SCHOOL MINISTRY

Academics

Technology

In School Ministry we have made a commitment to having and providing state-of-the-art computer hardware and software programs integrated into our educational programming. Our computer lab is located on the main floor of the Classroom Building providing easy access during the day. Besides computers in our lab, we also have students computers in many of the classrooms, as well as in the media center.

Currciulum - Implemented 2007-2008

In preparing our students for their future in high school and beyond, having them savvy using the computer and basic programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint seems of supreme importance. For those of us that grew up in the era of technology, it may not seem necessary to teach today's students about technology. Students already seem to know everything. Or do they?

With this in mind, putting together a curriculum for Technology so that every student would have the same knowledge is what led OLP to the outline below. Each area only summarizes a few of the topics being taught. So far there are 200+ lessons for all grades. However, as technology continues to grow, we are sure the number of lessons may grow as well.

Basic Use
    Open and close software, turn on and off the computer, log onto the computer

Navigation skills - Internet
    Identify and use key words for searching, evaluate resources from the internet

Keyboarding
   What is the Home row, correct posture, accuracy, typing 50 wpm

Responsible Use
    Care of the equipment, respect the work of others

Online Safety and Security
    Recognize harm of viruses, spywear and how to prevent them

Intellectual Property
    What is plagiarism and its ramifications, appropriate use of copyrighted and trademark use, software licenses and installation restrictions

Word Processing
    How to create, edit, format, print, what file extensions are used

Spreadsheet
    How to create, sort and calculate data, edit, format, print

Presentations
    How to create, format, present, make a slide show

Graphics
    Import graphics, why is resolution important, how to edit

Design
    Using font, size, style appropriate to topic, principles of design

Communication Tools
    How does email work

Maintenance
   How to keep your computer up-to-date. Use disk clean and defrag

Problem Solving Tools
    How to solve technology problems

Enrichment Programs

At OLP we have several computer based programs that students are encouraged to use. These programs include STAR Reader and STAR Math programs which are enrichment and assessment programs.

Communication Software

And through Classroll.com we are able to provide parents with an interactive grade book so parents can monitor daily the academic progress of the child.

Classroom Technology

All of Our Lady of Peace's classrooms are equipped with 1 or more computers with connections to internet, and many contain multimedia presentation equipment, including TVs, projectors, VCRs, etc.

Computers and Software

To fulfill our educational mission as a Catholic School we continue to upgrade our equipment to provide us with the best tools available. All of these improvements are funded by money earned through OLP Parent Association fundraising events such as Starry, Starry, Night and Box Tops for Kids.