Stafford Learns

At Stafford MSD we believe in equipping parents, students, and teachers with the tools they need to be successful. In an effort to ease this transition from face-to-face instruction to online instruction, we wanted to develop a comprehensive plan that everyone can follow in addition to the other resources you will find on this site. 

This is a living document, which means that it is subject to change. This simply serves the purpose of providing a guide and can be adjusted based on your individual needs.

Virtual Learning Plan

Due to the closure of school buildings, Stafford MSD has developed guidelines for grading procedures. All students are expected to complete assignments to be promoted to the next grade or to graduate. Each student will receive a minimum of 1-3 grades per week. Grades below 70% mastery will not count negatively towards a student’s end of the six weeks grading cycle.

Please click the following link to learn more about our COVID-19 Grading Policy.

SMSD COVID-19 Grading Policy

Classlink is our single sign-on that houses links for the applications that we access the most. With ClassLink, students can log in one time and gain access to several student applications like Study Island, Blackboard, and Office 365. The following video will explain how to access and navigate ClassLink. 

Did you know? Parent Handout

Blackboard is Stafford's Learning Management System. A learning management system is an online environment that teachers and students can use as a hub for learning, communicating, and collaborating. Blackboard allows teachers to add rich, engaging content that students can access from any device, as long as there is an internet connection. Students can use Blackboard to complete assignments, quizzes, and other interactive activities that teachers have added to ensure mastery of various topics. Teachers can see student progress and grades through reporting tools.

The best way for students to access Blackboard is by going directly to the Blackboard website and logging in with the following credentials:

Username: Email (first initial + last name + last three digits of ID@student.staffordmsd.org)

Password: Same as computer password

If going to the direct link does not work, try signing into ClassLink first, then accessing Blackboard from there. Please note that Blackboard will still require students to sign in with the credentials listed above. 

Blackboard Student Instructions

Study Island is an online platform that helps K-12 students master state-specific, grade-level academic standards in a fun, engaging way! Study Island combines rigorous content that is highly customized to specific state standards in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies with interactive features and games that engage students and reinforce and reward learning achievement. 

All students have access to Study Island through ClassLink.

You can find more resources for Study Island by selecting the desired section below (Parent Rescources, Students Resources, or Educator Resources).

 

Office 365 is an integrated experience of Microsoft apps and services that allow institutions to organize, communicate, and collaborate. Office 365 offers a myriad of apps including, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive, OneNote, Sway, and Stream. Office 365 will also allow users to download the entire Office Suite, on up to five machines, for as long as they are a part of the organization! 

To access Office 365 go through ClassLink or go straight to the Office 365 Portal. 

As we continue to transition to online learning, SMSD's technology department will be instrumental in providing technical support for parents, students, and educators.

Our objective is to continue providing outstanding technology service to the SMSD staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, making onsite and online resources available, accessible and secure.

Please view the document below for more details on what to expect from the Technology Department during the pandemic and what certain procedures will need to take place to stay true to the correspondence sent by the Superintendent and abide by those guidelines.

SMSD Technology Procedures and Support

How do I log into ClassLink?

Refer to the section titled 'ClassLink' above or from the Student section of the website. 

How do I log into Blackboard?

Refer to the section titled 'Blackboard' above or from the Student section of the website. 

What if I'm a student and forgot my password?

First, make sure that you are entering your username correctly, according to the instructions given for ClassLink, Blackboard, and Office 365. Next, make sure you are entering the same password you use to log into the computer at school.

If your password still does not work, call the following number to report that you need a password reset: 1-866-507-8433. This line is only for parents and students and can be accessed during normal business hours. You can also leave a voicemail and support personnel will get back to you as soon as possible. Have the following information ready:

1. First name
2. Last name
3. Student ID number
4. Campus you attend
5. Reason for call
6. Call back number

What if I'm a teacher and my password expired?

If you are a teacher and your password has expired or needs to be reset, please contact the desktop support specialist for your campus to have it reset. You will receive your new password via email.

• PS, ES, IS - Eddie (Eriberto) Garcia
• MS - Cosme Garcia
• HS - Jody Nusom 

What if I do not see my classes in Blackboard?

If you log into Blackboard and do not see classes, please email one of your teachers. You can also call the student and parent hotline to have the issue resolved. Hotmail: 1-866-507-8433

What if Study Island ask for a username and password?

Study Island is integrated with ClassLink and, when accessed this way, it should log students and teachers into the application without having to enter additional information. If Study Island prompts you for additional information, close the application and close ClassLink, then restart both. If that doesn't work, email your teacher concerning the issue.