This newsletter emphasizes CTN's support for teachers and the tailored partnerships we create for each school's unique needs. We offer technology solutions, personalized professional development, and one-on-one support to foster educator growth. If you're interested in partnering with us, please complete the form to arrange a meeting.
Both guides include step-by-step instructions, video walkthroughs, and clickable resources to make implementation easy. Please share the Teacher Guide with all K-8 staff to ensure everyone has the information they need for a successful technology rollout.
Administrator Guide Highlights:
Google Admin Console setup and best practices for organizational units
VPP token renewal instructions for app management
Master device inventory protocols and tracking systems
Troubleshooting workflows and support contact procedures
Teacher Guide Highlights:
Google Classroom setup, archiving, and organization tips
Device inventory responsibilities and identification procedures
Level-Up Binder system for student login management
Device readiness checklists, cleaning protocols, and safety reminders
How to submit device issue reports
Freckle Remmix PD today at 4!
Discover how to supercharge your K-8 classroom by combining the adaptive power of Freckle Renaissance ELA & Math with the innovative AI capabilities of MagicSchool. In this fast-paced, hands-on session, educators will learn practical strategies to differentiate instruction, personalize learning pathways, and streamline lesson planning while maximizing student engagement and growth.
Have questions about Freckle/Lalilo? Reach out to the CTN Team at CTN@desalesmedia.org
New look inside our Discovery Education platform
Find everything you need for planning and instruction all in one place—organized by subjects, curriculum-aligned content, state standards, instructional strategies, and more! Now it is an even simpler place for you to see trending resources that other Discovery Education users are also using!
Bring Social Studies to Life with Discovery Education S.S. Essentials
CTN is excited to introduce the official Discovery Education S.S. Essentials. Teachers can use multimedia resources to introduce a topic, support inquiry, facilitate classroom discussion, or provide students with opportunities to research and share what they learn.
The platform is designed to fit into existing instruction rather than require a complete change in teaching routines. Explore the platform during early access beginning Monday, September 1, and join the official kick-off campaign on Thursday, October 1.
Why S.S. Essentials?
Discovery Education S.S. Essentials supports teachers and students by helping classrooms:
Build background knowledge through engaging content.
Connect social studies concepts to real-world issues and communities.
Encourage students to ask questions, investigate sources, and explain their thinking.
Strengthen speaking, listening, reading, writing, and presentation skills.
Offer flexible learning experiences for whole-group, small-group, and independent work.
Support curriculum goals while saving teachers valuable planning time.
Rethinking Screen Time: Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity
The Better Question: Instead of "How much screen time?" ask "What are students doing?" Are they consuming or creating? Clicking through drills or investigating, collaborating, and producing authentic work?
This article reinforces why platforms like Freckle, Lalilo, and Discovery Education are valuable investments:
Freckle provides differentiated, adaptive practice that meets students where they are—quality screen time focused on skill-building, not passive consumption
Lalilo offers personalized literacy instruction with built-in accessibility features and progress monitoring—exactly the kind of purposeful digital learning the article champions
Discovery Education engages students in multimedia exploration and creation for authentic audiences—the student-driven, project-based approach Nielsen advocates
The Google AI Educator Series is a free professional development opportunity for K–12 educators, offered in partnership with ISTE+ASCD and Google. Designed to fit busy educator schedules, this practical learning experience helps build confidence using AI tools, develop AI-ready skills in students, and apply learning aligned to ISTE Standards. Participants can choose live webinars, synchronous cohorts, or on-demand modules—and earn badges along the way.
Train-the-trainer webinars: One-hour Friday sessions for elementary, middle school, and high school educators on Sep 11, Sep 25, and Oct 9, 2026, respectively.
Synchronous training cohorts: Guided, three-session experiences with live support.
On-demand modules: Self-paced learning you can complete independently on your own schedule.
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