Every student must bring with them to school a laptop computer.

Father Ryan’s 2:1 program is designed to provide an extended learning initiative for our students and a heightened teaching environment for our faculty.

Every student must bring with them to school a laptop computer. Father Ryan is a Microsoft 365 Cloud-based school. This 2:1 program will not allow Apple computers. Using a single platform provides benefits in curriculum, planning, security, service and training, both for our students and our IT Department. Using Microsoft enables the school to do the following:

Standardize curriculum materials that fit the Microsoft platform
Use existing anti-virus software that is Microsoft specific
Connect users to our Microsoft printers
Train our tech staff on one system to respond quickly and accurately to any problems

The minimum specifications for a Father Ryan student’s computer are the following:

Windows 10 or higher (Note: Windows 10s NOT supported.)
Intel I5 Core processor (or equivalent)
8GB RAM or higher Recommended
256GB Hard drive or higher recommended
11” Monitor: Touch Screen highly recommended
Five (5) hour rated battery life
Integral or attachable keyboard
Integrated touchpad or attachable mouse

Important note: You do not need to purchase the Microsoft Office365 Suite. Students will be given access to the suite during their time at Father Ryan High School.

Student Computer Use at School

Students will be required to take their computers to class each day unless a teacher directs them otherwise. All students are responsible for bringing their laptops to school fully charged each day. With proper power settings, a fully charged laptop will be able to last an entire school day. Students will not have access to power outlets in classrooms. When a computer is not being used for class, it is to be closed or put away. Teachers will be designing lessons and classroom activities based on students having access to their laptops.

List of 8 items.

What is 2 to 1?

In addition to laptops, many of our teachers allow students to use their smartphones, Kindles and other devices. Hence the name 2 to 1.
What support resources are be available for students?

The school's “Knowledge Bar,” staffed by technology personnel and library media services staff, helps students troubleshoot problems they may be experiencing. While the school can provide limited support with the devices, it cannot provide support with home networks, or repair damaged computers.
What if we do not have Internet access at home?

The school library, with full Internet access, is open Monday through Friday for student use from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on regular school days. In addition, if a student has an assigned study hall, internet access will be available during this time frame. As an additional resource, families who believe they may need financial assistance may find this resource helpful: http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/Internet/comcast-broadband-opportunity-program/
If we have not purchased a device, do you recommend a specific provider?

While we will not require a specific manufacturer, several brands to conisder include Dell, Lenove, Acer, Asus and Microsoft.
How will students access the Internet and will there be any controls regarding that access?

When the student is on campus, all devices will be required to access the school’s private Wi-Fi network, with its safeguards and restrictions. Father Ryan already has an Internet Usage Agreement in the Resource Board.
How will students be able to learn if the technology fails or their device is damaged/lost?

We will ask parents to allow us to use scanning/tracking software to enhance the student’s ability to track a device lost on campus. We will also have a supply of spare computers to use for a limited time, if/when a device is lost or damaged.
Will Macs work with the technology at Father Ryan?

Father Ryan is a Windows platform school.

Students without Windows computers will run into significant issues with school network connections, and there is no ability to support Mac computers within the school’s infrastructure. Mac computers operate on different platform, and, therefore, are not acceptable.
Will every course have digital textbooks?

Approximately 40% of our courses have digital textbooks.