Wireless Laptop Learning and MORE!

Saint Thomas More High School implemented its Wireless Laptop Learning program in the fall of 2007. Studies have shown where used, the laptop program  benefits all students involved, improves ACT scores, student failure rates go down, and students are more focused and stay on task longer.

Starting in the fall of 2007, Saint Thomas More High School was the first Wireless Laptop Catholic High School in the state of Wisconsin and the first in greater Milwaukee.  Sophomores and incoming freshmen were the first classes to participate in the wireless curriculum the first year.  Each year for the following two years, freshmen will be issued laptop computers - completing the phase-in of the program in the fall of 2009.  

Students will be using their laptops in all of their classrooms.  Many classes will be using E-books, not traditional textbooks.  E-books give students not only learning and reference material as in a traditional book, but E-books can be updated as needed.  E-books also offer audio, animation, study guides and practice tests, clarification tools – other sites for a more in-depth look.   E-books will also offer students and teachers the opportunity to communicate with other students and teachers in the same subject – in a classroom across the country or across the world.

Teachers will be using their laptops and also implementing other forms of technology to enhance the learning experience.  LED projectors will be used in most classrooms and Smart Boards will be used in a variety of our classrooms.  Saint Thomas More continues to find new ways that technology can support traditional classroom learning.

                                

Technology integration is not new to Saint Thomas More. In early 2001, Thomas More built two state-of-the-art computer labs that are used for daily teaching and student use.  The labs have since been updated.  In the fall of 2004, Thomas More introduced Project Lead the Way, (PLTW) a Pre-Engineering program to students.  This program has become very successful and popular with many students.  Students completing this four-year course have the opportunity to earn college credit.

Saint Thomas More’s pre-engineering program is the first in the Milwaukee area to be PLTW Certified and recognized as one of the finest in all of Wisconsin.  An offshoot of the pre-engineering program is our robotics club, MORE ROBOTICS, which has received regional and national awards since it began in 2005.

Saint Thomas More is committed to upgrading and integrating technology. Staff
know how vital these tools are in education today and those students who use
them proficiently have a great learning advantage.  The skills students acquire through the use of technology are building blocks for their future, allowing nearly all of Saint Thomas More graduates to succeed in the college of their choice.

Forms and other Important Information

There are several things that students and their families should be aware of when it comes to usage of the laptop.  Please click Laptop Policy to find out detailed information regarding STM's policy for students as far as proper and correct usage of their laptop computers.

Have a question?  Click FAQ to read all about frequently asked questions and our answers to them.

Finally, for all students and their families, you will want to view our Insurance Waiver to get detailed information about how to protect yourself should something happen to your laptop computer.  Please click the link to read more about the protective measures you can take.