History of the Lab
Dr. Paul LaFata, built the computer lab in 1991 as a tribute to his brother, Mr. Sylvester LaFata. It began with 20 IBM computers and a daisy-chained network. The computers worked well until the network wiring failed.
In 1997 a new computer lab and wired network connections to the classrooms were made possible by the saving efforts of Father Patrick Render. We put in 25 new P1-133 Compaq computers and two Cisco hubs. With the efforts of janitor Devin Dudas and parent volunteer Gary Leming; the whole school was wired for the network.
In 2002 we replaced the Compaq computers with used P2-266 computers from St. John’s Hospital. These computers have worked well for us, but they are starting to fail. We face many challenges with these computers from broken parts, old software, and extremely slow/outdated processors. Someday in the near future we would like to replace these computers with Pentium 4 computers and current, modern software.
In our present Technology Plan, our goal is to get 30 new computers for the lab by the end of this school year (2006-2007). This will only be possible with new additional funding. In the next Technology Plan, we want to setup the new lab and then establish a technology equipment fund to replace 10 computers a year. By doing this the computer lab would be new every three years.
Grading
Grades are taken on written work and work produced in computer classes. There is no homework unless the student has been absent and needs to make up work. The grade in computers counts for honor roll and eligibility for extra-curricular activities. So I expect them to do their best work while they are in class.
Computer Room Rules
I use the school’s discipline policy. If the student breaks one of these rules, he/she will be given a verbal warning. Then if it continues, he/she will be given a discipline ticket, which will move him/her up a step on the discipline chart. If something severe occurs in the classroom, such as breaking computer equipment or disrupting the class through inappropriate behavior, he/she will be sent directly to the office and given 2 or more discipline tickets.
If you have any questions, e-mail me at computers@stjoseph.dio.org or call me at school on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 523-6597.