Facilities

Physical Plant and Network Capabilities

The Dalton School network connects three buildings located on 91st St, 89th St., and 87th St. using fiber optic and T1 lines. Internally, each building has high-speed data network access and phone system using category 5 and 6 wiring within the buildings and fiber-optic wiring between the main wiring closet and floors with intermediate wiring closets. Each electronics closet has an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that has a minimum of 30 minutes of reserve power, with the average uptime of over an hour, to allow for safe shutdowns of equipment if there is a power outage. Each classroom and office has connectivity. There are at least three access points in each room, with the classroom averaging six access points. The phone and data systems were originally designed as separate networks but are now incrementally being changed to allow easy configuration of any network device (computer, printer, telephone) to operate from any access point. Wireless network access is available from all locations to facilitate the ease of use and mobility of the laptops. Any new construction or renovation will include both wired and wireless solutions.

Classrooms

All classrooms have network access, either wired or wireless. Some rooms have built-in A/V equipment, such as a ceiling-mounted video projector, speakers, screen or SmartBoard, VCR/DVD player, with a switch in a cabinet with one or 2 access points to connect a laptop or portable audio device for projection. Music classrooms also include mounted, adjustable microphones for recording directly to CD-R recorder. For classrooms not equipped with this setup, portable carts with similar equipment are available.

Hardware

The school's network allows for multiple platforms of operating systems. Although the school overwhelmingly uses Macintosh desktops and laptops, there are Windows-based machines seamlessly integrated into the network. There are approximately 370 desktop machines, 375 laptops, 200 AlphaSmarts, and 140 printers for student and administrative use. In several locations, laptops carts are available to be used in the classrooms. PC, servers, and laptop hardware is replaced on a 3-year basis. Macintosh desktops are replaced on a 4-year basis.

Environment

All major hardware in working condition that is depreciated is given to other schools, non-profits, Dalton families or faculty. All non-working equipment is sent to a recycling facility. Toner and ink supplies are recycled. The school has received several acknowledgements from the community on its recyling efforts.

Other Equipment

Many other technologies exist and are in use: scanners, digital still and video cameras, laserdisc players, TVs, DVD and VCR players, fax machines, networked digital copiers, laser printers (both color and black), SmartBoards, and media projectors.

Software (site licenses for main word processing, databases, etc.)

The school standardizes software packages. Software is purchased according to the school's needs, cross-platform capability, and cost. Site, building, and single-use licenses are purchased when appropriate. The New Lab maintains all software licenses and is responsible for copyright compliance. KeyServer application facilitates the management of installed software.

Supplies