Student Password

24/7 Help Desk
Family Technology Access Support
ftaccess@lwsd.org
425.936.1322 Lake Washington School District is changing the Microsoft account Username for all LWSD students in the 2024-25 school year. Moving from the “s-first initial last name” to each student’s unique 7-digit Student Number that is well known and used for several other systems, like library check out, lunch purchases and Skyward-Qmlativ. In addition to providing an established and unique identifier for their account username that eliminates duplicates, this change will improve data security and ease of management of student access to digital curriculum resources. The new usernames will be active beginning Monday, August 5. The student Microsoft username is the 7-digit student number and students will log onto district laptops using this new username. Email addresses will change to (7digitstudentnumber@lwsd.org) as the primary address, and messages sent to the previous “s-“ address will be delivered to the new 7-digit email address. Students will retain their first and last names as identifiers on the account as well so they can be searched and looked up by name on common applications like Teams and Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did the Lake Washington School District shift to using student IDs for email addresses?
A1: The shift was implemented to standardize student usernames across all systems, including Skyward and Microsoft, to ease access. The student ID is a unique identifier generated by the district, not used for external purposes. Our legal team confirmed that this identifier is considered directory information rather than protected student data, ensuring compliance with FERPA requirements.

Q2: What were the issues with the previous naming convention for student emails?
A2: The previous convention included initials and last names, leading to many instances of duplicate usernames. This required additional characters and numbers to be added, complicating account management and access for both students and IT staff. The new unique identifier resolves these issues, simplifying the process and ensuring consistency.

Q3: How does the use of student IDs as email addresses affect security, especially regarding financial transactions like lunch payments?
A3: We have safeguards in place, such as photo verification at the point of sale, to ensure the student matches the number entered or card displayed. This will be emphasized during training for our nutrition services team. In library access, the student ID is a username requiring a password for account access. We maintain stringent password conventions to balance security and access.

Q4: Did the district receive any financial incentives for this change?
A4: No, the district did not expect or realize any financial incentive from this change. It was solely implemented to support more equitable and sustainable student access to district-provided systems.

Q5: How does the district protect student data privacy with this new system?
A5: We take student data privacy very seriously and maintain strict contractual agreements with software providers and vendors. We do not share any data with external providers unless absolutely necessary and with a Student Data Privacy Agreement in place. We are also active members of the Student Data Privacy Consortium, partnering with other districts to secure additional safeguards for student data.

Q6: Are employee email addresses also updated to use employee IDs?
A6: No, employee email addresses are not being updated to use employee IDs. The decision to use student IDs as email addresses was made after careful consideration and consultation to ensure compliance with FERPA and to streamline student access to district systems.

Q7: Who decided to implement this change, and where can feedback be sent?
A7: The decision was made by the Technology Services team and district leaders after thorough planning and consultation, which included reaching out to several other districts who are using the same or similar naming conventions for student users. For further information we've created this FAQ to help answer some of the common questions about this change. For feedback, please use this online form to share any thoughts or questions you would like to share with Technology Services.

Q8: Are student usernames or IDs protected information under FERPA?
A8: According to our legal team, the student ID being used for the student username is considered directory information and not protected student data. This change maintains compliance with FERPA requirements while standardizing and simplifying student access to district systems.

Q9: How does this change impact students who change their names during their academic careers?
A9: This change ensures a consistent username throughout a student’s time in our system, even if the display name is changed. This avoids the additional complexities in account management that previously occurred when students changed their names, effectively also making name changes an easier process for the student and family.

Q10: What measures are in place to prevent misuse of student IDs for financial transactions especially lunch accounts?
A10: At the point of sale for lunch when students either type in or scan their ID, photo verification is used to ensure the student matches the number entered or card displayed. This will be re-emphasized in the training with our nutrition services staff leading into this school year. In other places that were already using this ID number, such as the library system, visual identification is also used as are passwords for any account access. The ID used for usernames is not used for financial transactions beyond lunch ID. We will continue to monitor for any fraudulent use of lunch balance in this way. This measure, along with stringent password conventions and limited security access based on user need, helps prevent misuse of student IDs for fraudulent purposes.

Password management and self-service password reset registration

• We recommend all secondary students (including incoming 6th graders) sign up now for Self-Service Password Reset options if possible. Secondary student passwords will expire every 90 days based on the district security cycle. Families can help student(s) start the registration process to manage their district password here.
• Students entering grades 6-12 in the 2024-25 school year will not have their district passwords reset in August. Passwords will continue to expire every 90 days based on the district security cycle. Ask students to be ready for the start of school by memorizing their password and signing up for the self-service reset option mentioned above.
• Students entering grades K-5 will have student email (Microsoft 365) passwords reset on August 23. Passwords will be available when school begins. For students needing access to this account before school starts, parents are asked to contact Family Tech Access by phone at 425-936-1322. Otherwise, classroom teachers will assist students with username and password setup at start of school.

Password guidelines

An acceptable LWSD password must:

1. Include at least 10 characters.
2. Include at least one character from three or more of the following categories:
   1. Uppercase letter (A-Z)
   2. Lowercase letter (a-z)
   3. Number (0-9)
   4. Special character (symbols or space)
3. NOT contain any part of your own first or last name, login ID or email address.
4. NOT be a previously used password.

Use a passphrase to help remember your password. Example: You're a Wizard Harry! is a 22-character password with five special characters.