Chrome Squad Visitors

Last Thursday, October 27, the Chrome Squad was visited by two schools; Mckinney and Sulfur Springs. Both Sulfur Springs and Mckinney have implemented a program of their own which is based on our very own Chrome Squad! The objective of our meeting was for students/administers in both the Chrome Squad and other schools to discuss how each group runs day to day business and answer any questions they had.

The first of the two groups to visit our school was the Technocats from Mckinney. The group consisted of about twenty students , both male and female,  most of which were seniors. All the Chrome Squad members got the chance to socialize with the students from McKinney and learn more about how they conduct their program. Overall the program that McKinney has created works well for their school. Only minor changes need to be made to improve the program they already have.

The second group to visit us was about 12 students from Sulfur Springs. This group was a lot of fun to talk to because they all had so many ideas and questions to bring to us. I enjoyed the discussions that we had concerning the work that we do as teams as well as the work we do to improve the entire Chrome Squad. The only issue that seemed to arise with Sulfur Spring’s program was a lack of organization although this can easily be fixed.

Both groups that came that day were absolutely amazing. It’s extraordinary how other students in different schools are making the same effort as the Chrome Squad is in our school. Even though none of the three programs are perfect, we are all trying to make a difference within our school. I loved this experience because I was able to talk to other people and offer advice on how to make their programs better. I realized that even the Chrome Squad isn’t done growing, because there is still a lot that we can improve on. I believe that this visit was beneficial to all three groups, and our technology programs will continue to grow in the future.

What’s an Extension?

Chrome extensions are small software programs that give more functionality to the Chrome browser. The extensions you download from the Chrome web store show up next to the search bar. There are extensions for basically anything from spell check to super addictive games like Papa’s Pizzeria.

How Can an Extension Help Me?

Extensions are great for quickly accessing things you use daily such as Google Classroom. They come in handy when you do not want to open a new tab. There are a bunch of extensions out there that can help with simple things such as spelling and grammar. Extensions are quick and easy to use. Some of the most useful extensions are notepads and sticky notes which work great as a planner or to-do list.

Which Extensions Should I Use?

The following extensions are ideal for writing essays or making presentations. The specific instructions for how to use each individual extension are on the download page.

• Cite This For Me: Website Citer
  • This is great for when you’re writing an essay, but don’t want to take the time to cite every website. The extension has MLA, Harvard, APA, and Chicago forms of citation.
• Palette Creator
  • To make a dazzling presentation, use this extension to create the perfect color scheme. When you right click on a picture, it gives the option to create a palette. This palette is not only aesthetically pleasing but also creates a better flow and an overall more appealing presentation.
• Grammarly
  • Grammarly checks not only the spelling but also the grammar of your writing. All that you have to do is copy and paste the writing into the extension and recommendations changes will appear.
• Google Dictionary
  • When you’re reading an article, and don’t know the meaning of a word, all you have to do is click the extension for a quick definition.

Behind the Scenes: Connect Store

What is the Connect Store?

The Connect Store is the new shopping area that is being established by the Chrome Squad.  It is also classified as another one of the branches that grows from our technology organization.  The Connect Store allows staff and students alike to have the unique opportunity to purchase gadgets and accessories that pertain to Chromebooks.  The Connect Store also sells electronics, such as headphones, and writing utensils, such as pencils, pens, and highlighters.  The Connect Store is here for all your technology needs.

Meeting the Workers Behind the Connect Store?

The weight of managing and working the Chrome Squad’s store is upon three members of C4L–Jake Richter, Skylar Suydam, and Bryan Barnes.  Jake Richter, a senior academically and a senior member of the Chrome Squad, takes the lead position of managing the Connect Store.  When he isn’t collaborating with other members on store designs and making orders, you can find Jake voicing his opinion on the Debate Team from our school.  Debate is something Jake is super passionate about, and it helps with his negotiating skills when it comes to our C4L staff meetings.  With Jake having seniority regarding the Connect Store, he gives excellent management to this branch of C4L.  Skylar, a senior, is a new member of the Chrome Squad.  When she isn’t learning management skills and part taking in the various tasks required to run the Connect Store, you can find her studying away for her college major in biomedical engineering or practicing her Jiu Jitsu moves.  There are definitely two sides to Skyler–brains and beauty, so she’s just the type of well-rounded employee needed to take on the Connect Store.  Bryan Barnes, a junior, is also a new member to the Chrome Squad.  When he isn’t searching up new furniture for the store or taking down orders online, you can find him putting himself in the various academic and athletic activities we have here at Royse City High School, such as NHS, Student Council, Interact Club, GSA, Cross Country, and Track.  Bryan has a lot on his plate, yet he also makes time to do what he needs to do to make sure the Connect Store is up and running smoothly.  His quirky, positive attitude helps make the environment within the Connect Store branch of C4L more relaxed when there is more than a few things on their checklist.

Impact of the Connect Store

Since the Connect Store is a relatively new extension of C4L, the entire Chrome Squad as well as student and staff of RCHS can undoubtedly anticipate BIG things from them.  The workers behind the scenes all play their pivotal role in manning the ship.  They allow non-members of the Chrome Squad to be updated in the latest technology equipment and accessories while starting the journey that leads to the goal of allowing C4L to be able to fund ourselves from the profits of the Connect Store.  It sure was a work in progress, but from seeing all the hard work that has been and will continue to be put into every aspect of the Connect Store, it is obvious this branch is a winner.  The Connect Store, which is in the flex space downstairs diagonally from the Chrome Lounge, is set to open around the time of Thanksgiving, but you can already begin purchasing items on our website.  We hope everything that is offered from the store can be of service to you! Thanks to Jake, Skylar, and Bryan, we can continue to take those never-ending steps towards improvement of the Chrome Squad.  We’ll just keep getting better and better with wonderful people like them working behind the scenes.

Behind the Scenes: Blog Post Team

What is the Blog Post Team?

The Blog Post Team is yet another important part of our distinguished C4L organization at Royse City High School.  The primary purpose of the Blog Post Team is to write informational and tutorial blogs that can be used to benefit both teachers and students alike.  The Blog Post Team is quite similar to the Video Team in which both help everyone who has a Chromebook utilize it to its maximum potential.

Meeting the Girls Behind the Blog Post Team

That’s right! The Blog Post Team is the only branch of the Chrome Squad that is 100% operated by girls.  These empowered females include Laura Vause, Maggie Carrion, and myself, Britni Sanchez.  We are all juniors with myself and Maggie being new members to C4L and Laura being a veteran member.  Because of her seniority, Laura is sort of like the head of this branch.  However, she is always open to new ideas and suggestions by me and Maggie.  When she isn’t coordinating the team’s goals for each six week term, Laura is busy applying herself to her studies, participating in extracurricular activities such as NHS and Student Council, and helping her friends whenever they need someone to talk to.  Laura is involved with her church, as well, and is always there whenever anybody needs her assistance.  Maggie has an influential voice as part of the Blog Post Team, too.  When she isn’t being of assistance to those who come into the C4L Lounge with questions about their Chromebook, Maggie is participating in intellectual programs, as well, where she is an officer in NHS and SNHS and a member of Student Council.  She also devotes a substantial amount of her time to her swimming team where she swims circles around her competitors.  I play my role as a new member of the Blog Post Team, as well.  When on duty, you can find me learning new technological information from my fellow Chromies and helping others with their Chromebooks in any way I can.  Outside of C4L, I am involved in NHS, SNHS, Student Council, Interact Club, and BPA.  On the weekends, you can find me worshipping and hanging out with my friends at my church both Saturdays and Sundays and volunteering for the children’s ministry at my church Sunday mornings.  I always try to keep the positivity flowing both in and outside of C4L.

Impact of the Blog Post Team

Since the Blog Post Team is made up of three of the five female members of the Chrome Squad, I’d say we have some serious girl power up in this branch of C4L.  The Blog Post Team plays its role as a critical puzzle piece to the Chrome Squad by spending time thinking about technology problems, writing about their solutions, and informing the staff and student body of Royse City High School about the hard-working young adults behind each section of C4L.  The Blog Post Team has been an element of the Chrome Squad since it was first established last year, and I know it has already made a lot of progress in efficiency and will continue to improve as the members of this division continue to grow as technology experts and as individuals.  As a whole, the Blog Post Team wishes to help anyone in need, spread positivity, and continue to shed some light on the students behind this prominent organization we call the Chrome Squad.