Table of Contents

New Employee Guide

Welcome to BPS!

This guide takes you through getting set up with technology in BPS. If you have any questions about the items below or something that is not included, please reach out to us (BPSTechnology, 3rd floor Bolling, 617-635-9200).

For SY24-25, we host monthly in-person Technology Orientation for New Employees every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 8-9am. Session may be in person at Bolling or virtual on Zoom. Please visit our website or stop by BPSTechnology’s Service Desk on the 3rd floor of Bolling for the location or Zoom link.

Step 1: Set Up Your BPS Email and Password

All new employees will receive an email at their personal email (provided to BPS during the hiring process) with instructions to set up their BPS account. Look for a welcome email from AccessBoston, which is the City of Boston's employee system, on your first day of employment. Your principal or hiring manager should be able to tell you what your official first day is even if it does not correspond to when you start working. Once you set up your account in AccessBoston, you can login to your BPS Gmail account using the same password.

If you forget or need to change your password, see our password reset helpdoc.

BPS is a Google district, and your BPS Gmail and password will be your key to access most district-supported applications including Aspen (our student information system), BPSLearns (online professional learning), and Vector (PD tracking and evaluations).

Take time to familiarize yourself with Google Workspace apps such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. If you are unfamiliar with Google tools or just have some questions, please visit our BPSTechnology Professional Learning page. Here, you will find links to on-demand trainings, as well as live training opportunities.

Step 2: Get Your Laptop

Teachers and principals are eligible to join the Laptops for Learning (L4L) program, which provides a MacBook Air for professional use. Eligible employees will receive an email shortly after their hire with details on how to take an online course to receive their laptop. The course will be available only if you are eligible for the program. The 1 hour online course can be completed at any time. You will be prompted to sign up for a laptop pickup appointment upon completion of the course.

If you are not eligible for an L4L laptop, please speak to your principal or hiring manager about obtaining a device for professional use.

Step 3: Connect to the Internet

All BPS schools and administrative offices have WiFi throughout the building. If your location does not have the BpsStaff network, just ask your principal or supervisor for the wireless name and password.

All L4L MacBooks are configured to automatically connect to BpsStaff WiFi. If your device is not automatically connecting to BpsStaff, please see the resources below.

​​How to Connect a PC to BpsStaff (Helpdoc)​​
How to Connect a Mac to BpsStaff (Helpdoc)​​
Connecting a Chromebook or Android to BpsStaff (Helpdoc)
​​Connecting to the BPS Staff Wireless (Video)

Step 4: Connect to BPS Printer & Scanner

All BPS schools and administrative buildings have one (or more) Ricoh copy machines for staff to print wirelessly and scan documents directly to your email. Your L4L MacBook will come with the printer already installed which appear as "FollowYou" in your printer setting. If your device does not have FollowYou printer installed, see the resources below to learn how to use the printer.

​How to Install the Tap Card (Follow You) Printers on your Mac (Helpdoc)
​How to Install a FollowYou Printer on a PC (Helpdoc)
​​How to print & scan from a Ricoh printer (Video)​​

Step 5: Explore BPS Tools and Systems

BPS uses many applications and systems across our schools and central office. Please note that most district applications and systems use your BPS Gmail account or Clever for single sign-on. Apps listed in Clever are for professional and instructional use. To learn more about each app, explore our Learning Apps helpdocs or see our Professional Learning page with links to upcoming PD as well as on-demand PD.

For the best experience, please use the Chrome browser and login with your BPS account.
Operational Tools & Systems

Staff Passwords
Student Passwords
Wifi - BpsStaff
Printers
Aspen (SIS)

Professional Learning Tools & Systems

Vector Evals & PD
BPSLearns (D2L Brightspace)

Communication Tools & Systems

Google Workspace
Google Meet
Zoom
TalkingPoints (for school-to-family communication)

Instructional Tools & Systems

District Apps and Tech Requirements
Clever
Google Classroom
GoGuardian
Learning Apps
Tech Tools to Support UDL
Digital Text Options
​Play Your Part, Be Cyber Smart! Campaign​

Step 6: Follow Technology Best Practices

  1. Familiarize yourself with and follow the BPS Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
    It is the policy of the Boston Public Schools that students and staff will use all technology to access electronic ("computer") networks, including the Internet and e-mail, in a responsible, legal, and ethical manner. Failure to do so may result in the loss of network privileges for the user, disciplinary action under the Code of Discipline, and/or prosecution under federal or state law.
  2. Set up your Gmail signature with your name, title, department/school, and contact information.
  3. Use Gmail vacation responder if you are going to be away. Include date of return and an alternate contact.
  4. Keep your BPS Google Calendar updated and respond to meeting invitations.
  5. Beware of phishing attempts and report any suspicious emails to BPSTechnology.

Step 7: Explore and Bookmark BPSTechnology Resources

🏢  BPSTechnology Homepage - Staff directory, calendar, & tech resources

🧠  Digital Learning Team PD Website - Technology professional learning

🤖  BPS Computer Science Lending Library - Borrow STEM & computer science materials

🔍  BPSTech HelpDocs - Self-service guides, tutorials, and tips

📰  Subscribe to our Newsletter​ - BPSTechnology news and announcements

📹  Watch or Subscribe to our YouTube Channel​

📞  Call our Service Desk: 617-635-9200 or visit bostonpublicschools.org/techhelp

If you have any questions about the items above or something that is not included in this guide, please reach out to the BPS Technology Service Desk, 3rd floor Bolling, 617-635-9200.

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