This year marks Bishop High’s 51st anniversary at the La Colina Road campus. Building on its reputation for excellence, current campus projects focus on capital improvements that expand our STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Students returned to school in August to find a new Apple Computer Lab up and running along with a full classroom upgrade of the existing PC Computer Lab. Expanding student literacy to include both Apple and PC formats is just one way Bishop High is committed to STEM expansion and integration.

On the drawing board is Bishop High’s $1.5 million dollar renovation of the entire Science Wing, complete with the integration of solar technologies as part of a campus-wide greening effort. Bishop High also plans to launch its curriculum based STEM Academy for the 2010-2011 school year. Please contact the school for admissions and curriculum details.

Campus Projects are a part of the Master Plan, a blue print for Bishop High’s longevity - the big picture and the fine print of essential details.

The Science Wing renovation addresses Bishop High’s momentum to prepare students with 21st-century skills: problem solving, self-direction and the integration of technology requiring an unprecedented facility with computer applications.

It’s an interactive world out there and data no longer rests on the blackboard or the printed page. Both of Bishop’s science instructors earned doctoral level degrees. They optimize lecture instruction with the use of SMART Board technologies to lift the lid on in-classroom presentations. Maximizing the innovative use of technology jump starts student interest and optimizes learning style options. Please click here for a pdf of the full set of plans for the renovation.

With this renovation, students will perform in work groups with lap top computers. Probe wear interfacing will enable high precision experimental data to be collected rapidly so results can be readily analyzed and visualized instantly at the computer screen.

The Cardinal Standards of faith, service, thought, expression, self-reliance and action remain cornerstones of a Bishop High education. Students exercise critical thinking skills as they build upon these values during learning exercises.

Classrooms are being re-assessed to maximize both demonstration and experimentation with an eye on transition to college level sciences and the expectations of AP curriculum. We encourage you to inquire about our plans, join our group of Bishop benefactors bringing these advantages into our classrooms.

The library’s mission is to act as a vital school resource within the comprehensive plan to engage students in the investigation and acquisition of information for research and recreational needs.

Students will expand the scope and breadth of their hands-on experience with both major computer platforms, Apple and PC. Students will experience the excitement of creative technologies while benefitting from skill-building coursework that will enable them to utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate the information they access.

Phase II: Within the computer space adjacent to the Library, eighteen existing PC computers were replaced with twenty-four newer models from the room 202, PC computer lab. The room was reconfigured and further revitalized with the addition of new flat screen monitors, new carpeting and dual-tone paint, new work tables and chairs and air conditioning was installed. Utilization of the space was thereby expanded to comfortably accommodate twenty-four students at a seating. The spirit of the school was carried throughout the room’s new decor with the addition of twelve framed prints of Bishop students engaged in various campus activities.

In addition, twenty-nine new Apple computers were introduced into the existing computer lab in room 202. This transition enabled the cost effective use of the twenty-eight seat, existing computer tables/chairs and one instructor’s table and master computer.

Three new Apple computers were also added to the BDTV lab to increase the hands-on time for students learning complex professional graphics software.

Students enjoy the new Apple Computer Lab.

Phase I ($21,000. completed summer 2008):

Two student work stations with a total of twelve computers have been added, thanks to a very special donor.
Immediate proximity to the librarian has dramatically increasing instructional opportunities within the main library.
Students can work with partners on collaborative projects or work individually as assignments vary.

Thanks to a generous donor who also understands the value of integrating technology into Bishop High’s Mathematics program, Dr. Joe Reiken’s classroom has been outfitted with its own NComputing Lab.

Bishop High’s Technology Committee in conjunction with the donor and Dr. Joe Reiken (chair of Bishop’s Mathematics Department), put their creative efforts together to implement this project. The NComputing technology enabled computerized workstations to function efficiently and cost effectively from a single host computer, upgraded to handle seven separately functioning computer screens, mice and keyboards. Please see photos and details below.

• Access to online content as a means to differentiate instruction
• Opportunities to participate in University of California College Preparatory (UCCP) online courses
• Opportunities to interact with mathematical software designed to develop conceptual understanding of complex topics (e.g. Geometer’s Sketchpad, TI-84 Calculator Emulator)
• Ability to work on online homework assignments as provided through Webassign (www.webassign.com)

The computer system is more eco-friendly and cost-effective:

• Requires one computer processing unit that can operate seven workstations (rather than seven separate computer units), saving power and reducing the production of heat.
• Allows the school to install software on one computer for students to access, rather than seven separate stations. The cost of software licensing per unit is reduced significantly.
• Saves the school money on computer hardware since the system operates with the purchase of seven monitors, seven keyboards, seven mice and only ONE computer.
• Allows access to the world through the classroom since the system requires little space (one computer, seven monitors, seven mice, and seven keyboards)