How to Prepare for School

• Note for Parents of New Students

  If your child hasn't already created an SIS login, they will need to do so. They should have received an invite to do this when you created their SIS child account, so please have them check their email inbox. If you can't find it, don't forget to check your spam folder. Once they have an SIS login and you have registered them for classes, our system will automatically generate a Canvas account for them. On or after the course publish date (the Monday before classes begin), students will be notified and able to log into Canvas using the same username and password they created for SIS.

• What Technology Does Williamsburg Provide?

  All full-time students are eligible to receive a laptop computer (to be returned at the end of their tenure with us) complete with internet filtering and premium tech support. This even includes in-home tech support if you need it, all at zero cost!

  Student Laptop

  Full-time students are offered this Lenovo laptop computer. It’s a high-quality student laptop with a fast processor. It also comes equipped with a built-in camera and microphone so your student is ready to succeed in the online classroom.

  Internet Filtering

  All student laptops come pre-loaded with Lightspeed Filter , which is designed to keep students safe from inappropriate online content 24/7. Lightspeed Filter™ is the best-in-class solution for students and acts as a barrier to harmful content to ensure your student’s online safety. Though student laptops include internet filtering, no filter is foolproof. Parents are encouraged to regularly communicate with students about internet safety and website viewing.

  In-Home Tech Support

  Students can also receive in-home tech support! We have contracted with a company that can come to your home to make repairs or provide tech support on-site at no charge.

• What Other Technology Does My Child Need?

  Strong Internet Connection

  We recommend download speed no less than 10 MBPS (megabits per second).

  A Dependable Computer

  By default, we will provide a computer for your student. If your student wants to use their own computer, they’ll need one of the following:

  • A PC running Windows 10 or newer and no more than three years old.
  • A Mac laptop or desktop no more than four years old.
    
  • A Chromebook, with one note: Some tech elective courses will not work on Chromebooks. See the “Required Materials” section under each course description to be sure.

  Because students need access to a computer for several hours a day (depending on course load), we recommend that students have their own computer.    

  Webcam & Mic

  Williamsburg-provided laptops come equipped with a built-in webcam and mic. If your child is using a different computer, please ensure that it has these features built in as well. If not, or if their computer has poor video or sound quality, please plan on purchasing a separate webcam and headset.

  Some Essential Software

  This includes the following:
  

  • A major web browser: We recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. We do NOT recommend using Internet Explorer or Edge.
  • The Google productivity suite: Students will need a Google account and access to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to complete assignments. For students under 13, please follow these steps to set up an account.
  • Up-to-date software: Make sure automatic updates are enabled on your operating system, browser(s), and anti-virus software.
  • Rosetta Stone: If you’re planning on taking a foreign language course, please review Rosetta Stone’s system requirements.  

  A Distraction-Free Workspace

  Your student’s computer should be in a quiet area, free from visual distractions and ambient noise. These things can distract not only your student but also other students and teachers during class.

• What Technology Skills Does My Child Need?

  What to Expect in Grades 6-8

  Middle school students may require technical assistance from a parent during their first weeks at Williamsburg. They will need help if this is their first time using a headset or webcam and microphone, internet browser, site logins, uploading files, receiving email on a near-daily basis, etc. We recommend students take our Typing and Tech Course if they have not yet learned these skills.

  What to Expect in Grades 9-12

  High school students should have a rudimentary understanding of computers, how to use a browser, how to email, etc. Students should know proper typing techniques and be able to type over 30 words per minute to work efficiently. Those lacking these skills should take the Typing and Tech Course or another form of instruction in typing techniques.

  Resourcefulness is Key

  Your student needs to be technologically resourceful (hint: Google will become their new best friend). Here are a couple of tips we recommend:
  

  • Students should know how to find quick answers when they need them. Whether they’re unsure how to copy and paste or save a document in PDF format, they will need to seek out new instructions for using their technology. A quick Google search will usually turn up loads of helpful info.
  • We encourage students to seek out ways to simplify things they will often do. For example, they’ll use certain websites, like Canvas (our learning management system), daily. They can bookmark these sites in their web browser, so they don’t have to search each time they need to access them.
  • Remember, there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question. Don’t feel bad if you or your student can’t find the instructions for a tech question through Google or a help guide. They can always reach out to their peers, mentors, or our Student Success Team.
    
    

• What Technology Systems Does Williamsburg Use?

  SIS

  SIS is our administration and registration system. Here’s how it works for both students and parents:
  
  For Students: Students typically use SIS to view their transcript and contact administrative staff members (technical support, registrar, academic coach, etc.). They can also use SIS messaging to communicate with mentors, although most student communication with mentors takes place in Canvas.
  
  For Parents: SIS is your primary tool at Williamsburg. You’ll use SIS to register for courses, handle finances, view student progress, access transcripts and grades for completed courses, and message faculty and staff.

  Canvas

  Canvas is our learning management system (LMS). Here’s how it helps students and parents:

  For Students: Canvas is where students will receive and submit assignments, complete some of their studies, collaborate with classmates, and access their course syllabi and assignments.
  
  For Parents: By default, parents do not have their own Canvas accounts, but you can create one here and then create an “Observer” link to view your student’s account, assignments, syllabi, etc.

  Zoom

  Zoom is our online classroom. Here are a few tips for getting started with Zoom: 

  • Your student can join a Zoom test meeting to become familiar with Zoom and test their microphone and speakers before joining a Zoom meeting. Follow these instructions to learn more and join a test meeting.
  • Your student can get a free Zoom room for study groups and other online meetings by going to www.zoom.us and sign up for a free account. Once Zoom is installed on their computer, it’s super easy for them to log into class.

• What Technology Tips Do You Have for Parents?

  Though computers provided by Williamsburg will come with filtering software pre-installed, please note that no filter is 100% effective. We encourage parents to regularly communicate with students about internet safety and the types of websites and content students are allowed to view. The goal is for students to learn to self-govern online because parents cannot always control access.
  
  Google’s SafeSearch and many other services offer search options that remove (most) adult content. Here are a couple of other free resources:
  

  • Google BIA Family Guide – The Be Internet Awesome Family Guide gives families the tools and resources to learn about online safety and citizenship at home.
  • Safewise Internet Safety Guide – SafeWise has identified the top online threats to kids and tips for keeping kids safe. Includes link to “The Best Parental Control Apps and Software”.

Or, Follow the 6 Written Steps Below:

• Expand to see all steps for ordering books & materials

  Step 1 - Know Your Student's School Email Address

  When students are accepted to Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, they receive an assigned school email address and password. These are sent to the parent/guardian email address on file at the time of enrollment. (For students under 13, the email address is assigned to the parent/guardian instead of the student.)
  
  You will need your student’s assigned email address and password to complete the following steps. If you have multiple enrolled students, please use the email associated with your oldest student.

  Note: These email addresses are used solely for laptop/Chromebook login and Amazon orders.

  
  Step 2 - Create/Log Into Your Student's Google Profile

  If your student is new to Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, you will need to create a new Google profile using the school-assigned email address and password sent to your inbox.

  Follow these instructions:

  • On your computer, open Chrome.
  • At the top right, select your profile image or initial.
  • From the menu, choose Add (at the bottom).
  • Please follow the prompts to sign into the account you want to use; in this case, sign in with the new Williamsburg Academy of Colorado email.
  • Please choose a new password if this is your first time logging into Google with your school email. 
    
    

  If your student is returning to Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, sign into their Google profile in the top right corner of your browser window using the school-assigned email. This should be familiar to you and/or your student.

  If you encounter problems or need a password reset, please email books.computers@wacolorado.org.

  
  Step 3 - Open Your Student's School Gmail

  Once you’re logged into your student’s Google profile, open Gmail. You should see a link in the top right corner of your screen to select Gmail. If not, click on the cluster of dots in the upper right-hand corner of your screen and select the Gmail icon.

  
  Step 4 - Log Into Amazon Business

  Now that you’re logged into your student’s Google profile and school Gmail account, you’re ready to log into Amazon Business. 

  Click on the cluster of dots again, then click on the Amazon Business icon. This should bypass account registration and take you to your student’s assigned Williamsburg Academy of Colorado Amazon account. 

  Ordering books from the school Amazon account allows us to pay for your student’s books upfront.

  

  
  Step 5 - Log Into SIS

  While keeping the Amazon tab open, open a new window and log into your parent SIS account. You must be logged into both for the ordering process to work.

  
  Step 6 - Order Books & Materials

  In SIS, go to My Students > Classes to see which books and materials are needed. In the top left corner, click on the booklist for the upcoming semester.

  Note: Fall semester books and materials may be ordered after June 15th each year. Winter semester items may be ordered after Nov. 15th.

  Williamsburg Academy of Colorado will not pay for optional or household items.

  Selecting Books & Materials:

  • For each required book or material listed, click the red ISBN link in SIS. Links should automatically take you to Amazon where you can review and add items to your cart. Do this for each needed item.
  • Note: If your student prefers a kindle format and one is available, these can be requested by emailing books.computers@wacolorado.org. Please tell us your student's name, the kindle book(s) they'd like, and the email address where you'd like the download link sent. Once you receive a confirmation from us, you'll be able to connect the kindle book to your preferred personal account. 
  • If you have multiple students enrolled at Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, use the same Amazon account to purchase books and materials. Simply review all of your students' booklists in SIS, adding each needed item to your cart.
  • After books and materials have been added to your cart, proceed to checkout. In the "Purchasing for" field, list the student for whom the items are being purchased. If purchasing books and materials for multiple students, list all student names in this field.
  • Add your address and submit your order for approval.

  
  Our Amazon Business account is set up for "Pay by invoice." Once your order is placed, we will review your order. Upon approval, we will pay the invoice and your order will be shipped from Amazon. You will be notified of any unapproved items.

• Additional Notes

  We cannot provide reimbursement for books or supplies purchased on your own. They must be ordered through Amazon, following the process outlined above.
  
  We will not approve purchases for more expensive editions such as hardcover books when a softcover is available.
  
  If there is a book or material listed in SIS that is not available via Amazon, please email us at books.computers@wacolorado.org.
  
  If you have multiple students enrolled at Williamsburg but need materials shipped to two different addresses, please complete separate orders for each shipping address.
  
  Please do not try to merge or add a personal Gmail with Williamsburg Gmail addresses. You will get an error as our system can't verify non-Williamsburg accounts.

• All Students: Bookmark & Log Into Canvas

  Course details, including student orientation assignments, will be published and available to view in Canvas on the Monday before classes begin each semester. That week, please log in and bookmark the Canvas link. Students will be required to log in each weekday as part of our attendance policy, so having the login screen bookmarked will make things more efficient for your student.

  Once in Canvas, your student can customize and style their course menu, if they wish.

• New Students: Complete Orientation Assignments in Canvas

  If your student is new to Williamsburg, they will have access to a New Student Orientation course inside Canvas. This course includes a series of short assignments to familiarize your student with our online classroom and tech systems. Students should plan to complete these assignments before the first day of regular classes. These assignments will be available in Canvas the Monday before classes begin.

   

• New & Returning Parents: Watch Our On-Demand Parent Orientation Videos

  We've created a series of short, 2-3 minute training videos to help you and your student navigate online learning. Please visit our On-Demand Parent Orientation page and watch each video before the start of the semester. 

  These videos will be available on our website throughout the year—come back and watch them anytime you need a refresher!