Cape Girardeau Schools hand out half million dollars worth of laptops

Cape Girardeau High School is the latest Missouri school to give laptops to all of its students. The big moment was noted in today's Cape Girardeau Southeast Missourian:

Devices were handed out according to last names and grade, starting with freshmen and working up to seniors. Cowan complimented students for the orderly way they received the laptops, protective sleeves, chargers and earbuds, and told them to take the devices with them to all their classes except physical education, when the laptops should be placed in their lockers.

Farrow said the laptops are a "huge investment" in the students and are educational devices that cannot access any unapproved software.Instructional technologist Ron Farrow suggested students keep the ASUS Transformer Books in a designated spot in their home, where it will be safe from pets and siblings.

The district acquired 1,300 computers -- including about 100 for teachers and loaners -- through a lease-purchase agreement with US Bank for $525,000.