Cybersecurity and Black Friday

We usually discuss work-related cybersecurity concerns such as multi-factor authentication, email phishing, and computer updates. However, as Black Friday and the holiday shopping season rapidly approach, I want to remind you that the same cybersecurity tips we are learning here in Barrington 220 apply and can help keep you safe even when outside of school buildings. 

Here are a few tips to keep you safer when shopping online:

• 
  Shop on Secure, Trusted Websites—Stick to reputable websites, ideally the official sites of known retailers. Avoid clicking on ads or links in unsolicited emails or social media posts, as they may lead to phishing sites. Make sure the URL starts with https:// and displays a padlock icon.
• Be Cautious with Email Links and Attachments—During the holiday season, phishing emails often mimic popular retailers, offering deals or order confirmations. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the retailer's website by typing the URL (web address) in your browser to verify any offers or orders. Look out for generic greetings, spelling errors, or urgent language, as these can signal a phishing attempt.
• Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements Regularly—Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements to catch any unauthorized transactions early. Set up alerts for transactions if your bank offers them, so you’ll be notified of any unusual activity.
• Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Shopping—Avoid making purchases over public Wi-Fi, as these networks are less secure and can be prone to cyber-attacks. If you must shop on public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords—Use a strong and unique password for each of your accounts. Consider using a password manager to store them securely. Avoid simple passwords or reusing the same password across multiple sites.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication—Turn on multi-factor authentication for accounts whenever possible, especially for email, financial services, and shopping sites. Like Barrington 220's MFA system, an extra step is added, but it ensures that even if someone gets your password, they’ll need a second verification method to access your account(s).

We wish you the best and hope you stay cyber-safe—in and out of school!

November New Apps, Google APIs, & Services for Barrington 220 Staff & Students

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” 

At Barrington 220, we believe that technology should empower our teachers and students, providing them with the tools to create, collaborate, and thrive in a digital learning environment. Each month we will announce the newly approved apps, Google APIs, and software services now available district-wide.

What’s New and Approved?

After careful evaluation and feedback from our staff and technology team, we have curated a list of apps and services that align with our educational goals and privacy standards.

Apps for Creativity and Workflow 

Red Rover: (iPadOS) Mobile app that supports the Red Rover platform. (Staff)

Apps for Content 

Read Live (Naturally): (iPadOS) Reading Intervention. (Staff and Students K-5)

Google APIs 

Autocrat: Flexible, easy to use document merge tool. (Staff)
Form Mule: Sends emails from a Google Sheet. (Staff)

How to Access and Implement

These newly approved apps and services can be accessed directly through our district’s digital platform: the Digital Learning Hub.

For new requests, please use our NEW Barrington Request for Apps, Google APIs, and Software Services (BRAGS).

Why These Tools?

Teachers can request apps, Google APIs, and software services. Each request is reviewed by the Director of Innovation, Director of Network Services, District Technology Associate, and when applicable, the Director of Elementary Learning and Teaching and/or the Director of Secondary Learning and Teaching. Requests are assessed for their adherence to our cybersecurity requirements, cost, and connection with our curriculum.

Time to Update Staff Information in Infinite Campus

Inclement weather during the winter months can present various challenges. To ensure timely and accurate assistance when needed, we kindly ask you to take a moment to verify the accuracy of demographic details in the Infinite Campus - Information Center.

Your demographic information includes crucial details such as your current address, contact numbers, emergency contacts, and preferred modes of communication. Ensuring this information is updated is essential, especially during the winter months.

To verify your demographic information please visit My Account > My Demographics. If you notice a correction is needed, locate the Request Demographic Update and make the necessary updates.

Start in My Account.

 

Then select My Data > My Demographics 

In the My Demographics tab, please verify your email addresses, and phone numbers. Primary emails for Staff must be Barrington 220 email.

If you made any changes, please click:

 

and

Thanks for helping us help you by delivering up-to-the-minute communications!

AI Task Force: A Call for Teachers to Explore Student-Facing AI

“To infinity and beyond!”

The AI Task Force is excited to announce our next steps in exploring student-facing AI tools. We are looking for classroom teachers in Grades 3–12 to join a subcommittee to focus on evaluating and implementing student-facing AI tools.

Why Use Student-Facing AI?

The integration of student-facing AI tools directly supports our Framework 220 goals. By implementing student-facing AI, we can:

• Promote Student Agency: In line with our goal of fostering student-centered learning, AI tools empower students to take control of their educational journey. They receive timely, meaningful feedback and access to resources that encourage independence and self-directed learning. 
• Enhance Differentiation: Our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all learners is strengthened through AI. These tools can adapt to various learning levels, ensuring every student has an individualized opportunity to learn. 
• Prepare for the Future: As we strive to cultivate critical thinkers and lifelong learners, equipping students with the skills to interact with AI is essential. These competencies not only enhance academic performance but also prepare students for success in an increasingly AI-driven world.

To ensure we make informed decisions about the AI tools we adopt, our subcommittee will gather survey and anecdotal data from students and teachers. We will also develop a comprehensive rubric to evaluate each tool based on criteria outlined in our AI guidelines.

Which tools do we plan to evaluate?

The tools we plan to evaluate include:

• Brisk
• Khanmigo
• School AI
• MagicSchool AI

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re interested in participating, please contact Joe Robinson, Director of Innovation.

Get Ready for Winter Weather by Setting Up the MiCollab Mobile Phone App

As winter weather approaches and the possibility of eLearning days increases, you may want to take advantage of a new phone system feature—the ability to make and receive calls from your iPad (or iPhone) using your district phone number.

Among other features, the MiCollab for Mobile app allows you to make and receive calls on iPad (or iPhone). If you make a call using the app outside the district, the call recipient will see your district phone number on their Caller ID—even if you are using the app on a mobile phone.

All staff members with an extension on the district phone system received an email from noreply@mitel.easydeploy.net when our new phone system was deployed at their building. The email included a QR Code to set up the MiCollab app. 

If you did not set up the app at that time, and if the email was delivered more than 30 days ago, you will need to request a new setup email from the district Tech Team. Requesting this setup email is easy: send your request via email to techsupport@barrington220.org. The Tech Team will generate a new setup email as soon as possible, hopefully within one working day from your request. Each setup email is customized to each user and contains a unique QR Code.

The full set of directions for using this feature, including the setup, is available in this handy guide:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hgm64XK9CtDfLfiVhtm0kjnbgNoxyeq3rnRUESUVZSA/edit?usp=sharing 

If you need additional help, please contact our Tech Support Team (x. 1500 in the district).