Technology for Parents

Our story of "going 1:1" began in 2016 with our commitment to using the Google platform as a serious learning tool. Before long, our teachers found that Google provided a terrific environment for storing teaching and learning materials, and sharing them among their peers, but more importantly with their students. Teachers at all levels have found a place for using the Google apps, but our secondary teachers have woven Google apps and extensions into their everyday routine with their students. While we let this organically grow throughout the Middle School and High School, it became clear that needing a device that integrated with the Google platform would be necessary. Enter Chromebook carts!

During school years 16-17 and 17-18, we introduced Chromebooks stored on carts throughout the High School, and Middle School. Each cart contains a classroom-set. By the time we ended the 17-18 school year we introduced department and grade-level specific carts providing as many class-sets as we could. Popularity in using the carts grew with each passing month, so it became clear that providing a device per student was an effective direction to pursue.

Through our 1:1 initiative, we provide a standardized learning environment. Google + a device is the WHAT of our initiative, but the WHY is so much more exciting! Our 1:1 Initiative will provide anytime/anywhere access to learning and expand the possibilities of where learning occurs - the places we learn are many and don't always require brick and mortar. Our 1:1 Initiative will provide flexible access to instructional materials, allowing our students to learn at a pace they self-manage. Our 1:1 Initiative will provide a continuous cycle of feedback as students process instruction and practice subject matter. Finally, our 1:1 Initiative will support a transformation in classroom time -- a time for higher level thinking and discussion as students produce projects and achieve milestones exhibiting a mastery in their learning.

A 1:1 Initiative is a tool for learning. We do not expect our 1:1 to be the ultimate solution for academic success, but finding those niches where a standardized tool for learning enhances the process is a step in the right direction. It is the answer to the question "What does it mean to go to school at Twin Valley?" It is a milestone, one of many, in our learning culture that provides the answer "Technology and learning, at Twin Valley, are coexisting threads in the fabric of our learning community."

The TVSD GOOGLE domain is available at tvsd.info.  The .INFO top-level domain (TLD) is typically used by domains/services where the exchange of valuable resources, research, learning and pertinent information is paramount.  This is, in essence, our chance to contribute to the grass-roots efforts that have made Google what it is today, and to realize our Googliness.

TVSD will use Google Docs, Drive, Classroom and Mail with TVSD students in both the Middle School and High School.  Students will be issued a TVSD.INFO email account, starting in 5th grade, that will allow them to communicate and collaborate with teachers, create content and engage with resources our teachers provide.  Student email accounts will not allow them to send or receive email from outside the tvsd.info domain or the tvsd.org domain (i.e. students will not receive email from outside domains like comcast.net or verizon.net etc).

For more information on your child's privacy rights, refer to the documents and links on this page.

 

Twin Valley School District

1:1 Device Handbook

 

Please contact the provider for more details.

Kinetic by Windstream

Save up to $30/month on your internet bill with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)! 

See more details here: KineticbyWindstreamFlyer

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Comcast 
(https://internetessentials.com) 

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, Internet Essentials has increased speeds to 25/3 Mbps for all customers - no action is required. In addition, new customers will receive two months of free service. Click here for more details.

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Verizon
(https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/covid-19-faqs/)

Is Verizon offering additional Mobile Hotspot data for customers to use during this time?

Yes, we are adding 15 GB of data across nearly all of our plans, to be used between 03/25/2020 and 04/30/2020. To be eligible, you must be on a qualifying postpaid (unlimited or shared), Jetpack or prepaid plan:

For Unlimited Data Plans

• 15 GB of 4G LTE data will be added to your plan’s existing Mobile Hotspot allotment
• Eligible plans include: The Verizon Plan Unlimited, Go/Beyond/Above Unlimited Plans, Start/Play More/Do More/Get More Unlimited Plans

For Shared Data Plans

• 15 GB of 4G LTE shared data will be added (can be used for Mobile Hotspot, or any other connected device using the shared data plan)
• Eligible plans include: More Everything Plans, Verizon Plans 1.0 and 2.0 (e.g., S, M, L, XL, XXL), Just Kids
• For Jetpack - Unlimited or Metered Plans
• 15 GB of 4G LTE data will be added

For Prepaid

• All monthly plans with a data allowance: 15 GB of 4G LTE data will be added to monthly metered Smartphone (can be used for Mobile Hotspot), Jetpack and Tablet device plans

Note: If you’re on a shared or account level plan, all lines on the account will share the data. If each line on your account has its own plan, each will receive its own data.

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Service Electric
(https://www.sectv.com/web/asphome.aspx?strSystem=LV)

While you have received official notificatons of our action plan and procedures put in place to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to personally let you know that our management team is doing everything we can to closely monitor and adjust to the situation. As many of our regular projects and responsibilities have been put on hold, we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that we are making the best decisions for our employees and customers.

The Lehigh Valley's surrounding emergency infrastructures, including local hospitals and major health networks, are depending on us to provide continued, reliable service and connectivity. Work-from-home personnel and small businesses need SECTV to be able to serve their customers, while families are counting on us to help entertain and educate their youth during this ongoing self-quarantine period.

Service Electric has also made a commitment to join the ''Keep America Connected'' pledge to: Not terminate service to any residential or small business due to the inability to pay their bill.  Waive late fees that residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstance related to the coronavirus pandemic.  Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to everyone.  Additionally, SECTV will offer free 10x5 Internet service for 90 days for new customers during this ongoing national emergency.  For more information on modem access and the 60-day financial grace period, please contact a SECTV Customer Service representative at:

Toll Free in PA (800) 232-9100

Toll Free in NJ (800) 225-9102

We will continue to assess the situation and adjust accordingly, doing our best to keep our employees safe and our customers connected.

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Blue Ridge Cable
(https://www.brctv.com/blog)

Like you, we are monitoring the latest news about the coronavirus, and we know that keeping you connected is more important than ever. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our customers, employees and communities we serve.

 

Click here to view information regarding internet hotspots

TVSD is able to offer, through the support of T-Mobile's Project 10-Million, a WIFI hotspot that can provide your student with access to the internet.

In order for the device to be of any benefit to you, please consider the following:

• Your house needs to be within range of cell service (T-Mobile).
• Each device includes an unlimited data plan.,
• The device provides filtered access to the web. Typically streaming sites or gaming sites will be prohibited since they are typically non-educational in nature.
• The device is to be used for educational purposes only and its intent is that it be used by the student(s) with a 1-to-1 Chromebook.
• After the device rental period has expired the device will cease to work and must be returned to Chromebook service desk or the District office. Failure to do so will result in the student being charged for the full replacement of the device.
• Cost - $20 per month* (this is a fee to be paid upfront, however students using the device for less than 1 month will receive money back.) Details of payment can be found at the HS and MS Chromebook Service Desk.
• Devices may be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. The district maintains a limited number of hotspots.

*Families who have declared a financial hardship according to state and federal requirements, may receive discounted rates.

 

How do I rent a hotspot?

Students must visit with their Guidance Counselor to determine the need for a device. 

What does it mean to be 1:1?

1:1 is a standard learning tool. Each student is issued a device to equally access content their teachers have provided using various cloud-based tools and apps.

What is the 1:1 device?

The Chromebook. A device fully integrated with the Google platform that is easy to support and offers the perfect window to the web. The Chromebook is the property of TWIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT* and is therefore covered under all school district policies regarding Acceptable Use and Electronic Devices.

(*see information regarding graduating seniors below)

Who will receive a device and when does it begin?

Currently grades 5-12 are issued Chromebooks they may take home. Grades 1 through 4 each have classroom sets of Chromebooks stored in carts that remain in school.

How do I get my device?

Grade 1-4 students

Grades 1 - 4 - Chromebooks will be made available to each student from their classroom at the start of the school year. Students will not take devices home; each device will be stored in a cart located in each classroom.

Incoming grade 5 students

5th grade Chromebooks will be available in the 5th grade students' block 1 classrooms. The Chromebook handbook and information regarding insurance will be available at that time.

Incoming grade 9 student

• Incoming 9th grade students will receive their Chromebooks towards the end of their 8th grade school year. All technology fees must be paid for prior to receiving the new device. If there are outstanding technology fees, the student will keep their current device until all fees are paid for.
• All 8th grade Chromebooks and chargers must be returned in working condition at the time of 9th grade distribution. 

Midyear Students 

• Students should report to the Chromebook service desk (located in each building). They will receive a Chromebook, chargers, 1:1 Device Handbook, and a form to be completed by their parents regarding the equipment and optional insurance.

• Return the completed form to the main office as instructed, along with cash, a check or a money order for the insurance fee (*Note - write the student's school ID on the check or money or, or the envelope containing the cash).

Will there be a cost associated with receiving the device?

*see device insurance below...

Will there be help for families that might have a difficulty with the expense?

Yes. *see device insurance below...

Device Insurance: Will there be insurance for the devices? fees?

No. To ensure that the District is able to repair defective and damaged Chromebooks and provide loaners at all times for students experiencing problems, the District is changing how Chromebook repairs and damages are being handled. Under this new format, students will only be responsible for a $25 deductible, per instance, when a device has been accidentally damaged and sent out for repairs or if a charger needs to be replaced from being lost or accidentally damaged. If your child receives free/reduced meals and elects for the District to use their status via the Annual Verification, the deductible will be reduced to $15 per instance. The District will continue to cover the costs related to defective issues with the devices or chargers.

What happens if the device becomes damaged or is stolen?

Should the device become damaged, the damage will be reported and the device delivered to the Chromebook Service Desk for repair. If a device is stolen, appropriate procedures involving stolen materials will be followed that adhere with both the School Board policies as well as the insurance covering the device. In both situations a temporary device will be made available to the student.

How can I pay the fee?

See our tech support article on online Fees here.

Fees will also be collected at the time of distribution, in person (we accept cash, check or money order).

Will students take the devices home?

Yes, for students in grades 5-12. The device will be issued to the students for the entire school year.

Will students keep them over the Summer?

Yes. Students will find it to be beneficial to have the Chromebook during the Summer for summer assignments. Any outstanding fees at the end of the school year, will result in the device being shut down.

What should a student do if they leave Twin Valley School District midyear?

Students who withdraw or leave the Twin Valley School District, should return their Chromebook to either the guidance office or main office. Students who do not return the student issued Chromebook will be subject to a fine and possibly reported to the local law enforcement as having possession of a stolen device. The Chromebook will be remotely disabled and all functionality removed until the Chromebook is returned.

If a student is enrolled in BCTC or another off-campus school program and never attends school at either the Twin Valley Middle School or High School, will they receive a Chromebook?

In most cases, no. But we will address these situations on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your guidance counselor for more information.

How long will the students have the Chromebook?

The Chromebooks are part of a 4-year life-cycle. Incoming grade 5 and incoming grade 9 students will receive new devices. As the grade 8 students matriculate to grade 9 they will trade-in their old device for a new device. Chromebooks previously used by grade 8 students will be used for parts and loaners.

What happens with graduating Seniors' devices?

Graduating seniors may take the device with them and use it as their own beyond Twin Valley. We advise you stop by the Chromebook service desk during the last month of school so we can record which device belongs to you. Once the senior graduates, the management license is removed from the device, thereby allowing the student to use the device as a personal device, released from TVSD filtering, app restraints or other management features and subscriptions. Graduating seniors' Google drives are archived for approximately 1 year after graduation.

INFINITE CAMPUS is the student system currently used by Twin Valley.  The student system helps the district maintain scheduling, grades, attendance etc.  CAMPUS PARENT is the parents' portal into that system.

Campus Parent offers many features including access to your child's grades, attendance records, profile information and more: (https://www.infinitecampus.com/audience/parents-students).

Below, you can peruse all the features Campus Parent has to offer.

*NOTE - The document below is inclusive of all possible functions within Campus Parent.  TWIN VALLEY may not enable all features.

Click on the image below to view the full document.

What is Infinite Campus?
Infinite Campus (IC) is Twin Valley's new student system.  The parent portal (formally called Campus Parent) is available to parents to review information about their students, including schedules and grades.

Why would I access Infinite Campus/Campus Parent?
Campus Parent will give parents/guardians access to their student's information including schedules, grades, attendance etc.  Parents will also have the ability to update certain pieces of information. 

What if I never received a link to create an account?

• Chances are the email we have for you is not valid, or it changed. Updates to email addresses can be submitted to your child's building office. The window for creating accounts will remain open through September. If you believe your email account is valid, please click the "Forgot Username" link on the login page to begin the process of verifying your email account. The login link is found on our website by clicking the Parent link at the upper right, or you can click here to LOGIN.
• Please also check your Spam folder.  The email address that sends the account is from "messenger@twinvalleypa.mg.infinitecampus.org" (not Twin Valley directly).
• Some email carriers may block email if they suspect the email is spam.  You may need to contact your email carrier if this is a possibility (e.g. verizon.net, ptd.net, hotmail.com etc)

How do I login to Campus Parent?
The link to login can be found under the Parent link at the upper right of our website.

Can I change my phone number?
Yes you can! Start by clicking the user menu at the top right (the little person icon) and select Settings, then Contact Preferences.  Make any changes you need to your phone number and make sure to click Save once you are finished.

How do I print-out my child's schedule?
Once you login, click Reports, then select "Schedule".  The schedule will appear in a pop-up window in PDF format with an option to Print.

When will information be available to view in Infinite Campus?
For the start of the year, schedules and busing information will be made available as soon as the buildings have finished scheduling. Each building may be different in the scheduling process, so it will not be unusual for buildings to release that information on different dates leading up to the start of the school year.