St Mary (Nativity) School

Technology

St. Mary School recognizes the important role of technology in our present world and realizes the impact its continued growth will play in the lives of our children, as they become adults.  Things that we once imagined in fantasy have become reality through the advancements of technology.  As part of our school�s philosophy, we are committed to a continuing process of growth and improvement in all areas of our school.

Our technology plan establishes the mission of St. Mary School�s technology program and outlines our means of accomplishing it by the goals that will be implemented throughout the next three years.  We seek to incorporate our own resources and resources from our larger community as we focus on preparing our students for the world of tomorrow. The success of our vision for the future is equaled only by the success of our students.

Since 1998, St. Mary School has made dramatic advancements in our technology program. Originally our classrooms were updated from Apple IIe and IIc�s to IBM compatible systems.  Cable Internet connections and a Networking system were installed throughout the school in 1999-2000.  Emphasis shifted to the integration of a technology curriculum within our school, so a computer lab was planned and completed in the fall of 2001.

In the following school year, a full-time computer teacher began teaching classes in computer use, keyboarding, and software use twice per week to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.  A presentation projector and laser printer were added to the lab in 2002 to enhance instruction.  Most recently, the Microsoft Office XP Professional program was installed on the 26 lab computers and the office computers.

Currently each classroom and the library is equipped with at least one IBM compatible computer, color printer, cable accessed television, and VCR.

All of our students have access to formal instruction on computers in the lab twice weekly.  Additional access within individual classrooms varies and is somewhat limited.  A majority of our students have access to a computer a home; most also have Internet access.

The students� familiarity and abilities with general computer usage and specific programs varies.  Students tend to enjoy any activities on the computers but especially like interactive sites on the Internet.