Hoff Technology Center

10/17/15 - Ted Hoff and Kathleen O’Connell pictured with sons Michael and Tommy (via Skype)

The work of the Mary Catherine and George Hoff Technology Center ensures that Saint Peter School students are equipped with the technology and digital knowledge and skills required to be successful learners and leaders in the 21st century.

First established in 1998, and rededicated in 2015, the Hoff Technology Center has evolved, moving beyond its early days as a space primarily for teaching core computer understanding and skills. Its functions and capabilities have advanced as the world has become more technology intensive, and technology has permeated the curriculum. Now, combined with the library’s books and resources, the Hoff Technology Center serves as a central classroom for students to acquire essential technology skills and expertise and as a lab for developing greater digital fluency.

The Hoff Technology Center was made possible by a gift from Ted Hoff and Kathleen O’Connell in memory of Ted’s parents, Mary Catherine and George Hoff, who were passionate supporters of Catholic education. Ted and Kathleen’s sons, Tommy and Michael Hoff, are proud alumni of Saint Peter School.

Q: Who will receive a Chromebook at St. Peter?
Q: What is a Chromebook anyway?

A: A Chromebook is a lightweight networked device that is meant to be used primarily while connected to the Internet. All content and applications are stored in the “Cloud” – or on the Google Servers that host the Google Apps for Education infrastructure. A Chromebook is an example of a thin client. Instead of Windows, or Apple’s OSx, Chromebooks run Chrome OS, Google’s operating system. Because of this Chromebooks primarily are designed to use Google’s suite of applications.
Q: What happens if my childs Chromebook is damaged, lost or stolen?
Q: Is the Chromebook durable enough to stand up to typical student usage?
Q: Do parents need to sign a contract?
Q: What happens if I do not sign the agreements for my child?
Q: Will the Chromebook contain all of the student's textbooks?
Q: Will the Chromebooks be filtered for safe content?

A: We run two levels of security for the Chromebooks. The first level is Google Safe Search, which is locked on all Chromebooks and for all Student Google Accounts, as part of the Google Apps for Education environment. Safe Search is Google’s Search product that aims to blocks offensive material. However, it is important to understand that no filtering product is 100% fool proof. Google Safe Search is connected with YouTube Safety Mode – both are locked on for all student users. You can read about Google Safe Search here.
The second level of security is OpenDNS which is now owned by Cisco. This is a content filtering solution that blocks sites by category and also allows the school to allow or block certain sites by URL. Please note no content filtering is 100% foolprooof and teachers and staff need to monitor behavior and useage at all times.
Q: Who can use the Chromebook?
Q: What if I don't want my child to bring the Chromebook home?
Q: Will students be able to keep their Chromebooks over the summer?
Q: How should the Chromebooks be cleaned?
Q: Will students be able to download Apps from the appstore?
Q. What if I don't have wireless internet (wifi) in my home?
Q: What if I don't have internet at my house?
Q: What if my child prefers their own computer?