The setting for “Google Additional Services” has been reset for students entering 6th grade, and at this time those 6th students who were opted in to Google Additional Services last school year when they were in 5th grade are no longer opted in. When students move from the elementary school level to the middle school level extra services are offered. Resetting the opt-in setting allows parents to evaluate the new services, such as direct YouTube access, and make access decisions prior to them being provided.
Information regarding Google Additional Services, including directions for how parent/guardians may opt-in can be found on the school system’s website. Parents who need assistance with HCPSS Connect may use the Help form to submit their question.
Please note, HCPSS has implemented two additional features to help ensure responsible use of YouTube:
- Families who wish to ensure YouTube is not accessible at home should sign up for the Lightspeed Online Parent Portal, where they can block YouTube and other sites off the HCPSS network.
- The Lightspeed content filter is now being used to block YouTube reels, featured videos on channels, thumbnails, comments and the side bar. Additionally, videos are individually filtered, and as a result many will be blocked.