Launchpad

Welcome to the Launchpad! This new section of our Knowledge Base is designed to be your "flight manual" for navigating the KIPP NYC tech environment. Whether you are a new hire getting set up for Day 1 or a veteran staff member keeping up with our latest migrations, these guides have you covered.

Here are the first five essential "Launchpad" articles drafted directly from our SY25-26 Tech Onboarding.

1. Your First "Do Now": Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Security is a team effort. To protect your KIPP NYC account, we require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using Google Authenticator.

• Step 1: Open your mobile device’s App Store or Play Store and search for "Google Authenticator".

• Step 2: Install the app. You can choose "Use Google Authenticator without an account" if you prefer not to link it to a personal Google ID.

• Step 3: On your laptop, navigate to accounts.google.com and select Security on the left.

• Step 4: Under "How you sign in to Google," select Authenticator > Set up authenticator.

• Step 5: Scan the QR code on your laptop screen with your phone app and enter the 6-digit code provided to finish.

2. Managing Your KIPP NYC Credentials

Your username and password are the keys to almost every system we use.

• Your Username: Usually your First Initial + Last Name (e.g., Lisa Martinez = LMartinez).

• Your Email: username@kippnyc.org.

• Updating Your Password: You must change your temporary password on your first day, and then every 90 days afterward.

  • Requirements: Minimum 14 characters, including at least 3 of the following: Uppercase, Lowercase, Number, or Symbol.

  • How to Change: Go to myaccount.google.com/personal-info, scroll to Password, and follow the prompts.

3. Setting Up Your ParentSquare Virtual Phone

We use ParentSquare for all professional communication with families. To keep your personal number private, you can set up a "Virtual Phone" number.

1. Login: Go to parentsquare.com/signin and select Sign in with Google using your KIPP credentials.

2. Verify: Confirm your account info when prompted by clicking "Yes, This is me".

3. Add Your Cell: Click your name (top right) > My Account > Edit Contact Info. Enter your cell number to receive a verification code.

4. Activate Virtual Phone: On the left navigation menu, under Communicate, select Virtual Phone.

5. Confirm Number: ParentSquare will generate a number with your school's area code. Click Complete Setup to finish.

4. Tech Maintenance: The "ABC" Habit

To keep your hardware running smoothly and ensure help is available when you need it, remember your ABCs (Always Be Communicating).

• Lost/Stolen/Broken: Inform your supervisor and the Tech Team immediately. If theft is suspected, report it to the police and send the Incident Number and a copy of the Police Report to Tech Support to begin the replacement process.

• Physical Care: * Restart your laptop fully at least once a week.

  • Use only spill-proof drinkware near your equipment.

  • Put your laptop into Sleep Mode before placing it in a bag.

• "Hand Hygiene": Clean your devices with 70%+ alcohol wipes, but never wipe the ports. Always power off and unplug before cleaning.

   

5. How to Get Help (The Ticket System)

The Tech Team supports over 1,100 staff and 7,000 students. To help us help you, always use the ticketing system rather than emailing individuals.

• Method 1 (Email): Send your request to TechSupport@kippnyc.org.

• Method 2 (Self-Service): Search our knowledge base at support.kippnyc.org for instant "How-To" guides.

• What to Include: To speed up your resolution, include specific troubleshooting steps you've already tried and your current availability for a technician visit.

Pro Tip: Want to dive deeper? Enroll in our Tech 201 Google Classroom using code qnpoojgg for more advanced tips and additional MFA methods!