As we approach AP/IB testing, the Information Technology Department needs your support to ensure all student devices are ready.

 

The Bluebook software comes with a warning: “Avoid Test Day Delays, Bluebook auto-updates when students open it,  too many simultaneous updates by students could overwhelm your network and delay testing. Ask students to open Bluebook on their own before test day or any group readiness activities. They don’t need to sign in. “   

 

Last year SM experiences delays as Students did not have the updated version and some rooms experienced delays.

 

To minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth testing experience, please assist us by completing the following steps with your students during class time—either at the beginning or end of each period leading up to AP/IB testing, we want to assure current version.

 

The process helps the student device check for the latest software updates and changes as it reconnects to the server with each start up.

 

Action Steps for Classrooms:

 

1. IMPORTANT STEP:  Restart Student Devices
   Have all students restart their school-issued laptops. Confirm that each device powers down and reboots properly.  You can do this daily as it will not hurt anything for the devices to restart and it help with any underlying issues.

1. Verify Desktop and Software
   After restarting, please check that: 
   • The “Compassion” desktop background appears

 

1. • Have Students verify the Bluebook application Icon installed and visible on their desktop

 

❗ If either the background or Bluebook software is missing:

• Ask the student to restart the device again, as it might take several restarts to get the software installed.
• If the issue persists, direct the student to the Tech Center for assistance

 

1. Verify Bluebook software is installed and working with the current version: (.0.9.430 or Greater)

 

Ask the student in your class to open Bluebook using the Icon on their desktop.

Most students will see the Sign In page without issues.

 

1. Background IT Monitoring
   Our IT staff will be monitoring devices remotely to verify software compliance. If issues are found, we may reach out to students via Microsoft Teams and ask them to report to the Tech Center.

 

1. Fully Charged Devices on Test Day
   Please remind students to fully charge their laptops the night before testing and to bring only their school-issued devices on campus. Personal devices (e.g., iMacs, iPads, Smartphones) are not permitted in classrooms.

 

• AP Exams: Testing devices must hold a charge for at least 4 hours.

 

Your continued partnership makes a significant difference. By helping us ensure that devices are prepared ahead of time, you’re playing a vital role in a successful testing day for all students.