Google Meet is a conferencing tool available that supports communication with others, both inside or outside of the district. Students do not have access to creating meets. Users can have collaborative, 2-way conversations and share their screens, as well. You may join a Google meet by phone or by video/webcam. 

Google provides a unique URL or phone pin for each Meet that is generated by the Meet's creator. Additional members may join the Meet by using the URL or phone number and pin provided by the creator of the meet. 

For Hangout Meets training and help, click here

SeeSaw

SeeSaw is a tool that supports students and teachers in organizing assignments, boosting collaboration and increasing communication. Teachers can easily create classrooms, craft and schedule assignments, attach assessments, and differentiate assignments by student(s). Click on my.bvsd.org, sign in and click the SeeSaw icon

All BVSD teachers, administrators, staff and students (grades 5-12) have full access to the Google for Education suite of products.

Google for Education includes:

• Gmail
• Docs
• Sheets
• Drive and File Stream
• Calendar
• Hangouts
• Meet

Share documents using Drive, sync files across computers using Filestream, collaborate on projects and learning using Chat and Meet, and more from your home internet connection. 

• Google Drive allows you to continue to work on, store, protect and share your work with others. Your documents become digital files stored on the Cloud allowing you to get to them from anywhere on all your devices.
• Google Filestream allows you access your Google Drive files directly from your Windows or iOS computer without having to use a web browser. It is safe for all types of files including Adobe and Microsoft Office. Get started with File Stream. 
• Get started with Google Hangouts and Google Meet to collaborate with colleagues, families, and students. Have chat conversations, face-to-face meetings, share screens, and more. Google Hangouts and Google Meet allow you to work remotely without feeling remote!

For more information, click here 

WeVideo is a cloud-based, easy-to-use collaborative video editing program that works on any device (with Apps for iOS and Android). To cater to each user’s expertise level, WeVideo provides two different editing modes (storyboard & timeline). It is a central hub for users to collaborate, organize and share their projects and media files. Editing features include music, transitions, voiceover, captions, and much more. Users can select from a variety of professionally designed themes to produce more engaging content. There is multi-language support for both text input and captions as well as inline video help tutorials inside the web editor. Users have the option to publish their completed videos to Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, and other sites. WeVideo is an excellent tool that promotes creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking in our students.

For more information, click here

Schoology is a learning management system that allows for digital delivery of course materials. Some teachers will be presenting classroom lessons through the platform, asking for students to submit assignments, participate in discussions, or take online assessments. Others might use the system just as a means of communication. Please check with your specific teacher regarding the expectations for Schoology usage in their classroom. 

Go to my.bvsd.org, enter your login information and click the Schoology icon to enter your class. 

For frequently asked questions, click here for English and here for Spanish

For the Schoology for BVSD parents guide, click here and in Spanish click here

To connect to the Internet, use a compatible Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Not Connected .
   Note: If you see your Wi-Fi network name and a signal strength, your Chromebook is already connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on Wi-Fi. 
4. Your Chromebook will automatically look for available networks and show them to you in a list.

Step 2: Pick a network and connect

Connect to an open network

Select the Wi-Fi network .

Remember, your information might be visible to other people on this network.

Connect to a secure network

1. Select the secure Wi-Fi network .
2. Type the network password.
3. Select Connect.

Connect to an unlisted network

Administrators may hide networks so only certain people can use them. To connect to an unlisted network:

1. Select Join other network .
2. Enter the network information in the box that appears.
3. Select Connect.

Information for this network is automatically saved so you can connect automatically later.

Care and Handling: Students must keep their devices secure and prepared for academic use at all times, and report any issues promptly. Students may customize their devices by installing software extensions, applications, or other components, but may not modify device management software installed by BVSD

Loss or Damage

1. The device is provided to the student for his or her use and is the responsibility of the student including replacement in the event of theft or damage. 
2. The student must report any issues to school administration immediately, and may be required to complete a police report. 
3. The student may be provided with a temporary loaner device until a permanent replacement has been obtained. Replacement devices must be obtained through the school. This agreement applies to loaner devices as well.

As a responsible digital citizen a student will:

1. Keep personal information private.
2. Encourage others to be responsible digital citizens.
3. Use devices for school related purposes during academic time.
4. Report to the school staff anyone using devices inappropriately.
5. Respect the work of other individuals.

Follow BVSD’s Appropriate Use of Technology Resources regulation JS link - .CLICK HERE

• Families will support students in their care and handling of the 1:Web device.
• Families will talk with their student about using their device as a good digital citizen.
• Families will communicate to the school any concerns related to the device

Your device is your responsibility. Like library books and other school-owned items that students use, the students are responsible for damage to their Chromebooks. Here are some tips for how to keep it safe and prevent damage:

General Care

• Keep your device in its protective cover
• Keep food and drinks away from your device
• Do not expose your device to excessive heat or cold (hot cars are bad for devices!)
• Do not stack heavy objects (like multiple books in a backpack) on top of your device
• Keep your device out of reach of Fido and Fluffy
• Handle your device gently
• Plug and unplug cords from your device carefully
• Do not place your device on an uneven surface where it might fall
• Beware of cord placement and walking paths; someone might trip on your cord and pull your device off of a table or desk
   

Screens

• Don't hold your device by the screen
• Don't carry your device with the screen open
• Don't store your device with the screen open
• Before closing the screen, make sure nothing is on the keyboard
• Close the lid of your device gently
• Clean your screen with a soft, dry microfiber or anti-static cloth
   

Battery Life and System Updates

• Do not let your battery get below a 5% charge
• Make sure your device is fully charged at the beginning of each day
• Shutdown or reboot your device weekly to load updates
   

Security

• Keep track of your device at all times
• Do not leave your device in an unsupervised location
• Do not give out your password or let someone else use your login information 
• Do not remove school or district labels from your device
• Do not install unauthorized apps on your device

Support for Devices

At some point, your device will have an issue (like all computers do). Don't panic! The five steps identified below solve many of the issues you will experience. If these steps do not resolve your issue, report the problem to your teacher first thing in the morning on your next school day. For a printable version, please click here

1. Restart your device.

With all basic troubleshooting, this should always be step number one. Closing the lid does not shut a device down. Make sure you click shut down or restart or hold down the power button. 
 

2. Charge your device.

If the device won’t turn on, plug it in to a charger and leave it for 15 minutes. Do not try to restart the device until 15 minutes have passed.
 

3. Verify your wireless connection.

Check that you are connected to a wireless network.
 

4. Update your device operating system.

When your Chromebook downloads a software update, at the bottom right, look for the "Update available" notification.

1. Select Restart to Update.
2. Your Chromebook will restart and update.
    

5. Reset your device.

If all else fails and you have a Chromebook, you can reset your device by doing the following

1. Press and hold Esc + Refresh and tap Power . When a message shows, let go of the Esc + Refresh You will see a message which says "Please insert a recovery USB stick or SD card ".

2. Press Ctrl + D, then Enter to “Turn OS verification off”.

3. A red exclamation point is displayed. Press Space and Enter to “turn OS verification” back on.

4. The Chromebook will reboot.

5. At the Welcome! Screen, click Let’s go.

6. Connect to your WiFi network, At the Google OS terms screen, click Accept and continue.

7. If asked to “Enroll”, enter your BVSD user name and password.

8. Enrolled Successfully! Click DONE.

9. Enter your BVSD credentials to log into the Chromebook.

Nothing worked? It's okay. Call 720-561-HELP 

Click here for this information in both English and Spanish

Click here for the Home Internet Troubleshooting guide

ConnectME is a public-private partnership between BVSD and Livewire Networks that was approved on April 14, 2020.  This service provides free broadband internet access to qualifying families across the district.  For more information about this program please review the information below:

• ConnectME Infographic
• BVSD Internet Options Flyer
• ConnectME (Live Wire Networks) website
• ConnectME (Livewire Networks) phone number: 303-458-5667

How to access Xfinity wifi from your computer, tablet, or phone Xfinity’s WiFi

Xfinity WiFi hotspots located in businesses and outdoor locations across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.Search for a hotspot near you.

1. Enable WiFi on your wireless device

2. Select “xfinitywifi” in your list of available networks

3. Launch a browser on your device

For a printable version of these directions, please click here

How to set up a hotspot

A personal hotspot lets you share the cellular data connection of your iPhone or Android phone when you don't have access to a Wi-Fi network.

How to set up a personal hotspot on an iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot
2. Tap the slider next to Allow Others to Join

How to set up a personal hotspot on an Android phone

1. Open your phone’s Settings app
2. Tap Network & internet And then Hotspot & tethering And then Wi-Fi hotspot
3. Tap Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot

Click the link for easily translatable Android or iOS directions

For a printable version of these directions, please click here

Contact BVSD IT Department

Your family may qualify for one of BVSD’s other options for district-sponsored internet access. Call the BVSD IT Department at at 720-561-HELP (4357) and they will work with you to find out what options are available .

• • T Mobile and Verizon Hotspots**
• • Comcast Internet Essentials**

Options Available to Qualified Families
**Your family may be qualified if you are eligible for public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others. Service availability dependent on household location and service provider coverage area.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges that many Americans will face in the coming months, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recently announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative. In order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional circumstances, he specifically asked broadband and telephone service providers, and trade associations, to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Thirty-one companies serving Colorado have signed this list.  For a complete list click this link, Scroll down to “Colorado companies that have taken the Keep Americans Connected Pledge (click to expand)  

In addition, individuals or families may qualify for LifeLine.  Apply for LifeLine HERE.  For cell phone and internet coverage, you will need to go through companies that are contracted with LifeLine.  For a list of Colorado companies, click HERE

After qualifying, call the provider and ask

1. How many minutes they get per month?

2. How much data do they get per month?

3. Can I use my current phone?

4. Do I get a free phone, if not, how much is the phone?

Lifeline will reimburse the cost of the phone and the internet to the customer.

Questions or need help?

Connect with our Service Desk via live chat or by entering a ticket at help.bvsd.org by logging in with a student account. You can also call 720-561-HELP to speak to a technician. Our Service Desk hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm.

GoGuardianWhat is GoGuardian? How is it tracking my student?
Go Guardian (GG) is attached to the student ID and is enabled on any Chrome browser or Chromebook a student logs into. If a student is not using a district-issued device, but instead is logging in with their BVSD account on a device running the Chrome browser, GG is providing web filtering and monitoring (when teachers turn it on). There is no local software install as GG runs in the cloud as a browser extension. When a student logs out of their BVSD account, filtering and monitoring go away. Click here for more information.

What happens after school hours?
GoGuardian monitoring is only available for teachers to use, if desired, during 7:30 - 4:00 at which time it is shut down automatically to ensure no out of hours monitoring is happening. The monitoring is real-time so nothing is saved locally or in the cloud. 

Does BVSD have a signed DPA with GoGuardian?
We have a Data Privacy Addendum (DPA) with Go Guardian that is in alignment with the State of Colorado's student data privacy and transparency act. The DPA contractually ensures Go Guardian handles any data they have in a secure way.  The DPA can be found HERE.

Can I opt my child out of GoGuardian?
Yes, please call the IT Service Desk at 720-561-HELP M-F 7:00-4:30 and provide your child’s name(s) and student ID number(s).

Password problems for students Grades 6-12Your child manages his/her own password. Please follow the steps in this document to reset the password. We are not able to reset passwords via email for security reasons so please reach out to our Service Desk so they can verify identity and get the password reset. They can be reached at 720-561-HELP M-F 7:00-4:30. Also, any teacher can also reset the password which would bypass your need to call us.

Passwords for students Grades PK-2

The password is 123456.c with the numbers being the child's student ID number. 

Passwords for students Grades 3-5

The password is bvsd123456.c with the numbers being the child's student ID number. 

Chromebooks

Device issues
Please try some of the troubleshooting steps in this document. Primarily, #4 is a big help for many issues. If this does not work, please reach out to our IT Service Desk to further troubleshoot or to schedule a delivery of a replacement device. Technicians are available Monday-Friday from 7:00 am-4:30 pm and they can be reached at 720-561-HELP.

Need a device
If your child missed the deployment or needs a loaner device, please call the IT Service Desk at 720-561-HELP M-F 7:00-4:30 and provide  the following information and we will get a delivery scheduled for you:

• Student's full name, School, and grade

• Best contact phone number

• Home address

Broken Chromebook
Please  call the IT Service Desk at 720-561-HELP M-F 7:00-4:30 and provide the following information and we will get a home delivery device swap scheduled for you:

• Student's full name, School, and grade
• Asset tag number (little blue sticker on the bottom of the device)
• Best contact phone number
• Home address
• Describe the problem

Google Meet issuesThis is an issue on Google's end and it has been escalated. They are working on the problem but in the meantime, the only workaround is to have the teacher use "add a person" to allow your child to rejoin. We are hoping for a resolution from Google soon. 

Changing in-person/online learning preferences

Please reach out to the office staff or registrar at your child's school. They can update that preference for you

The Go Guardian Classroom management tool is an extension that is added to the BVSD student account. When and if the teacher initiates a Go Guardian session, the tool will be enabled only on chrome with the student's account during the teacher's classroom time. The classroom management is a tool that a teacher can choose to use during instructional time. The management software is only available for teachers to use, if desired, during the 7:30 - 4:00 time frame. Since remote learning is an extension of the classroom, this tool provides the teacher with additional resources that can support home learning. One of the reasons this tool was selected was the desire to help teachers manage classroom digital work by;

• visually assess and respond to your child’s progress during class time (assist and help if needed to get students to the right location, help them access the site or tools so less instructional time is used trying to get to the needed digital resource)
• Easily distribute teacher determined online resources to your child (helping to redirect students to the online resources needed for classroom discussion by being able to send that URL to all students easily)
• Monitor activity on student devices and intervene if content unrelated to the learning goal is being accessed 
• Focus your child’s/children’s learning experience and age-appropriate online resources as determined by their teacher

The request for classroom management software was determined by parent requests to the school board to help students focus on educational digital content addressed in class. A few software titles were looked at and piloted in 2019 and Go Guardian was the selected tool for classroom management software. It was brought to the board for approval and purchased in March 2019. In order to be a vendor with BVSD, all vendors must adhere to the Colorado Data Privacy Act and sign an addendum with BVSD, here is the information for that agreement with BVSD and Go Guardian. 

We created this info sheet to clarify for students and parents how the classroom management tool is used during instructional time. One last piece of information, this is a tool that is available for teachers and is only implemented when and if the teacher starts a session.

Last school year, 12 schools piloted the GoGuardian software which serves dual purposes. The first is the classroom management tool. This function allows teachers to monitor students’ screens from their own as well as give customized support to students. The second tool allows 24 hour filtering on BVSD devices and/or if a student is logged into their BVSD account on the Google Chrome browser. This product works as an additional web filter to block inappropriate sites when students are logged into their BVSD accounts on BVSD chromebooks.

If you would like more information regarding this software, as well as information to opt your student out of the filtering tool, see this parent information letter and fact sheet that were emailed out at the start of school to the new schools and pilot schools last year.

MORE INFORMATION: Go Guardian Information Sheet

The BVSD Service Desk will never ask you for your credentials (including your password), or other confidential information.

The BVSD Service Desk will not initiate direct contact with you, via email or telephone, unless you have submitted a service request, or have an ongoing service request open. The BVSD service desk should initiate a call by providing a recap with details regarding your exact request and not generic information. If you have any doubt that you are not communicating with the real BVSD service desk, you can terminate the call or email communication at any time, and call our service desk directly at 720-561-HELP (4357) to verify authenticity.

Be vigilant with any work related email or alerts, by looking for warning banners, clicking the drop down arrow under sender, then "show details" to verify the sending email address matches the display name, and hovering over any quick links to verify they are taking you to official BVSD websites and services.

Please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for updates on COVID-19 and potential cyber scams.

BVSD and the student agree to the following:

1. The device including accessories (collectively referred to as the “Device”) being lent is identified by the BVSD Asset Tag Number
2. The Device is managed and owned by BVSD.  All of BVSD’s management software is included on the Device and may not be removed from the Device under any circumstance. The Device is to be prepared for academic use at all times.
3. If the student leaves the school district prior to the end of the term, the Device must immediately be returned to BVSD.  If the Device is not returned the student will be responsible for the original cost of the Device.
4. The student agrees to return the Device within seven (7) days of notification from BVSD, or when BVSD’s normal school schedule resumes, whichever is earlier.  If the Device is not returned at the requested date, the student will be responsible for reimbursing BVSD the original cost of the Device.
5. The student will reimburse BVSD for any Device repair costs incurred due to damage, not to exceed the original Device cost.
6. In the event of a theft of the Device, the student must report to BVSD immediately and may be required to complete a police report.  At BVSD’s discretion, a new Device may be issued to the student.
7. The student shall not deface the Device in any way that is including, but not limited to, adding stickers, drawing on the Device or modifying the exterior or hardware of the Device.  If the Device is defaced, the student will be responsible for the original Device cost.

If you're not sure of your student's username, you can find that information in your Infinite Campus parent portal by clicking on "More" on the left-hand side and choosing BVSD Student ID and Account.

To ensure the security of all BVSD accounts, passwords for Pre K-4 students were changed to the latest password standard on August 3, 2020. Please login to the Infinite Campus parent portal to view the new standard.  

When signing into computers for the first time after the password change, it will ask you for the old password. If you cannot remember the old password click “Can’t remember old password?” and “Proceed anyway,” and you will be able to log in with the new credentials. 

For questions or support, please reach out to our IT Service Desk at 720-561-HELP. Our team is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Features of Password Manager in the Single Sign-On Portal for Grades 5-12 ONLY:
Enrollment happens automatically the first time you login to the Classlink Launchpad Portal   Account set up instructions can be found here

Please Note:

• If you reset your password on a BVSD Chromebook:
  • Restart your Chromebook
  • Update your password on the Chromebook

Click here for the Home Internet Troubleshooting guide

Click here for more information on navigating the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or click here for a printable version.