SMHS Tech Enhancement Project

Introduction
At the very beginning of creating the St. Mary High School (SMHS) 82 Group, there were a lot of discussions around the impact St. Mary High School had on us all. The debate, as we recall, resulted in the question of what we can do, as a group, to make a difference for this transformational institution. Some of us felt that the effective use of technology was crucial to realizing the significant improvement we anticipated in education outcomes.  As a result, we formed the SMHS- Technology Enhancement Project (TEP) team. The mission, to improve internet connectivity across the campus and drive the adoption of technology and associated processes to improve education outcomes.

The immediate need is for an operational St Mary High School Computer Lab. After several months of discussions and research, the Technology Enhancement Project Team provided the resources to create a St Mary High School Computer Lab through the purchase of 30 new desktop computers.

Broader Project Initiative
By solving the connectivity problem,  we believe that this will elevate the school and the parish of St Mary through the quality of graduates the institution can produce supported by access to productive educational assets that the Internet facilitates.  As such, the Technology Enhancement Project Team considers our effort as strategic, and not an event.  The team is eager to find partners, especially in our Alumni network, to bring this vision to reality.

We have identified and outlined the different phases for the Technology Enhancement Project. We have funded and completed Phase 1 and are now urgently seeking your support and cooperation to complete Phase 2. The outline of our plans for the three phases is as follows:

1. Phase 1 – Equip the School with 30 computers for two labs
2. Cost ~US$30K.
3. Status: Completed
4. Phase 2 – Improve Network & Wi-Fi Infrastructure at these labs (UPS, Computer Security & Connectivity)
5. Establish lab
   1. Network installation cost for Classroom B22
   2. Network installation cost for AV room
   3. Evaluate and fix UPS for computer Lab
   4. Network cost of Media Room with Smart Board
6. Status – In Progress

2. Cost – US$20K

3. Phase 3 – Improving the connectivity and Wi-Fi experience across the entire SMHS campus
   1. Status – Planned
      1. Design documents and estimates gathered.
   2. Estimate US150K.

SMHS Need your Help
The effects of COVID-19 have made clear that every educational institution must have a digital learning strategy for its students. COVID has confirmed the relevance of this initiative. It has also amplified the urgency for completing the overall project. Your partnership is urgently needed. Please join us to complete  Enhancement

Assistance from The United Friends of Highgate
For those in the US, we have partnered with The United Friends of Highgate (UFOH) to collect tax-deductible contributions. UFOH is an all-volunteer, 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to support the economic, educational, environmental, cultural, and social development of Highgate. This organization has accomplished much in our town of Highgate. Over the past thirteen years, it has lived up to its commitment and mission.

They were instrumental in helping us complete Phase 1 by allowing us to use the organization platform to collect donations. Beyond their mission to Highgate, they have vested interest in this project, especially since their competent treasurer, Mr. Claude Turnbull, is St. Mary High School’s first Head Boy. Many of their members are also past students of the school.

Please Help
The TEP team has contributed US$3,000 towards Phase 2. The goal is to raise the full $20K by the end of August. Do so will enable completion of Phase 2 as the school year starts.

Please DONATE NOW!

Contribution Channels and Methods

1. UFOH – via Paypal
2. Venmo – (we Venmo id)