December 21, 2021
Dear MCPS Staff,
At this time, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) continues to take necessary precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while also maintaining full operational status for all of our school buildings.
We continue to collaborate with our state and local partners to monitor the changing conditions and adjust accordingly. While no changes to MCPS school operations are anticipated at this time, this communication is to provide you with information to prepare
you, your staff and students in case conditions merit a shift in in-person learning.
Maintaining in-person instruction provides students with the best environment for addressing the learning disruptions that resulted from virtual and hybrid learning in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 school years.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, much has been asked of our students and staff. As an institution, we are grateful for all you have done in the face of this pandemic. Due to the efforts of everyone in our community, we have been able to return
to in-person learning five days a week. However rising positive case numbers have required restrictions for athletics and extracurricular activities.
The risk presented by the COVID-19 pandemic remains and positive cases are rising. So we are asking our community to Remain Vigilant and to continue to follow the guidance from local health officials that
is meant to keep you safe and healthy. Vaccines, face coverings and social distancing are safe, easy, simple and necessary to keep the number of cases low.
Our commitment to our students, staff and families is to keep MCPS schools open, focus on our mitigation strategies so we are working together for safety.
STUDENTS
As we near the start of winter break, please ensure students go home with:
Technology:
A working Chromebook and charger.
Access to the internet. All MiFi devices that were distributed over the last 20 months are still with families. If a new family needs help with connectivity, please complete this form: MiFi Request Collection
Form and families will be notified via email when one is ready for pickup at Sandburg distribution site.
Books, workbooks, and other instructional materials that may be helpful to continue instruction without disruption.
Here are other resources:
Item
Information and Resources
Resources
*Make sure Google Docs are “published to the web” to allow for higher volume of users
Zoom for Students
Student Accounts and Access
Parent/Guardian Accounts and Access
Accessing myMCPS Classroom via Clever
Support
Community Tech Support Portal
Search Knowledge Base (English and Spanish) for troubleshooting guides, screencasts
Email communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org
STAFF
Please bring home all technology (Laptop/Chromebook, charger, document camera, microphone or external camera if needed) and curriculum resources that you may need for virtual teaching;
Please ensure your Canvas page is updated
Here is other pertinent information:
Item
Information and Resources
Staff Devices and Equipment
Support Materials:
Teacher Laptop & Monitor Support Guide
Document Cameras for Instruction
Classroom Equipment
Support
For fastest service (even if remote), fill out Hardware specific ticket form
PD and Resources
Winter 2022 Instructional Technology Professional Development Sessions
Return to Instruction YouTube Playlist
Virtual Instruction Resources
Staff Accounts and Access
Zoom Support Guide
Zoom and Access for Guest Speakers
Change in Teacher of Record - Synergy & myMCPS Classroom
Support
Help Desk Portal
Search Knowledge Base for troubleshooting guides, screencasts
Submit/Monitor Tickets
Call Help Desk at 301-517-5800
Email Help Desk at
help_desk@mcpsmd.org
Applications
Zoom
All staff have a Zoom Meeting license that can support up to 300 participants.
Each school’s principal/primary administrator is assigned a Zoom Webinar license that can support up to 1,000 participants.
myMCPS Classroom (Canvas LMS)
Courses and enrollments sync from Synergy to myMCPS Classroom (Canvas LMS) daily; courses are currently available for staff to setup if they have not already.
Clever
Clever Portal provides staff and students with access to many of the instructional applications procured and supported by MCPS.
GoGuardian Teacher
If we move to a virtual model, staff will no longer be able to use GoGuardian teacher since students will be using their Internet connection at home.
Windows Virtual Desktop
When connected via VPN, users can access Windows Virtual Desktop to get to Filemaker and other applications not accessible via chrome or outside the firewall.
Other
Ensure VPN access continues for staff without renewal
Montgomery County Public Schools
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