With a new Wi-Fi network under construction,  the school is working to provide students with online access that encourages responsibility and learning in school.

According to Tom Marble, director of the district’s technology department, the new Wi-Fi  should be faster and able to handle more users in comparison to the old network.

“This year we kind of forklifted the old network so that we could replace it with a more robust network that can support a room of 45 students with devices or computers,” Marble said.

However, because of some technical difficulties transitioning from the old server to the new server,  the school has turned on a temporary guest network allowing wireless connection.

Although a new Wi-Fi system means free internet access in school, Marble said restriction of sites by administration will be minimal.

“We are going to do the least amount of filtering of sites to be in compliance with federal laws,” Marble said. “How we see it, it’s more about teaching students  about digital citizenship and appropriate use, more than anything.”

Sophomore Mykal Howard said having  access to the internet is economical.

“It’s a nice commodity for students because with free Wi-Fi, they don’t have to use their data,” Howard said. “Plus, there isn’t any harm that people can do online while sitting in class.”

Principal Scott Meyers said the greatest advantage to student access to a wireless network is that it allows for access to programs that are useful for students via their devices.

“There are many advantages to cell phones, like the instant feedback aspect that a program like Schoology provides,” Scott said.“But, I don’t think we’re at a point where access to the internet via phones is effective for regular school work.”