Software and Applications

Software: What's Available and How to Request It

This guide explains how software is managed on FVSD devices and how to request new applications.

How Software Works at FVSD

FVSD computers are managed centrally by IT. This means:

Requesting New Software

If you need software that isn't on your computer:

  1. Submit a ticket through the IT helpdesk or email helpdesk@fvsd.ab.ca
  2. Include the following:
  3. Name of the software (and a link to the product page if possible)
  4. What you need it for — a brief explanation of the use case
  5. Is it free or paid? — if it requires a license or purchase, note that in your request
  6. How many people need it? — just you, your department, or the whole school?
  7. IT will review the request to ensure the software is:
  8. Compatible with FVSD systems
  9. Safe and free of security concerns
  10. Properly licensed

What to Expect

Software Updates

Common Questions

Q: I found free software online — can IT just install it?

A: Possibly, but IT needs to review it first. Even free software needs to be checked for compatibility, security, and licensing terms. Submit a request and we'll let you know.

Q: I need software urgently for a class or project.

A: Mark your ticket as urgent and include the date you need it by. IT will prioritize where possible.

Q: Can I use a web-based tool instead?

A: Web-based tools don't require installation and are often a good alternative. If the tool handles student data or sensitive information, check with IT first to make sure it meets FVSD's privacy requirements.

Q: An application stopped working or keeps crashing.

A: Submit a ticket with the name of the application and what's happening. IT can often fix this by reinstalling or updating it remotely.

Contact IT

PowerSchool Basics

PowerSchool is the student information system used by FVSD for managing student records, attendance, grades, and reporting.

Accessing PowerSchool

  1. Go to your school's PowerSchool URL (ask your school office or IT if you don't have it)
  2. Sign in with your PowerSchool credentials

Note: Your PowerSchool login may be different from your FVSD email login. If you're unsure of your credentials, contact your school office.

Common Tasks

Taking Attendance

  1. Log in to PowerSchool
  2. Navigate to your class
  3. Mark students as present, absent, late, or excused
  4. Submit attendance

Attendance should be taken every period/block as required by your school.

Entering Grades

  1. Navigate to your class gradebook
  2. Click on the assignment or create a new one
  3. Enter scores for each student
  4. Save your changes

Viewing Student Information

Common Questions

Q: I can't log in to PowerSchool.

A: Double-check your PowerSchool credentials (they may be different from your FVSD email). If you've forgotten your password, contact your school office or IT to have it reset.

Q: I need access to PowerSchool but don't have an account.

A: Contact your school office or submit a ticket to IT. Access is based on your role and is set up by your school administrator.

Q: PowerSchool is slow or not loading.

A: Try a different browser, clear your browser cache, or restart your computer. If the issue persists, it may be a server-side problem — contact IT.

Q: I entered something incorrectly — can I fix it?

A: Most entries (grades, attendance) can be edited by going back to the record and updating it. If you're unable to make a correction, contact your school's PowerSchool administrator.

Contact IT