Technology at Saint Patrick School, Carlisle, PA

Technology is an ever-changing facet of the school environment. It is a great challenge for any ins Computer Lab titution to stay in pace with this developing realm of education. Funding, manpower, and specialized training are often in short supply, yet are essential for a successful technology plan to be implemented. Here at Saint Patrick School, we strive to stay at the forefront of this expanding field. Through fundraising, volunteerism, and a certified on-site network administrator, we are able to provide our students and teachers with an active directory network and computer education curriculum that spans grades kindergarten through eighth.

Our beginnings were humble as most are; very few purchased computers, some workstations through grants, and the majority being donated. Since then, our school has evolved into a competitive technology oriented Computer Lab school. We have a lab, outfitted with the latest in Windows operating systems and software. It has a complete presentation capability, including a projector, DVD, and VHS. Two laser printers and two color printers give desktop publishing capability to all students and faculty members. A high-speed internet connection allows access to the wealth of information in cyberspace and enhances our communication with other schools, as well as other countries. Several software packages provide our students with math and language reinforcement, basic engineering practices, problem-solving techniques, and typing tutorials.

Internet and network security is in place to keep the student, faculty and sensitive school information safe, while still allowing the free flow of data throughout the school. Saint Patrick School has created an environment safe for learning and exploring.

Each classroom at Saint Patrick School is outfitted with at least two workstations. Each is complete with internet access and desktop publishing software. This allows the Smart Board teachers to enhance their daily lessons with technology and allows the students to have access to computers on days they do not have the opportunity to visit the lab.

Half of the classrooms, at Saint Patrick School, are outfitted with SMART Boards or Numonics Boards. These interactive presentation tools give the teachers and the students a new way of presenting information, as well as adding a creative and exciting facet to the classroom. Incorporating the teaching and use of technology, outside of the lab, is imperative for the children of today to become comfortable with this equipment and eliminates the intimidation that often accompanies tools such as computers.

Publications

Saint Patrick School is proud of its in-house publications. Several out-reach publications, as well as student driven magazines are produced annually. The Clover Chronicle is graphically designed by the Director of Technology, but the bulk of the articles and stories are authored by students. This allows the students to highlight their school and share with others, outside of Saint Patrick School, all we have to offer. The Green Harp is a bi-annual newsletter, informing the parents and the parish, about the happenings of the school; fundraising, scholarships, and educational advancements.

Clover Studio

One element of Saint Patrick School that sets it apart from many of its counterparts is the Clover Studio. Built in the summer of 2002, the Clover Control Room Studio houses a fully operational television studio. Complete with an engineering booth and blue screen technology, the students use the school’s closed circuit broadcasting system to produce a daily news program. Every school day begins with a five-to-ten minute news program, including important announcements, meeting times for specific events, daily schedules, sports, weather, and prayer. The Clover Studio is maintained and managed by the school technologist; however, the daily operation is put in the hands of the Studio Team. The studio team is a multi-member unit, comprised solely of students, that fulfils the duties of lead engineer, floor director, audio control, teleprompter, camera functions, meteorologist, and anchors. A rotating schedule ensures that the 30 plus members all have the opportunity to assume each role listed previously. Each takes an active role in the production of a news broadcast. Our blue-screen technology allows the students to produce a weather segment that rivals most local news stations. Complete with projected maps and radar (borrowed from internet resources) and an animated three-day forecast, the students get a feel for the use of blue screens in the world of television. Conveniently, Saint Patrick School is an Automated Weather Source use by such news stations as ABC27 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We act as a satellite weather station, which provides us with real-time meteorological data and statistics. Incorporating this information with our news broadcast makes us not only effective in weather broadcasting, but provides the students with a real-life learning scenario.

Studio Team Contract

St. Patrick School is recognized for its academic excellence in many ways, including in the area of technology. In 2002, St. Patrick School earned the Catholic Schools of Tomorrow: Innovations in Technology national award and was featured in the March 2002 issue of Today's Catholic School Teacher magazine. We take pride in the strides we have taken to ensure our students receive an enriched education, not only in the basics of instruction, but also in the many facets that fulfill a well-round learning environment.

For more information or answers to questions about the technology at Saint Patrick School please contact the Director of Technology and Computer Instruction.