Technology has become an important part of the classroom, and as it has gained traction in the school system, it has become necessary to implement a data protection plan to protect the students of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County School District has implemented several strategies for protecting student information and investments as it relates to technology use. With an environment of continuous threats throughout the world, we find that we must remain vigilant to maintain and sustain a secured networked environment for our teaching and learning community.

While much of the responsibility for data security and protection falls upon the Division of Technology & Information Services, all users in the CCSD education community have a significant part to play in helping to keep information and devices protected. Here are some ways CCSD protects the students!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we want to take this opportunity to thank those that contribute to the Foundation. Donors are an important part of the program here at the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. Without them, we would not be able to make an impact on the Cherokee County School District. From Teacher of the Year programs to school-based projects targeting at-risk students, we are determined to make Cherokee County a hub for public education. However, this can't be done overnight, and certainly can't be done without the generosity of our donors. But, why do they do it? Read below to see three reasons people give.

This is a hot topic as people debate if utilizing technology in the classroom is harmful or helpful to the learning experience. There are great arguments for both as some teachers find it to be distracting while others enjoy the benefits technology has to offer. There was a time when libraries and paper documents were the only reliable source for academic information. Phones only made calls. If you wanted portable music, you had to have a Walkman. Social media didn't exist, and if you wanted to get somewhere you either looked at a map or printed off MapQuest instructions before you left for your trip. The times have certainly changed.

Current school-aged kids were born between 2001 and 2016. This means the students that now occupy classrooms have barely known a life without Google, iPods, GPS, Wi-Fi, or social media. While there are some issues that come with the world revolving around devices, what if these devices and advances in technology could benefit a student's education? What if they could make a difference in the classroom? Good news, they already are making a difference! With the advance of technology, there have been so many doors opened for students and teachers alike.

Here are 5 benefits of utilizing technology in the classroom!

Can you think back to at least one teacher that impacted your life? 

Many kids rely on the meals provided to them by their school to keep them fed. So, what happens when they're out for the summer and are no longer able to obtain food? The answer is disheartening – they often go hungry.

"6 out of 7 hungry kids don't get the summer meals they need." Reports No Kid Hungry.

This is a reality that so many children face, but thanks to the funding of the USDA Seamless Summer Option, less kids are going hungry in the summer months.

The Cherokee County School District Nutrition Department and the Transportation Department joined forces to take an old school bus and turn it into a sign of hope for so many children. This sign of hope came in the form of a new delivery bus.

This café on wheels made a big impact on Cherokee County's community. The only requirements are that the recipients of these summer meals must be 18 years old or younger, and that they eat the meal on-site – no identification required! Kids can eat either in the bus or on the tables and chairs provided that surround the bus.