Technology

Vision Statement

The vision for technology use in the New London School District is based upon the school district's strategic plan and the district's overall mission of "United in Excellence”. With the knowledge that the world we live in has rapidly evolved into an information-based society, we believe the use of technology should be an integral part of contemporary education. In our ever-changing world, we’re seeing technology play an increasing role in our efforts to provide a quality educational program; improve efficiency and effectiveness in administrative functions; and strengthen communication within our school community. We have recently taken on large initiatives to make sure that all of our students have equal access to a computing device and internet, bridging the digital divide.

We believe a quality information technology system supports learning by:

We believe a quality information technology system provides administrative support by:

Enhancing instruction, supporting and enriching curriculum, and aiding students in the achievement of the Connecticut Academic State Standards.
Creating technologically literate graduates prepared to meet the challenges and expectations of the global information-age society.
Encouraging life-long learning and enabling students to become independent learners, critical thinkers, and contributing citizens.
Facilitating the students' ability to access, analyze, synthesize and present information.
Fostering a positive orientation to the future, enabling students to handle new technologies and constant change.
Providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.
Offering on-going professional development to enhance the technological skills of staff, administration and the New London community.
Providing access to information through our district-wide voice, video, and data network.
Supporting the efficient and effective operation and management of the district.
Strengthening communication with parents and our community.
Maintaining continuous attention and resources for technological growth.
Seeking out, evaluating, and incorporating new technologies where appropriate.

Resources

Technology Handbook 2022-2023

Email Signature

NLPS requires all staff members to use a standardized email signature in all internal or external communication related to the district. This signature gives recipients an understanding of the sender’s name and position in the district while maintaining credibility. In addition, this signature represents the district and helps us maintain a clean, cohesive brand.

Email Signature Block:

FirstName LastName
Title

Building Name
office: 000-000-0000 cell: 888-888-8888
e: username@newlondon.org w: www.newlondon.org

Here are a few tips to remember as you create or update your signature:

Please copy the sample Signature and Logo shown above to create or update your signature. This will ensure that the branding is up-to-date and the format is correct.
- Outlook Online Instructions:
  - Click and drag your cursor over the signature block and copy (Ctrl + C).
  - Once copied open Outlook click on the Gear icon at the top right to open Settings and choose View all Outlook settings at the bottom of the window.
  - Choose Mail>Compose and reply
    - Paste (Ctrl + V) the copied signature into your signature box and add your information.
    - Check the boxes for “Automatically include my signature on new messages that I compose” and “Automatically include my signature on messages I forward or reply to”.
- Outlook App (Desktop) Instructions:
  - Click and drag your cursor over the signature block and copy (Ctrl + C).
  - Once copied open Outlook click on the File>Options>Mail> Signatures
  - Paste (Ctrl + V) the copied signature into your signature box and add your information.
Delete any old signatures from your Outlook account. Deleting old signatures will help you avoid accidentally using an old signature.
Use your signature on all internal and external communication. This helps to identify who you are and the position you hold in the district.
Don’t add information or modify the format of your signature. This format is defined by the Marketing Department, and you are expected to comply as representatives of the district.

Technology Infrastructure

Every classroom has access to a high-speed wireless network to allow devices to run smoothly- anywhere!

Our buildings are connected to the internet over a high-speed fiber internet connection allowing for smooth operations even under heavy utilization.

We run a “Follow-Me-Printing” system that allows teachers and students to securely print their work from any printer in the district, on-demand.

Our district utilizes Microsoft’s Office 365 suite of cloud services as our primary means of communication, collaboration, and workflow.

Student Devices

Our district provides our students with 1:1 devices to assist with in-school and distance learning. The device the student receives is dependent on the grade level.
- Grades Pre-K – 2: iPads
- Grades 3-8: Chromebooks
- Grades 9-12: Windows Laptops
Student Software Platforms:
- Grades PreK – 5: Schoology, Microsoft Teams
- Grades 6-12: Schoology, Microsoft Teams

Microsoft 365 FAQ for Parents

What is Microsoft (Office) 365?

Microsoft Office 365 is a suite of Microsoft applications which includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and other Microsoft applications.
Office 365 often refers to the cloud-based version of the Microsoft Suite. This means you can work online within a web-based version of an application.
In addition to the cloud-based Office 365, you can download the Microsoft desktop applications to PC or Mac computers.
Microsoft apps can also be downloaded via App Stores for mobile devices (phones and tablets).

How does my child log in to Office 365?

Students can log in to Office 365 by going to office.newlondon.org from any browser. Enter their username (which is their email address) and password.
If the email address or password is not known, email us at helpdesk@newlondon.org with your personal email account. You will receive a password reset reply.
Usernames are formatted lastnamestudentID#@newlondon.org and passwords are the same password students use to log in to a computer at school.

Does Microsoft 365 work on all devices?

The online version of Microsoft 365, which autosaves documents in the cloud, works on most devices. The few exceptions are older model computers and devices that can no longer be updated.
Students with iPads and Chromebooks are limited to the online version only. It is not possible to download the Microsoft Suite applications to a Chromebook.
Downloading the Microsoft Suite on PC or Mac computers allows students to work in the applications instead of on the Internet. The desktop applications offer additional features not available online. Each New London Public School District student can download the Microsoft Suite on up to five computers.
Note: You can use these directions to download the Microsoft 365 Suite: PC or Mac

What browser should be used?

What kind of device does my child need?

Does my device need a microphone or camera?

Does Teams have a parent login for monitoring of assignments?

How can I support my child?

We encourage you to sit with your child as he or she uses Microsoft 365 Apps and other district programs to offer guidance as needed. We also encourage you to supervise your child’s online activities to ensure on- task behavior and prevent navigation away from school provided apps to sites which may not be age appropriate. Proficiency in Microsoft Apps is a sought-after, future-ready work skill, and by working alongside your child as they use Microsoft 365 Apps, you are helping your child develop applicable lifelong skill