TechBytes
April 23, 2024
Upcoming Dates
- April 23: Secondary Grading Window Open
- May 2: Secondary Grades Due
- May 31: Deadline to input Physical Fitness Scores
Cybersecurity
Have You Updated Your Password Recently?
With increases in cyber attacks in recent years, it's important to change your password regularly. To keep your information safe, follow these guidelines:
- Use a password manager
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when possible
- Make your password long and complicate it by using a combination of capital and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers
- Do not share your password with anyone, including PUSD staff. ITS/PUSD Staff will never ask you for your password
ITS's recommendation for your District password in the PUSD Portal is:
- minimum of 8 characters
- minimum 1 uppercase letter
- minimum 1 lowercase letter
- minimum 1 number
- maximum 128 characters
- do NOT include:
- first or last name
- username
- email address
- restricted words like "password" or "Pasadena"
Beware of Unsolicited Communications from Retirement Companies
Financial institutions and investment companies will often reach out to staff members, claiming to be working with the District on retirement opportunities. These emails are not requested or sponsored by the District. District sponsored emails will come from a PUSD email address.
When you receive an unsolicited email such as the email pictured, you can click on "Report Spam" or "Unsubscribe" to reduce the chances of receiving future emails from that vendor.
If you have questions regarding your benefits, reach out to the Benefits department. If you receive an email that may be phishing, please submit a ticket at gopusd.com/helpdesk.
EdTech Tips & Tricks
ITS & EdTech Updates
Application Changes for 2024-25
Due to changes in budget for the 2024-25 school year, the following applications will no longer be paid for by the District:
- Nearpod
- Learning A-Z/Raz+
- Edulastic/Pear Assessment
- Newsela
- Scholastic (print and digital)
- Avanza Level Learning (Spanish ONLY)
For alternatives to some of these applications, please check out the resources linked in the Smore below.
ITS Separation Information
For staff members who are leaving the District (now or at the end of the school year), they need to make sure they've followed the steps below before their last day of employment.
- Return all devices (laptop, cell phone, hotspot). Workstations stay installed at the work location.
- Download or Transfer all files and export Canvas content (if applicable).
These steps should be started a few weeks before the last day of employment to ensure everything has been completed before then and so they can reach out for assistance if needed.
Please review the detailed steps linked below and reach out to ITS with any questions.
Email: EdTech@pusd.us
Website: pusd.us/its
Location: 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
Phone: 626-396-3699