Laptops, Tablets, Devices
New 1:1 Program handbookAt Gross Catholic, we have a proud tradition of incorporating technology into our curriculum.
Technology Program
Classes after 2027
We have tremendous pride in our educational technology program and are in the process of standardizing student hardware devices. For classes coming after the Class of 2027, students will be required to purchase the same laptop device from the school. By using a standardized device, many advantages are provided to the student such as improved reliability, expanded usage, and increased equity.
Check out the 1:1 Handbook for all the detailed information that you need.
We have a full-time technology director on staff to handle the warranty issues. We also partner with RTI to provide both on and off-site technical support. The laptops purchased from the school will include a 4-year warranty and accidental damage contract. Most repairs will be covered except for battery and charger cord replacement.
All devices will come with a protective case, but families may wish to purchase a bag to carry the laptop to and from school.
Class of 2026 and prior
Graduation classes before 2026 will continue to use the current Bring Your Own Device program, which should be a laptop or a tablet that the student has purchased and must maintain. The device must be able to connect to the school’s wifi network. It is the responsibility of the student to use the device appropriately for education.
Cell phones are not considered an effective device. Cell phones are normally not allowed to be used in classrooms unless the teacher specifically deems them necessary for a lesson.
Students in the graduation classes before 2026 will be assisted by the technology director to repair laptops when possible. A high school is an environment where devices can easily be damaged. Each family of students in the graduation classes before 2026 may want to set aside some money in case the device needs repair.
Windows and Google Environment
We are a Windows OS and Google Workspace environment. Students utilize both Microsoft and Google applications in their classes. Students are provided access to both Google and Microsoft Office applications with secure login credentials.
Protection for Your Technology
A high school is an environment where devices can easily be damaged. It is up to individual families to decide if they want to acquire accidental damage plans at the time of their purchase. As stated earlier, our technology director can repair some hardware and software issues but does not provide full-service repair. Each family may want to set aside some money just in case a device needs repair.
Technology Bag
Additionally, all students need to purchase a device bag on their own for their laptops. The bag should be used only for the device and should only have one strap (backpack-style laptop bags are not allowed.) Devices other than laptops should have a protective case.
Web Filter
Gross Catholic has a top-notch web filter in place that blocks inappropriate sites. Our web filter does not work outside of school. Parents may want to investigate appropriate web filters for their home network.
Device Specifications for Your Technology Purchase if Not in the 1: 1 Program
In general, we suggest purchasing a mid-range laptop. Inexpensive laptops usually are too slow and therefore very frustrating to use. If you are really on a budget, some students have gotten by with Chromebooks, but they are limited in what they can do and you will need to figure out workarounds depending on the teacher or class.
All devices at Gross Catholic, whether our 1:1 devices or those provided in our graduation classes prior to 2026, should minimally meet the following specifications:
- Processor – Quad-Core Intel Core i5 or greater
- OS: Windows 10 Pro or higher
- RAM: 8GB or greater
- Hard Drive: SSD 256GB or greater
- Wireless: 802.11ac Wireless LAN card
- Screen: LCD 1920×1080 (1080p)
- Ports: USBS, HDM
Please contact Mr. Jim Homan at homan@gcgmail.org or Mr. Bruce Moore at brucemoore@gcgmail.org if you have any questions or concerns.