ADAMS TWP — Students, teachers and parents have seemingly embraced the new one-on-one laptop computer program at Mars High School.

Assistant Superintendent Matt Friedman told the school board members at their Tuesday night meeting that 850 Lenovo Thinkpads were issued to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors at distribution events on Aug. 19, 20 and 21.

The students will use the laptops for virtually every school assignment, project and piece of homework. Textbooks for most classes have been downloaded onto the laptops, which will save the district money. The district also will save on paper costs.

Families were given the choice to have their students take the laptops home after school, which cost a $57 insurance fee. Those electing not to take their computers home must check their machines in and out at the office each day.

Friedman said only 44 students elected not to take their computers home, and that 12 were never claimed.

Board member Rita Dorsch asked if students experienced any technical problems. Friedman replied that of the few problems that occurred, the large majority were minor and fixed immediately.

He said the biggest issue was accessing textbooks online, which is being rectified. Friedman said he and a representative from the company that provided the computers have looked into any and all problems students and teachers were experiencing.

“I would say that the majority of issues are gone,” Friedman said.

Friedman said the next step is scheduling professional development opportunities for teachers regarding the new method of teaching. Events also will be held to keep parents updated on the process.

“This has really been a huge paradigm shift in teaching and learning at the high school,” Friedman said.

Friedman said he will also work with the high school librarian on developing a “tech team” comprised of students.

“(The team) will be kind of like our geek squad that would support other students who are having problems,” he said.

Elementary school teacher Chris Petrini said she hopes the laptop computer program eventually will be expanded to the other grades.

Board member Christine Valenta said she looks forward to a report from teachers detailing how the new laptop program is working.

Superintendent William Pettigrew said a report from faculty would be forthcoming as soon as it’s feasible.