At MCS, we recognize that technology is both a tremendous tool, as well as a major source of concern for parents.
We are parents too, and we are here to help you navigate and understand how you can guide your students in both accessing and effectively using technology in productive and creative ways.
For more information about ONLINE SAFETY, click here.
The Mat-Su Borough School District provides students with accounts that allow them access to different district-paid-for services. Some of those include Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Clever, iStudent, and many more. The district requires students to update passwords periodically (usually at least once a year). In order to do this, please use the resources below and always feel free to contact our local support if you have any issues.
Before beginning, you will need to know your student’s MSBSD ID and password. You can find your student’s ID on the Parent Portal.
If, after trying these steps, you still have issues, please contact Information Technology Support Phone: 907.761.4357.
Google Applications refers to an online file storage and productivity suite that anyone with a Google (Gmail) account. Google accounts are also available to all students for free through the MSBSD. Please follow the instructions below to access your student Google Applications.
Before beginning, you will need to know your student’s MSBSD ID and password. If you need your student’s password reset, please review the Password Support.
Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) are available at no charge to students at Mat-Su Central. To download these applications on your computer, please follow the steps below.
Before beginning, you will need to know your student’s MSBSD ID and password. If you need your student’s password reset, please review the Password Support .
Every year we try to purchase devices ahead of time to support the needs of families in our program. These are the devices that are in shelf stock.
Mac computers are the industry standard in the creative technologies. These computers perform all the necessary functions that students would need.
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Cons
iPads offer more and more levels of functionality and access. These tools are better than Chromebooks for students looking to use technology for creative endeavors.
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Cons
Chromebooks are a solid system for basic computing and internet accessible applications. Their cost makes them very appealing.
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Cons
Families are encouraged to purchase devices directly from MCS (we can't service other devices the same as MCS devices), but we recognize that different students have different needs. MCS has a tech specialist who can help with additional information.
As with all non-consumables, devices must be tagged as property of the MSBSD in order to be reimbursable, and will either need to be returned or bought out (see depreciation schedule below) if you leave Mat-Su Central. The Accounting department will help with this process.
For parents and/or students interested in “buying out” eligible items, the depreciation purchase schedule for equipment, books and computers is based as follows:
- The buyout price is 50% of the original purchase price, after one year (365 days) since the assigned/purchase date of the item.
- The buyout price is 25% of the original purchase price, after two years since the assigned/purchase date of the item.
- The buyout price is 10% of the original purchase price, after three years since the assigned/purchase date of the item.
- The buyout price is $1 after four years since the assigned/purchase date of the item.
*Graduating seniors should consult with their advisor about exceptional circumstances.
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