Teacher Reset Your Student Password Steps and Guidelines

Why Unique Passwords Matter

Strong, unique passwords are a basic but essential part of digital safety. They help protect personal information, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure that students are using their own accounts—especially during testing or when using district technology.

In Modesto City Schools, we've seen issues arise when entire classes are assigned the same password or when passwords are too simple (like dates of birth). This can lead to students logging in as one another, accessing private data, or misusing digital tools. To maintain a secure learning environment, each student must have their own unique, strong password.

Passwords for New MCS Students

New students are given the following password: DOB-mcs

Please note that students are prompted to change their password the first time they login to their device using the above password. Most new students may have already set a new password.

Passwords for Existing MCS Students

Existing students will continue using the password from last school year.

IMPORTANT: Student passwords are valid for one year, after which they must be reset. When resetting, students must choose a password that hasn’t been used in the last 10 password changes.

How Teachers Reset Student Passwords in MCS App Portal (ClassLink)

1. Open My Classes in ClassLink

2. Select the class

3. Click on the Students section, select the student and then click Manage Selected.

4. Click on the Password tab, enter a temporary password and click Reset.

Student will be prompted to enter a new password after login in with the temporary one.

⚠️ Password Best Practices & Reminders

Strong Password Recommendation:
Minimum 8 characters, including at least three of the following:

  • One uppercase letter

  • One lowercase letter

  • One number

  • One special character

🧒 TK–2: Best practice is to use ClassLink QuickCards instead of typed passwords

⏰🔒 Student passwords expire after one year and must be reset using a new password not used in the last 10 changes.

📢 If resetting a password for TK–K students, notify families through ParentSquare of new password.

This helps avoid confusion at home and reduces calls to the HelpDesk from parents who aren’t aware their child’s password was changed.

Classlink Quick Card Printouts

Recommended for TK-2

QuickCards are unique identifiers that allow users to log into ClassLink (MCS App Portal) without entering their username and password.

  1. Open Class QuickCards App: Access ClassLink and open the Class QuickCards app.

  2. Choose Class: Select the class you want to manage QuickCards for.

  3. Generate QuickCards: You can generate QuickCards for all students in the class or for individual students.

  4. Print: Click the "Print" button to print the selected QuickCards.