The Technology Team from the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education (OCE) plans to distribute 720 Chromebooks to parish schools in the Philadelphia community. The opportunity to support those in need was made possible by the Philadelphia School Partnership (PSP). Chromebooks, a Google product, feature the Google platform that provides various free applications that enable teachers and students to work together online and interact effectively. This includes email, group calendars, shared documents and presentations, and video calls.

Prior to distribution, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will bless the devices. Distribution of these devices began this week on Monday, April 20, 2020. Individuals picking up the Chromebooks may pick them up at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (222 North 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103). We ask you to remain in your vehicle while waiting and a member of the Technology Team will deliver it to you. 

Since March 13, 2020, and the rapid onset of the COVID-19 crisis, finding a way to continue the school year has been our priority at Our Lady of Hope School. Luckily, teachers and staff from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have made a huge effort to embrace technology and continue to engage with students. In contrast, the School District of Philadelphia initially forbade graded remote instruction (they have since lifted this ban), which left students without a concrete structure for schoolwork while at home, disrupting their learning. 

Catholic schools have not let the ball drop, and by distributing these Chromebooks ensures that all students have access to their education. Additionally, the distribution of the Chromebooks is part of a larger plan toward an “integration of technology” in the classroom (whether at home or physically at Our Lady of Hope School). 

Going forward, when we reach a post-COVID-19 sense of normalcy, teachers and students will have many more tools to expand their education.