Technology

Thomas Frizelle, Director
email | 425-868-6191, ext. 665
download: tech department highlights

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

Stay up to date on the latest Overlake technology news by visiting our Tech Blog.

Technology FAQs

1. What is The Overlake School's technology goal?

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.

2. How does Overlake make technology decisions?

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.

3. How do you ensure that the curriculum appropriately integrates technology?

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.

4. How often do you upgrade technology?

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.

5. Is The Overlake School campus wireless?

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.

6. What type of technology do we need at home?

We do not require a computer at home. If you are considering purchasing a computer, please view our Recommended Computer Hardware Standards. While we don't require students to have a home computer, we believe that computers should be available to all students for research and to complete projects. Students on The Overlake School campus have access to some of the most current technology available. The Technology & Language Center (TLC) labs are open daily from 7:30am to 4:30pm, and the library is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm

7. Does The Overlake School provide student email accounts?

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.

8. What Technology courses does The Overlake School offer?

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.

9. Does The Overlake School have a Technology Club?

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.

10. How do you stay current?

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.

11. Do you filter students' internet access?

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.