If you haven't had a chance to review the Easy Start Guide for teachers, please use the links in the left column to download a copy for your version of School Loop. You'll find these help pages for teacher websites much easier to follow if you've been through the guide.

For those who require only a single page for their website (e.g. teachers with only one course), start with this page and continue on to the Publishing page. Secondary teachers with School Loop Standard accounts or those who need to separate pages for each subject will want to work their way through all the pages of this section. School Loop Plus teachers already have separate course sites for each subject taught.

The default website for teacher accounts on School Loop Standard starts you off with a single page waiting for you to flesh it out a bit before publishing. The default page contains a number of elements. Any element you do not wish to keep may be removed by clicking the trash can icon for that element. If you delete an element and later change your mind, there's no need to worry. It's a snap to add more elements. Just click the the green + sign anywhere on the site that you want to add an element.

Page Title

Click the Properties button next to the page title to change the name of the page. You'll also have the option to enter a URL name to make it easier for visitors to find your site. Enter "kjones" if you want the URL name to be yourschool.schoolloop.com/kjones.

Note: URL names must be unique within a school site, so avoid using a name that others may be using.

If you'd like to change the layout, you may do so. We recommend, however, that you initially stick with the template at the top left with navigation on the left and 3 columns of content.

Resource Locker

To edit the name of the locker, click the pencil icon.

Use the Add Resources button on the locker element to add files, links or folders to your locker. If you wish to organize your locker resources into folders, carefully plan your structure before you start uploading files. Currently there is no easy way to move locker resources between folders.

If your resources are already organized on your hard drive, there is an option to upload a zipped folder of those resources. Our system will unzip the files exactly as they were on your computer.

Notes

This element allows you to post classroom notes for your students. Think of it as a classroom blog. The 10 most recent notes will appear on the page with the newest on top. A View All Notes link will appear on the bottom of the list if there are more than 10 notes. All notes remain on your site until you delete them.

Calendar

The calendar will display all the events you publish to your personal website, including assignments posted for your students. Click the pencil icon if you'd rather have a monthly calendar or any one of the 5 calendar options. The title is also editable. Use the Add Events menu on the calendar to publish either a general event (e.g. a class field trip) or an assignment. Parents and students can subscribe to your calendar by clicking the RSS feed icon. The RSS feed icon is only available when using the small month or small month with day formats.

Current Assignments

Any work currently assigned but not yet due will appear in this list. It is a convenient way for students to make sure they're on top of things. Parents and students can keep up to date on current assignments by clicking the RSS feed icon on the Current Assignment element.

News

Publish important news for your class. Click the Add News button on the element and fill out the simple form. The newest items appear on the top of the list and expired news drops off automatically. Clicking the pencil icon allows you to choose how many news items will appear on the page and the format of the news ("Short" lists the headline only. "Long" displays the headline and up to the first few lines of text).

So, you've deleted some elements from your default teacher page and added content to others. Perhaps you also posted some assignments, news, and notes. Are you ready to publish your site? Well, that's up to you. If you'd like to embellish the site in any way before opening it up to the public, then continue reading the other pages of this section. When you are ready, just click the Publish button near the top of the page.

To change or view your Site Settings, click the Change button to the right of the Site Status option just above your name.  In Settings you can change your site's Status  as well as the access and display of your site.

If your school has included you in a directory on the school site, your name becomes a link to your site as soon as you publish.