Acting as one of Norwood High’s first internship-integrated classes, Senior Technology Service Seminar, better known as STSS, is one of the most important programs to the school district's technological success. But most people still have no idea what it is.

What is STSS?

“STSS is a program at Norwood High School that is made up of a group of Seniors, Doctor Crowley, myself, and Moises Forchue who is the network specialist. The group of seniors provides support for Chromebook repair. The students will spend one period of their day where they assist with the technology department with repairs, as well as with customer service out in the library,” said John Willett, NHS support specialist and one of the leading supervisors behind STSS.

What Does STSS do?

STSS’s major role in the school is to help it stay a one-to-one school. One-to-one refers to each student in the district being assigned a Chromebook or smart device in order to ensure equal education for all students.  

“Over Covid-19 Norwood High School decided to become a one-to-one school. The STSS students have played a major role in supporting NHS as a one-to-one school,” said Dr. Michael Crowley Engineering and Robotics teacher.

The STSS students are well versed in fixing any physical damage done to the Chromebooks such as broken screens, wifi issues, keyboard issues, missing keys, broken batteries, and any sort of routine maintenance or physical damage.

Another aspect of the STSS curriculum is the OBS-based modules created by Dr. Michael Crowley,

 “That complements the skills that (STSS students) have to put to work with Mr. Willett. The six lessons are clear IT skills that you need to have under your belt,” he said.

How did STSS start?

STSS came into fruition a little over ten years ago when Dr. Michael Crowley was walking through the admissions office of the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston,

 “The walls were wallpapered with acceptance letters of students accepted into Wentworth. All the students who were accepted all had internships in their resumes. So I came back to Norwood High School and out of that came the STSS program which is our version of a one-year internship,” he said. 

What makes an STSS student?

STSS students have to have strong roots in the technology programs at Norwood High,

“Typically it’s seniors only. We have had some situations where students have done it as a junior. Typically students who have been in the (technology) program for three years. So they’ve taken intro to technology, or engineering, or CAD or a course for Mr. Cyr, etc. They have to understand their basics to troubleshoot, techniques that involve diagnostics,” said Dr. Micheal Crowley.

Technical skills aren’t everything when it comes to STSS students, “We’re also looking for very strong character people. They are in a position of trust, so we are looking for the right students for STSS,” said Dr. Michael Crowley.

Chromebook Insurance?

Chromebook insurance covers your Chromebook from accidental repairs, it also will cover the loss of a Chromebook if it’s stolen. It will fully cover the first claim, with the second and third claim, there is a copay. 

“It’s well worth it, it truly is, because that first time if you break a keyboard, it’s thirty dollars for the insurance but the keyboard is gonna be sixty-five so right there you’re gonna save," said John Willett.

How do I get my Chromebook fixed?

The STSS help desk can be found right next to the main desk in the library. It is situated to the left of the librarians, and has a sign indicating that you are in the right spot. Once you arrive at the help desk there will typically be a student manning the desk who will be able to take your broken Chromebook and give you a loaner until the broken one is repaired.