Computers given to some students make for ruckus in Saugus

SAUGUS – Saugus High School?s new advanced academy for freshmen offers ninth-graders the opportunity to take a much more demanding courseload.But along with the tougher curriculum comes a bonus. All 27 freshmen in the program receive netbooks, and some students not in the program are saying that?s unfair.Sophomore Felicia Priego thinks all high school students should have netbooks.?I want a laptop too,” said Priego. “No kid should have a special right to have a laptop. They couldn?t give us that opportunity last year? I could be in all honors classes and I?d still have to go out and buy my own laptop and that?s not fair to me.”Principal Joe Diorio called the advanced program “intense” and said the netbooks help students keep a handle on their heavy workload.?These are students that tested into a first-year program for students that want to be advanced in their program,” said Diorio. “We decided to give them all laptops to help them engage in all their learning and research.”The program is in its first year and will have freshmen take a set core of advanced classes throughout their four years in high school. Classes offered include honors biology, honors United States history and honors geometry.If students take full advantage of the program, Diorio said they could graduate with up to 15 advanced placement classes and could potentially enter college as a sophomore.Despite this, sophomore Chris Degusto said netbooks shouldn?t be limited to just 27 freshmen.?I?m upset,” said Degusto. “I didn?t get a laptop last year. Everyone could get work done at the same pace even though people are in a higher level.”Freshman Tyler St. Pierre said he thinks there should be a “level playing field” when it comes to students and netbooks.?Absolutely it?s unfair,” said St. Pierre. “We should all be on the same level.”While some students were grumbling about the netbooks, Diorio said he hasn?t heard anything negative about them, and said he hopes to give all students the same opportunity in the future.?We?d love to give all kids a laptop if feasible,” said Diorio. “It would be our goal down the line if we ever found a budget or a grant that could fund it for all kids. But for those students, because their workload is so intense, that?s why they received it. It?s a benefit of being in the program.”Sam Rippin, Director of Finance and Operations, said the netbooks cost around $500 each for a total cost of about $13,000, which he said is the main factor in their limited availability.?If you can?t afford the whole population then you target and make sure you fill the whole target,” said Rippin. “That effectively could be your pilot group. In a perfect world we would give the kids all the tools we possibly can.”Rippin said the netbooks are hooked up to the school network?s filter when on school grounds, but that filter doesn?t apply when students bring them home.?Whatever they do at home, the parents need to police,” said Rippin.But even though some students are upset about the netbooks, sophomore Mike Swanson said it?s fine with him.?I don?t think everyone should have them,” said Swanson. “I think those students who work hard and deserve them should get them.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter @MattTempesta.