Instructional Technology

www.somerville.k12.ma.us/technology

The Technology department builds and maintains the Technology rich environment in all classrooms in the District.  Our schools exceed the State average for recommended number of modern computers per student.  Students and Teachers have High speed access to the Internet, access to local Color laser printers, and plenty of secure storage space on our Network.  Access is safe and secure.  The District has CIPA compliant web filters in place to help prevent access to unwanted content.  All of our systems are equipped with enterprise grade Anti-virus and Anti-malware protection.

Many classrooms throughout the District have been retrofitted with SMART Interactive Whiteboard systems that greatly complement the quality instruction in the SPS classrooms.

In addition to the modern technology hardware, the Technology department maintains the Software on the systems based on the needs of the Curriculum.  From software to promote Math skills to software to help students in need of Accommodations, students will have access to the same suite of software regardless of School building in SPS.

All computers include updated versions of Microsoft Office Professional. Students are exposed to Word processing and Presentation skills at an early age, and these tools are available to them throughout their journey at SPS.

The District uses sophisticated information systems to internally track critical data, but also give Parents and Students electronic access to data.  Our Destiny Library Management system gives students anytime access to our Library resources and research tools for projects.  Aspen, our Student Information System, allows Parents and Students to view their students’ progress in a class.  For teachers who use the Aspen Gradebook, Parents and Students can see scores for tests and assignments as they are posted by the teacher.  In addition, Aspen gives Parents and Students access to the student’s daily attendance record as well as Quarterly grades.  These powerful systems are accessible outside of our School network from the Internet as well, providing anytime, anywhere access.

Aspen X2/Student Information Database

Aspen X2 is Somerville’s District-wide Student Information System.  Schools and classrooms use Aspen X2 on a daily basis to track Student Attendance, Conduct, Grades, and basic demographic data.

Some teachers use Aspen as their classroom grade book. Parents/guardians and students whose teachers use Aspen X2 as their grade book are provided with the added benefit of having secure access to their student record, including real-time scores on recent assignments, quizzes, and projects by logging onto X2 at home.  This is a great tool for parents/guardians to get a real time window into their student’s academic life.

Please contact your student’s teacher to find out if they use the Aspen X2 Gradebook and for directions on how to gain access.