Taos Municipal Schools
Technology Department Dear Families,
The Technology Department at Taos Municipal Schools is committed to creating a collaborative, anytime and anywhere learning environment. We inspire students and teachers to be innovative and offer students an avenue to succeed as citizens in a global society in which technology is growing at an incredible rate. Our Digital Learning plan (DLP) sets the vision around technology use within our district, it focuses on four primary areas. • • • •
Internet and Wireless Network partnered with Taos Net, Kit Carson, and AT&T Technology equipment 1:1 device for all students partnered with Apple and Dell Network and device management partnered with SHARP USA Technology PD training for all staff and students partnered with Community Tech Solutions
Office 365
Students in grades K-12th, will use Microsoft Office365 to enable teachers and students to work together collaboratively and securely in the cloud. This supports students with greater information and file access while strengthening 21st Century Learning opportunities.
PowerSchool
School Messenger
School Messenger is the way that we communicate urgent messages and special events directly with you (K-12). School Messenger sends alerts to your home phone, cell phone, email or via text message. You may choose the delivery option that works best for your family. Please contact the main office at your child’s school to make sure that we have your most current information for your child.
Website
school has their own page to showcases work of students and staff and highlights stories and news. Our website offers many resources that include our district calendar, school board policies, board meeting information, school breakfast/lunch menus, community links, resources, useful documents, forms, along with general contact information, and links to the systems we use to communicate. Visit our page for the latest news and upcoming events.
taosschools.org is Taos Municipal Schools friendly website that has useful information for prospective new and returning students and families. Each
As parents of students in 6th-12th, you can use PowerSchool to monitor grades and absences. First time users can log on at http://ps.taosschools.org/public/ and then download the App, PowerSchool Mobile, from your preferred App Store. If you set up the Mobile App to allow notifications, PowerSchool will notify you when your student misses a class. If you have questions about grades in PowerSchool, don’t wait, contact your student’s teachers directly.
Canvas
Students in grades K–12th can access Canvas, the TMS learning management system, for blended learning activities developed by their teachers. Canvas extends the boundaries of the classroom, allowing students to take their class discussion, resources, and assignments with them wherever they go. Parents will have access to Canvas, information will be provided in August to create parent accounts.
Let’s Talk!
Let’s Talk! from K12 Insight, is a customer service and community engagement solution that makes it easy for community members to connect with school and district leaders at their convenience.
Social Media
We use social media venues: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to communicate up-to- date information, announce events, and share in celebrations. Like and follow your child’s school’s Facebook page from the Facebook link on their school page of taosschools.org. By using the official names of the Taos Schools Facebook Pages below, you will be able to connect to your student’s school’s page. SPONSORED CONTENT PROVIDED BY TAOS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
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BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-23
Taos Schools Official Facebook Pages • • • • • • •
Taos Municipal Schools Arroyos del Norte Elementary Enos Garcia Elementary Ranchos Elementary Taos Middle School Taos High School Taos Tiger Athletics
What tools are available to your family for 2022-2023 SY • • • • • • •
Hotspots for students without internet Student Office365 Account Parent and Student Canvas/PowerSchool Account School Messenger School Website Let’s Talk Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
New: Securly A cloud-based web filter designed specifically for schools, helps keep students safe with powerful features that makes our school safer and our IT team happier. IT has visibility into online activity, download or email reports, and block inappropriate sites instantly.
What to expect • • • • • • • •
Every student will receive a school issued device. Grades: K-2 iPads Grades: 3-12 Chromebooks Required tech waiver signed by guardian. Every student will need a laptop backpack or case. Higher internet speed at each of our school sites Network upgrade and infrastructure will be in place to support our 1:1 model. Tiger Tech internship class at THS.
Coming Soon Stay Tuned for TMSD first online auction, purchase laptops and ipads from school inventory! Date of release will be advertised through school website, Facebook, Instagram, and district wide robocall.
We make it work at TMSD Tech Room! Located at Taos High School, 134 Cervantes Rd. Taos. COME VISIT US! Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or call 575-751-8081. Maria Jeantete, IT Director Michele Franco, IT Secretary
* The information in this publication is accurate as of the date of publishing and is provided in good faith by Taos Municipal Schools; Information is subject to change without advance notice.
