We have technology specialists, teachers in the district who teach technology-based courses, in all our schools. The technology specialists are available to answer your quick and simple questions. For all other questions or requests for help, users are expected to submit a help desk ticket to the technology help desk by sending your request via FirstClass e-mail to Help Desk. Questions or issues with telephones, Infinite Campus, hardware and software, and peripheral devices can be addressed by the help desk.

2.  Who are the technology specialists? 

The K-8 technology specialists in each building have teaching responsibilities; at the elementary level, they also facilitate your educational technology needs in the computer labs and classrooms during integration periods. They also provide the first step in the technical support process outlined in #1 above.

At CHS, we don't have specific technology specialists as these staff members teach in different departments as well.  Because the CHS program and schedule doesn't lend itself easily to the integration and flex time for technology, CHS has a full-time technology trainer, Jill Bacso. Ms. Bacso also serves as the district webmaster.

3.  Who are Douglas Brower and Dennis Schmidt?

Douglas Brower is the K-12 supervisor of educational technology, business, and practical arts and his office is in CHS.  He has been a teacher and supervisor in the district for 25 years. For technology, he leads the team of teachers that deliver the technology/computer instructional program and assists teachers and administrators in implementing technology to its fullest. He also is the administrator in charge of the e-mail and conferencing system. Mr. Brower is the go-to man for educational/classroom technology needs. 

Dennis Schmidt is the administrator of technology; he leads the district technical support team and oversees the district network infrastructure. There is a team of technicians throughout the school district that assists students and staff.  Mr. Schmidt coordinates the networking functions throughout the district and works very closely with Mr. Brower.

4.  What about e-mail and SPAM questions?

The Hopewell Valley Regional School District technology department has taken serious steps to curb SPAM e-mail from reaching user mailboxes. Please consult the FirstClass FAQ for additional information.

We know that e-mail and the Internet are important components to a teacher's (and student's) daily life at school and at home. There are times when e-mail and Internet access are briefly unavailable for maintenance purposes.

6.  Is there a district acceptable use policy (AUP)?

There is a district AUP, and it is applicable to ALL users of technology in Hopewell Valley Regional School District. Please consult this online document:  Guidelines For Responsible Computing. 

7. Do I sign up to use a computer lab with my students?

Yes. Each of the technology specialists K-8 has a calendar so that you can sign up to use a computer lab with your students. Ms. Bacso at the high school does the same for the high school computer labs. Please give yourself enough lead time as the demand for computer lab time is high in all of our schools.

8. Is there a discount for teachers to purchase computers?

DELL offers the DELL Employee Purchase Program to all employees of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District. Additional information is available in the HV Technology conference in the FirstClass District Conferences.