- Schoology (Grades 4 through 12)
- Apple iPad and Macbook Resources
- Behavior Referrals
Infinite Campus
For basic tutorials on submitting attendance, entering grades and other features, visit the Infinite Campus How-To Guides page.
Clever
Clever is a single sign-on platform that simplifies access to educational applications for students and teachers. Because Clever is linked to Infinite Campus, students can easily log into a variety of learning tools using a single log in. This streamlines the login process and provides a more seamless learning experience.
Learn more about how to log in and use Clever in the classroom, and explore helpful tips and user guides here.
Seesaw (Pre-K through Grade 5)
Seesaw is the primary method of digital instruction and workflow for SPPS students in Pre-K through grade 5. Within Seesaw, teachers can post activities, work in their Seesaw classes, and communicate with families.
Looking for inspiration? From printable to communication templates, Seesaw’s teacher resources are ready-to-use resources to support student learning, parent connection, and fresh inspiration. Seesaw also curates one of the best Learning Hubs for teachers to independently grow their Seesaw skills, built by teachers for teachers!
Want to boost your Seesaw skills in support of teaching and learning? Seesaw offers a free, one-hour Pioneer Program that will equip you with essential Seesaw understandings and skills. Learn more by joining the SPPS Seesaw Pioneer Schoology Course, using course code: 39H5-GV7Z-BK9VZ.
Check out Seesaw's Help Center for searchable, organized answers to questions about all things Seesaw. For issues with logins, rosters, or other technical elements, please submit a Service Ticket.
Schoology (Grades 4 through 12)
Schoology is the Learning Management System used by teachers and students in grades 4-12. Schoology allows for creating, organizing and delivering content for courses.
Teachers can monitor and assess assignment completion and provide feedback. Students can interact with course requirements and conveniently access course information. Schoology also allows guardians to view their child’s progress in order to provide support at home.
Explore the resources below to learn more about Schoology!
- Getting Started Guide for SPPS educators
- Schoology/Campus Grade Sync information page
- Google Drive Assignments Help Guide - explore how to use the Google Drive Assignments app to assign Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Slideshows, and Drawings within Schoology.
- Schoology's Instructor Resource Page - answers to common questions about using Schoology.
For issues with logins, rosters, or other technical elements, please submit a Service Ticket.
Apple iPad and Macbook Resources
Saint Paul Public schools utilizes Apple devices for educators and students. Students in grades Pre-K to 12 have access to an Apple iPad, and educators use MacBooks and iPads. Saint Paul is fortunate to have a Andy Leiser, a dedicated Apple Professional Learning Specialist, on staff. Contact Andy at aleiser@apple.com for support with all things Apple!
Apple Resources for SPPS Educators:
-
- Tutorial Video
- Getting Started Teacher Guide
- Screen Mirroring for "untethered" teaching
- Video Tutorial: How to Mirror Macbook to an Apple TV
- Video Tutorial: How to Mirror iPad to an Apple TV
- Video Tutorial: How to Mirror iPad to MacBook
- Using Freeform for Collaborative Whiteboarding
- iPad User Guides
- Core iPad Apps User Guides
Looking for ideas? The Apple Education Community is a one-million-person strong online hub for educators using Apple tools and resources in the classroom. From ready-to-use lessons to teacher Q&A, the Education Community is the best way to tap into the profound expertise of Apple Educators from around the world. Browse, ask, share, download, and come back for more. You are guaranteed to find oodles of useful supports!
Ready to learn more? Consider the Apple Teacher program for Mac and iPad. This free program is available for those looking to deepen their understanding and capabilities using Apple tools. Learn, earn badges, and achieve your Apple Teacher certification in the Apple Learning Center.
Already an Apple Teacher? Apple Learning Coach is a free program for Apple Teachers to level up their coaching capacities. It is perfect for staff members looking to support their colleagues with scientifically supported techniques for helping others grow as professional educators. Consider applying today!
Behavior Referrals
Office Discipline Referral (ODR) Forms are used to document lost instructional time. All Office Discipline Referrals (ODR) form submissions are now electronic. Staff must be on SPPS Wifi to submit an ODR form.
Classroom-managed behavior:
- is handled in the classroom setting using the continuum of classroom interventions and consequences supported by the SW discipline plan
- is NOT documented on an ODR form and student is NOT sent out of classroom/learning environment
Office-managed behavior:
- is handled outside the classroom setting using the continuum of support, both interventions and disciplinary responses, used by behavior support staff and administrators
- results in lost instructional time and is documented on the SPPS Office Discipline Referral form
- is submitted as an ODR form by instructional staff and documented in Infinite Campus
- Learn more about when to submit an ODR, and get answers to commonly asked questions on the Behavior Referral website.
- Check out this one-pager for step by step instructions for how to complete an ODR.
- Submit a service ticket for access issues.
