NPS Technology Resources
Family Portals-Aspen & Web Filtering
Aspen
The district uses Aspen to manage student information, including grading, scheduling, attendance, and more.
- Parents of students in grades K-12 will log into Aspen to view & update
- address
- contact information
- permissions
- consent attendance
- view progress reports and report cards.
- Students in grades 8-11 will also use Aspen to enter their course selections for the upcoming school year.
Resources
Aspen FAQs
- How can I review my child's homeroom, team and schedule?
- I have not received a username and password. How can I get one?
- How can I change my password?
- How do I login to the Aspen Family Portal?
- How do students login to the Aspen Student Portal?
- Is there a separate Aspen app for my smartphone or tablet?
- Why do I get a message stating "Your account has been disabled"?
- I cannot remember my password. What can I do to reset it?
- I cannot find my child's midterm comments, progress report, and/or report card. Where is it?
- How do I verify or change my contact information?
How can I review my child's homeroom, team and schedule?
Homeroom and Team information is available late summer, schedules are available during the school year. Once you log in to Aspen family and student portal, click on the Family tab at the top, and then on your child's name. You will see homeroom, team and counselor under the Details side tab. To access the Schedules click on the Schedule tab once you are in Student Details.
I have not received a username and password. How can I get one?
Families of Newton Public Schools students are provided a username and password to the Aspen Family Portal. Login information is emailed to families at the start of the school year. If you do not know your login, please email Aspen Support with your name, your child's name, and their school.
How can I change my password?
To change your password, follow these steps:
1. Login to the Aspen Family Portal.
2. Click on your name in the upper-right corner of the screen.
3. Click Set Preferences.
4. Open the Security tab.
You will be able to change your password on the Security tab. If you have any questions, please email Aspen Support.
How do I login to the Aspen Family Portal?
Find the link to Aspen on the Families dropdown of the Newton Public Schools website.
How do students login to the Aspen Student Portal?
Students login to the Aspen Student Portal using their NPS Student ID (LASID) and password. This is the same username and password that students use to access NPS Google and Schoology.
Is there a separate Aspen app for my smartphone or tablet?
Why do I get a message stating "Your account has been disabled"?
After several unsuccessful login attempts, your account will be disabled.
Please email Aspen Support to have your account reset.
I cannot remember my password. What can I do to reset it?
Click on the "I forgot my password" link on the Aspen login page.
As long as you have your Aspen log in ID and we have the correct email address in the system, and have created a security question, you will receive a new password via email.
If you do not remember your log in ID and the answer to your security question, please email Aspen Support for assistance.
I cannot find my child's midterm comments, progress report, and/or report card. Where is it?
How do I verify or change my contact information?
All contact information can be updated by following these directions at the start of each school year.
Web Filtering
1:1 Technology Program
- Overview
- Online Safety & Digital Citizenship
- Loan Agreement, Use & Care, Repair Fund & Other Resources
- Other Resources
- 1:1 General FAQ
Overview
We believe that technology tools, when used appropriately, can provide deeper conceptual knowledge and new ways of acquiring valuable skills. Though these are not the only uses, we recognize that technology can allow students to visualize content in new and unique ways; becoming creators of their own learning while demonstrating knowledge in authentic, meaningful and relevant formats. By incorporating technology into the classroom regularly, and when appropriate to learning, we can better ensure students develop the skills necessary to be powerful and responsible users of the digital world we live in.
By providing all students with a device, we accomplish a number of goals:
- On demand use of technology in the classroom
- Equitable access to technology in the classroom and at home
- Streamlined management and troubleshooting of devices
The 1:1 program eliminates the need for advanced planning and sign-ups for labs and technology carts. The devices can be incorporated into lessons with greater ease, and used spontaneously when lessons take an unexpected turn where technology could provide an added lens on learning.
The following devices are available to students this year:
- Kindergarten: 1 iPad for every 2 students. Devices will remain in the classroom.
- Grades 1-2: 1 iPad for every student. Devices will be assigned to students and remain in the classroom. Occasionally devices may travel home as needed to support a particular learning activity.
- Grades 3-5: 1 Chromebook for every student. Devices will be assigned to students and remain in the classroom. Older students may begin taking devices home as needed for learning activities and to help prepare students for the middle school 1:1 model.
- Grades 6-10: 1 Chromebook for every student. Devices are assigned to students and are used in school and at home.
- Grades 11-12: Bring your own device with the option to borrow an NPS device if students do not have a personal device.
Grade 11 & 12 BYOD
Starting in September of 2023, the Newton Public Schools will implement a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model for Grades 11 and 12. Chromebooks will still be available for 11th and 12th grade students that do not own a personal device that they can bring into school on a daily basis.
The device requirements for BYOD are the following:
- Laptop (Windows or Mac) or a Chromebook with a built-in keyboard running an operating system that is still supported (at a minimum receiving security updates)
- Capable of holding a battery charge for 4 or more hours
- Built-in microphone, camera, and speaker
- The updated Google Chrome web-browser is preferred for full compatibility with Google for Education software
- Anti-virus software on Windows or Mac based Laptops
- A touchscreen is NOT required
Grade 11 & 12 BYOD FAQ
- Why are we making this change?
- Why not also include grade 9 and 10 students?
- What happens if my student leaves their device at home?
- Will my student be missing needed software if they use their personal device?
- How will NPS address issues of equity with students bringing more powerful devices than other students?
- Will students be able to connect their device to the NPS network?
- Will there be staff to help troubleshoot technical issues with personal devices?
- If my child’s device is lost or stolen when at school, what recourse can I take?
- Can my student be reprimanded/disciplined for engaging in distracting or inappropriate activities on their personal device when in the Newton Public Schools?
- Will wireless access on a personal device be filtered when in the Newton Public Schools?
- Didn’t the 1:1 Budget Increase in the FY’24 Approved Budget?
Why are we making this change?
Since implementing 1:1 at the high school, the program has expanded into elementary and middle schools. We have also observed many grade 11 and 12 students bringing their own device to school instead of using their NPS issued device. In order to financially sustain the 1:1 program throughout the district and to be fiscally responsible (ensuring devices aren’t issued if they are not needed) we have made this adjustment to the 1:1 Program.
Why not also include grade 9 and 10 students?
What happens if my student leaves their device at home?
Will my student be missing needed software if they use their personal device?
Devices issued to students are Chromebooks which make use of web-based software. Students will be able to access web-based software using their personal device and their Newton Public Schools Login. We recommend students use Google’s Chrome Web Browser for better compatibility with Google for Education applications. Students will continue to have access to more specialized software through computer labs at the high schools as needed.
How will NPS address issues of equity with students bringing more powerful devices than other students?
Teachers will be expected to plan lessons that are compatible with NPS issued Chromebooks which use web-accessible software tools. Personal Chromebooks and/or more powerful Laptops will be able to meet this need. While we cannot prevent students from using additional software they personally own, no student will be penalized for not having access nor given any advantages for having access to software beyond that provided by NPS.
Will students be able to connect their device to the NPS network?
Will there be staff to help troubleshoot technical issues with personal devices?
If my child’s device is lost or stolen when at school, what recourse can I take?
Can my student be reprimanded/disciplined for engaging in distracting or inappropriate activities on their personal device when in the Newton Public Schools?
Students are expected to act appropriately in school this includes only using technology as instructed by their teacher no matter what device they are using. All student device use, including personal device use, must adhere to the district Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines.
Will wireless access on a personal device be filtered when in the Newton Public Schools?
Didn’t the 1:1 Budget Increase in the FY’24 Approved Budget?
Online Safety & Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship is the norms of appropriate and responsible technology use. As our students use technology more and more each day, it is important that we teach and model how to be an appropriate digital citizen. As teachers and parents, understanding digital citizenship prepares us for how our students can use technology appropriately. Starting in 2nd grade, students in the Newton Public Schools learn about how we should act when we are online. This direct teaching helps keep our students safe and prepare them to work effectively in a society that heavily relies upon technology.
Visit the Online saftety & Digital Citizenship Resources on this page to find resources to educate yourself on digital citizenship and communicate these important ideas to your student, while helping to make a connection between home and school.
Resources
A Parent's Guide To Media Literacy
Guide to help families start media literacy conversations at home
ConnectSafely
Research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy
Digital Safety Resources: Tools for the home
Empowering kids to be safe, confident explorers of the online world.
Google's Family Safety Center
Tips and advice for parents to keep their children safe online
Help Manage your Child's Online Reputation
Tips to help your child make positive decisions online
NSHS Library - Information Literacy Resources
Help students locate, evaluate, and effectively use information found online
Video: Internet Safety Tips for Kids
Surfing the web can be fun and educational, but it's important for kids to understand the potential hazards. This short video covers safety tips for your kids using the internet.
What is Digital Citizenship?
A video about digital citizenship-what it is and why it matters.
YouTube Policies and Safety
Standards of conduct expected as well as implications
Suggested Readings
iRules: What Every Tech-Healthy Family Needs to Know about Selfies, Sexting, Gaming, and Growing up
By Janell Burley Hofmann
It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens
By Danah Boyd
Loan Agreement, Use & Care, Repair Fund & Other Resources
Device Loan Agreements
Use & Care and Repair Fund
Summer Chromebook Care
- Store your Chromebook in a secure location, such as a cabinet or cart where it won't be accidentally knocked over or stepped on.
- Store your Chromebooks in a cool, dry area that is not in direct sunlight.
- Do not leave your Chromebook in an automobile, take it to the beach or use it anywhere near a pool or water.
- Keep track of and take care of cords and cables.
- Do not pile books or other items on top of your Chromebook.
- No food or drink should be near a Chromebook.
- Use a diluted bleach-free disinfectant or an alcohol wipe to gently clean the case, screen and keyboard. Avoid any abrasive cleaning brushes or cleaning pads that might scratch the surfaces of your Chromebook.
Other Resources
1:1 General FAQ
- What does One-to-One (1:1) mean?
- What are the advantages of every student having a device?
- How do you plan to limit student access to off-topic material (social media sites, messenger apps, games)?
- Will certain website be blocked on the NPS network?
- Will students be able to keep the devices over the summer?
- May I purchase the Chromebook when my student graduates?
- I am leaving the Newton Public Schools. What do I do with my device?
- Is there a way to monitor or block what my child can access on his/her device?
- My child has a laptop. Are they required to have this Chromebook?
- What if I do not have internet access at home?
- Are we required to pay anything for my child to receive a device?
What does One-to-One (1:1) mean?
What are the advantages of every student having a device?
When every student has a device, the district ensures that all students have access to the same tools and resources. It also allows us to decrease any use of smartphones in the classroom for academic purposes. We are excited about the possibilities for instructional flexibility, personalized learning, and collaboration provided by Chromebooks.
How do you plan to limit student access to off-topic material (social media sites, messenger apps, games)?
Will certain website be blocked on the NPS network?
Will students be able to keep the devices over the summer?
May I purchase the Chromebook when my student graduates?
I am leaving the Newton Public Schools. What do I do with my device?
Is there a way to monitor or block what my child can access on his/her device?
Newton Public Schools instituted a web-filtering product called Deledao. This product filters both student issued iPads and Chromebooks no matter their location. Access to sites on the internet will be blocked by various categories. The system is more restrictive for the younger grades. We are not able to block particular sites for particular students nor are we able to provide access to particular sites for particular students. For more information on Deledeo web filtering, please view our Internet Filtering on NPS Devices resource.
Home Internet providers also have parental controls that can help filter content. Many also allow parents/guardians to also manage devices that are connected to the home network. We encourage parents/guardians to reach out to their Internet provider for information on filtering content at home.
My child has a laptop. Are they required to have this Chromebook?
What if I do not have internet access at home?
Comcast and Verizon offer low cost options for families who qualify. Visit the links below for more information.
Verizon: Lifeline
For more information on the Lifeline program please visit Mass.gov
Are we required to pay anything for my child to receive a device?
No. You do not have to pay anything for the device. If you choose to protect your student's device, there is an optional repair fund you can opt into. Please view the NPS Optional Repair Fund document for more information.
Approved Technology, Data Privacy & Online Acceptable Use
Approved Technology & Data Privacy
The Newton Public Schools keeps up with current technology practices to ensure student data is kept secure and staff/students use technology appropriately for educational purposes. We expect our educational technology products to similarly adhere to legal requirements and best practices to secure student data. The Newton Public Schools maintains a searchable, online database of approved edtech tools based on curriculum relevance and adherence to student data privacy regulations.
Online Acceptable Use