All students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 come to the computer lab once a week for directed instruction. It is our goal to provide an authentic and engaging learning experience which supports and extends classroom curriculum. Faculty also receive training in the computer lab to better enable them to meet academic goals, embrace the possibilities technology offers for classroom instruction, and enhance productivity. Technology use at the school is driven by the 5-year SHS Technology Plan (2009-2014), which provides a roadmap for the school in accordance with Department of Education guidelines.

Supplies: Students in Grades 3-8 should have a notebook or folder to hold handouts, notes, and their computer contract; these should be brought to each class. Failure to come to class prepared with these items may affect a student's grade, and will certainly affect their ability to do their work. It is recommended that students in Grades 5-8 have a USB flash drive on which to save assignments. Storage for flash drives is provided in the computer lab.

Software: Depending upon the grade level, students will be using the Internet (IE8 and Firefox browsers), the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access), Paint, KidPix, Neighborhood Map Machine, Kidspiration, Timeliner, and several programming languages. Keyboarding skills, Internet Safety, and Media Literacy are also covered.

Curriculum Resources: Like many SHS teachers, I maintain a Schoolnotes account. Simply go to the "Students" tab and plug in the school zipcode of 01835 to find my pages. You will find computer lab information as well as links related to curriculum there -- internet resources students can use for keyboarding practice, learning geography, practicing math, etc.or just for fun! I do my best to keep current with internet resources, but I don't control the internet and sites may change without my knowledge, so always supervise when your child accesses one to ensure it's what you expect - and please let me know if it is not.

Donations: The Technology Committee has written a 5-year plan for technology in the school. One aspect of the plan is to upgrade and expand computer hardware and software for the students and teachers. Since the purchase of new equipment is costly, the committee is looking at alternative methods. Many companies will have old but not outdated computers when they are upgrading to new computer systems; companies may choose to sell or donate that equipment. If you work for a company or know of a company that could help us acquire some of this equipment at a reasonable cost please contact Linda Sivak, SHS Technology Director. Our current wish list includes CPUs or laptops/notebooks (minimal config of: WINXP, 512 RAM (preferably better), ethernet-ready or wireless, higher than 2GH processor), monitors (preferably flat-screen, 15+ inches), printers, digital projectors, interactive whiteboards, headphones, speakers, mousepads, and digital cameras.

Volunteer Committees: Our school is fortunate to have an active Technology and Website Committee. Each of these meets once/month in the evening to help implement the vision and misson for school technology. Members have written a 5-year plan and a website requirements document, run internet cabling, updated school computers, continuously update the school website, work with teachers on initiatives, support other school committees in their efforts.......we do it all! If you would like to serve on either committee please contact Linda Sivak -- it's an enjoyable way to meet your covenant hours!