SMS Tech-News
Week of October 30th, 2023
Tech Updates
Reminders
- Google Shared Drive Cleanup: see email sent Friday 10/13
- New SE process for SPED Teachers
- Parents still not signed up for ParentSquare? Another reminder was sent Tuesday October 17th. Remind your families!
- Emailed Progress Report - 500 Error Message. Remember you must select parents under the Email title.
- Phishing emails have started. If you see something suspicious all you need to do is click the Phishing button.
Below are additional resources related to technology.
Tech Pro Tips
Adobe Express Text to Image AI
Make extraordinary images from just a description using Text to image feature in Adobe Express!
Bring your vision to life using Text to image feature in Adobe Express. Describe your image and let generative AI do the magic for you. Use Text to image in the Quick Actions menu for fast and fun results, or use the feature within the editor as part of another design in Adobe Express
- Access through your portal under tools/Adobe or click this link while logged in!
- Click here to view the quick 6 step walkthrough & Facebook Challenge
- Click here for video instructions!
Check out the example! French bulldog in an astronaut suit on the beach!
Pin Tabs in Chrome Browser
Use a tab often? Perhaps you want to keep your GCPS Portal at the beginning of your browser. You can pin it and it will be there each time you open your browser!
See how the GCPS employee portal and Drive are both pinned. Want to know about the tab groups you see next to it? Reach out to me!
More Tech Tips!
Bite-sized Learning
TIM: Collaborative Learning
The TIM is a Technology Integration Matrix. There are 5 Characteristics of technology based on learning environment. The second is Collaborative Learning!
Collaborative Learning | Adaptation Level Students
Collaborative use of tools; some student choice and exploration.
Students
Students independently use technology tools in conventional ways for collaboration. Students are developing a conceptual understanding of the use of technology tools for working with others.
Teacher
The teacher provides opportunities for students to use technology to work with others. The teacher selects and provides technology tools for
students to use in collaborative ways, and encourages
students to begin exploring the use of these tools.
Setting
The setting allows multiple students to access technology tools simultaneously.
Microsoft Teacher Academy
Microsoft Teacher Academy
Microsoft Math Solver app provides help with a variety of problems including arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and other topics using an advanced AI powered math solver. Simply write a problem on screen or use the camera to snap a math photo. Math Solver instantly recognizes the problem and helps you to solve it.
What can Math Solver do?
- Solve Equations
- Provide Step-by-Step Explanations
- Graph Problems
- Writing Equations
- Practice using learning materials
Teachers Touchpad & Keyboards
T.J. Krooss, Ed.S.
Snellville Middle School, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Email: tj.krooss@gcpsk12.org
Website: SnellvilleMiddle.org & http://tjkrooss.com
Location: Snellville Middle School, Pate Road, Snellville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-736-4461
Upcoming Events
For a complete list of events, check the Staff Calendar in Outlook. Click here if you have not yet joined the staff calendar. If you do not see the calendar please email tj.krooss@gcpsk12.org!
Picture Day is Friday September 29th!
Fall Break is October 5th - 9th!
Book Fair
October 23-27, 2023 - Ms. Parrott
Monday, Oct 23, 2023, 08:30 AM
Literacy Night
Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023, 05:30 PM
Snellville Middle School, Pate Road, Snellville, GA, USA
Encore Chamber Theatre (8th Grade/LA)
November 14, 2023 - Sponsor is Ms. Bowen
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023, 08:30 AM
This week's Grade-Level Newsletter Links
Student Device Support
- Times: M-F: 9:30-10 am and at 3:00-3:30. Please DO NOT send students outside of this time.
- Location: Student Device Distribution Room 1.33. This is the same room where students picked up their devices.
- Hall Passes: Students must have a HALL PASS from the teacher, students will return with a signed pass.
- Locked Devices: These devices show a padlock on the screen. You can email 825 Team T any time with the student and device numbers. We must verify that the device has not been reported missing. (Device numbers start with a C or end with a T)
- Note: If the screen does not say notify local tech support then look at the notice above where it says "Click Here" to update your password.
- New Students: New students can be sent on their second day as they will not be in circulation for 12 to 24 hours.
Support Links
Quick Links
- SY2324 Tech-List: Click Here and bookmark it!
- Event Request Form
- Join SMS Teams Training Page
- Grade Book Resources
- Bell Schedule
- Staffing Assignments
- Who can help with Tech Support?
Looking Back: A second glance from Last week
SMS Tech News from October 16th!
- Firewall issues persist, the patches are stabilizing but still have issues. They are reviewing new ways for teachers to connect while blocking students.
- Securly: Classroom Device Management: A pilot will take place prior to full implementation.