Technology Program

Gross Catholic's technology program provides student with 21st century skills to compete in a technology-driven world. The technology-based curriculum greatly enhances education and allows student access to a computer at all times during the day via their personal laptops and a wireless network.  Recent studies indicate that high school users that have anytime internet access and have experienced total technology integration receive higher college entrance exam scores and are better prepared for college.

Each Gross Catholic student is expected to have a laptop to bring to every class.

Curriculum Guide

Purchasing a Laptop

There are two ways to purchase a laptop for school: (1) Order a laptop through a school group purchase with full payment due by June 1 or (2) purchase or otherwise acquire a laptop (new or used) on your own. The advantage of purchasing a laptop through the school is that we will service the laptop at school, which often saves days and weeks of downtime. The student will indicate their choice when they register for classes. Information about ordering a laptop through the school will be available in the spring.

Buying a Laptop on Your Own

If you purchase a laptop on your own, it must meet the specifications outlined below. If your non-school laptop breaks, we will help with repair and recommend a particular action, but the student is ultimately responsible for any repair costs.  Students may purchase their own laptop (not through the school) if it meets the following specifications:

• Operating System: Any version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 is fully supported. Other operating systems such as the MacOS, Linux, and others may not be fully supported
• RAM: 1.0 GB (minimum)
• Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Service: Parts and labor warranty and accidental damage protection throughout the student’s high school career is highly recommended, but not required. The constant movement in a school environment can be very hard on laptops.
• Office package: Microsoft Office 2010 required for all laptops including Macs
• Anti Virus: We install the school’s anti-virus on your computer
• Additional Requirements: Students that purchase a laptop on their own need to bring their laptop to school during the summer so we can install the school’s anti-virus, make an image of their laptop, and connect it to the school network. This configuration is time intensive, so there will be an additional $50 service fee if students decide to purchase or acquire a laptop on their own. Specific instructions for bringing in the laptop will be mailed at the beginning of the summer.
• Macs or Ipads are not fully supported.  The student will have to work around certain issues on their own.  Microsoft Office for Macs must be purchased.

Rules and Guidelines

All students will need to abide by the school rules and guidelines outlined in the school handbook relating to the use of technology. Students with newly purchased laptops will receive technology training during their regular class

This year's laptop program letter that goes out to all incoming freshman and new students is attached below.

Attachments:

Laptop Purchasing Information

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