EAGLES NEST
February 5, 2021
Dear Centennial Families,
Beginning February 8, 2021, Howard County schools will begin participating in the use of Lightspeed, a platform and instructional support tool that helps teachers keep students on track and safe as they navigate online learning. Teachers at Centennial will have the option to use the tool as they complete the required training in its use.
Lightspeed enables teachers to link students’ HCPSS or personal Chromebooks and HCPSS Dell laptops into a single virtual classroom for synchronous lessons, giving teachers the ability to monitor students’ screens and share resources.
Lightspeed allows teachers to:
Assist students with using the technology
Monitor live independent work
Lock screen to transition between live whole group activities and live independent work
Close browser tabs and automatically navigate to websites
Teachers will only have access to Lightspeed during regularly scheduled class time.
Teachers do not have the ability to control computer screens, including clicking buttons and changing settings. However, teachers can direct and lock a student’s computer to specific websites. If the website turns on the student’s camera and/or microphone, the teacher would be able to observe the video and audio the web camera picks up. For example, if a student was on a site viewing their own image via the web camera the teacher would be able to see that content.
Additionally, to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, HCPSS uses Lightspeed to filter inappropriate content and monitor general usage of the Chromebooks, during and beyond the school day.
There will be no opt-out option for Lightspeed. HCPSS-issued devices and accounts are governed primarily by HCPSS Board policies: 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools and Social Media, 3040 Technology Security, and 3060 Student Data Governance and Privacy.
We’re looking forward to offering this additional platform for our teachers at their option to better provide support for our students. Thank you as always for being our educational partner during this unprecedented time of virtual learning.
If you have any questions, you can contact your students Assistant Principal for support: Mr. Cameron Rahnama (A-G), Dr. Tracy Scaltz (H-N) and Mrs. Sandra Suber (O-Z).
Sincerely,
Cindy Dillon
EAGLE NEWS
Textbook/Materials Return
It’s time for students to return their materials! Drop-off at CHS will be held from January 19th through February 5th between the hours of 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Procedures:
Drop off will be contactless.
Complete a Material Collection Form.
Place all items in a bag together with the form.
Follow routine traffic patterns to enter the parking lot.
Drop your books into the gray collection bins in front of the building.
If you are unable to come to the building during the drop-off window please send an email to Marie_Dow@hcpss.org. We will do our best to accommodate your scheduling needs.
Semester 2 Textbook/Materials Distribution - Read more
Back to School Night Part II - Read more
Student Parking Permits - Read more
Pyoneers January 2021 Newsletter - Read more
CHS Film Festival - Read more
Leadership U Class of 2021 - Read more
AP Comp Sci Female Diversity Award - Read more
Auditions for Student Speakers for Senior Events - Read more
AP Exams - Read more
Senior Parents –Time to Order Cap & Gown! - Read more
CHS Yearbook News - Read more
Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Program Expansion - Read more
Technology Questions, Concerns and Issues
Parents and/or students, if you are experiencing technology issues or have questions: Read more
Log in Now to Identify Need for Chromebook and/or Internet
UPCOMING EVENTS
See what’s happening at CHS! (and add our Google Calendar to your phone!)
CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL:
Got great news about our students, staff, or community? Send it our way and we’ll shout it out!
Yamaha Unveils Inaugural 40 Under 40 List of Top Music Educators
Congratulations to David Matchim. He has been recognized as part of the Yamaha 40 Under 40 in music education list for 2021. He was selected from more than 450 educators nominated from across the country for the positive impact he has on his students, school, district and wider musical community.
PTSA/Boosters
See what’s happening with CHS PTSA or CHS Boosters by clicking the names or by visiting our website.
Please visit the Community News and Programs page on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations (http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/).