The network password policy has changed over the last few years and has settled into something that is both secure and easy to use.  Also, in the past the password policy use to differ for both students and staff.  However, this has changed and this policy applies for all students and staff in the district.  First, let start out with the password policy in District 87.

• Minimum of 8 characters

• Password must contain 3 of the following 4 and must be 8 characters or more.

  • Upper-case letters (A, B, C, .... Z)

  • Lower-case letters (a, b, c, ...... z)

  • Numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, ..... 9)

  • Special characters and symbols such as: ~!@#$%^&*()_+.,"':;

• The system remembers 20 of your passwords.  So anytime you change it you must use a new one.

• Your will be locked from using your account for 10 minutes if you enter your password incorrectly 10 times.  There are some staff in the building that can reset this, or you can wait 10 minutes (see below for tools we offer to reset passwords and enable locked out kids).

This might seem like a lot, but doing this will keep your password from being guessed (that is unless you put a post-it note on your monitor).  This creates another issue, how to remember your password.  There are a few ways to create easy passwords that are both complex and easy to remember.

• Take two words and combine them with a symbol.  Ex: Six.Flags

• Take a phrase: We love teaching kids all Day long.  Add a symbol to it and you get: Wltkadl?

• If you reset your password it might be a good idea to perhaps use a numeric key in your password so you can just change a few characters yet change your password.  Ex: Ex543Tsi changes to Ex210Tsi

It is important never to share your password with anyone no matter what.  If you must share your password, immediately reset it after the person is done using it.  If you forget your password you can put in a helpdesk ticket (if you can get on a computer) or call down to technology for assistance.  We cannot tell you your password, but we can change it for you.

Changing your password

You have two options here.  If you are using a Windows PC you can simply hit Control+Alt+Delete and choose change password.  (Note:  If you are using a Termserv connection you can simply click on the Start Menu and Choose Windows Security.  If it is not there click on the Control Panel and look for it there).  If you are using a Macintosh your only option is to use the form available here.

Password Tools

We currently offer 2 sets of tools.  Both tools require the permission of the building Administration to use.  The first tool is available here.  This is the general tool that allows a staff member to reset a student password.  This will assign a random password to the student's account in which they can change once they login.  The second tool needs to be installed on a workstation and is only an option for those who run labs (typically the media specialist).  This allows for more control of what can be reset and is available for those who need to take part in the process more often.