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Getting Ready for 2026-2027: Supporting Responsible Use of Technology

August 17th, 2026

As part of the Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) commitment to preparing students for a modern world, middle and high school students are assigned HCPSS Chromebooks to support their learning. When used intentionally, these devices are powerful tools that open doors to creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. However, navigating the digital world requires teamwork between school and home.

The information below details how HCPSS plans to use these tools meaningfully, and how families can help set students up for digital success.

Using Devices as a Tool to Support Meaningful Learning

HCPSS is committed to differentiated instruction and making learning meaningful, accessible, and equitable for all students. Digital tools empower educators to engage students, represent information in accessible formats, and offer multiple pathways for demonstrating mastery of standards. Educators are committed to engaging students in active and authentic learning in all subjects, with or without technology, and offer a spectrum of opportunities and expectations for the quantity and quality of technology integration. Furthermore, to support a safe, engaging environment and help limit non-instructional screen time, Chromebooks and other school-issued devices are not permitted for student use in cafeterias during lunch at the elementary and middle school levels. At the high school level, students may use Chromebooks and other school-issued devices during lunch, provided they are used appropriately and in accordance with school and district expectations.

HCPSS uses various systems to set district level restrictions on student devices. This summer, the team deployed additional enhanced filtering technology and updated settings on student Chromebooks that will improve our ability to identify and block common content-filter bypass methods. Additionally, educators have a voice in supporting students to use technology responsibly during instruction. They have access to Lightspeed Classroom as a classroom management tool. Lightspeed Classroom is a software application that allows teachers, during specified timeframes, to control how a student uses their HCPSS-issued Chromebook, including viewing student screens, sharing resources, locking devices, reviewing class activity, and restricting some sites. This tool allows teachers to further control Chromebook settings based on the needs of the lesson and the students in the classroom.

Setting Healthy Boundaries at Home

Technology is a fixture of modern life, but healthy boundaries help to keep it from becoming overwhelming. HCPSS encourages families to discuss and establish clear family expectations regarding the use of technology and revisiting them throughout the year. Proactively setting up the parameters for using the Chromebook responsibly at home and school helps to lay a strong foundation for your student’s academic success and long-term digital well-being. Discussion ideas can be found online.

Monitoring Device Usage

Parents/guardians may think about framing technology monitoring not as a lack of trust, but as a form of mentorship. Students are learning how to manage a massive digital world, and they need our guidance to do it safely.

Parents and guardians are signed up to receive Lightspeed Parent Portal weekly email on Sunday that summarizes their student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet usage. The same email contains an option to sign up for the online portal, which provides parents the ability to pause web browsing, create schedules, and block websites when devices are off the HCPSS network.

Partnering

If you notice your child on non-academic sites during the school day, it is recommended that you discuss appropriate use with your child.

Families should always feel free to reach out to your child’s school to discuss the issue.

Additional Resources

In addition to resources linked in the message above, families may find the following helpful: