Parent Technology Help
If you have any questions, please email the tech department at pshelp@min201.org.
Are we missing some documentation you would like to see? Let us know by filling out our documentation request form!
Non-Minooka 201 Device Help
At-home iPad-specific instructions
Student/Parent How-Tos
Chromebook
Using Your Chromebook at Home
1:1 Chromebook Help
How to Switch Between Zoom and Chrome
Chromebook Shortcuts
- Ctrl+C - Copy
- Ctrl+V - Paste
- Ctrl+X - Cut
- Ctrl+A - Select all text
- Ctrl+Z - Undo
- Ctrl+T - Open a new tab
- Ctrl+Tab - Move between tabs
- Ctrl+ +/- - Zoom in and out. You can also use two fingers on the touch pad.
- Alt+Search - Caps Lock
Bookmarks
Once a student logs in, their bookmarks from previous sessions will sync. In a Chrome browser (accessible by clicking the rainbow Chrome button and also opening the Chromebook), students can bookmark new pages and resources as they see fit to access again in the future. You can bookmark a page by clicking the star on the right in the URL line (where you type www.), or right clicking the bookmark bar (on a Chromebook you use two fingers on the touchpad) and using Add Page.
Second Grade Log in
Second graders were issued a Clever badge to log in on the Chromebook. To log in, click on Next and hold up the badge to the camera and the Chromebook will log in with their credentials. Second graders can also log in with their email and password (provided on the card) by clicking on Sign in with a different account. This will open the normal log in screen.
Chromebook Troubleshooting
Restarting the Chromebook
Many issues you face might be resolved with a simple restart. To accomplish this, simply hold down the Power button on the Chromebook until the screen turns off. Release the button, wait a few seconds and press and hold the Power button again until you see the Chrome logo.
Sometimes, if this doesn't solve the problem, you can also perform a hardware reset. You can reset the device by pressing and holding the Refresh button, and then tapping the power button. The screen will turn off. Continue to hold the refresh button until the device turns back on, and then release it.
If you are still having some problems, and are comfortable with the steps, you can follow the video below to "powerwash" or reset your Chromebook.
If the problem still persists, please contact pshelp@min201.org and we will arrange a replacement device.
iPad
Minooka Issued iPad Guide and Troubleshooting
Apple Support User Guide
iPad Gestures
iPads have many different gestures to help navigate through the interface. Here are some of the most useful ones.
To see the dock from in an app, swipe up from the bottom with one finger.
To see iPad's multitasking view, swipe up with four or five fingers.
To quick switch the the last used app, swipe to the right with four or five fingers.
To close an app and go to the home screen, pinch with five fingers.
To open the Control Center, swipe down with one finger on the top right of the screen.
To see the Notification Center, swipe down with one finger from the to of the screen.
Clearing Safari Cache
Sometimes, it might be beneficial to clear the cache for Safari if you are running into issues with the App.
- Open the Settings App and scroll on the left menu until you find Safari.
- Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data
- Tap on Clear
This will sign you out of web pages, to you may require entering Google authentication again.
Google Classroom
What is Google Classroom?
Google Classroom helps students and teachers organize assignments, boost collaboration, and foster better communication.
Join a class as a student
To use Classroom, you need to sign in on your computer or mobile device and then join classes. Then, you can get work from your teacher and communicate with your classmates. When you join a class on one device, you're enrolled in that class on all devices.
You have 2 ways to join a class:
Join a class with a class code
If your teacher gives you a class code, use this code to add yourself to the class. Your teacher might give you the code while you’re in class or email it to you.
- Go to classroom.google.com.
- Login with your student email address and password.
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At the top-right, click the plus sign and then Join class.
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Enter the class code your teacher gave you and click JOIN.
A class code consists of 6 or 7 letters or numbers. For example, hjhmgrk or g5gdp1
Accept an invitation from your teacher
If your teacher sends you an invitation, you’ll see Join on the class card on your Classroom homepage.
- Go to classroom.google.com.
- Login with your student email address and password.
- On the class card, click Join.
Forgot or lost the class code? Code won't work?
If you deleted, lost, or forgot the class code before joining a class, ask your teacher to resend the code or set a new one. If the code isn’t working, ask your teacher for help.
Note: You only use the class code once to join the class. You are then enrolled in the class, and you don't need to re-use the code again.
How to upload pictures to google classroom using the phone app
PowerSchool
PowerSchool FAQ
- How can I pay fees and lunch balances?
- How can I check my child's daily lunch transactions?
- How do I see my child's report card?
- Who can I contact if I'm having trouble?
- My app is stuck on last year/previous grade level!
How can I pay fees and lunch balances?
Paying Fees and Lunch Balances:
Summary: Revtrak, Minooka 201’s credit card processor, can talk directly to PowerSchool. This way when you make a deposit on your child’s lunch balance, the balance will update their account automatically instead of having to wait 24-48 hours. You need a working PowerSchool parent account for Minooka 201 to pay online.
Steps:
- Log into Powerschool by going to https://min201.powerschool.com/public
If you do not know your login credentials, please email us at pshelp@min201.org. - On the left, click on Balances. (You will likely have to scroll) This will show your lunch transactions, current lunch balance and registration fees owed.
- Click on Make a Payment, which will take you to Revtrak to complete the transaction. If you’re prompted, you can use your existing RevTrak username and password (or create a new one).
- Once the page loads, add fees to your cart and complete the transaction. You can make partial payments on registration fees.
- Refresh your browser in PowerSchool and the new funds will show up on your child’s page in PowerSchool.
How can I check my child's daily lunch transactions?
Check your child's daily lunch transactions:
Summary: While you can see your child's current lunch balance in the smartphone application, sometimes it might be helpful to running daily log for the school year
Steps:
- Log into Powerschool by going to https://min201.powerschool.com/public
If you do not know your login credentials, please email us at pshelp@min201.org. - On the left, click on Balance. (You will likely have to scroll)
- Scroll down to the Lunch Balance section. This will show you the student's daily lunch transactions for the entire school year. The oldest transactions are the top while the most recent transactions are at the bottom of the list.
How do I see my child's report card?
Technical Notes: You cannot see the report card on the smartphone mobile app.
Here are the steps to view your child's report card online:
- Log into Powerschool by going to https://min201.powerschool.com/public
- Click on Student Reports on the left sidebar
If you cannot log into Powerschool, please send an email to pshelp@min201.org with your name and child's name.
Who can I contact if I'm having trouble?
You can contact our tech team by emailing pshelp@min201.org with a short description of what you are experiencing!
My app is stuck on last year/previous grade level!
If you are stuck on a previous year or grade level, sign out of PowerSchool and sign back in.
To help clarify this issue, the tech team recommends updating your bookmark for PowerSchool to https://min201.powerschool.com/public.
When a bookmark is made while signed into the application, it also imprints specific time and date data to the URL, causing the issue of logging into PowerSchool defaulted to another year. To update a previous bookmark in Chrome, right click on the bookmark link in the bookmark bar, click on Edit, and change the URL field to https://min201.powerschool.com/public.
Clever
What is Clever?
Clever simplifies your login process. It allows you, the student, to log in one time to Clever and then access multiple applications and websites without having to log into each separate application.
How To Log In To Clever
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Navigate to the student homepage (https://links.min201.org/) and click on Clever.
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Make sure you are logged in to your Chromebook or Chrome Browser with your MIN201.org account. Click the Log in with Google button.
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It should automatically log you in if you are using a MIN201 device. If not using a MIN201 device, enter your full email including the @min201.org. Then click next and enter in your MIN201.org password if prompted.
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You should see a screen that looks similar to the picture below. From here by clicking on your teacher’s page icon, you will see the links that your teacher has set up for you to quickly access, such as a teacher website, Google Classroom, etc. Don’t worry if this icon isn’t on your portal either; not all teachers use it. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you can also view the applications that are available to use. The application buttons will open up in a new tab so you can easily navigate back to your teacher’s clever page. You may have more or less applications than what is shown.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter this problem shown above look at the email that Clever is attempting to authenticate against. If you (if you are the teacher) or a student’s (if a parent) MIN201.org email address is different than the one you are trying to log in with then the wrong account is logged into Google Chrome.
Method 1 - Switching of Chrome User Accounts
This is the preferred method for long term switching of accounts. Add a new user to chrome to switch between the different users.
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Click on the circular portrait on the top right. A small window should pop up. Click on the Add button in the new window
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A new Add person window should pop up. Enter a name for the person, choose a picture and click the Add button in the bottom right.
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A new chrome window will appear with the new user logged into it. Now we need to associate your MIN201.org account to the new user account by clicking on the circular portrait in the top right again and this time click on the blue Turn on sync… button.
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It will prompt you for your email and password, enter in your @min201.org email and password.
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A box will pop up that will ask if you want to turn on sync, press the “Yes, I’m in” button and chrome should start to populate all of the settings associated with your account.
Your account should now be logged in and try again logging into Clever. There should also be desktop icons created for chrome with the different accounts logged in for easy switching access.
Method 2 - Incognito Window
To get right into Clever without needing to log out your Google Chrome profile, you can use an incognito window. An incognito window allows you to browse the internet and it will not save any passwords and also acts as if no one was logged into Google Chrome.
Click the 3 dots in the top right of chrome and click on the New incognito window button.
The window that appears will look darker and will act as if no one is logged in to chrome. Try to log in again in this new window.
IXL
What is IXL?
IXL is personalized learning. With a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, individualized guidance, and real-time analytics, IXL meets the unique needs of each learner.
IXL Parent Training
How do I log into IXL?
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Navigate to the student’s link page (https://links.min201.org/) in a web browser.
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Click on Clever
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Enter in your MIN201.org email address and password if prompted
If you need assistance with this, please email the tech department at pshelp@min201.org -
Click on ‘IXL’ icon
I logged in… now what?
Your teacher has probably made a recommendation and suggestion of a skill (or skills) that they would like you to work on.
- After logging into IXL, click on the “[#] skill(s) suggested by your teacher” link
- If you can’t find this, it's under Learning in the green bar.
- Click on Recommendations
- Click on the specific skill that you want to work on from the menu.
Answering questions
If you are working on a PK - 2nd grade question, there may be a blue speaker ()
Clicking on this will allow you to hear the question read aloud to you using your device’s internal speaker.
When complete, hit the ‘Submit’ button!
Stuck on a question?
Check out the ‘Learn with an example’ link above the question. It’ll give you a hint or nudge that you might need to answer the question.
Using IXL on an iOS device (iPad/iPhone)
Newsela
What is Newsela?
Offers authentic, accessible and active content aligned with state standards from trusted sources.
How do I log into NewsELA?
- Navigate to the Student Homepage (https://links.min201.org/) and click "Clever" button.
- If prompted, then choose "Log in with Google" and then enter in your MIN201.org email address and password.
- After getting signed into Clever, click on the "NewsELA" icon.
I'm logged in... now what do I do?
Each time you log in, you'll be taken to the assignment dashboard. Here is where you can see all the current or previous assignments that are assigned by your teacher(s).
To start working on an assignment, click on the article name.
If you navigate away from this screen and need to get back, click on the blue 'NewsELA' icon in the upper left hand corner and it'll always bring you back to the dashboard.
So... I read the article.. now what?
After you've read the article, there's always at least 1 activity per article. Click on the activities tab to see the available activities after finish reading the article.
Possible activities for the article you're reading:
- Take a Quiz - A short 4 question multiple choice quiz designed to test reading comprehension. At the end of the quiz, students will see what they got correct and incorrect. By clicking on the blue link, it'll take them what the correct answer was.
- Write - Students may be required to choose their class in which the written response is designed for. This is an open-ended type of response that you can type. The box will save your answers as you type, so only hit the 'submit response' green button when you're fully done and happy with your answer.
- Annotate a Document - By highlighting on any text within the article, you can annotate or take notes on the document. You can change the background of the highlighted text (by clicking and dragging the text, as if you were to copy and paste the text) and change the color. You can also type in the box to make a comment.
- Power Words - A short 4 or 8 question quiz regarding new vocabulary at the Lexile range may be offered.
Can I leave my progress and come back another day?
Certainly! Next time you log in, you'll be brought the article dashboard (if you navigated away from it, it's also under Binder → Progress).
To resume an assignment that was in progress, click on the assignment name, and what you were working on it returned to the screen once you come back.
How can I see all my assignments that were assigned to me?
If you're not on the assignment dashboard, then hover over Binder → Your Progress.
You'll see dropdowns in which controls what you see such as all assignments in a certain class, a subject, or a date range.
How can I 'turn in' my assignment?
NewsELA keeps saving progress of what you are doing and completing the progress. There's no special 'turn in' button, as teachers are able to check in on your progress in realtime.
Newsela Student Toolkit
BrainPop
What is BrainPop?
BrainPop and BrainPopJr are kid friendly videos and games that enrich their knowledge on various different subjects that can be assigned or self-paced.
What are the differences between BrainPop and BrainPopJr?
BrainPop's content is geared toward the entirety of K-12 while BrainPopJr's content is centered around K-3 specifically.
How do I log into BrainPop?
- From the student's link homepage (https://links.min201.org)and click on Clever
If prompted, click Sign in with Google and then enter in the student's MIN201 email address and password. Doesn't work, email us at pshelp@min201.org
- Click on the application - either BrainPop or BrainPopJr
I logged in to BrainPop... now what?
- After logging into BrainPop, click on Dashboard.
- If you have multiple teachers assigning assignments to you, you can use the dropdown to sort and only show those videos to assigned to you by that teacher.
- Click on an assignment name to get started on the assignment.
How can I see my completed Assignments?
Click on the "Completed Assignments" view of the dashboard.
How can I quick switch between BrainPop and BrainPopJr?
Click on the icon in the upper left hand corner then choose the application that you want to switch to.
(← If going from BrainPop to BrainPopJr!)
Can I do BrainPop or BrainPopJr on my iPad or iPhone?
No, it doesn't work due to those devices not allowing Adobe Flash Player.
I still having issues at home. What else can I try?
Seesaw
TestNav
SRF - TestNav/AimsWebPlus Login Directions
The following steps will lead you through the process of logging into TestNav/AimsWebPlus.
AimsWebPlus is an assessment tool we use to progress monitor.
- Sign out of your computer.
- When you are logged off, your screen should look like this.
- Click on “Apps” in the bottom left corner.
- Click on “TestNav.”
- Enter your username and passcode.
Hint: Be sure to use uppercase letters.
Note: If your screen doesn’t look like this….go to the next steps.- Note: If your screen doesn’t look like the previous picture...try this.
- Click on the drop down menu in the upper right-hand corner.
- Click on “Choose a different customer.”
- Click on aimswebPlus.
- You should see a screen like this and can now enter your username and password.
- Click on the blue button to begin.
- The SRF consists of 4 short reading passages followed by a few comprehension questions.