The Technology Team has five members, each with a particular focus and area of expertise:

• Thomas Frizelle, Director of Technology and Integration Specialist.
• Jim Swayze, Senior Server Administrator and Network Technician.
• Rennie Grossman, Desktop Support Specialist.
• Anna Gavin, Lab Monitor and Help Desk Technician.
• Lunaura Sandoval, SharePoint and Database Specialist.

We believe technology is a powerful tool for enhancing our students' educations. We aim to improve strategies, practices and infrastructure for the best use of relevant technologies. The school's academic departments, library and technology staff work together to support the school's mission and curricular goals.

The Technology Team makes routine technology decisions. The Technology Team and Technology Committee plan technology strategy. Faculty, staff, administrators and parents comprise the Technology Committee. Please contact the Director of Technology if you are interested in serving on the Technology Committee.

We believe technology can be a powerful classroom learning tool, so we are always looking into ways to enhance our students' learning without distracting from the essential curriculum. We stay current with new technologies and integration trends and undertake semi-annual self-studies and curriculum audits. Our comprehensive technology mentoring program gives teachers the time and skills to join technology staff and other faculty in integrating technology into their classrooms.

Technology is constantly evolving, with new technologies increasingly available. The technology department stresses balancing the potential of emerging technologies with the Overlake community's needs. In general, our technology is replaced every three years.

Yes, except for a few non-academic spaces, our entire campus is wireless. Students should contact a technology team member to get set up on our network.

We do not require a computer at home. Our recommended computer hardware standards for families who choose to buy a computer are HERE. While we don't require students to have a home computer, we believe computers should be available to students for research and to complete projects. Students on The Overlake School campus have access to some of the most current technology. The Technology & Language Center (TLC) labs are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

No, because most students already have several email accounts, and many find it difficult to maintain another one. We recommend that students use a free email provider if they need an account for class work.

Besides integrating technology into many of our courses, we also offer several technology focused courses that are dynamic and change often, based on what motivates our students. These courses are now offered in the Mathematics and Arts curriculums; the US Curriculum Guide features current courses. We have also offered independent study credits for students with specific technology interests. Interested students should consult their advisors to learn more.

The Overlake School aims to foster "interest-based interdisciplinary and creative challenges - to encourage inquiry and creative problem-solving" and "community-oriented activities--to instill a sense of membership in, respect for, and responsibility for the external world." Students organize various technology clubs, with faculty sponsors providing leadership and support. In the past we have offered Robotics Club, Technology Club and a Radio/Broadcasting club. The clubs constantly evolve, since they're based on student interest. For a list of active clubs and faculty advisors, please contact Alisa Steinhilber.

We believe learning is a life-long endeavor. All of our technology staff regularly attend workshops and training sessions. In addition, we encourage faculty to attend educational technology conferences and learn from other leaders in the field. Each year several teachers make "best practices" presentations on using technology in their subject areas at regional conferences. This type of collaboration is essential to staying current in the rapidly changing world of technology.

We do not filter our internet access. Part of the school's mission is to teach responsibility. This involves teaching our students to make good choices and holding them accountable. Internet filters also can, and do, filter out educational content inadvertently and do not always block inappropriate sites. Filters often provide a false sense of security and may be easily bypassed by a technology-savvy student. For these reasons, we believe it is better to take the time to help our students understand how to make good choices when using the internet.