Subject: Update on PowerSchool Security Incident
Date: January 9, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We want to provide an update on the PowerSchool security incident affecting school systems nationwide. The investigation, in collaboration with PowerSchool, is ongoing, and while we are working to determine the full impact, here’s what we know so far:
· Access Restored: PowerSchool access for users outside the state network (STAGEnet) was restored today, January 9, at 5 PM CST with heightened security protocols in place.
· Investigation Ongoing: We are working to confirm the exact scope of the incident, including the specific data fields affected and the total number of impacted student and staff records.
Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend changing your PowerSchool password to ensure your account’s security. We will share additional updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
If you have questions or concerns, or for more information on good password hygiene the PowerSchool-provided FAQs (https://www.edutech.nd.gov/services/powerschool).
Sincerely,
Robyn Eberle
Principal
Subject: Important Update: PowerSchool Vendor Data Breach
Date: January 8, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
A nationwide breach involving PowerSchool’s support portal has impacted some student and teacher data.
Out of an abundance of caution, access to PowerSchool has been temporarily locked down as of 12:00 PM for any user who is not connected to the state network, StageNet This means that access from outside the school network will be unavailable after this time. North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) is working with PowerSchool and districts to evaluate the scope of the incident.
We also recommend changing your PowerSchool password as a precaution.
We want to provide you with the details of this incident and what steps are being taken to ensure the security of your information.
What Happened:
· On December 28, 2024, PowerSchool discovered unauthorized access to certain data in one of their customer support portals (PowerSource).
· PowerSchool identified that only specific users whose information was marked in certain system configurations may have been affected.
What’s Being Done:
· PowerSchool has activated its cybersecurity response protocols and brought in third-party cybersecurity experts.
· Access to the affected portal has been secured.
· PowerSchool has confirmed there is no evidence of malware or ongoing unauthorized activity.
Next Steps for Parents:
· Change your PowerSchool password as a precaution. Create a strong password that you do not use for other accounts.
· Monitor communications from your school for updates as additional information becomes available.
· The next update on this incident will be sent out on January 17 by noon.
Key Points to Know:
· PowerSchool continues to investigate and will provide updates if any new findings emerge.
· NDIT is collaborating with PowerSchool and districts to assess the scope of the incident and provide assistance.
We understand that cybersecurity concerns can be unsettling, but rest assured, every effort is being made to safeguard your information. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your district directly or consult the PowerSchool-provided FAQs (https://help.powerschool.com/t5/Support/ct-p/Contact-Support)
Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we address this situation.
No school today at Leeds Public School. We will use our built in storm day so no virtual learning. There will be a different schedule for HS final tests tomorrow and the GBB game for tonight is postponed to a later date to be determined.
Leeds School and buses will be 2 hours late tomorrow.
Leeds School spreading holiday spirit with Christmas dress up days.
The 2024-2025 Benson County Wildcats. Best of luck on your upcoming season.
GoCatsGo Store has been REOPENED!!! See the News Section to get the link to purchase your gear for the upcoming season. What a great holiday gift!! Go Wildcats!
First period today (foundations of ag) was processing venison today to make jerky. Two flavors we are trying out for the jerky this year are teriyaki and backyard BBQ on the smoker
Balsa wood towers testing.
Our winner Olivia Follman held 148.5 lbs. second place was Kaiden Jackson holding 109 lbs.
Come out and enjoy our elementary music program. It's a night filled with music and fun.
Turkey bingo will be rescheduled for Friday November 22nd at 7:30 pm. Please stay safe and warm during this storm.
Update- Today will be a virtual learning day at Leeds School. No travel advised for our area. Be safe everyone!
Leeds School and buses will run two hours late tomorrow, November 20th. School will start at 10:20
Join us Thursday night showcasing our band students!
The elementary boys' basketball will be playing in New Rockford at 5 pm. The game will be played at the Brown Memorial building in New Rockford
Weather forecasters have been speaking of the potential of our first winter weather event of the season. We will use our school app, Facebook page, website, phone call and text to notify families of any school day changes. If school is called completely off for the day, we will use virtual instruction expectations in order to "have school" that day. Clink on the link below to view these expectations. Thank you.
https://5il.co/319bi
Reminder, Wednesday, November 6th, is a scheduled early out. Students will be dismissed at 1:40 PM for teacher professional development.
A couple of reminders as the weather is turning colder:
Please ensure students are dressed appropriately. Elementary students should be wearing jackets, hats, gloves, and boots when muddy. Students go outside for recesses every day (pending weather), so please make sure they are coming to school ready for the colder weather. Many students were complaining about being cold at recess today. Additionally, when the snow season starts, student are required to have heavy jackets, snow pants, boots, hats, and gloves so please start planning ahead for the winter season.
Reminder, the school doors do not open until 8:00 AM. Please make sure students are arriving after 8:00 to ensure the doors are unlocked for them.
Report Cards are coming home with your students today. Please call the office, if you do not receive them. Thanks you.
Ag students have been recently learning about plumbing. Students worked on cutting, sanding, adding flux and solder to copper tubes. We also worked on cutting PVC using pvc hand cutters and adding pvc glue and primer to join pieces together.
