Remember when learning happened only with textbooks and chalkboards? Murray City School District (MCSD) leaped into the future back in 2018, equipping every student with a Chromebook. This wasn’t just a smart move; it became our secret weapon in 2020 when learning shifted gears, keeping education rolling smoothly even when unexpected events popped up, like those fun (or not-so-fun) snow days! Now, these devices are essential companions on your student’s epic learning quest, preparing them for a world that’s more digital than ever.

Your Co-Pilot Role in the Digital Adventure

Parents, you’re the ultimate co-pilots in this digital adventure! Your active participation, especially in understanding these tools, gives your child a huge boost of confidence and sets them up for success. To help you feel like a tech-savvy champion, here’s a high-level guide to the key digital allies we use at MCSD: Chromebooks, Google Classroom, and Canvas.

Meet Your Chromebook: The Learning Launchpad

Think of a Chromebook as your student’s personal learning launchpad. It’s a speedy, compact laptop that instantly connects them to their digital learning universe.

• Official Mission Gear: Each Chromebook is MCSD property, like a library book. We’ve got special tracking markers on them to keep them safe and ensure we can offer full support. Please help us keep these markers intact – they’re part of our support system!
• Caring for Your Crew’s Gear: Just like that borrowed library book, Chromebooks need gentle handling. We encourage parents to grab our yearly insurance – it’s like a shield against accidental bumps and spills. Our guidelines offer simple tips for keeping these devices in tip-top shape.
• School’s the Limit: This device is strictly for school-approved missions! We have digital safeguards in place, and we’ll be notified if a student tries to venture off-course. Please talk to your student about this – it’s about staying focused on their learning journey.

When students open their Chromebooks, a simple login with their school email and password launches them into their Google Browser. From there, the “Waffle” icon (that nine-dot square in the corner) is their portal to all their learning apps, including their Learning Management System (LMS).

Your Student’s Digital Headquarters: Google Classroom & Canvas

• Google Classroom (Grades 1-6): For our elementary explorers, Google Classroom is the vibrant digital hub. Teachers post assignments, ask questions, and share announcements. Students use it to receive lessons, submit work, and get feedback – it’s where their daily learning adventures unfold!
• Canvas (Grades 7-12): Our secondary students embark on their learning quests via Canvas. This powerful platform is where they access course materials, submit assignments, track progress, and communicate with teachers. Canvas even lets teachers personalize the learning path, making sure every student gets what they need to succeed.

We’re excited for another year of digital discovery and growth!

Additional Resources

• Chromebook (and Google Classroom) Login Instructions
• Approved applications and programs for student use
• Student Canvas Login  
• Canvas Student Orientation Video
• Parent Observation of Canvas Video Instructions [English | Spanish]
• Parent instructions for adding more students to an existing observation account