Staff Resources

The work you do is changing the world.  Here, you will find links to tools, resources, and services that should help you do that work a little more effectively.  If you have a recommendation for something to add to this page, please create a ticket in the help desk.  Thanks for all that you do!

Grades, Data, Enrollment & Fees

PowerTeacher Pro

To access grades and attendance for any of your classes you need to access PowerSchool Teacher. 

PowerSchool Admin

Specific job functions require access to the admin interface of PowerSchool.  Most non-instructional staff, and staff supporting diverse learners, will use PowerSchool Admin. If you also teach, you may use both Teacher & Admin.

SchoolMint

SchoolMint is the entry point for students who are newly enrolling at UChicago Charter. It handles our general application for all grade levels other than 9th.

Tableau

Tableau is a data visualization tool that allows us to create customized reports.  We use it to help us understand trends in students achievement and progress toward instructional goals.

FACTS Payment Mgt

All student fees and charges are processed through the FACTS Payment. This allows for precise and accurate tracking of all student accounts.

Staff Device Setup

Getting Started – PC Users

PC Users will receive either a Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 hybrid computer or a Dell Latitude laptop computer.  Both devices have similar specs in terms of overall power.

The Surface Pro adds enhanced portability and a more “teacher friendly” set of capabilities by way of its touch screen and Surface Pen functionality.  If you are unfamiliar with the Surface Pro there are tons of videos and introductory content available on YouTube and other websites.  For a curated list, please visit the Staff Resources page of our website at the link above.

For either device (laptop or Surface), you will need to follow a few steps to get up and running.  To enjoy the best experience, we recommend that you complete the first-time setup while at the school.  However, the system will allow you to connect to your wi-fi network at home and complete setup there.  Here’s how…

  1.     Setup and/or power on the device
  2.     You should be greeted with a “Welcome to UChicago Charter” screen.
            If you are not at a UChicago Charter School building, you will first need to connect to wi-fi.
  3.     Enter your full e-mail address: yourusername@uchicagochater.org and click next
  4.     Enter your password. [1] [2]
  5.     Setup your device PIN. [3]
  6.     You will see a series of progress screens indicating that the device setup is taking place.
  7.     After the progress screens you will see your Windows desktop

 

[1] If you are a new user, your password should have been shared with you through an online tool called “One Time Secret”.  As the name implies, this will be available ONCE, so please make note of your password as you will need it going forward.  Visit the Staff Resources page for information on changing your password.

[2] If you have forgotten your password, please visit the Staff Resources page for information on resetting a forgotten password.

[3] Your device PIN is a 4-8 digit device specific code that allows you to login to your computer more quickly. Your device PIN will ONLY work on the computer where you set it up. Conversely, your full password will work on both the device AND any app using our centralized login system (e.g. G-Suite, PowerSchool, Wi-Fi, etc)

Getting Started – Mac Users

Mac Users have moved to the new MacBook Air with the upgraded keyboard and USB-C Charging port.  Note, the new Apple devices no longer user the MagSafe connector.  Please be sure ONLY USE an Apple-branded charger as all USB-C chargers are not the same and may damage the device.

To get up and running, you will need to follow a few simple steps. You MUST be in a UChicago Charter School building (Donoghue, NKO or Woodlawn) to perform the initial setup of your computer.  After initial setup is complete, you can use your device from anywhere going forward.  We are investigating the option to do this initial setup remotely.  Here’s how to get started.

  1.     When you power on your device, you will be greeted with a login window
  2.     Enter your UChicago Charter Username (do not include @uchicagocharter.org)
  3.     Enter your UChicago Charter Password [1][2]
  4.     Once your login is complete you will be presented with your Mac desktop.

     

[1] If you are a new user, your password should have been shared with you through an online tool called “One Time Secret”.  As the name implies, this will be available ONCE, so please make note of your password as you will need it going forward.  Visit the Staff Resources page for information on changing your password.

[2] If you have forgotten your password, please visit the Staff Resources page for information on resetting a forgotten password.

Available Apps

The Microsoft Edge web browser along with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams) are installed onto the device by default.  Additional software is available in the Microsoft Store or Company Portal.  You should be alerted that Company Portal is being installed soon after you login.  If it is not installed on it’s own, you can visit the Microsoft Store (Windows icon >> Microsoft Store) and download it.

Company Portal is a tool that manages the installation of applications used at UChicago Charter.  It includes Charter School specific versions of apps that have been pre-configured and/or setup for your use.  These include Google Chrome, the CPS VPN app, Zoom and more.

Microsoft Store includes several useful apps, games, and utilities.  All apps within the Microsoft Store are available for your use and do not require additional “permission” from IT to install.

Additional Apps can be setup and configured in the Company Portal if there is an identified school-wide need for it.  Requests for additional apps can be submitted as a help desk ticket.  Visit support.uchicagocharter.org to submit your request.

Available Apps

Only the Apple included Safari browser is installed by default.  Apple’s app deployment model allows the user to select only the apps they need to complete their work.  To install apps, please search for “Self Service” in the Applications folder (or use Spotlight search in the top right corner).  Login with your UChicago Charter credentials (username only) and you will see all the available apps.

To install an app of your choice, just click the “Install” button and the app will download and install automatically.

Additional Apps can be setup and configured in the Company Portal if there is an identified school-wide need for it.  Requests for additional apps can be submitted as a help desk ticket.  Visit support.uchicagocharter.org to submit your request.

Multifunction copiers are available at all UChicago Charter School buidlings.  These devices provide robust printing options while also reducing cost and waste.  When a print job is sent from your computer, it is held at the copier until you login and release the job.  We will be distributing key-cards to simplify the login process at Donoghue and NKO campuses this year.  Woodlawn staff are already issues a UChicago Campus card that can be used for this purpose.  See deails below:

  1.     Click in the Universal Search Box (next to the Windows button, bottom left of the screen)
  2.     Start typing “Add printer“
  3.     Select “Add a printer or scanner” (or “Printers and Scanners”)
  4.      Click the “+ Add a printer or scanner” button
  5.     Wait about 10-15 seconds for the search to “fail”
  6.     Click the “The printer that I want isn’t listed” link
  7.     In the “Add Printer” window that appears select the “Select a shared printer by name” radio button
  8.  In the input field type \\printmgmt\SecurePrint_BW without the quotes; capitalization matters
     Click the “Next” button
        When asked for your login information, use the following info:
        Username = uchicagocharter.org\YOUR-USER-NAME
        Password = YOUR-PASSWORD (not your device PIN)
  9.     Click OK to authenticate to the printer

Copier/Scanner/Printer
The “copiers” we have are called Multi-Function Devices (or MFDs).  They can copy, print, scan, and in the main office they can fax.  To use any of the functions on the MFDs you will now need to login using your username and password.  Once you login there are several functional available for your use.

   

PRINT: If print jobs are waiting, the copier will display a list of your print jobs. 

  • You can tap on any particular print job and then use the “Print” or “Delete” buttons in the bottom right corner of the screen.  
  • If you have multiple jobs waiting, you can also use the ‘Print All” button to print all of them at once.

COPY: If you have no print jobs waiting, or if you want to bypass printing, you will see a “Use Copier“ button.  

  • Press that button and you will be dropped into the copier interface for the MFD.
  • You can use the normal copy functions from the copying screen.

SCAN: Scan to e-mail allows you to scan documents into a PDF and email them to yourself or someone else.  

  •         Press the “Use Copier” button, this will drop you into the copier interface of the MFD.
  •         Then press “Home” in the top right corner to see a menu of the available functions on the MFD.
  •         Tap “Scan and Send” button to get to the scanner
  •         A small timesaver is to scan something to yourself and then forward the e-mail to whoever you wish.  There is a “Scan to Myself” button that will autofill your email address.

FAX: The main office MFDs have a fax option built-in.

  •         Press the “Use Copier” button, this will drop you into the copier interface of the MFD.
  •         Then press “Home” in the top right corner to see a menu of the available functions on the MFD.
  •         Select Fax and enter the number to which you want to send.
  •         Press the “Start” button to send the document.

 

ID Card Association (one-time process, UCW Only until Fall 2019)
To use your ID card to login to the copier you need to complete a process called self-association.  You only need to do this one time, each time after you can just swipe your ID at the copier and it will log you in.  NOTE: Staff are required to maintain control of their ID card at all times.  In accordance with University policy, in no instance should you give your card to another student or staff member to release a copy job for you (or any other purpose).  If this becomes an issue we will be forced to suspend the ID card option.

  1.     At any Copier, hold your ID card to the RFID panel (usually immediately to the left of the LCD screen).
  2.     The copier will display a message that says “Unknown card. Do you wish to associate this card with your user account?”  >>  Tap Yes
  3.     You’ll then get a username & password prompt.  
            -Tap Username and use the onscreen keyboard  to enter your username (do not include @uchicagocharter.org), then tap OK
            -Tap Password and enter your password, then tap OK
          -  Tap OK once more
            -The display will show a confirmation message that says, “Your card has been associated with your user account. Press ‘OK’ to proceed to the login screen and swipe your card to log in.
  4.     You have completed self-association.  Now to use the copier, please hold your ID card next to the RFID panel on the copier.

 

WARNING: When you perform the ID association process, please make sure your ID is by itself and not in a wallet, purse, or bag, where it is near other credit cards or ID cards.  Many “cards” have RFID embedded in them, and the copier cannot discern one from another.  If you place your wallet on the copier, for example, it may use your credit card or passport as the self-association source, instead of your UChicago ID.


Student Assessment Tools

NWEA MAP

Designed by NWEA, the MAP test plays a pivotal role in student assessment and evaulation. MAP scores are used to calculate CPS SQRP scores as well as eligibility for various selective enrollment programs.

STEP

Teachers use the STEP™ Assessment Kit to assess students at multiple points across the year to determine current achievement and instructional needs as they progress across 19 distinct developmental levels in reading proficiency Grade K-5

Illinis Assessment of Readiness (IAR)

The IAR assesses progress of students in grades 3-8 in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards in English language arts and mathematics.

Illinois Science Assessment

Your account is created with a default password to allow easier access and setup. After everything is confirmed to work, we STRONGLY recommend changing your password. NOTE: This link is different from the reset and requires your current password.

i-Ready Assessment

i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment designed to provide teachers with actionable insight into student needs. The Diagnostic attempts to create a picture of student performance and growth.

IT Tools & Support

Web Filter Bypass

To comply with federal child protection laws, and protect our network, we employ an electronic web filter to keep students from acccessing lewd or explicit websites. Staff may login to the web filter to access a wider variety of content.

IT Help Desk

If you need technical support with, please go to the help desk and create a new ticket.  This helps us provide better, more reliable service. We can also track and identify trends to help make your use of tech simpler and more reliable.

Password Reset

If you are unable to login to your computer, PowerSchool, e-mail and/or the BYOD mobile network, you may need to reset your password. NOTE: You must have setup your mobile contact information for this function to work.

Password Change

Your account is created with a default password to allow easier access and setup. After everything is confirmed to work, we STRONGLY recommend changing your password. NOTE: This link is different from the reset and requires your current password.

PaperCut Copy/Print Mgt

To better track and manage copying and printing, we rolled out PaperCut in 2018. You can use the site to track your usage and print items directly. NOTE: You must be in school for this link to work.

Collaboration & Productivity

G-Suite

We use GMail as the exclusive e-mail tool at UChicago Charter.  You can also use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, along with Google Drive, to create and share information with you students and colleagues.

Google Classroom

Classroom is Google’s lightweight learning management system which allows you to assign, collect, and return assignments using G-Suite.  All students have a G-Suite account, so this is a low-friction option.

Microsoft Office 365

We have access to the full suite of Microsoft Office products, including the installed versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. While an employee at UChicago Charter you can also install these apps on personally owned devices.

HR & Campus Sites

ADP WorkForce Now

ADP Workforce Now is our HR portal.  From here you can record time & attendance, check pay stubs, vacation availability, coordinate benefits and more. NOTE: Requires separate login information from the HR team.

The UCW Connect

The team at our Woodlawn Campus have put together a set of resources for staff who are primarily based at that location. You can access campus-specific resources and services from this site.

Join Our Team

If you’re interested in joining our team, view our current job openings below:

UChicago Charter Non-Negotiables

 

  •     A history of personal achievement
  •     Conviction that all students, regardless of background and current ability, can succeed in high school, college, and life
  •     Belief in UChicago Charter’s Values: Scholarship. Leadership. Excellence. Grit.
  •     Results- and data-driven with a track record of evidence-based decision-making
  •     Excels in collaborating with colleagues