Gloucester County
Special Services School District
1340 Tanyard Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080
Phone: 856-468-6530



Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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PowerSchool FAQ
PowerSchool Parent Portal Frequently Asked Questions
(Please note the portal is only accessible to
parent(s)/guardian(s) with children enrolled at the Gloucester County Alternative School)
 
Getting Started
 
What is PowerSchool and the GCSSSD Parent Portal?
PowerSchool is GCSSSD's Student Data Management System. It encompasses all aspects of student data – grades, attendance, demographics, scheduling and beyond. Because PowerSchool is web based, this allows the sharing of data with parent and guardians for secure and easy access.
 
Where do I begin?
To start the PowerSchool parent portal, begin by opening your computer’s Internet browser and access Gloucester County Special Services School District’s website located at http://www.gcsssd.org. Find the “PowerSchool” link on the right hand side of the home page then click on the  link for "PowerSchool Parent Access" selection. The PowerSchool Parent Log On screen will display.
 
Where can I find documentation/information for the GCSSSD Parent Portal?
Please scroll to the bottom of this page. From this location, select and download the PowerSchool Parent Portal User Guide 6.0. 
 
What is my Username and Password?
After you have signed a Parent Agreement, your Username and Password will be mailed to you. Your Username and password will be a combination of alphanumeric characters.

Are Usernames and Passwords case sensitive?
No. Usernames and passwords can be entered in upper or lowercase characters.
 
How do I obtain a new password if the original was misplaced or lost?
The parent/guardian must come in person to the Alternative School's main office to officially receive a new password. For security purposes, passwords can not be obtained by phone.
 
Do I need a separate log on for each of my children?
Yes. You will be provided with a separate log on for each of your children.
 
 
The Parent Portal Mail Screen
 
Now that I have successfully logged on, what can I view?
Currently, from the main Parent Portal screen, a parent/guardian can select one of the first 3 ions in the upper portion of the display to view; Grades and Attendance, Grades History and Attendance History.
 
Icon Definition
    1. Grades and Attendance – Use this display as a detailed over view to locate any historical and current grades and attendance by class.
    2. Grades History – Displays all recorded final grades and the individual assignments from the instructor to substantiate that grade.
    3. Attendance History - This is a detailed display for the semester by period showing any absent (1), lateness (L), and not in session (-) status.
    4. E-Mail Notification – Click on this icon to establish your e-mail connection with GCIT for the purpose of receiving updated reports that you elect.
    5. Teacher Comments – At a later date, teacher comments may be entered for parent / guardian viewing.
    6. School Bulletin – At a later date, school specific information may be obtained for parent / guardian viewing. Currently, please use the GCSSSD website – http://www.gcsssd.org, as a basis for retrieving anything concerning GCSSSD.
    7. Class Registration – This option is not currently available for class registration. You will be informed when this option is available for parent and student use.
    8. My Calendars – This option is not currently available for parent or student use.
Why does some of the text appear in blue?
Any text appearing in blue is a link to further information. Simply click on any text appearing in blue and additional information will be shown.
 
What does it mean when my cursor turns into a hand as it moves over the screen?
This is an aid to help a user navigate and point. Anytime the cursor is displayed as a hand, additional text can be selected by clicking once on the data. The green PowerSchool logo is also a link that will enable the user to return to the main Parent Portal page.
 
What does the question mark (?) symbol mean in the upper right corner of the screen?
This is the help text for the Parent Portal. At any time you need further assistance when viewing a screen, click the (?) symbol. Please use this frequently to search and find answers to your questions.
 
How do I log out of the Parent Portal?
The best and recommended way to end the PowerSchool session is to click on the Logout rectangular button in the upper right corner of any screen.
 
 
General Usage Questions – Grades & Attendance
 
Will progress reports and report cards still be mailed to the parent/guardian now that the child’s grades can be viewed on line?
All marking period report cards will be mailed as usual to every student regardless of your PowerSchool access.
 
Who should I contact when I have questions about my child’s grades?
Please contact your child’s teacher. You can easily send an e-mail by clicking on one of the teacher’s name links found in the Grades and Attendance or Teacher’s Comments tab from the Parent Portal main page.
 
Who should I contact if I have questions about my child’s attendance?
Please contact the main office to direct your questions to the attendance administrator.
 
How quickly are student’s grades entered into the Parent Portal?
Each teacher is responsible for his or her own grades. When assignments are given and graded, then this information is available to the parent instantaneously.
 
Can I automatically receive e-mails concerning my child’s performance?
Yes. From the Email Notification tab on the main Parent Portal screen, you can select information you would like to receive and how often about the student.
 
 
General System Questions
 
What will a parent/guardian be able to view from this site?
At present, you will see all of your child’s classes showing current and historical grade and attendance information. You will be able to view a detailed list of their class assignments and be in direct contact with your child’s teacher through their e-mail link.
 
How can I access the Parent Portal if I do not have a computer at home?
Any computer having Internet access that supports and has Java script enabled will allow a parent/guardian to sign into the GCSSSD website and access the Parent Portal with their secure user name and password.
 
What should I do if I have difficulties connecting to the GCSSSD Parent portal?
Please contact the system administrator by e-mail to the following address –
powerschool@gcit.org. PowerSchool web mail will be continuously monitored and you’re the response time should be within one working day.
 
If You Have Questions
 
About a grade – Contact the teacher via the PowerSchool email link or call the school's main office. Alternative School's Main Office: (856) 468-1445
 
About a password – Please call: (856) 468-6530 ext. 1018


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