Academics

Netbook Program

St. Teresa's Academy proudly initiates Going Global - Utilizing Technology for 21st Century Education, our vision for employing the latest technology to improve and enhance quality and depth of education.

Supporting this vision is our new one-to-one laptop program. This initiative provides every student with a customized mini laptop computer for lease throughout the school year. The laptops will serve as a tool for students to access information and technologies necessary for advanced instruction and learning.

Broadening access to global resources through the laptop program is just one part of our technology vision and supports the Academy's continual commitment to excellence in education.

Click here to download the Acceptable Use Policy for the 2013-14 school year.

Click here for the AUP Signature Form only.

Instructions for home netbook use.

Parents:  if you plan to purchase insurance for your daughter's Netbook, you may be required to present the specifications and cost for the computer.
Please click on the link below for Netbook specifications and costs to be used for insurance purposes. Please be sure to access the letter that correctly matches the Netbook your daughter is currently using.
Lenovo Letter
Dell Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is St. Teresa's providing laptops to all students?
A: Laptops will open doors to new educational opportunities necessary for success within the global world around us. All students will have access to the latest software, including premium Adobe programs such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and others. Web access will be available to students from anywhere on campus. Just as importantly, this program is designed to eliminate the weight of textbooks our students carry on their backs.

Q: In what ways will my daughter user her laptop?
A: Laptops will provide students with expanded communication and classroom tools, including enhanced abilities to conduct research, take notes, access Moodle for daily assignments, submit online assignments, take online quizzes and exams with the opportunity for immediate feedback, participate in I-Chat study groups, access Power School for updated grades, and more.

Q: How will this program be funded?
A: This program will be supported by the book/technology fee, the Inspiring Women capital campaign and from a surplus within the current operating budget.

Q: What does the book/technology fee cover?
A: This fee covers the actual cost of the Netbook and carrying case in addition to its maintenance and upkeep. The fee will also assist with the purchase of textbooks, E-textbooks, PowerSchool software, wireless internet service, virus protection software, LightSpeed security software, publications software, network software and servers, library applications, curriculum websites (Spanish Supersite and Latin resource), printing equipment and paper, PLAN/PSAT/ACT testing, flatbed scanners and Apple Macs and software.

Q: When will this program take effect?
A: This program was implemented at the start of the 2010-11 school year. As with all new ventures, it will continue to be refined and shaped as the school year progresses.

Q: Will students have access to their laptops over the summer?
A: Initial plans will require students to return their laptops at the end of the school year for reconditioning and software upgrades. Laptops will then be reissued to the student at the start of the new school year. Exceptions will be made for students attending summer school.

Q: Will laptops replace all classroom text books?
A: Textbooks will be replaced on an individual basis as new, electronic books become available. Not all of our textbooks are currently available in an electronic format. One full set of textbooks will be available in each classroom for students to use during class time, if needed. Students may also "lease" a textbook if the electronic version proves difficult. Workbooks will still be purchased and used where necessary.

Q: Can I purchase a laptop for my daughter in lieu of utilizing this program?
A: No. The laptops within this program are commercial grade and are unavailable for consumer purchase. These laptops will be loaded with STA-specific software. Personal laptops not associated with our one-to-one program will not have access to the STA wireless network.

Q: What happens if my daughter loses/damages her laptop or finds it is not working correctly?
A: Students will be responsible for accidental damage. Parents may consider private insurance for protection against loss, theft or damage. Additional laptops, or loaners, will be available for students to use if their laptop is not functioning properly. A student help desk will be established for students who have questions or concerns about their laptop. In addition, a technology team consisting of faculty members and two HP-certified computer specialists (on staff) will be available to assist students when necessary.

Q: Can my daughter load software to her laptop?
A: No. Group policies will be in place to prohibit loading additional software to the laptop. Students will be responsible for periodically backing up their personal data (document files) to a jump drive and before turning in the machine for repair.

Q: What is the daily life of a laptop battery?
A: Our laptops will be equipped with a six-cell battery designed to last a full school day.

Q: Can students recharge their laptops at school?
A: Students will be expected to charge their laptops at home each night, similar to charging their cell phones. Laptops may also be recharged in most science labs.

Q: Will students be allowed to print documents from their laptops at school?
A: Yes, with permission from a specified technology administrator and within a designated printing location. We ask that students do not attempt to print an excessive number of pages (e.g. chapters from textbooks). Students will be able to print at home by downloading their home printer driver to the laptop.