The Ahmanson Foundation recently notified Principal Rosemary Libbon that Bishop Montgomery has been selected as a grant recipient by the charitable organization. After an extensive written application process, and then a site visit on September 9 by the Ahmanson Foundation, Libbon received a phone call a few days later letting her know the grant request was approved. “I was thrilled to receive the news,” commented Libbon. “Many faculty and staff members worked so hard on the grant application. It was very gratifying to see their hard work pay off and know that the school will benefit immediately from this gift.”
Libbon should receive the grant money by the middle of October and will direct it to Bishop’s continued effort to fortify the school’s technology infrastructure, specifically its wireless network. Strengthening the school’s infrastructure is of primary importance for Libbon so that the school can move forward with a 1:1 program that will equip students with Google Chromebooks, beginning with the new freshman class in Fall 2015.
The 1:1 program is just one of many technology initiatives currently in progress at the school. As of last year, all students received their own Google accounts and email addresses which provided access to the Cloud capabilities that came with the establishment of those accounts. Bishop currently owns two Google Chromebook carts, each of which hold 30 units and are available to any teacher for classroom use and curriculum enhancement. Libbon plans to purchase two additional Google Chromebook carts and three iPad carts, each with 30 units, to further support technology opportunities for instruction.
The infrastructure upgrade will help pave the way not only for the 1:1 program, but also for the eventual remodel of the school’s current library and adjacent PC and Mac labs. Instead of the traditional library and computer labs, the school looks to create a “Learning Commons” which will include a media center, computer stations, and areas for student collaboration. Funding for this project is currently underway.