How to Upgrade to macOS Ventura
Supported OS macOS 13 Ventura (latest release) is the currently supported operating system for school district Macbooks. It's important your Mac stay updated to the latest operating system supported by the district. Software compatibility. Ensure all software used for class works as expected. Security. Apple constantly releases new security pat...
Screen Capture
You may need to take a screen capture (or screenshot or grab; different terms, same idea) of your Apple’s desktop or laptop’s screen. Apple has a screenshot page that lists this info. Here’s the two most basic and commonly-used commands. Copy your entire screen Command-Shift-3 Screenshot of a portion of your screen Command-Shift-4; click and drag...
Install a Printer (Mac)
School Printers School printers are installed on Macs using Self Service. Staff have access to most printers and copiers at their primary building. If a printer does not appear in Self Service, staff can request they be given access by opening a help desk ticket, For example, if a teacher's primary building is Sweeney Elementary and they are teachin...
Staff MacBook Refresh 2019-2022
The district is in the process of refreshing all staff MacBooks over three years. Follow these directions to see if you're eligible to get a new Mac and how to prepare to swap out your computer. A regular computer refresh cycle keeps up to date equipment in the hands of staff, allows for better budget planning, and helps the district get more money ...
Fixing Date and Time on Mac
Macs will sometimes lose their date and time settings due to the battery having fully lost its charge. It is common for Macs to be left in cold cars overnight, during practice, or an activity which in turn speeds up how quickly the battery is drained. Mac are designed to be operated between 50-95 degrees F. Please try to avoid leaving them in cold ...
Connect to Network Drives or Shares
There are two common ways to connect to a network drive on a Mac. For the majority of users, the first method through NoMAD will work. For users with additional access to network drives, the second method may be necessary. Delete Local Drive Connections Note that these methods only work on-site or for staff who have been given VPN access and have ...
Restart Your Mac
A common troubleshooting step is to restart your computer. People may joke about "did you try turning it on and off again" as a fix, but that idea sticks around because sometimes (often) it works. School Macs will receive a notification like the one below after it has not been restarted for 10 or more days. Select the Restart button to have the syst...
Mac Adapters, Dongles, and Docks
Newer MacBook Air models (2018 and later) only support USB C connections (in addition to a standard headphone jack). In order to avoid staff purchase of off-brand or untested dongles and peripherals, we will be maintaining and occasionally updating this page to reflect approved adapters. USB C accessories should be approved through technology throug...
Mac Software Updates
Apple Software Updates Apple Software Updates can be installed by any user through System Preferences > Software Update. When Self Service detects there's an available update it will display the Apple Software Updates option. Clicking on it will open the Software Update window. It's the equivalent of going to System Preferences > Software Upda...
Install GarageBand on Mac
Delete App Size Note GarageBand along with additional content is very large - around 5 GB. Before beginning make sure your computer has a reliable network connection and enough free disk space. 1. Open Self Service and search for GarageBand. 2. Select Install. The main GarageBand app will be downloaded and installed. 3. Do not open GarageBand. Basic...
Fix Office for Mac Licensing Issues
Sometimes Office for Mac apps (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.) have issues with activation or licensing. Follow these directions to run the Self Service troubleshooting tool which fixes the majority of issues. Note, in some cases even after following these steps sometimes apps will still show as unlicensed. If that occurs, please open a help desk ticke...
Relay Web Filter - Mac Updates
On a regular basis you will be prompted to install an update to the Relay web filter software. Relay runs on all district managed Macs. A prompt like the one below will pop up once per day until the update is complete. Installing the update takes about 1-2 minutes and requires a restart. You will be prompted to restart after the software installatio...
Mac FileVault 2 Issues
District Macs are encrypted using Apple's FileVault 2 technology. Sometimes if there is an issue with the encryption status or other data associated with your Mac you may receive a notification like the one below. Click the notification and you'll be prompted for your password. Enter your password to update the encryption key and update it with our ...
Allow Screen Sharing and Recording on Mac
Permissions Everyone can complete the steps below. Admin rights are not required. There is a lock icon in the bottom left hand corner which does not need to be unlocked. To share your screen on Mac you need to allow screen recording access. You may see a prompt like this when first trying to share your screen in a video conference like Google Meet. ...