Technology "Self Help"

General Information

Technology Department Contact Information
You can contact the department one of 3 ways:
- Helpdesk Ticket System: https://helpdesk.boazk12.org/
- Helpdesk Email: helpdesk@boazk12.org
- Helpdesk Voicemail: 256-281-0322
If you need to contact the Technology Coordinator, the best option is via email: anew@boazk12.org
Boaz Technology YouTube Channnel
Technology Helpdesk Tickets
Using our HappyFox helpdesk system, you have 3 ways (Ticket System, Email, and Voicemail) to report a problem or request help from our department. When your ticket is created, you will receive an email confirmation, and additional communications via email. You can respond to the email, or lot into the ticket system to check the status and respond to questions.

Note: The fastest way to receive support is to enter a ticket and provide as much detail as possible because we may be able to respond without further clarification. Email and Voicemail may require us to contact you for more information before we can fully respond.

Guidelines for Tickets:
- Please open a ticket for each device having a problem.
- Provide as much detail as possible. Screenshots are often a tremendous help.
- Please choose the "Chromebooks" tab if you are entering a Chromebook ticket.
- DO NOT open multiple tickets for the same problem.
Helpdesk Ticket:
1. Navigate your browser to https://helpdesk.boazk12.org.
2. Sign in with your Google or Azure Credentials.
3. Choose "Submit Ticket" at the top right.
4. Choose the ticket category and enter all required information. Provide as much detail as possible.
5. Upload any pertinent attachment (document, screenshot, etc.).
6. Click Create Ticket.
Email Ticket:
1. From your district Gmail account, create an email to helpdesk@boazk12.org.
2. Include a short description in the subject line.
3. Provide a detailed description in the message body.
4. Attach any pertinent attachments.
5. Send message.
Voicemail Ticket:
1. Call 256-281-0322 and leave a detailed voicemail that includes your name, email address, and problem description.
Note: Voicemail requires someone to transcribe the message convert to a ticket. This may take some time.
Using the Phish Alert Button (Google Chrome)

To use the button, you must be in Gmail on Google Chrome and profile sync must be on. It does not work in Safari, MS Edge, or other mail apps (including mobile devices).

When you either select or open the suspicious email, the Phish Alert button will be displayed above (orange fishhook circled in the screenshot below).

You will be prompted to see whether you want to report the email.

You will receive a quick “Thank You” message, and the suspicious email will be sent to your trash folder. We will contact you if we need you to do anything or provide more information.
Using the Phish Alert Button (Gmail Mobile App)
In 2023, the Phish Alert Button was added to the Gmail Mobile App to report suspicious messages. If you use an Android-based device, the Gmail app is most likely the default email app. If you use an Apple iOS device, you will need to install the Gmail app from the app store. Once the app is installed, open it and sign in to your BCSS Google account.

When you receive a suspicious email on your BCSS account, you can report it using the following steps:
1. Open the suspicious message, but DO not click any links, reply to, or forward it.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the message.
3. Just below the "Reply" and "Forward" buttons you will see the Phish Alert "fishhook". Tap it.
4. When you tap it, the report expands. Click the "Phish alert" at the bottom to complete the report. When you do so, the Technology Department is notified (a Helpdesk ticket may be automatically opened for you), important information about the email is saved, and the message is deleted for you.
Copier/PaperCut Instructions
Clearing Browser Data
Remote Learning Resources

PowerSchool/Schoology Information

Schoology to PS Grade Sync
PS Professional Learning

PS Professional Learning is the ALSDE's platform for tracking and offering professional development. Accounts should be automatically created, moved, etc. based on information from the Student Information System.

You can reach PS Professional Learning at https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/login/index

For assistance signing in to PS PL or moving your information from another district, please contact Kristi Hopper (khopper@boazk12.org)

Google Information

BOY/NTO Information

Username/Password

NEVER share your password with ANYONE!

Beginning in the summer of 2019, passwords are automatically synchronized to Google Apps (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Classroom, etc.), Microsoft Office 356, and some other systems. A password change on the school network takes effect almost immediately on the cloud services.

Passwords must be at least 8 characters, and have a combination (3 out of 4) of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. It also can't have any part of your name, "Boaz", "pirate", etc.
Self-Service Password System

BCSS has a new system to allow Faculty/Staff and students in 6-12 grades to reset their passwords using security questions and/or a recovery email. It resets all of your linked passwords (Office365, Google, and the network). See attached for more information.

Security and Password Reset Instructions

Password Reset Link

Authentication Changes (Security Questions)
Changing your Password (Windows Devices)
If you are on a Windows device and connected to the Boaz WiFi network, you can follow these directions to change your passwords.
1. While logged on to the device, press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
2. Choose "Change a password"
3. Enter your old password and new password twice and press enter or the Submit arrow.
Changing your Password (Macs)
If you are on an Apple Mac device and connected to the Boaz WiFi network, you can follow these directions to change your password.
1. Log into the device (remember to use just your username, not your full email address).
2. Locate the triangle shape in the top right and click on it.
3. If you have not signed in, click "Sign In", then "Change Password". If you have already signed in, click "Change Password".
4. Enter your old password, then your new password, and confirm the new password.
5. Restart your Mac and log back in using your new password.
6. Locate the triangle shape and click sign in.
Changing your Password (office.com)
If you know your current password and simply need to change it, you can do so with the steps below.
1. Go to office.com and choose the "Sign In" button.
2. If you are asked to pick an account, select "Use another account".
3. Enter your full email address and your current password when prompted.
4. If you have never signed on office.com before, you will be prompted to setup your password recovery options (see above).
5. Once you are signed in, the easiest way to change the password is to click your initials in the top right corner and choose "View account".
6. Choose the "Change Password" option.
7. Enter the old password, and you new password twice. Your new password must be at least 8 characters, have a combination (3 out of 4) of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. It also can't have any part of your name, "boaz", "pirate", etc.
Papercut after a Password Change (Mac)
Alabama Course of Study Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS)
Clever
E-Mail (Gmail)

Boaz City Schools utilizes Google's Gmail for all email communications. It is strongly recommended that you ONLY use the district provided email for email communications with students, parents, and other faculty/staff. Doing otherwise could increase your personal liability should legal action occur.

Your email address is your_username@boazk12.org.

To access Gmail from any computer or internet-connected device, go to https://gmail.com and log on with your email address and your network
password. The Google Chrome web browser is recommended.

To reduce the opportunities to receive or spread viruses, malware, or ransomware, we strongly discourage using the provided "Mail" applications on either Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac computers. Google Chrome is the preferred method.

On an Apple mobile device (iPhone/iPad), you can use the built-in "Mail" app or load the Gmail app from the app store. We strongly recommend that you only use one.

On an Android device, the built-in app is Gmail, you will simply need to add your account.
Classwize

Classwize is the new classroom management system that has replaced GoGuardian. The system automatically rosters your classes as students are enrolled/withdrawn. The link to log in is in the BCSS Bookmarks of Google Chrome. Below are some resources provided by Classwize to get you started.

Classwize On-Demand Training Session

Classwize On-Demand Learning Videos
Technology Policies