Last Updated: August 2026
Intended Audience: D&IT, HS CAT, Ponder team who are responsible for Start Of Year (SOY) Ponder Paper prep.
Context: This article outlines the Start of Year (SOY) setup process for Ponder Paper, including responsibilities for IT, Ponder, HS CAT, and returning schools.
Important note:
The setup tasks should be completed in the order below, as several steps depend on the completion of earlier tasks.
SOY Timeline at a Glance
End of August (~8/29) → IT finalizes Course Maps → Ponder sets up curricula.
Early September (~9/1) → IT completes HS School Setup after curricula and course-section prerequisites are ready.
After ~9/2 → HS CAT begins adding exams after HS School Setup is complete.
At least 8 weeks before first exam → Returning schools complete scanner, hardware, supplies, Print Tool, and copier checks.
At least 1 week before first exam → IT & HS CAT provide training/refreshers for returning schools.
Part 1: Course Maps & Curricula Setup
IT: Finalize Course Maps
Due: End of August (around 8/29)
IT should notify Ponder once the K–8 and HS Course Map files are final.
See Gitlab links (K8 and HS) for where they are stored and updated.
Ponder: Set Up Curricula
Due: End of August (around 8/29)
Once IT confirms that the Course Maps are final, Ponder can begin setting up the corresponding curricula in Ponder Paper. Turn around time is 2 business days.
Part 2. HS School Setup
Owner: IT
Due: Early September (around 9/1)
IT can begin HS School Setup in Ponder Paper after:
- Ponder has completed curriculum setup in Part 1 above.
- Course sections have been assigned a teacher.
- Each school has at least one student assigned to a course section.
School Setup Process
See guidance here: Set up each school by linking course sections from PowerSchool to the curricula available in Ponder Paper.
Part 3. Begin Adding HS Exams
Owner: HS CAT
Due: Early September (after 9/2)
HS CAT can begin inputting exams into Ponder Paper after IT completes HS School Setup (part 2 above).
Recommended: See the related article Start of Year Checks for Returning Schools
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