Staff Back to School
Technology info and reminders for 25-26
Updated August 2025
Tech Team Overview
2025
Nicole DeTomaso - Helpdesk
Primary Responsibilities:
Matt Lowry - Computer Aide
Primary Responsibilities:
Nate Devita and Jon Dussing - Network Administrators
Primary Responsibilities:
Allie Glassman - Instructional Support, OCM BOCES, 1 day per week
Primary Responsibilities:
Katie Harmon - Director of Educational Technology
Primary Responsibilities:
Please continue to use the work order system to communicate all technology-related issues.
Updated August 2025
What We Don’t Do
….but who does
Overview of Tech Changes for 25-26
Changes/Updates/Shares:
Reminders from past years that are still relevant:
Passwords and Emails for Students
Grades K-4
Emails: firlasYY@westhillschools.org (unless they have a sibling in the same grade with the same firlas, then it would be firslasYY) where YY is year of graduation
PW: FL### (Last three digits of their ID #) ex. KH999 this does not change.
Grades 5-8
Emails: firlasYY@westhillschools.org where YY is year of graduation (unless they have a sibling in the same grade with the same firlas, then it would be firslasYY). Ex. kathar98@westhillschools.org
Network (Windows/Mac): firlasYY Ex. kathar98
PW: will be shared in Homeroom
Grades 9-12
Emails: firlasYY@westhillschools.org where YY is year of graduation (unless they have a sibling in the same grade with the same firlas, then it would be firslasYY). Ex. kathar98@westhillschools.org
Network (Windows/Mac): firlasYY Ex. kathar98
PW: FLMMDDYY (First initial, last initial, 8 digit birthdate). Ex. KH08221980 for both, must reset. Network is FLMMDDYYYY
Staff Password Reminders
For the most part, you can reset your own passwords!
Desktops, Copiers and Badge Pairing - pwreset.westhillschools.org
Webprint - pwreset.westhillschools.org (synced with the PW above)
Google - click “forgot password” or call x 5555
Followme/Mobility Print - Click “Log in with Google” do not put username and password in
Work order system - click “log in with Google” and leave UN and PW blank. If you are new, you will need to first click the Waffle button in Gmail (also called the App Launcher), scroll down to ML works and click the button.
Substitute Accounts
Sub Plans Information
All daily teacher and nurse substitutes will be given their own Computer and Google accounts. Having generic accounts that everyone shares is not secure.
Before they can be given their accounts, they need to complete a training regarding data privacy and security. The information is handed out when they come do to their hire paperwork.
We are also making it part of the onboarding process so going forward, they will have completed it at the district office while completing their new hire paperwork.
There is a Shared Drive called WCSD Substitute Plans. You can save your sub plans to the folder for your building if you want to!
It is VERY important to name your file so they can find it easily:
DATE of Absence, Last Name, First Name
For example:
It is also important that any documents that are linked in your sub plans are also shared with wcsdsubstitutes@westhillschools.org - probably just view only if you don’t need them to edit anything. This will ensure that any sub, no matter who comes in, can access the materials.
Upon return, remove your file and unshare the documents. If you know who the substitute will be, you can also add them as a student to your Google Classroom.
Back Up Plans B and C
I can’t Print to the printer I want
Grades 3-12
Projector went down
Chromecast isn’t working
Grades K-2
No Sound on the promethean Panel when sharing iMac screen
Screenshare App from iMac isn’t working
SchoolTool
Sync Tool
ALL new Staff and Student network and Google accounts will be created automatically through a syncing tool. The information will come from PowerSchool. Once a staff member or student is entered into PowerSchool, the next day their accounts are created.
For iReady, Clever will take care of the rostering - that usually takes 24-48 hours depending on when the PowerSchool to Clever Sync and the Clever to iReady sync happens.
Looking for new ideas, activities, projects, or to learn something new?
Allie and Katie are available for 1:1 or 1:many (like team meetings, faculty meetings, etc.) to provide this kind of guidance!
Are we experts? Not always! But we try really hard to either help with ideas, show you something new and cool, or find you the ideas you need to enhance your practice.
You can email Allie at aglassman@westhillschools.org
You can book time with Katie here
We also have an instructionally-focused podcast called the Digital Dish - you can find us at bit.ly/digitaldishpod on Spotify, Youtube, or Apple Podcast
Collaboration
Engagement
A.I.
Assessments
Fun
LittleSis Classroom Sync
For 5-12th grade teachers
LittleSis syncs your PowerSchool Class Rosters to Google Classroom. When a student drops your class, your roster will change automatically the next day. When a student adds your class, your roster will be updated.
Once the sync is turned on, you will receive an email to review your classes.
You have the following options:
If you are using #2 or #3 and want to add exceptions to the rosters, please let me know and I can add the bypass so the student(s) won’t get kicked out.
IMPORTANT:
In order to access the dashboard, you will receive an email with a link. You MUST take action on your classes to discontinue the emails.
LittleSis was new last year so we had a few bumps in the road. Hopefully we worked out most of the kinks!
Overview of Tech Changes for 24-25
Changes/Updates/Shares:
Reminders from past years that are still relevant:
Building Level Tech Changes for 24-24
Westhill High School
9th and 10th Grade students will have a different email address. We are phasing in more secure emails. It will be firlasrgradYY@westhillschools.org (ex. kathar98@westhillschools.org). You can still search in Gmail, Classroom, and Drive for their names.
Walberta
Grades K-1 special areas, SPED, OT/PT, AIS have had their desktops replaced with a docking station.
Chromecasts will be on every projector in the building. If you need to cast to a Promethean panel, use the ScreenShare extension.
Onondaga Hill and Cherry Road
Classrooms 3-8, we are working on updating the connections to HDMI on all the projectors and the speakers so that the speakers will be the same whether you plug in or cast.
Google Workspace Updates 2024
Classroom
General
AI in Google Workspace
Overview of Changes for 2023-24
Changes/Updates/Shares:
Reminders from last year that are still relevant:
Tech Support Changes
Nicole will be monitoring the ticket system and answering the phone when a sub calls or there is an emergency. Some of her duties/abilities will be:
Continue to use the work order system as your first line of communication regarding tech issues.
The only exception for you to call is if you cannot teach Printing is not an emergency because you have so many options and workarounds. Grades 4-12 have stylus on their Chromebooks and can do anything in Kami that you can do on paper (other than cutting;))
As a reminder, do not email or chat Katie directly when you need help with technology. There is a process and a team that can help you.. The process helps keep us organized and on top of the district needs and trends. If you need instructional support/ideas/training/co-teaching, then yes, please reach out to Katie or Todd!
We now have a help desk person that will help us with tickets and substitute support calls. Welcome, Nicole DeTomaso!
Changes in Printing
Macbook and iMacs
When you first log into the desktop, you will see a printer icon in the top right corner of the screen. Click it and then sign in with the username and password you used to sign into the desktop.
Followme will automatically install. Click add printers to add whatever other printers you want to use.
If you don’t have the printer icon, please put in a ticket.
Chromebooks
You will need to follow these steps:
If your print preview just spins, the easiest thing to do is to delete your account off your chromebook, restart, and re-add your account.
Building Level Tech Changes for 23-24
Westhill High School
9th Grade students will have a different email address. We are phasing in more secure emails. It will be firlasrgradYY@westhillschools.org (ex. kathar98@westhillschools.org). You can still search in Gmail, Classroom, and Drive for their names.
Cherry Road and Walberta
Grades K-4 special areas, SPED, OT/PT, AIS and Grade 3 classrooms will have their desktops replaced with a docking station and receive new teacher Chromebooks if you have not already.
Color Printing - we are replacing color and black and white printers with a Color Copier. You will send color printing jobs to FollowMe and pick them up at the color copier with your badge or network login. This will create a more secure printing environment and hopefully cut down on unnecessary printing. It is also more cost effective.
Google Workspace Updates
GoGuardian Updates
Peardeck Updates
Chromebook Updates
Make sure you are using https://westhillcsd.padlet.org/
LittleSis Instructions
2. Click Accept, Decline, or to Link a class
3. Click “Scheduled Actions”
4. Click “Finish x Scheduled Actions”
Do you want to merge two or more classes in LittleSis teacher review? Might benefit those teachers that use One classroom for multiple sections
Do you want to create a copy of a class and all it’s assignments from last year (with an empty roster)? Find the class in Classroom, click on the three dots, and choose COPY!
High School Tech News
Middle School Tech News
Cherry and Walberta Tech news
3-12th Grade Classroom Technology
The vision for the 3rd-12th grade classrooms is for teachers to teach untethered, from anywhere in the room. No longer do you need to have your back to your students while you teach. You can face them, stand behind them, or move while displaying the content on the screen. Click here to go to the Chromecasting slide.
Every teacher is given a Chromebook with a stylus. There are many tools that provide Smartboard-like functions such as Kami, Jamboard, and Keep.
What if the internet goes down? Chromebooks have the ability to sync files to the hard drive so things can still work. Each building has back up adapters for the projectors in case the Chromecast doesn’t work.
If you need one-on-one assistance and support transitioning to this model, please reach out to Todd or Katie to set up professional development and support sessions. This can be once or ongoing throughout the year.
Overview of Changes for 2022-23
Last but not least, don’t forget that you can find just about anything on our Instructional Website!
These are clickable!
Updated August 2025
Do you have a problem/issue?
This is a friendly reminder to put in a work order for any technical problem you have. We have an awesome team who can get things done but only if we are all using the same system.
Please do not directly email a tech person for help with a problem. Use the Work Order System to communicate with us.
I know that this seems counterintuitive from your perspective and can be frustrating. However, it allows us a birds-eye view of the entire district, all the issues going on, and gives us the ability to prioritize emergencies. The work order system also acts as our “to do list” so we don’t forget to do something and allows us to support each other, to be flexible, and responsive.
With thousands of pieces of equipment and an unlimited amount of things that can go wrong, it is tough to address everyone’s issues immediately. We will do the best we can to help as soon as possible. Please be patient with us!
Ed Law 2d
Please do not use any apps, sites, or tools where students sign in and create an account that is not on the approved list.
Yes, this stinks. Yes, it’s hard, and inconvenient, but it is the law.
You can find a list of apps that are approved on the Online Learning Site under “Ed Law 2d Updates”.
On the bright side, we have SO many awesome apps available.
Overview of Changes for 2021-22
Password Reminders
In order to comply with the NYS Comptroller’s office for IT Governance, we will be changing the password policies for all users in the district.
The following policies will apply to both Google and Network:
Network only password policies (include the above):
Tips to improve your passwords. It’s really good practice to not use the same passwords for all your sites. If you keep them written, make sure they are hidden!
I know that this is inconvenient, cumbersome, and a bit frustrating. But this is SO very important more now than ever before. This is good practice in professional and personal life. We need to do more to protect ourselves, our students, and our children.
The starting date for this will be as follows:
Network: August 9
Google: September 2
ParentSquare
We have officially moved to ParentSquare. If you need assistance, sign up for the webinars or see the document below.
Here are your first 10 steps and FAQ.
PowerSchool information is sent to ParentSquare, so if there is information that is incorrect, it is coming from PowerSchool.
New Software
Screencastify Submit was added to our group of paid apps this summer!
Swank Video Streaming Service was added to our Library Media CoSer through OCM BOCES. Training Videos here.
As teachers and students, you can access thousands of movies and documentaries that can be legally shown in your classrooms. Click here for more information. You will use your Google Account to sign in and access the content.Click here for Westhill’s Portal.
New Software cont.
Canva is now Ed Law 2d compliant.
Login instructions + onboarding guide: Check out this teacher onboarding guide. Take note especially of the login directions (here's a separate copy with the login pages only, if that's helpful) - there are a few steps that are crucial for folks who already have pre-existing Canva accounts.
Canva for Education is 100% free for K-12 districts, teachers and students but Canva for Education is offering a faster upgrade approval for our Google for Education community members and also extending its free upgrade to our members who are not working for K-12 districts.
Canva for Education Facebook group
Learn more: https://www.canva.com/education/
Google Drive App on your Mac
You should be saving all files created with Notebook or Office to Google Drive, NOT downloads, documents, or desktop.
3-12th Grade Classroom Technology Updates
The vision for the 3rd-12th grade classrooms is for teachers to teach untethered, from anywhere in the room. No longer do you need to have your back to your students while you teach. You can face them, stand behind them, or move while displaying the content on the screen. Click here to go to the Chromecasting slide.
Every teacher is given a Chromebook with a stylus. There are many tools that provide Smartboard-like functions such as Kami, Jamboard, and Keep.
What if the internet goes down? Chromebooks have the ability to sync files to the hard drive so things can still work. Each building has back up adapters for the projectors in case the Chromecast doesn’t work.
If you need one-on-one assistance and support transitioning to this model, please reach out to Todd or Katie to set up professional development and support sessions. This can be once or ongoing throughout the year.
K-2nd Grade Classroom Technology Updates
Kindergarten through Second grade core subject area classrooms will be receiving a new Promethean ActivPanel Nickel, 65” at some point this year. The purchase is contingent upon the American Rescue Plan grant being approved. As soon as we know more we will communicate.
K-2 Specials and Special Education will implement Chromebooks and Chromecasts.
1:1 Chromebooks 5th-12th Grade
Westhill CSD will be supporting 1:1 Chromebooks in 3-12th grade. Students will be assigned Chromebooks at the beginning of the year and will expect to keep the same one all throughout Middle School, and then again in High School (5th and 9th graders will receive new ones eventually).
5-6th grades will keep them in the homerooms in carts. 7-12th grades will carry them back and forth. All assigned Chromebooks will be touchscreen.
Digital Citizenship and online safety will be weaved into P2 along with the topics that are already being covered.
The Middle School and High School will each have a new Computer Aide in the Library to help with general questions, troubleshooting, and faulty devices. Please make them feel welcome!
For more information that is being shared with parents and students, click here.
Syncing PowerSchool to Google Classroom
We are now using a tool to sync PowerSchool enrollments to Google Classroom. You will be invited to LittleSis (sign in with Google). Here you will accept, reject, or merge your classrooms.
LittleSis will automatically add your enrolled students (or take them out) to your Classroom.
To answer a few anticipated questions (AQ):
1. What if I already started one for next year? You will be able to merge the one that is created with the one you have. It will continue to sync the student enrollment.
2. Can I use Classroom for Clubs and other non-enrolled groups? Absolutely
3. Do Google Classroom grades sync with PowerSchool? Unfortunately not. We can offer a tool called GradeTransferer that will aid in entering grades faster. But to keep PowerSchool secure, we cannot upload to it from Classroom.
4. Will I be notified of changes? Yes, if a class is added or a student is changed, you will receive an email from LittleSis.
Chromecasting (wirelessly project from Chromebook)
We have installed Chromecasts in 2nd-12th grade classrooms. The Chromecasts are named by Building and Room (i.e. CRS 114). We have done a lot of infrastructure work over the last 6 months to create a more stable and robust network to support this technology.
To get started, click the three dots in Chrome.
Click “Sources” and choose either desktop or tab - just like when you Present in Meet.
Then, choose the one in your room off the list.
Click the window and click Share if choosing Window/Desktop.
1
2
3
You should then see the laptop/Chromebook screen on the screen.
To STOP Casting, click the blue button at the top right corner of Chrome, and click Stop Casting.
Chromecast Help
CRS, OHMS, and WHS have people trained in your buildings.
Here are your friends that can help you out if you need:
CRS - Christian E, Rick M, Karin B
OHMS - Tracy D, Karla P, Emily D, Penny F, Alex B
WHS - Alaina, Helen, Karen F, Sarah S, Kelly F
These are also wonderful people to visit for other questions like Google Classroom etc. They are all well versed!
Printing from Chromebook for the first time - FollowMe
The first time that you print from a Chromebook, you will not see FollowMe initially. You will need to click”See More”
Then choose the one you want. Single means single-sided. Chrome will remember your choice for the next time you print, but you can always choose the other one.
PowerTeacher Pro Reminders
Projectors
SmartBoards
The default aspect ratio (shape) of the screen is for Wide Screens.
In order for it to fit on your SmartBoard, you need to change the Aspect to 4:3.
Aspect is a button on the remote.
SmartBoards in 3-12th grade will not be replaced. We are moving to untethered teaching with the Chromebook. At any time, you can decide to have yours taken down by building maintenance. There have been many of your colleagues that have done this already, please reach out to them if you have any concerns.
With all of the tools we have on-boarded the last two years, we are confident that you will be able to do what you need to do with the Chromebook.
Gmail Chat
Gmail Chat is great to quickly communicate. You can find that by logging into Gmail in Chrome and looking to the bottom left corner of your screen.
To get it on your mobile device, download the Google Chat App.
Student Accounts and Information
Important Information on Streaming
We are teaching in unprecedented times. Knowing how the virtual learning and constant streaming of classes affects the internet bandwidth is not an exact science.
We think that we will be ok for each teacher to stream while in the school building when they need to.
Students should NOT be in Google Meets (or other video or audio streaming sites) while in the school buildings until we know how our connection can handle it. They CAN be in Docs, Sheets, Classroom, Gmail, Peardeck, Kami, etc.
Students should not be using:
At least for a few weeks. We are going to monitor the internet with BOCES/CNYRIC to see how things go and potentially increase the usage in the buildings.
Teachers should also refrain from streaming on more than one device at a time. Things you can do to help:
Best Practices for better Live Streaming
Additional Meet Features coming soon
Other planned upcoming roadmap enhancements to help teams more effectively run large, enterprise-grade meetings include:
Class Culture - Mission Possible
You may be wondering “How can I create class culture if students are constantly on computers?”
We will have trainings on September 8th that will cover this but here are some ideas to get you thinking:
These are just simple and basic ways to get started. I am sure there are many more!
Class Culture continued...
This was posted on Twitter and the K-12 Online Collaborative Facebook Group and I thought it had some good points.
Getting Your Google Classroom Ready
At any time, you can invite your students to your class so that it is there when the log in for the first time.
The easiest way to do this is to start in PowerSchool.
Click on the above icon. On the next screen click the select all above students.
Scroll down and find all the emails in one text box. Click Copy.
Go to Google Classroom, click “People” tab.
Click the Plus under students
Hit paste or CTRL V, click “Add Recipients” and then “invite”
Video explaining how to do this in your classroom
My video skills are HORRIBLE so I am sorry if this is terrible. Watch it in full screen mode if you can.