Parent Portal Access

Access your student's grades, attendance, assignments and more.
Click on the link below to register:
https://mpusd.illuminatehc.com/register

Already registered? Access your student's grades, attendance, and more here: Login to Parent Portal

Login

1. How does one get a Illuminate Parent Portal username and password?
A letter with registration information will be distributed to parents by the end of the school year. If you do not receive one, contact your school Office. Schedules for Parent Portal Training and Drop In times can be found at Parent Kiosk / Training Events on the side box.

2. Do I need a separate login for each of my children?
No, each parent / guardian receives one unique login for all students at MPUSD. To register for your login, go to https://illuminatehc.com/mpusd/register enter the Registration Number you received and follow the simple steps.

3. Are Illuminate usernames and passwords case sensitive?
No. You may use upper or lower case letters.

4. I’m locked out of the Parent Portal. Can someone reset my account?
If you try to sign in three times incorrectly, you will be locked out of the Illuminate Parent Portal and will have to contact your child's school office during school hours to have your account unlocked.

5. I try to log on to the site, but I keep getting an error message "login has expired" or "cannot access site". What is wrong?
All browsers are not created equal, and some refuse to give up what they have in their cache. In Internet Explorer, make sure pages are set to update "always" (under Tools-->Internet Options). If that doesn't work, empty your cache. It is best to update your browser.

6. When I go to the log on page, the password fills in with dots all the way across. Why?
What is happening is that the computer is remembering the password but not giving clues to how long it is. Apparently, someone clicked "yes" to remember password and Illuminate Parent Portal does not like it. So now you will need to clear the password. Follow the steps below to clear the password:
Open Internet Explorer or other Browser
Click on Tools-->Internet Options
Under Browsing history, click on Delete
Select Passwords and Form data and delete both.

Access

1. When can I access the Illuminate Parent Portal?
The Illuminate Parent Portal will be available to registered parent(s)/guardian(s) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2. Is this system secure?
Yes, the system requires an individual username and password for each child. In addition, the Illuminate Parent Portal has SSL encryption. The username and password must be kept confidential by parents.

3. Who may access the Illuminate Parent Portal?
Parent(s)/guardian(s) who have a username and password may access the Illuminate Parent Portal. Only one Registration Number will be issued per parent / guardian regardless of how many students are in the family. They will be able to see all students from one login.

4. Can I access the Illuminate Parent Portal from anywhere?
Yes, you can access the Illuminate Parent Portal from any computer with Internet access.

5. I have multiple children in the district. Can I have access to all their accounts under just one username and password?
Yes, each parent / guardian will have ONLY one username and password for all children in their family.

6. My husband/wife and I are separated/divorced; can we get another parent username and password for our child’s account?
Yes. The Illuminate program allows up to two parent accounts per child. Therefore, both parents will have the option of a unique Registration Code assigned by the district. They can then set up separate and unique usernames and passwords

7. Do I need a new username and password each year if my child is returning?
No, all login information will remain active as long as your child is a student in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

8. What if I do not have a computer at home or do not have access to the Internet?
Each school will have a Parent Portal Internet Kiosk open with help-desk support one hour / day. Times and Locations are printed on the Help Desk Link. The Public Library also has computers that you can use to access the Illuminate Parent Portal.

9. What kind of computer equipment do I need to view Illuminate Parent Portal?
Almost any computer with an Internet connection can access Illuminate Parent Portal. It is recommended that you use a newer Internet browser but any browser should work.


General

1. What is Illuminate?
Illuminate is the student information system that Monterey Peninsula Unified School District uses to manage information such as grades, attendance, demographics, courses, etc. Since Illuminate is web-based, some of this information can easily, but safely be shared with parents and students.

2. What is the Illuminate Parent Portal?
The Illuminate Parent Portal is a feature of the Illuminate Student Information System that provides parents/guardians immediate access to grades, assignments and attendance records in an effort to facilitate and improve communication between home and school.

3. Do I have to use the Illuminate Parent Portal?
No, you do not have to use it at all. The Illuminate Parent Portal is designed to give parents access to information that may be important to them in an easy to access, consolidated format.

4. Is there a cost associated with the Illuminate Parent Portal?
No. The Illuminate Parent Portal is a free service to Monterey Peninsula Unified School District parents.

5. How do I get more help?
Aside from the resources found on the Monterey Peninsula Unfied School District website, you should contact the school office with questions regarding the Illuminate Parent Portal. There will be a site-based parent portal assistant available at the school each day located at the site “Parent Kiosk”. Times are listed on the Side Box.

6. What can I see on Illuminate Parent Portal site?
Parents can access the following information: grades for current classes, attendance for the past two weeks or the whole term, teachers comments, announcements, calendar.

7. Whom should I contact if I have a question?
Grades for class assignments during the current semester: Talk with your child first. If you still have questions, you may call your child’s teacher or email him/her. General attendance questions should be directed to your school office. If you wish to disable your access to Illuminate Parent Portal, contact the school office or parent portal assistant and they can disable your account.

8. Can other people see my son’s/daughter’s grades?

No. As long as you protect your username and password, others will not be able to see your child's information.

9. What do I do if I forgot my login information or I feel my account has been compromised?
As long as you registered with an email, you can request a new password on the front page of Illuminate. If you continue to have difficulties, contact your child's school office as soon as possible to make arrangements to pick up the new login information at the school office. Please bring a photo identification at this time. This protocol is established for the safety/security of the student records.

10. Can I change my password?
Yes. You may change your password directly on the Parent Portal. Please record it and keep it somewhere safe so you have it when you need it (wallet, purse, day planner).

11. Can I print what I see?
Yes, use the print icon at the bottom of most pages.

12. Do I need to logout of Illuminate Parent Portal?
Yes, when you are finished, please logout or shutdown your computer. This way no one will be able to access your child's private information.

Expectations

1. 1. Do all teachers post grade and attendance information to the Illuminate Parent Portal server?
a. Elementary – In Elementary School, teachers will be posting announcements and taking daily attendance. You can also access your student’s profile which includes testing, demographic and attendance information. Teachers may post grades but this is not an expectation.

b. Secondary - Grades will be posted by the teacher at the minimum, every two weeks. Remember, the teacher's grade book is a "snapshot in time" and not necessarily an accurate reflection of the student's overall progress or performance. Similarly, the student's grade average may change depending on the weight or value of graded work. All teachers will are expected to post individual assignments with due dates and descriptions and keep them up to date within 14 days of the assignment date. Please contact the teacher for the class schedule for assignments. Teachers will also be posting announcements and taking daily attendance. You can also access your student’s profile which includes testing, demographic, transcript and attendance information.

2. How often can we expect grades to be updated for Middle and High Schools?
Teachers need time to grade projects, assignments and tests. Each day teachers are expected to have new material and lesson plans ready for class. Many teachers are also involved in extra-curricular activities that take time to plan and attend. With that in mind, teachers do need time to get the assignments graded. We have asked our teachers to input assignment scores within 2 weeks after the due date of an assignment. Please be patient because there are many factors that determine how soon a teacher can assess and return assignments. Essays and research papers take longer to grade than a quiz.

3. I know that teachers sometimes weight different categories of grades. How does this affect how a grade is calculated?
Each teacher has his or her own grading system. Some teachers calculate grades by total points while others weight the grades according to assignment categories (homework, quizzes, tests, etc.). Our teachers inform all of their students at the beginning of the course what their expectations and grading policy will be. To understand a specific grade calculation, please contact the teacher. The grade scale is located at the end of this document. You can view the District Grading and Communication Policies at the end of this document.

4. How often can we expect attendance to be updated?
Attendance is updated daily. Unexcused absences will be updated (changed to "excused") depending on the number of absences, promptness of the parent excuse note and/or day of the week. If your child is absent, please call the school office or turn in an excuse note as soon as possible. After three attempts to contact the child’s home or parent, the school will mark the student Unexcused.

5. Why are the grades changing dramatically in the beginning of a term?
In the beginning of each term, you may see blanks or wild shifts in the class average of your child. When there are only one or two assignments in the gradebook, a low or high score can make a dramatic change in the overall grade average. The gradebook instantly recalculates the overall grade as every assignment grade is entered.

Problems

1. What do I do if I am unable to connect to the Illuminate Parent Portal?
First, check to ensure that your Internet service is working properly.
Next, validate that you are using the correct id, password and URL https://illuminatehc.com/mpusd/
If you are still unable to connect, contact your child's school office during school hours or go to the Parent Portal Kiosk located at your school for additional help.



MONTEREY PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Administrative Regulation 5121: Grades for Achievement

Elementary

Kindergarten through fifth grade progress toward mastery of standards will be reported on a standards-based progress report using the District-established grading scale.

Proficiency level Scale Elementary

Advanced Mastery of Grade level - 5

Proficient Mastery of Grade level - 4

Basic Mastery of Grade level - 3

Below Basic Mastery of Grade level - 2

Far Below Basic Mastery of Grade level - 1


(Note: Advanced and Proficient indicate that standards for the grade level have been met.)

Secondary

Grades are based upon the mastery of grade and/or course standards in middle and high school and progress towards meeting standards as measured by the statewide assessment reporting scale. Grades shall be reported for every student during each marking period using the District's established grading scale.

Proficiency level Scale Secondary

Advanced Mastery of Grade level - 5 (90-100%) A (4.0 grade points)

Proficient Mastery of Grade level - 4 (80-89 %) B (3.0grade points)

Basic Mastery of Grade level - 3 (65-79%) C (2.0 grade points)

Below Basic Mastery of Grade level - 2 (45-64 %) D (1.0 grade points)

Far Below Basic Mastery of Grade level- 1 (44%) F (0 grade points)

Incomplete (22%) (0 grade points)

An Incomplete is given for a semester grade only when a student's work is not finished because of extenuating circumstances that have been approved by the site administrator or designee. At the end of second semester, incomplete grades may only be given with prior administrative approval to ensure that a plan and timeline for completion of the course work is in place. The Incomplete shall become an "F" if the specific plan to complete work is not made up within three weeks after winter break for the first semester or in accordance with the approved timeline for second semester.

Categories for Secondary Achievement, Work Habits Grades

1. Achievement Grades will map to Final A-F Grades, GPA, Credits and Graduation Requirements.

2. Work Habit Grades will map to Report Card based on 1-5 scale

Academic Achievement (A-F Grade): Academic grades reflect what the student knows and is able to do based on the grade level/course specific standards. Academic grades include a minimum of three of the following assessments of achievement: Tests, Quizzes, Portfolio, Reports/Projects, Notebooks and Journals, Performance/ Presentations, Essays (research/writing), Labs, Teacher Observation (formative), Alternative assessments/assignments. Homework for the academic / achievement grade will not exceed 15% of the total grade. The Academic Achievement Grade counts towards a student’s cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) and credits towards graduation. Final Tests / Assessments may not exceed 15% of total grade.


Work Habits (5, Advanced, 4- Proficient, 3-Basic, 2- Below Basic, 1- Far Below Basic): Work habits are the habits that further Academic Achievement. They include: organizational skills such as the preparation of materials and assignments for the class; the use of planner or other tools for organization; timely work completion -homework for work habits; goal setting and reflection on goals; participation – class and group activities; cooperative group work – can work constructively in a group; effort - daily work/practice; student reflection/self assessment; extension/accelerated activities. Work habits may affect eligibility.

Citizenship / Behavior (E)Exceptional, (G) Good, (S) Satisfactory,

(NI) Needs Improvement, (U) Unacceptable: Citizenship reflects “Respect for yourself, others, property and materials”. This includes: group work, attendance/tardies and other traits of citizenship. Academic dishonesty is not tolerated. Academic dishonesty will not be reflected in the academic achievement grade. Students will be required to show mastery of the content by either redoing the assignment or an equivalent. Disciplinary consequences should be applied in consultation with the site administration or designee. Citizenship also includes: Interactions with peers and adults; behavior that interferes with the teachers’ ability to teach or other students’ ability to learn and vandalism. Citizenship may affect eligibility.