TCCS Technology
by Danny Tesar
August 20, 2006
Our Network
TCCS has a very robust Windows 2003 network connecting 4 buildings. All four are connected with multimode fiber running at a speed of 1 gigabit/second (1000Mbps). One of the fiber optic lines runs 4200 feet across partially across town. Four servers based in the high school provide services four the entire district. These services include file storage, print queues, virus protection, security policies, student information, and e-mail. Our Internet service is provided by Dark Fiber Solutions based out of York, through the Southeast Nebraska Distance Learning Consortium (SNDLC). On good days, our Internet speed can top 12.5Mbps, but usually averages around 5Mbps. TCCS has approximately 188 desktop computers and 62 laptops, 50 of which are wirelessly connected to our network. The majority of our computers run Microsoft Windows XP Professional. We added two high-end Macintosh computers in the fall of 2006 for video editing purposes.
Our district is fully wireless with the exception of the shop building. The wireless network runs at 54MBps and is secured to only allow district-owned computers and other authorized computers to connect.
Available Technology
As with other schools around the country, LCD projectors have become a popular teaching tool at Thayer Central. Currently, we have 16 throughout the district either ceiling-mounted or available for staff to check out.
We have one Smartboard located in our High School science room.
We also have two wireless laptop carts each with its own printer. One is located in the High School with 20 laptops and the other is in our Intermediate building with 24 laptops.
The media center handles all digital imaging devices for the district. Close to 20 digital still cameras and digital video cameras are available for student and staff use.
A USB microscope was purchased using a grant in the fall of 2006. This microscope is used to digitally magnify and capture pictures of small objects. It is also available for staff to check out.
PowerSchool
Parents and students of Thayer Central have access to a unique web-based tool called PowerSchool. By accessing the site, parents and students can check up-to-the-minute grades and attendance and e-mail teachers. Parents may request a login and password for their student's information by contacting the school.
