Cisco Spark

Spark is a product from Cisco that our district has recently purchased.  Spark functions as a messaging and online meeting tool.  It is already downloaded on your computer, all you have to do is install it! To get Spark:

  1. Log into Self Service
  2. Choose "Cisco" from the right-hand menu
  3. Install Spark
  4. Open Spark from your Launchpad
  5. Sign in with your fullnamelastname@smsd.org and password
  6. Begin Sparking!


When Spark was first released from SMSD, you would have received an email saying, "You are invited to Shawnee Mission's messaging app."  If that doesn't ring a bell, fear not!  Click here to set up your account.  Important things to note about your Spark account:

  • Use your fullnamelastname@smsd.org (haydenferguson@smsd.org), NOT your ih (ihhuggin) credentials
  • If you need to reset your password, go to this site 
    • Put your email address in and choose "Next"
    • click "Can't access your account?" and you will receive an email


Spark is a great way for quick communication and is much less disruptive than phone calls (thought not as obvious).  You can collaborate with anyone in the district, so it's also a great tool to use for PLC-ing across the district. For example, I have a Space within Spark that has all five middle school librarians.  We use the Space constantly for quick tech questions and troubleshooting ideas. 

Click here for a more in-depth look into Spark's capabilities.

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