Technology Department
Welcome to the Technology Department at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. We are dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technology into our curriculum, providing robust IT support, and promoting a digitally literate community. As a team of seasoned IT professionals, we are consistently driving our school forward in this digital era, crafting a rich, modern learning environment. With technology at the heart of education today, our commitment is to ensure each member of our community is equipped with the tools and skills to excel in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Meet the Technology Department
Mr. Joseph Marino
Director of Technology
[email protected]
ext: 1504
Ms. Kelly Radochia
IT Support Specialist
[email protected]
ext: 1503
Mr. Raymond Warner
Network Systems Administrator
[email protected]
ext: 1506
Ms. Donna O’Brien
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
ext: 5105
Ms. Joanna McKay
Registrar/Student Records Facilitator
[email protected]
ext: 5207
Ms. Kimberley Dickson
Data & Assessment Specialist
[email protected]
ext: 5206
Family Applications
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School leverages a wide range of innovative applications and systems to enhance student learning, foster communication, and streamline operations. Our technology infrastructure is designed to support a dynamic educational environment where students, faculty, and families can connect and collaborate effectively.
From cutting-edge classroom tools to robust communication platforms, our school integrates technology to empower learners and educators alike. These systems include tools for online learning, interactive teaching technologies, student information management, and parent engagement. By implementing these resources, we ensure that every student has access to the support they need to succeed academically and prepare for their future careers.
Additionally, our commitment to staying at the forefront of educational technology means that we continuously evaluate and adopt new solutions to meet the evolving needs of our school community. This dedication to innovation allows us to provide a seamless, secure, and engaging educational experience for all.
Aspen
Aspen is our primary student information system. It’s an online system that helps you stay informed and involved in your student’s education. As a caregiver, you can use Aspen to:
- View class schedules.
- View quarterly report cards.
- View honor roll certificates.
- View student demographic and contact information.
Account Information
Aspen accounts are generated automatically. LoginIDs and passwords are emailed to caregivers when their accounts are created. If you are having difficulty remembering your login for the portal, here are some tips:
- Family/Caregiver logins are (firstname).(lastname).fam – for example, john.smith.fam
- Students should use the “Google Sign-In” button.
If you’re still having trouble, you can use the “Trouble logging in?” link on the login page. If you’re unable to complete the password reset through Aspen, please log a helpdesk ticket with the Technology Department.
Schoology
Schoology is an online learning platform where caregivers can stay connected to their student’s day-to-day academic activities. As a caregiver, you can use Schoology to:
- View Assignments and Homework: See what assignments, projects, and homework your child has been assigned, along with their due dates.
- Track Academic Progress: Monitor your child’s grades and feedback on individual assignments, quizzes, and tests.
- Access Class Resources: Explore the materials and resources teachers provide, such as lesson plans, readings, and study guides.
- Stay Informed About Class Updates: Receive announcements from teachers about class activities, upcoming tests, or special projects.
- Support Your Child’s Organization: Help your child stay organized by viewing their calendar with assignment deadlines, tests, and other important dates.
Schoology gives you a clear window into your child’s classroom experience, helping you stay engaged and support their learning journey effectively.
Account Information
- Caregivers can register for a Schoology account on the login page linked below.
- During registration, you will be prompted to enter your student’s Schoology access code.
- Instructions on finding that code within Aspen can be found here.
ParentSquare
ParentSquare is a comprehensive communication platform designed to enhance collaboration between schools and families. As a caregiver, you can use ParentSquare to:
- Receive School Communications: Stay informed with messages from the school via email, text, and/or mobile app notifications.
- Automatic Translations: ParentSquare includes automatic translation features, so families who speak different languages can easily read and respond to messages in their preferred language.
- Receive Urgent Alerts: Get immediate notifications about emergencies or important announcements, ensuring you’re always aware of critical information.
- Engage in Two-Way Messaging: Communicate directly with teachers and staff through secure, private messages, facilitating timely discussions about your child’s progress.
- Access Important Documents: Securely receive and review documents such as permission slips, report cards, and newsletters, ensuring you have all necessary information at your fingertips.
- Participate in School Activities: Sign up for volunteer opportunities, RSVP for events, and complete forms online, making it easier to be involved in school activities.
- Stay Updated with Calendar Events: Keep track of school events and important dates through the integrated calendar feature, helping you manage your family’s schedule effectively.
By utilizing ParentSquare, you can stay connected and engaged with your student’s educational experience, fostering a stronger partnership with the school community.
Naviance
Naviance is an online platform that assists parents in supporting their student’s educational and career planning. As a caregiver, you can use Naviance to:
- Investigate Career Paths: Utilize tools like the “Career Interest Profiler” to explore potential career options that align with your child’s interests and strengths.
- Explore College Options: Research colleges and universities, compare admission requirements, and understand acceptance histories to help guide your child’s higher education choices.
- Track Application Milestones: Keep track of your child’s college application deadlines, submission statuses, and required materials to ensure a smooth application process.
- Access Scholarship Information: Find and review scholarship opportunities to support your child’s educational funding needs.
- Facilitate Communication: Engage with school counselors and access resources to assist in your child’s academic and career planning.
By utilizing Naviance, you can actively participate in your student’s journey toward academic and career success, providing informed guidance and support throughout their educational experience.
Securly
Securly is an online safety solution that helps caregiver monitor and manage their student’s internet activity on school-issued devices. As a caregiver, you can use Securly to:
- View Online Activity: Access real-time reports of your child’s internet usage, including websites visited, search queries, and videos watched.
- Set Internet Access Schedules: Establish specific times when internet access is allowed or restricted, such as during homework hours or bedtime.
- Receive Alerts: Get notifications about concerning online behavior, like searches related to self-harm or bullying, enabling timely intervention.
- Pause Internet Access: Temporarily disable internet connectivity on your child’s device to encourage offline activities or family time.
- Review Weekly Email Reports: Receive summaries of your child’s online activity, helping you stay informed about their digital habits.
By utilizing Securly, you can actively participate in your student’s online safety, fostering a secure and balanced digital environment.
Account Information
Caregivers who wish to monitor or limit internet access on their child’s Chromebook while at home are invited to request a Securly Home Parent account using this sign-up form.
SmartPass
SmartPass is a digital hall pass system designed to improve student accountability and safety during school hours. As a caregiver, you can use SmartPass to:
- Monitor Pass History: View real-time information about your child’s pass usage, including when and where they are leaving the classroom.
- Track Time Spent Out of Class: Gain insight into how much time your child spends outside of the classroom, helping you stay informed about their school day.
- Identify Patterns: Recognize patterns of extended time out of class, ensuring your child stays focused on their education.
- Support Accountability: Collaborate with school staff to ensure your child is using their time effectively and responsibly.
By utilizing SmartPass, you can stay connected to your child’s school activities, promoting accountability and supporting a productive learning environment.
In addition, SmartPass is used for our Digital Student ID system. Directions on how students can access their SmartPass Digital ID can be found here.
Account Information
- Caregivers can register for a SmartPass parent account here.
- During registration, you will be prompted to enter your student’s invitation code.
- Instructions on finding that code within Aspen will be available soon.
Technology Support
In-Person Support
Students may visit the Technology Office during regular school hours for in-person technology support. The Technology Department can assist with Chromebook troubleshooting and account password resets.
Online Support
Students and Families may submit an online helpdesk ticket using this link.
Chromebook Information
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School greatly values and integrates technology into all aspects of our curriculum and programming.
To achieve this, our students are required to use Google Chromebooks as their 1-to-1 device to access many technology-based resources and tools. We strongly believe that the use of Chromebooks in our classrooms and CTAE areas will further enhance learning for students in all settings.
Chromebook Information for New Families
In order to ensure equal technology access for all students, we offer two options for families to pick from to access a Chromebook, outlined below. You will indicate your access option through the PowerSchool online “New Student Registration Form”.
- Bring your own: You may purchase your own Chromebook from any retailer and use it at ENSATS or use a Chromebook you already have.
- This option allows you to conduct your own research and select a model that best fits your child’s needs. We highly recommend referring to Google’s Auto Update Policy for Chromebooks, which specifies when Google will stop Chromebooks from receiving updates. Students are required to have a Chromebook that is still receiving regular Google updates. This date is typically four or five years after the device is originally manufactured.
- Borrow: You may borrow a Chromebook from the school. All families that borrow from ENSATS will be charged a one-time Technology Fee*.
- Familes will pickup their Chromebook, complete paperwork, and pay the borrow fee at the school in August.
- Accidental damage to a borrowed Chromebook can be repaired through the Technology Office for a repair fee. Families will be held fiscally liable for any intentional damage made to the borrowed Chromebook or if the Chromebook is lost.
- Borrowed Chromebooks may be brought home on a nightly basis during the school year.
It is highly recommended that, when possible, Chromebooks are purchased by the family.
Non-Chromebook Devices
Chromebooks are the required device for students in class. MacBooks, iPads, and Windows laptops are not permitted. This restriction is in place to ensure that teachers are able to provide unified instruction to all students; therefore, we believe it is important that all students have the same type of device. In addition, Chromebooks will be enrolled in a management system to ensure productivity and provide network access.
Student Data Privacy
According to The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), millions of people are unaware of and uninformed about how their personal information is being used, collected, or shared in our digital society.
Data collection is essential for improving academic achievement in today’s modern digital learning environments’ effective use of data measures student progress to steer personalized learning decisions to ensure that every child learns. While recognizing the importance of real-time data in guiding student success, school officials also acknowledge their roles as gatekeepers. As a school district, we have a moral and ethical duty to protect our students’ information while using online digital learning tools. While technology may make accessing student data relatively easy, it needs to be maintained securely and confidentially, and that is a responsibility we take very seriously.
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School District utilizes The Education Cooperative (TEC)’s Student Data Privacy Alliance (SDPA) administrative and legal support to negotiate privacy terms with our software vendors. In cooperation with the Student Data Privacy Consortium, TEC has developed a statewide Data Privacy Agreement (DPA) for MA, NH, RI, ME, and VT. These legally enforceable documents articulate a vendor’s responsibilities and the duties required to protect student data in compliance with all applicable federal and state privacy statutes, including FERPA, PPRA, and COPPA.
Our active Student Data Privacy Agreements can be found here.