Stafford Learns

You've heard the saying "It takes a village to raise a child". That has never been more true than in the unprecedented times we find ourselves living in today. We all have to be invested in the success of our children and assist them with this new way of learning. We have developed expectations for all stakeholders involved in online teaching and learning, which are outlined below:

Student Expectations

• Attend classes according to your daily/class schedule.
• Please make sure that your device for class is fully charged each day.

• Log in 10 minutes before the start of class.
• Be prepared with all necessary materials each day and have your headphones on.
• Your camera must remain on during class times.
• Dress according to the appropriate dress code for your campus.
• Complete coursework by the deadline specified by your teacher.
• Actively participate in synchronous learning activities under the direction of your teacher.
• Your microphone must be off unless specifically instructed by teacher.
• Reduce the noise in your background such as other individual talking, television or music.
• Use good manners such as waiting for the appropriate time to speak.
• Be respectful to your classmates.
• If you need to step away from the camera, send a message in the chat.
• When you have a question, raise your hand, use the hand raise feature in the application, or ask your question in the chat.

Parent Expectations

• Access parent resources through the Stafford Learns website to learn about online learning platforms, including login information.
• Encourage your student(s) to be prepared and join live virtual sessions at the scheduled time.
   
• Have your student(s) test their credentials by signing into their designated learning platform with their username and password.
• Get to know your student(s) online learning platform.
• Create a learning space for your student(s) that minimizes distraction and noise.
• Place all usernames and passwords in a visible location for easy access.  
• Create a visual of your student(s) daily schedule and display it in their workspace.
• Make sure that your student(s) have all their necessary materials (e.g., textbooks, writing tools, notebooks, etc.).
• Ensure students log in at least 10 min. before the start of each class period for attendance purposes.
• Maintain breaks and snack times throughout the day.
• Check in with student(s) to monitor completion of homework and other assignments.
• Sign into the Ascender Parent Portal to check student grades.
• Stay in communication with your student’s teachers.

Teacher Expectations

• Review procedures for accessing assignments and checking progress on Open LMS with students.
• Provide clear learning objectives and instructions for students.

• Provide live, synchronous instruction at the designated times outlined in the schedule.
• Post daily asynchronous materials and assignments for students to complete that will take the remainder of each class period. 
• Post links to the recorded synchronous instruction so that student can access that resource later. 
• Provide feedback to student inquiries within one business day.
• Provide meaningful feedback on student work using clear and concise language.
• Adhere to district grading policy and post grades in a timely manner.
• All normal operating instructional requirements remain (lesson planning and submission, delivery, grading) 

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. 

Parent-Student Tech Access Handout

Access ClassLink

Open LMS (formerly 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. Open LMS 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 Open LMS 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.

Seesaw will be used this year for our Early Childhood (PK3-K) and 1st Grade students as their asynchronous learning platform. Students will be able to login through our single sign-on system, Classlink. 

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 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 district during the COVID-19 pandemic, making onsite and online resources available, accessible and secure.

Parent Tech Support Form

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. Passwords were all reset at the start of the 2020-21 school year. Additionally, make sure you are entering the same password you use to log into the computer at school. 

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. 

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.