Technology

Overview

The Technology staff works with faculty and students, using the best tools to effectively support the school mission and classroom curriculum.

Acceptable Use of Technology at LWHS

Monitoring

LWHS actively monitors all computer and network activity, internet use, and file server space at multiple levels ranging from network traffic, files left on computers and user desktop activity.

Technology use must support the school's educational objectives. Inappropriate use of LWHS' technology resources violates the Acceptable Use Policy.

Transmission of any material in violation of LWHS rules, California laws or regulations, or United States laws or regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, transmitting copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.

Use of LWHS computers for commercial activities or product advertisement is not allowed. This includes buying or selling items as an individual.

LWHS technology is for academic use only. The following activities are prohibited:

Modifying the appearance, settings, or interface of technology resources
Using file sharing (peer-to-peer) applications
Instant Messaging or using any chat applications (unless a faculty member grants prior permission for academic purposes)
Computer games or gaming of any kind
Downloading or otherwise installing software applications on LWHS computers without prior consent from a faculty or staff member

Please also keep in mind:

Each teacher has the discretion to regulate the use of a student's personal device in the classroom and around any school project.
Running any sort of server applications on non-school equipment is prohibited

Remember that LWHS is an educational institution and all activity on the Internet is traceable back to the network location.

Etiquette

The physical space surrounding LWHS computers must be treated with respect. Under no circumstances should food or drink be brought into any computer facility.

When using technology resources to communicate both inside and outside the LWHS community, students are expected to follow LWHS community standards at all times, particularly with regard to language and behavior. All rules found in the Student Handbook apply to technology etiquette, as do the social media guidelines.

Penalties for Improper Use

Penalties for violating classroom rules, LWHS rules, or applicable state and federal laws include:

Loss of network and computer use privileges
Other disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, those found in the Student Handbook
Criminal prosecution

LWHS reserves the right to remove you and your personal device from the network for improper activity.

Liability

If through misuse or neglect a student damages LWHS technology, that student and his/her family is financially liable.

Students are responsible for the maintenance and security of their own equipment. The school is not liable for the damage or theft of private property, including any damages resulting from computer viruses. Laptops must have operable, current anti-virus software installed. All rules stated in the Technology Acceptable Use Policy apply to privately owned equipment.

The ultimate responsibility for appropriate use of technology rests in the hands of the user. LWHS is not liable for unacceptable use. The school uses basic internet content-filtering in an attempt to minimize risks from websites that have no conceivable reason to be accessed at school.

Although LWHS has taken reasonable precautions to restrict access to offensive and questionable material, absolute control of all online activities is impossible.

Updates & Changes

Help Desk Support
The Help Desk is available from 8:30am–4pm, Mon–Fri (except school holidays) to help with Technology Support issues. Click the link, email helpdesk@lwhs.org, or call 415-333-4021 x365.

Frosh Tech Skill Expectations

LWHS Social Media Guidelines

Bring Your Own Device

All students are required to bring their own laptop—in working condition and fully charged—to school every day.

Device Requirements

Students will be provided campus-specific and course-specific software to install on their laptops; due to the minimum requirements for the software, LWHS only provides support for:

Apple macOS-based laptops; or
Microsoft Windows-based laptops from any vendor

The following laptops and/or devices are not acceptable as primary computing devices for in-class use on campus:

Linux-based laptops/devices;
ChromeOS-based laptops/devices (Chromebooks);
Tablet-based devices (iPad or Android);
Smartphone devices (iPhone or Android); or
Windows laptops with limited or unlicensed operating systems (Windows "S Mode", Not-For-Resale versions of Windows, etc.)
Windows laptops with ARM chipsets (such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek chipsets); it is unknown when applications required for instructional purposes will be compiled for these platforms.
The new MacBook Neo does not meet the recommended requirements for course-specific requirements for core academic technologies. At this time, this device is not an acceptable device for primary computing for in-class use on campus.

Hardware for MacOS

Below are the minimum device requirements for Apple devices. Please check out our LWHS Apple for Education website for education discounts on Apple products.

Apple system suggestions: macBook Air 13", macBook Pro 13"
Apple Silicon*
16GB RAM^**
Wifi capable
512 GB SSD capacity^**
Operating System: macOS Sequoia (15.x)

NOTE:

The new MacBook Neo does not meet the recommended requirements for course-specific requirements for core academic technologies. At this time, this device is not an acceptable device for primary computing for in-class use on campus.

Please plan to upgrade your macOS Operating System to the recommended version prior to the first day of the School Year to avoid issues with installing required software.

* Current versions of macOS no longer natively support Intel-based MacBook Air systems, and it is anticipated that the next version of macOS will no longer support any Intel-based Apple platforms.

** These are newer recommendations based on student and faculty/staff experience; machines with less than the recommended specifications may encounter issues with lack of storage for files and programs.

Hardware for Windows

Below are the minimum device requirements for WindowsOS devices. Please check out our Dell Partner Program website for education discounts. Windows suggestions: Dell Inspiron 15 3000, Acer Aspire, HP Pavilion Notebook PC, Samsung Galaxy Book2

Intel Core Ultra 5 or AMD Ryzen 5*
16GB RAM*
Wifi capable
512GB SSD capacity**
Operating systems: Windows 11 Home or greater, full installation versions only (no "S Mode" installations)

* Due to incompatibilities with applications built exclusively for the Intel platform, we do not support Windows ARM devices (based on the Qualcomm, MediaTek or other ARM chipsets) at this time; only devices with Intel or AMD chipsets are supported.

** These are newer recommendations based on student and faculty/staff experience; machines with less than the recommended specifications may encounter issues with lack of storage for files and programs.

FAQs

How do I password protect my computer?

How do I make my computer require a password once it goes to sleep?

What if I forget my laptop?

What if it gets broken or stolen—whose responsibility is it?

Your laptop is solely your own responsibility.

You may, at your own discretion, elect to use any of the following options to reduce the financial impact of damaged, lost or stolen computer hardware:

Extended Warranty options may be available for new device purchases
(please check with the equipment vendor);
Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance policies may provide coverage
(please speak with your insurance agent);
Electronic Device Insurance is available from several providers^*, including:

_{*: LWHS does not recommend, warrant or endorse any Electronic Device Insurance provider; you may choose any option which meets your needs.}

Do you filter content on StudentNet (i.e. the LWHS wireless connection to the internet)?

Why BYOD?

BYOD is about offering choice to members of the LWHS community. BYOD respects the personal preferences of students, offering them increased mobility and better integration of their home and school lives. It also enables them the flexibility to work in a way that optimizes their productivity.

Skill Expectations for Incoming Frosh

Basic knowledge using a productivity suite

Computer literacy/skills

Responsible Use of Technology

LWHS School Email Accounts

All students receive and are expected to use an LWHS School Email account during their enrollment at the school.

School Email accounts in LWHS' Google Workspace^TM domain provide 20GB of storage capacity (versus 15GB for "free" Gmail accounts) and access to Google services including @lwhs.org email, Drive storage, Docs/Sheets/Slides, Calendar and Photos. The LWHS School Email account also provides student access to an Adobe^TM Creative Suite license, a Canva^TM account, and other services; these services may be used at will by each student, and we are exploring other tools and services which require a school email address to use.

Please contact the Technology Department for additional information about LWHS School Email accounts.

Skill Expectations for Incoming Frosh

Basic knowledge using a productivity suite

Computer literacy/skills

Responsible Use of Technology

About & FAQs

About LWHS Technology and Networks

Technology is a critical component of the Lick-Wilmerding High School experience.