BEVERLY — Inside the Beverly High School field house yesterday, students moved from table to table filling out forms during an orientation session for the upcoming school year. It looked like a ritual from any generation, complete with such old-fashioned tools as pen and paper.
It wasn't until the students walked into the cafeteria that it became apparent this year at Beverly High School will be unlike any other.
That's where more than 400 juniors and seniors came to pick up their Apple MacBook laptop computers as part of the school's new "one-to-one" laptop program. Sophomores and freshmen are scheduled to pick up theirs today and tomorrow.
Principal Sean Gallagher said that about 1,000 of the high school's 1,250 students have signed up for the program, which allows students to rent a laptop for the equivalent of $28 per month and to use the computer in the classroom and at home.
Those who don't agree to pay will be loaned a laptop but will not be allowed to take it home.
"We're really excited," Gallagher said as he stood in the cafeteria, where Apple representatives in red polo shirts handed out the laptops in black carrying cases.
"That's a great amount of students involved already, and once the program is up and running, we're sure more will become involved," Gallagher said. "No one will be without the technology."
School officials have touted the program as the wave of the future in an increasingly technological society. Students who picked up their computers yesterday seemed generally excited about the idea.
"It's the way we're moving technologically," said Anita Richardson, a 17-year-old senior. "I'll definitely do all my homework on it. The only issue could be students' attention span in class."
Owen Goetemann, a 16-year-old junior, was excited about all of the software programs that are included on the laptops, including one to record and edit music. The programs would be more expensive to buy on your own, he said.
Asked how often he'll use his MacBook, Goetemann said, "Every day, every class, I think. I hope. It's easier to take notes."
Goetemann said he doesn't think the laptops will distract students during class.
"The teacher can just say, 'Close the tops and pay attention,'" he said.
David Goetemann, Owen's father, said he is thrilled that the high school has become one of the first in the state to offer laptops to all students.
"These are the kids who are going to be running the country next," he said. "This is teaching them the skills they're going to need on the outside."
Over the four years of high school, renting a laptop will cost a family $1,344. That cost includes insurance for theft and accidental damage, Apple updates and applications, warranty repairs done at the high school by certified technicians, and a loaner laptop while repairs are being done.
David Goetemann described the cost as "fairly nominal" and said it was "money well-spent."
Students who rent for four years will have the option of buying their computer for $1 when they graduate. Financial assistance is available for eligible families.
Students who already own MacBooks will be allowed to use their own. That's the case with Edward Tsukroff, a 17-year-old senior who got a MacBook for Christmas.
Tsukroff said he is worried that many students aren't familiar with Macs.
"It's going to be a hard year," he said.
Kenny Pierce, who has a son and daughter at the high school, said students are already accustomed to using technology in many aspects of their life. Even his 4-year-old son knows how to use the family's iPad, he said.
"I think it's terrific," Pierce said of the laptop program. "This is what's going on with this generation. It's all wireless."
As students walked out of the cafeteria with their new laptops, some of them envisioned the day when they will no longer need to carry textbooks. But Richardson, the 17-year-old senior, said she still prefers the printed page.
"I love books," she said.
Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or pleighton@salemnews.com.
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