Computer Lab Refurbished
During the summer months local contractors Justin Gardner and Travis Milne were hard at work refurbishing the old Home Economics sewing room into a new computer lab. The room had been used as a computer lab for the past few years, but was in dire need of updating. A raised floor was installed so that the necessary wiring could be routed under the floor to eliminate the safety hazard of the many cords that were present in the old lab. The old storage cabinets (on the east wall) were removed; the walls were sheet rocked, textured, and painted; and new lighting, carpet, doors, and window coverings were installed. The room is now very nice.
All new ethernet wiring was installed by technology director Kent Kechter. A new LCD projection system was installed by Rob Schiltz along with a new speaker system and remote contol units for them. A wireless keyboard and movable cart allow the instructor to move about the room and still control a computer located in another part of the room. Fifteen new computers and 30 new flat screen displays were added. Fifteen older computers are also still in use in the lab for a total of 30 units. The larger number of available units prevents teachers from needing to divide a class into two locations as was sometimes done in previous years. A new printer was also installed in the lab to replace the older (sometimes functioning) one.
Many classes are using the lab on a regular basis. Mr. Morrow's English classes use the lab nearly every day along with Ms. Petersen's Auto-CAD Drafting class. Many other faculty and student groups use the lab from time to time. Students are also using the lab for online test preparation and testing for the Compass, ACT, and Kansas Assessments.
St. Francis is proud to offer this first class facility for their students and faculty to use. The students seem proud to have it available to them.
