Technology & Digital Learning

At JCHS, we strive to find new and engaging technologies, model responsible media habits, teach digital citizenship, and encourage balance in our fast-paced world.

Our academic philosophy embraces the use of technology to support learning and enhance creativity, communication, and collaboration. Our integrative approach introduces students to the myriad of ways that innovative hardware, new software apps, hands-on tinkering and even social media crowd-sourcing can be used to advance our understanding of traditional subject areas like algebra, Tanach, and theater arts.

Student Laptop Program

At JCHS, we want to empower students and families to choose the tools that are most appropriate for them. Research has shown that when students personalize their education, it accelerates learning, so JCHS has a “Bring Your Own Device” policy with regard to student laptop use.

Below are answers to the most frequently asked question about device use along with our suggested technical specifications.

Minimum Laptop Specifications

Portable computer at most 3 years old with (minimum specs):

  • 64-bit processor
  • 8 GB of system memory
  • WiFi 802.11 n/ac
  • Built-in camera, microphone, and speakers, or functioning headset and USB webcam
  • 6+ hour battery life
  • 128 GB of storage — students taking fine arts classes may need more capacity

Note: Chromebooks and iPads are allowed, as long as they have a keyboard, and can run the current version of their operating system software. Please be aware that for certain classes such as Filmmaking, Chromebooks and iPads are not sufficient. Students should consult their instructor with questions about laptop needs.

  • Protective Carrying Case or Sleeve
  • Headphones with Microphone
  • Internet access from home, sufficient for video chat
  • Working charger
  • Windows 10
  • macOS 10.13 or newer
  • iOS 13 or newer
  • Linux kernel 5.7 or newer
  • Chrome OS 84 or newer
  • Antivirus/malware protection on Windows (Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, Sophos, etc.)
  • Secondary web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, etc.)
  • Computer locator software (Find My Mac, etc)

Student Laptop Program FAQs

We want to empower students and families to choose the tools that are most appropriate for them. Research has found that when students personalize their education, it accelerates their learning.

Only if they currently do not own one that meets the minimum requirements. Please see the laptop specifications above. 

We maintain a small pool of loaner laptops during the school day, available from the receptionist on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must leave collateral at the front desk in order to borrow a device. This collateral will be locked in a safe location, to be claimed when the device is returned.

All maintenance for the hardware device, operating system, software and/or apps purchased by the family are the responsibility of the family. Families should ensure a quick maintenance turnaround for student devices. Loaner laptops will be available in the tech office for no longer than two weeks for emergency situations. The family owns and is ultimately responsible for the upkeep and usefulness of the device. JCHS recommends that families purchase an Accidental Damage policy for their laptop.

We suggest that each family check to see if their homeowners or renters insurance will cover the theft of a digital device. It is also a good idea to investigate special insurance from a company such as Square Trade or Worth Avenue. If a laptop is stolen, file a report with your local law enforcement agency. Software such as Lojack for Laptops is available to help law enforcement officials track the whereabouts of a digital device when it connects to the Internet. You are free to install such software at your own expense.

Students may choose to leave their laptop at school as long as they are stored in the student’s locked school locker. Students opting to leave their laptop at school need to develop a reliable system for transporting or sharing documents back and forth.

Learning to take care of school supplies — whether textbooks, calculators, uniforms, or computers — is one of the daily tasks of student life.  We highly recommend that students purchase and carry their computer in a sturdy travel case and always lock computers in their lockers when not in use during the day. We also encourage students to back up data to a cloud-based service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) or to an external storage device.

Please bring a protective carrying case and power cord. It is very important that you are able to protect your laptop from bumps and dropping with a sturdy case. A power cord is also very important especially if your laptop will not hold a charge for at least four hours. Headphones or earbuds are also required. Please see the Minimum Specifications above for more detail.

Yes. Students will need to be able to access their homework assignments via our online learning management system. In addition, they may need to do internet research, retrieve and save work that resides online, or collaborate with other students virtually to complete work.

When purchasing your laptop, it’s highly recommended you purchase Damage Protection (PCs) or AppleCare (Macs). This ensures that your student’s device is protected against accidental damage on and off the school campus. Fire, theft and acts of God are usually not covered under these programs, and we recommend you talk to your insurance carrier about your coverage. All insurance claims must be settled between you and the insurance company.

Theater Tech

Tech Lab