Technology FAQ

The Laptops for Learning Program ensures students have constant access to digital resources, use laptops purposefully in class, and develop the skills needed for a tech-driven future. Laptops become integrated learning tools, while teachers continue to model best practices and evolve their methods in today’s digital age.

Families do not need to purchase a new laptop if they already own one that meets the minimum requirements below. If your family needs financial assistance purchasing a laptop, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@lagunablanca.org.

Laptop minimum requirements:

• A long lasting battery life (3+ hours)
• Should power on in less than 60 seconds
• A full sized-screen (minimum 11")
• A hardshell case to protect the laptop
• Headphones
• A functioning video camera
• A processor that can support video conference & multitasking (i5 or higher)

It is strongly recommended that the computer not be older than three years of age and that it is covered by an extended warranty with accident coverage.

No. The Laptops for Learning Program is designed around classroom use of laptops with full version software applications, and Web-based resources. While the small size of an iPad or smart phone is convenient, the processing power and memory does not meet the specifications which will be required for the resources and assignments teachers are planning to use.

All computers used at school are subject to our filtering system, whether on the WIFI or standard network. It's important to keep in mind that no filtering system is perfect, so students are expected to observe the guidelines set forth in the School’s Responsible Use Policy while using any digital device at school.

The Responsible Use Policy is included within the student/parent information handbook. Before any student can connect to the school network, a signed copy of the student/parent handbook form is required.

If you are in Grades Five through Eight, you will need to bring your own laptop to school every day for class. You will connect to the Internet through our Wi-Fi, and access websites as directed by your teachers for your lessons.

Bring a fully charged, lightweight laptop with at least four hours of battery life. Don’t bring iPads. Make sure you and your parents know the minimum laptop requirements listed above.

For browsing the Internet, download and install Firefox or Chrome. Some teachers may ask you to create shortcuts or download certain free “open source” software programs. Don’t forget to have anti-virus software on your laptop to keep it protected.

You should plan to bring your laptop on the first day of class. 

Please bring your power cord daily, especially if your laptop does not hold charge for more than four hours. A protective case is also highly encouraged.

Your parents will receive information via email on how to activate your account.

The Technology Department is available every day at school at the tech window. We will help you get your laptop connected to the Wi-Fi. If the problem can’t be fixed due to low disk space, outdated OS, viruses, or faulty hardware, your parents may need to help with repairs or upgrades.

If you forgot your laptop, or it needs repairs or replacement, we can provide a loaner for a few days. Please note, loaner laptops must stay at school, so make sure you save your files online to the Swoop Drive.

You will not have access to school file servers unless you are using a School-owned computer. So, when using your laptop you should save your files to class folders on your computer using the Google Drive app.

Yes. It is recommended that you come to school with a fully charged laptop each day. But if needed, teachers can provide extension cords for you to use during class. Be sure to bring your laptop power cord each day.

Loaning your laptop to anyone else is strongly discouraged. The only exception may be leaving it with the Technology Department staff for troubleshooting problems for you.

When not in use, keep your laptop in your backpack or in your locker in its protective case. NEVER leave it unattended. Any laptop left lying out, or left in a classroom unattended will be taken to the tech office where you will need to go to retrieve it. If you repeatedly leave it out and unattended, the school will call your parents to come pick it up for you.