Support & Policies
Welcome to the Technology department Support page which includes important policies, support documents, and frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contract the technology department with any questions.
Technology Policies
Acceptable Use Policy
Acceptable Use of Computer and Network Services Policy
Kennedy Catholic High School requires computer use and provides computer network services to its on-campus community (administration, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers) to support the school’s mission. Computer network services are individual network accounts, which provide email, local area network, and Internet access. Kennedy Catholic, in accordance with the Goals and Criteria of the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic Schools Department, believes that these tools and services, when used in “an atmosphere of wise freedom,” significantly enrich and transform teaching and learning experiences at Kennedy Catholic, and further “deepen respect for intellectual values.”
Kennedy Catholic High School recognizes that access to these diverse electronic tools and resources comes with occasional risks that are inconsistent with the values and educational goals of the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic Schools Department. To promote and protect these values and goals, Kennedy Catholic actively limits access to network services, resources, and uses that are inappropriate for the school’s educational purposes. These limits will be applied and monitored across the Kennedy Catholic on-campus community as the school deems appropriate and necessary. These include, but
are not restricted to, network level software/hardware filtering, network monitoring, and classroom observation.
Integral to the Kennedy Catholic curriculum is the responsible use of these electronic resources by all members of the community. Since computer use is required and network services are provided by the school for its educational mission, Kennedy Catholic will take swift and appropriate disciplinary actions for any violations of the school’s Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct
All users of computer/laptops and network resources at Kennedy Catholic must always act in accordance with the Goals and Criteria of the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic Schools Department. Users must always make a conscious effort to be of service to others and to the community, and always agree to follow these basic rules in their use of these electronic resources: Users must not harm themselves, others, or the school; must not damage, steal, or plagiarize intellectual property; must not allow other people or their property to be harmed.
This Kennedy Catholic Code of Conduct applies to all members of the Kennedy Catholic on-campus community (administration, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers) in their use of network services and/or affiliated laptop/computers (student laptops, school owned or leased computers). Unacceptable use will result in disciplinary action. Some examples of unacceptable use are:
• Illegal activity, including violation of copyright, other contracts or plagiarism
• Harassing, intimidating, or threatening others
• Financial or commercial gain without the approval of the school administration
• Intentionally degrading or disrupting network performance
• Attempting to access unauthorized resources
• Invading the privacy of individuals
• Providing information that places the user, other community members, or the school itself in possible harm
• Using the account of another user
• Using a proxy to access filtered sites
• Vandalism: Any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or student will result in the loss of computer services and disciplinary action.
Kennedy Catholic network services are a shared resource. They are the property of the school, and as such, will be subject to on-going monitoring to ensure their integrity is in compliance with the Goals and Criteria of the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic Schools Department as well as in compliance with Kennedy Catholic policies, rules, and state and federal laws. All software installed by Kennedy Catholic on its affiliated computers (student computers, school owned or leased computers) is appropriately licensed by the school. Users agree that other software installed by individual users on affiliated laptops is appropriately licensed by the user for that installation. Kennedy Catholic reserves the right to remove any software from affiliated laptops that conflicts with the school’s educational mission. Finally, when a student upgrades to a new Kennedy Catholic laptop, or leaves the school, all school licensed software must be removed from the formerly affiliated laptop.
If there are any questions, please call the Director of Educational Technology at 206.957.9732.
User Agreement
Kennedy Catholic network services are connected to other networks, such as the Internet. In accordance with the Goals and Criteria of the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic Schools Department, Kennedy Catholic permits its staff, students, faculty, and others collaborating with the school access to
these network services.
Prior to receiving an account, an individual must read, understand, and consent to the following conditions. Kennedy Catholic is conscious of security concerns and attempts to make the network services reasonably secure. However:
1. Kennedy Catholic network services and its access to the Internet may contain information or materials which may be offensive or unsuitable for minors and adults. While Kennedy Catholic attempts to control and monitor electronic resources, the undersigned agrees to discharge and hold harmless the school, its officers, trustees and employees from all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of actions, costs, expenses or obligations of any kind, known or unknown, arising out of or in any way relating to his or her own or his or her child’s access to the Kennedy Catholic network services.
2. The undersigned acknowledges that the Goals and Criteria of the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic Schools Department applies to the use of Kennedy Catholic network services, and that any usage of these networks in violation of these goals or the Kennedy Catholic policy or procedures regarding usage of networks will be subject to potential loss of the ability to use this educational tool, and other disciplinary actions as deemed necessary.
3. The Internet and other networks accessed through Kennedy Catholic network services are open systems. This means that another individual within or outside the Kennedy Catholic community might access the files of a Kennedy Catholic user without the user’s prior knowledge or consent. Therefore, Kennedy Catholic’s advice to all network service users is, “Don’t put anything in writing that you wouldn’t want other people to read.”
4. As it is impossible to guarantee complete security, Kennedy Catholic accepts no responsibility for any consequences of unauthorized entry, even if such entry could have been prevented by procedures known to Kennedy Catholic, but not adopted.
5. Kennedy Catholic will make reasonable efforts to protect the electronic files of every account holder. However, an account holder’s files may be reviewed, collected and or used by Kennedy Catholic:
a. as required by law
b. as part of system maintenance activities
c. when there is reason to believe an account is being used for improper or illegal use
d. with the permission of the account holder.
6. Kennedy Catholic recognizes that it is unable, and not responsible, to control or monitor use of electronic resources by members of the school community off school property that are not connected to the Kennedy Catholic system, even if that use happens through an affiliated laptop. However, use of off-campus electronic resources by a member of the Kennedy Catholic community to defame or denigrate another member of the Kennedy Catholic community, or the school itself, will not be tolerated. Other inappropriate use includes harassment, use of school name, remarks directed to or about teachers, offensive communications and safety threats. When the school becomes aware of such off-campus abuse, it will be investigated and actions will be taken.
Microsoft Office 365 Policy
Student Email Code of Conduct: use of Microsoft Office365
Microsoft Office365 is for educational purposes only. This agreement states you will not use Microsoft Office365 for personal emails and personal social networking. In turn, you will not use personal email for school related communication. This agreement states that you will be polite and respectful of other students. You will also respect students' privacy and security when using Microsoft Office365. By signing this agreement you agree to the following:
1. Personal Responsibility: I will accept personal responsibility for reporting any misuse of Microsoft Office365 to my teacher or administrator.
2. Acceptable Use: The use of my assigned account will be in support of education and research and will support the educational goals and objectives of Kennedy Catholic High School. I am personally responsible for this provision at all times when using Microsoft Office365. In addition, I will abide by the following:
•I will not use Microsoft Office365 to post any web pages for commercial activities, product advertisement, or political advocacy.
•I will not use Microsoft Office365 to post any obscene, discriminatory or offensive material.
•I understand that school administration has the right to monitor all postings and emails.
•I understand that inappropriate language or harassment will result in loss of system privileges and/or other disciplinary measures.
•I understand that e-mail sent via Microsoft Office365 must be school related and must abide by the guidelines outlined here. I will immediately report any threatening, obscene, or harassing e-mail to my teacher(s).
•I understand that I will not share my Microsoft Office365 password with others and that I am responsible for all e-mail sent through my account.
•I understand that I will not use personal email accounts for school related communication or work submission,
•I understand that e-mail sent through this account may be scanned for content violating the terms of this agreement and that suspect e-mail may be reviewed by school administration.
3. Privileges: I understand that the use of Microsoft Office365 is a privilege, not a right, and that inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges and possible disciplinary action in accordance with school policy. The system administrator(s) may close an account at any time deemed necessary.
4. Email Etiquette and Privacy: I understand and will abide by the Kennedy Catholic High School Acceptable Use Policy and Code of Conduct.
Zoom Classroom Expectations
ZOOM CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Classroom behavior and expectations apply when attending a Zoom session. If you would not do something while in class on campus, you should not do so during digital class.
ZOOM EXPECTATIONS
• Log in on time
• Register with your Kennedy Catholic email account using your first name and last initial You will be marked absent if you do not use your real name.
• Mute your microphone if you are not talking
• Video must be on at all times Unless otherwise specified by teacher.
• Select a distraction-free environment with good lighting for participation The wall behind you must be free from inappropiate images and objects; if you choose to use an electronic background it must be from the approved backgrounds found at kennedyhs.org/ academics/technology/support under Support Documents “Approved Zoom Virtual Background.”
• Be presentable - as if you were attending class in person Dress Code: Students must be modest and appropriate in their attire. If a student does not follow this policy, the teacher will remove them from the Zoom meeting and notify administration.
• Try to use a stationary device (laptop, desktop) when possible
• Use the Response Icon to raise your hand to be called upon
• All verbal and group chat responses should be linked to a course reading or concept covered in class specifically
• Breakout Session Room Discussion must be structured and on-topic. Participants must take turns sharing their ideas with consideration given to other group discussion participants
• All meetings and breakout sessions are recorded and will be made available for 72 hours to allow students a chance to review the course material or make up class attendance due to illness or absence.
• Teachers will be dropping in on all break out session rooms at random times to ask questions of participants conducting discussions
• Students may not record a Zoom session to post or take screenshots
• Zoom is a privilege that may be revoked if any of the above norms are not followed
Support Documents
- Connecting to Wifi on Campus
- Printing from Personal Devices
- How to Request Technical Support
- How do I log into Canvas?
- Help for Home Networks
- Approved Zoom Virtual Backgrounds
Connecting to Wifi on Campus
Follow these steps to gconnect a device to wifi at Kennedy Catholic High School:
To set up your device on campus:
1. Connect to the following wireless network: JFKWireless
2. Open a web browser and go to https://wifi.kennedyhs.org
3. Follow the on-screen steps
4. Enjoy the wifi
To set up your device before arriving on campus:
1. Make sure you are connected to the internet (from anywhere in the world)
2. Open a web browser and go to https://wifi.kennedyhs.org
3. Follow the on-screen steps
4. Once on campus your device should automatically connect to the wireless network.
Here's a link to a video demonstrating this process (requires flash):
https://www.screencast.com/t/aHvciloPPW
Thanks to Tristan Roth, one of our teachers, for making this helpful video!
Printing from Personal Devices
Windows and Mac Laptop
Go HERE to find instructions and downloads for setting up your Windows or Mac laptop
IOS Devices:
Step 1: Connect to school WiFi; JFKStudents or JFKStaff
Step 2: When printing from AirPrint, select "followmeprint" and tap "Print" in the top corner
Step 3: Enter in your Kennedy username and password (computer login or Office 365)
Step 4: At any of the shared campus printer-copiers, enter in the same Kennedy login information, select a document to print
Android Device:
Step 1: Download and Install the Mobility Print app from Google Play Store
Step 2: Tap on the "ANDROID SETTINGS" button and Enable Mobility Print as a printing source.
When Printing:
Step 3: Connect to the school WiFi; JFKStudents or JFKStaff
Step 4: Select FollowMePrint (Print Server) as the printer
Step 5: After tapping the print icon, enter in your Kennedy email and password
Step 6: At any of the shared campus printers, enter in your Kennedy account credentials and select a document to print
How to Request Technical Support
Staff with a Kennedy Catholic email address or computer account, can submit a help desk ticket online by going to:
http://techsupport.kennedyhs.org
If you are a student, parent, do not have an account, have trouble accessing your account, or are unable to submit a help desk ticket, please click on the "Tech Support button on the left banner of this page or access support from the "QuickLinks" menu on our homepage.
How do I log into Canvas?
Help for Home Networks
Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting for Home Networks
A good connection is key during an exam!
In our new “normal” of online learning and working from home, internet connections are being stretched to the limit. This document will provide tips and tricks to help ensure the best connection possible, especially while taking online assessments or tests.
It includes basic home network diagnostics and troubleshooting as well as helpful tips to ensure the best possible connection during testing time.
Diagnostics
- Is your service up for the challenge? Need an upgrade?
One of the first things to consider is the level of service or bandwidth you are getting from your provider. If usage has skyrocketed now that everyone is at home and online at the same time, it may be worth considering a change in service provider plans to increase bandwidth. This is not always possible as it may also include additional charges to be billed by your provider. Even more importantly, there may be other factors in your home that can cause problems even if you have the fastest internet connection available.
The next steps will provide useful tips and troubleshooting regardless of the internet package you currently have from your provider.
- Check your home network bandwidth. Are you getting the speed and service you should?
It may be a good idea to check your internet bill and see what speeds you are paying for. It is important to note that most providers cannot guarantee an exact speed in your home. That’s why you may see verbiage, such as, “up to 50mbs.” The “up-to” part of that statement usually means that the available speeds in your home are subject to how much usage other customers in the neighborhood are getting at that same time. In other words, if you were to check your internet speeds, you will likely see less than the advertised “50mbs.”
While some slower speeds are expected, it doesn’t mean there still is not an issue either within your home network or from the service provider. If you test your internet speeds and you are getting WAY less than what is expected, such as, 25mbs instead of the 50mbs you pay for, then it is worth some troubleshooting or a call to your service provider to see if there is an issue in your area.
To test your network, you can go to one of these sites, run a diagnostic, and write down the result:
https://speed.measurementlab.net/ (no ads)
https://www.speedtest.net/ (good, but not my favorite due to many ads on the page)
https://speedtest.xfinity.com/
Troubleshooting
If you are not getting adequate bandwidth in your home, but feel you should, follow these steps.
- Reboot your router/internet gateway/PC
It may sound cliché, but rebooting the devices fixes 90% of the problems. Most service providers include an internet gateway device as part of the service package. This device is usually also your wireless router although sometimes customers may have two separate devices. Reboot these devices by unplugging them, waiting about 30 seconds and plugging them back in. Once plugged back in, it may take several minutes to be connected and provide service again. If you are unsure which device is which, just reboot all of them to be sure.
While waiting for the devices to reboot and the service to come back on, go ahead to the next step:
- Reboot your computer
The networking device on your computer may also be part of the issue. It is a great idea to reboot the computers in use as well.
Note: The above to steps are exactly what your service provider technical support staff will ask you to do. If calling support, having these steps out of the way may save you some time!
- Call for support
If all of the above steps did not help your issue, it may be a good idea to call your service provider technical support to check if the issue is something on their side, such as, an equipment outage in your neighborhood or a malfunctioning gateway device in your home. Support should be able to rule out these possibilities easily.
- Device Issues/Software Issues
For school related work, Kennedy Catholic Technology staff are available to assist. Students and parents can submit a support request by filling out a simple form on our website. Just click on the “Quick Links” tab on the top left of our homepage. Requests are handled on a first come first served basis as well as by deadline and issue type priority. Be as detailed as you can be including any error messages or even uploading a screenshot. Here’s a direct link to submit a request: https://www.kennedyhs.org/academics/technology/student-tech-support
- Other hardware issues
It never hurts to ask us if we can help, but we may be limited in troubleshooting hardware issues, especially if there’s risk of voiding any factory warranty. For these issues, it will be best to reach out to the manufacturer or reseller of the device for assistance.
- Practice makes perfect
If possible, take a practice exam to test the connectivity. If you are unsure if a practice test is available, be sure to ask your instructor. You never know if you don’t ask.
Testing best practices
You may not need to follow all these suggestions, but a combination of them may be very helpful depending on the network in your home. It never hurts to take every step you can to ensure success.
- Make sure your computer is up to date
It really stinks when your device decides to update and require a reboot right in the middle of something important! it is a good idea to always check for and run ay updates ahead of time. Give yourself plenty of time before a scheduled exam as some updates can take a while!
- Are you plugged in?
If on a laptop, PLEASE make sure you are plugged in. Nothing worse than loosing concentration on a timed exam because you had to search for the charger when your laptop gave you that 3% battery warning.
- Close unnecessary applications on the testing computer
When beginning a test, close all unnecessary application on your device. most applications are constantly sending data on the internet even if you are not actively using them. If you have a device with limited memory or processing power, this will also help to dedicate resources to the application you need for your exam.
- Limit the number of users online while someone is taking an assessment
This can be tricky with other learners and workers online in your home, but if possible, PLEASE try and schedule so everyone in your house can be offline when you are online taking an exam. This does not just mean having other household members just walk away from a device that is still on and connected. If you have limited bandwidth in your home, make sure all unnecessary devices are powered off at the time. This includes a sibling who may be playing Fortnite on a console system or your mom playing Candy Crush on a smartphone😊
- Make sure your learning/test environment is in a location with strong Wi-Fi signal strength
You may have a favorite spot to study or be online, but if this spot is all the way on the other side of your house from the Wi-Fi router, consider moving closer to the equipment for best signal strength. This may mean kicking siblings out of the living room so you can create a quiet workspace with good signal strength
- Limit the number of OTHER devices on your network during testing
It seems like every piece of technology is “smart” these days. this usually just means that the device is internet connected and using your Wi-Fi. This can be anything from a TV, thermostat, security camera, or even a lightbulb. You may not be able to power off all devices, but check to see if some can be while testing, such as TVs, Apple TVs, Alexa, etc.
- [Uncommon]. Is a wired connection an option?
Wi-Fi is amazing these days, but remember it is still just radio waves and radio waves are subject to interference and other drops that can affect an online test. If you have the option to have a wired network connection in your home, you may consider this as just another precaution that can help you get through the exam without hiccups.
The points made in this article are certainly not the perfect set of answers or suggestions for every situation but covers some of the most common. Good luck with the technology and good luck on the test!
Approved Zoom Virtual Backgrounds
FAQ's
- How do I log into Office365?
- How do I print on campus?
- Can I print from my own personal device?
- Can I use my own personal device on campus?
- How do I log into a Kennedy Catholic computer?
How do I log into Office365?
Office 365 offers access to Microsoft Office applications, including to check email. To access your Kennedy Catholic email account, open a web browser (ie. Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) and type in portal.office.com. Log in with your Kennedy Catholic email address and password. Once logged in, various tiles with Microsoft applications will be visible. This is the Office 365 homepage. Click on the Mail tile to access the Inbox, mail folders, and to send/receive messages.
How do I print on campus?
When printing from a Mac or PC owned by Kennedy Catholic, choose the printer called FollowMePrint. When printing on campus, find the nearest FollowMePrint printer to you (ie. Library, Faculty Lounge, Counseling Center, etc). Log in with either your Kennedy Catholic username (first part of email address without @kennedyhs.org) and password, or a print code. For a print code, please see someone in the Technology offices to assist you.
Can I print from my own personal device?
Can I use my own personal device on campus?
Here at Kennedy Catholic, we welcome all students and staff to bring their own device on campus. Use your device to connect to our Wi-Fi, log in to your Kennedy Catholic email account, utilize OneDrive to access files universally, and so on.
All user's connecting to the Kennedy Catholic networks must comply with the following:
1. Select "JFKWireless" and register your device at: https://wifi.kennedyhs.org
2. Agree and comply with all Kennedy Catholic and Archdiocesan acceptable use policies.
3. Have valid up-to-date anti-virus software and operating systems that are within 60 days of critical security updates.
Devices and/or users who do not comply with these policies may be blocked from using the Kennedy Catholic networks.
How do I log into a Kennedy Catholic computer?
Log in using your Kennedy Catholic username and password. For example, if your email address at Kennedy Catholic is sally.smith@kennedyhs.org, then log in using sally.smith as the username, and using the same password for that email account. You may also log into computers using the full email address as the username.