Catasauqua High School will officially distribute 540 MacBook Air devices to students Aug. 4-14.CHS Principal David Ascani informed Catasauqua Area School Board members of the progress of the school's laptop roll out program at the July 16 school board meeting.

Laptops will be distributed 6-8 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5 for seniors, Aug. 6 and 7 for juniors, Aug. 11 and 12 for sophmores and Aug. 13 and 14 for freshmen.

Earlier this year, the school board approved the 1:1 laptop program at a cost of $600,000 over a four-year period.

Ascani said there will be a $50-per-year insurance cost per student. A payment plan is available, he said.

Two versions of the laptop agreement exist. Version A allows students who have insurance coverage to bring the device home with them. Version B permits students with insurance coverage to keep the laptop at the school.

"That's the only difference between Version A and B," Ascani said.

Board member Dawn Berrigan inquired of students who do not want insurance coverage.

"They would turn the laptop in at the end of each day and they would not be covered," Ascani said.

According to Ascani, the librarian will be responsible for scanning the laptops and locking them up at the end of the day.

Board member Carol McCarthy asked district Network Manager Wayne Karess how the district will handle unauthorized web searches by students.

Karess said the district receives reports from Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit on web access. The reports will indicate what sites have been accessed by the students.

"It's still school district property and [students] need to know that," Ascani added.

Training sessions have already been offered to staff who now have the devices in their possession. Ascani said training will be offered to staff on an ongoing basis.

Board Vice President Carol Cunningham commended the district for offering professional development opportunities to staff.

"This is a monumental task, so to the administration, thank you," she said.

"I think we're off to a good start," Ascani said.

Detailed information on the laptop roll out program can be found on the high school website at www.cattysd.org. On the left, visitors can click on CHS 1:1 MacBook Initiative.

Included there is a list of guidelines about the proper use and handling of the devices.

Donald Panto, member of the board, said offering guidelines is a benefit to the students.

"I think, again, it's a place where we're starting the educational process on how to take responsibility," he said.