LAPTOP PROGRAM FAQ'S
Who is required to have a laptop? All entering freshmen and those students who are transferring into a class with laptops are required to lease a laptop.
When will students receive their computers? Freshmen will be issued their laptop during Freshman Orientation providing that they and their parents have signed the Laptop contract and the Acceptable Use Policy.
What kind of computer will be used? Each student will be provided with an Apple Macintosh laptop. The laptop will include a CD-RW/DVD-R combo drive, integrated video camera, extra RAM memory, Microsoft Office, iLife, iWorks, Adobe Creative Suite, and internet filtering software. Additional features and software which support our educational mission are included.
Why Mac? Apple is known as a leader in educational support with a wealth of resources to ensure the success of our program. The seamless integration of applications, cross-platform compatibility, and a secure operating system allow for maximum educational use with minimal support needed. In addition, students have the option of purchasing the laptop at the end of the lease. At that time they will have the freedom to install and use both the Windows (PC) and Mac platforms.
Is there the option of a Windows platform? No. St Francis Catholic High School has standardized on the Apple Macintosh platform for student computing. The entire freshman class will use the same model in the same configuration. Students have the option of purchasing the laptop at the end of the lease at which time they will have the freedom to purchase a program that will allow Windows to run on the laptop.
What if a more powerful computer is wanted? The computers provided in this program are appropriate for academic computing needs. There is no option for a different laptop.
Who owns the computer? While a student, the computer will remain the property of St. Francis Catholic High School. The reasons for this are both legal and for the significantly lower cost of software supplied to educational institutions in volume amounts. However, upon successful graduation, the laptop may be purchased for a small fee.
What kind of contract or agreement needs to be signed? Before a student is allowed to take the laptop home these forms must be signed:
Leasing Agreement
St. Francis Catholic High School AUP (Acceptable Usage Policy)
Insurance Statement
How much will this cost me?
Information concerning costs can be obtained through the Finance Office.
Will textbooks still need to be purchased?
Yes. Many books are not yet on CD, Kindle or IPADS. When they become available and it is financially advantageous, we will evaluate the options.
Can more than one laptop be purchased?
We do not have the ability to serve as a computer reseller. Students may not obtain laptops for other family members.
Will the laptop support external hardware (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.)?
Yes. USB and Firewire, Thunderbolt (class 2015) peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, flash drive, monitor, headphone, iPod, etc., can be used.
What software and operating system will be used?
The laptop will have the latest Mac OS X operating system. (10.6.7 Snow Leopard) Additional applications come with the laptop. The software we are adding to the laptops are:
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) ver 2008
iLife suite 09 and 11 (iPhoto, iWeb, iMovie, iDVD, Garageband)
iWork 09 suite (Keynote, Pages, Numbers)
8e6 Internet Content Filter
Adobe creative suite (CS4)
Laptop Case Color Selection:
All our cases regardles of the class will have the same blue color. (Go Wolves!)
Private Purchases and Spare Parts
Under our educational discount with Apple, we are very limited on what we can do for private purchases. Students can contact the Media or Technology Specialist and submit their request during normal school hours for spare parts such as the power adapter.
What if a student transfers or does not graduate?
Under the terms of the program agreement, students who transfer or do not graduate must return the laptop and all equipment.
What if I am a new student transferring in to the program?
Students joining the program "late" will be issued a laptop.
To make this initiative affordable, manageable, and successful we have chosen a proven "rollout" model that will guarantee that all students of St. Francis Catholic High School will receive a quality education that is enhanced through technology. Currently the classes of 2014 and 2015 are part of the laptop program.