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Trinity Area School District

Technology

Technology Department Vision

The goal of our department is to help students become safe & responsible digital citizens with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in their future endeavors. We will also help support and implement technology in the classroom to enrich the learning experience. We strive to educate our staff on how to use and integrate technology in their teachings to ensure that we provide our students with the best possible education. Technology is constantly evolving and our district will continue to evolve with it. 

Technology Resources

The official Learning Management System (LMS) of Trinity Area School District is Canvas.  Students in Grades K-12 can access their courses, assignments, and content by logging into Canvas via Classlink or their Google Waffle.  

Trinity Area School District utilizes Classlink to allow convenient access to district resources and as a password management tool for single sign-on (SSO). Students in elementary school can utilize their Classlink QR code to sign into their Chromebooks. 

All students enrolled in Trinity Area School District are provided with Chromebooks as tools to enhance learning and access the curriculum beyond the walls of the classroom.  If there is no internet access at home, please contact the Technology Department for available solutions. (Athomas@trinityhillers.net)

Trinity Area School District uses Google Apps for Education for all students, Grades K-12. Students receive their Google account information at the beginning of the year or upon enrollment.  

Naviance is a college and career readiness technology solution which helps ensure that all paths students take after high school lead to fulfilling and meaningful careers.

Trinity Area School District uses Securly to keep students safe on their school-issued Chromebooks.  Securly combines cloud-based filtering, AI algorithms, and human common sense to block the toxicity and inappropriateness of the internet from kids, while providing schools the tools they need to educate and safeguard. By keeping kids safe, we keep schools CIPA and COPPA compliant in order to receive federal funding.  To learn more about Securly’s Safety Solutions visit the Securly website.

Sora Overdrive host Trinity Area School District's online library.  Students can access the online library via Classlink or by clicking here

At the start of each school year, students enrolled in Trinity Area School District will be assigned a District owned device to access the curriculum. Families in the Trinity Area School District have the option to participate in an Optional Insurance Program for student assigned Chromebooks at a cost of $25 per student, per year. In order to participate in the program, payment must be received no later than October 10, 2024.

About the Optional Insurance Program

Optional insurance, which includes two accidental damage claims, is available for purchase from the District at a non-refundable cost of $25 per student. When enrolling, one form must be submitted for each student; insurance cannot be shared. Students with a free/reduced lunch designation (as verified via Direct Certification or  approved Free / Reduced Lunch Application) will have their insurance fee waived. Students with this designation will be enrolled automatically during the open enrollment period and do not need to submit a form.

Open enrollment for insurance will begin September 3, 2024 and continue through September 20, 2024. Purchased insurance is valid from the point of purchase through the open enrollment period for the following school year. After the open enrollment period, insurance will only be available to new students entering the district. Please note that this coverage does not carry over from year to year if it goes unused.

The insurance plan covers the student’s issued Chromebook and/or issued loaner device for the following items:

  1. Accidental damage (spills, drops, and breaks)
  2. Environmental damage from Natural Disasters, Fire, or Power Surges
  3. Theft – All theft claims must have a police report filed within 5 days of the theft
  4. Damaged Chromebook chargers

Incidents of abuse or intentional damage are not covered by the optional insurance program and may result in the full repair cost being billed to the Parent/Guardian.

Pricing guidelines for repairs and replacements is as follows.

Equipment

Cost of repair with no insurance*

Cost of repair with insurance

Charger / Power Cord

$40.00

1 insurance claim

Keyboard Replacement

$60.00

1 insurance claim

Screen Replacement

$60.00

1 insurance claim

Full Chromebook Replacement

$300.00

 2 insurance claims OR
 1 insurance claim $100

 

* Prices given are examples only and are subject to change.

For repairs not listed above, cost, and applicable insurance claims will be determined by the cost of replacement parts to the district at the time of repair. For any additional damage beyond the two claims, parent(s) / guardian(s) will be invoiced for the cost of repairs for any accidental damage. If insurance coverage is not purchased and the Chromebook is damaged, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be invoiced for the cost of repairs.

Optional Insurance Enrollment Form

 

  • The official Learning Management System (LMS) of Trinity Area School District is Canvas.  Students in Grades K-12 can access their courses, assignments, and content by logging into Canvas via Classlink or their Google Waffle.  

  • Trinity Area School District utilizes Classlink to allow convenient access to district resources and as a password management tool for single sign-on (SSO). Students in elementary school can utilize their Classlink QR code to sign into their Chromebooks. 

  • All students enrolled in Trinity Area School District are provided with Chromebooks as tools to enhance learning and access the curriculum beyond the walls of the classroom.  If there is no internet access at home, please contact the Technology Department for available solutions. (Athomas@trinityhillers.net)

  • Trinity Area School District uses Google Apps for Education for all students, Grades K-12. Students receive their Google account information at the beginning of the year or upon enrollment.  

  • Naviance is a college and career readiness technology solution which helps ensure that all paths students take after high school lead to fulfilling and meaningful careers.

  • Trinity Area School District uses Securly to keep students safe on their school-issued Chromebooks.  Securly combines cloud-based filtering, AI algorithms, and human common sense to block the toxicity and inappropriateness of the internet from kids, while providing schools the tools they need to educate and safeguard. By keeping kids safe, we keep schools CIPA and COPPA compliant in order to receive federal funding.  To learn more about Securly’s Safety Solutions visit the Securly website.

  • Sora Overdrive host Trinity Area School District's online library.  Students can access the online library via Classlink or by clicking here

  • At the start of each school year, students enrolled in Trinity Area School District will be assigned a District owned device to access the curriculum. Families in the Trinity Area School District have the option to participate in an Optional Insurance Program for student assigned Chromebooks at a cost of $25 per student, per year. In order to participate in the program, payment must be received no later than October 10, 2024.

    About the Optional Insurance Program

    Optional insurance, which includes two accidental damage claims, is available for purchase from the District at a non-refundable cost of $25 per student. When enrolling, one form must be submitted for each student; insurance cannot be shared. Students with a free/reduced lunch designation (as verified via Direct Certification or  approved Free / Reduced Lunch Application) will have their insurance fee waived. Students with this designation will be enrolled automatically during the open enrollment period and do not need to submit a form.

    Open enrollment for insurance will begin September 3, 2024 and continue through September 20, 2024. Purchased insurance is valid from the point of purchase through the open enrollment period for the following school year. After the open enrollment period, insurance will only be available to new students entering the district. Please note that this coverage does not carry over from year to year if it goes unused.

    The insurance plan covers the student’s issued Chromebook and/or issued loaner device for the following items:

    1. Accidental damage (spills, drops, and breaks)
    2. Environmental damage from Natural Disasters, Fire, or Power Surges
    3. Theft – All theft claims must have a police report filed within 5 days of the theft
    4. Damaged Chromebook chargers

    Incidents of abuse or intentional damage are not covered by the optional insurance program and may result in the full repair cost being billed to the Parent/Guardian.

    Pricing guidelines for repairs and replacements is as follows.

    Equipment

    Cost of repair with no insurance*

    Cost of repair with insurance

    Charger / Power Cord

    $40.00

    1 insurance claim

    Keyboard Replacement

    $60.00

    1 insurance claim

    Screen Replacement

    $60.00

    1 insurance claim

    Full Chromebook Replacement

    $300.00

     2 insurance claims OR
     1 insurance claim $100

     

    * Prices given are examples only and are subject to change.

    For repairs not listed above, cost, and applicable insurance claims will be determined by the cost of replacement parts to the district at the time of repair. For any additional damage beyond the two claims, parent(s) / guardian(s) will be invoiced for the cost of repairs for any accidental damage. If insurance coverage is not purchased and the Chromebook is damaged, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be invoiced for the cost of repairs.

    Optional Insurance Enrollment Form

     

Mrs. Samantha Shinsky
Director of Technology & Innovation
Phone: 724-223-2000 ext. 7125
Email: sshinsky@trinityhillers.net
 
As the Director of Technology and Innovation at Trinity Area School District, Samantha Shinsky is a driving force behind the integration of information technologies and educational technologies, ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality, 21st Century education. Samantha, who joined the Trinity Area School District in the Fall of 2021, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

Samantha is a certified teacher, principal, and instructional technology specialist, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University. She also possesses a certificate in Project Management and a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, showcasing her commitment to excellence in educational leadership.

Her approach encompasses visionary planning, careful infrastructure development, budget management, and effective implementation. Samantha places a strong emphasis on educator professional development and support, ensuring that teachers can harness the full potential of technology to enhance student learning. Having transitioned from an educator to a technology leader, Samantha Shinsky brings a unique perspective to the field, always keeping the best interests of students at the forefront of her work.

 


 

Mrs. Alyssa Thomas
Assistant Director of Technology
Phone: 724-223-2000 ext. 7123
Email: athomas@trinityhillers.net
 
Mrs. Thomas has been an administrator in the Trinity Area School District since 2021 and an employee of the district since 2012. She earned an Associate's Degree in Network Administration from Penn Commercial. She served as a Computer Technician at Trinity High School before becoming the Assistant Director of Technology. Mrs. Thomas resides in Canonsburg with her husband and their pets.

Technology Secretary
Danyiel O'Brien

 

TASD Technicians
High School
Matthew Christy
Justin Naser

Middle School & Intermediate Schools
David Blosser
Stan Wiencek
Britney Galik

East & North Elementary Schools
Kim Hall

South & West Elementary School
Kyle Phillabaum