Registration at Orangewood Academy this year brought oohs and ahs to students and parents alike. All students in sixth through 12th grades received Apple notebook computers to be used as part of their learning experience at the academy.

Faculty and staff were also excited at the prospect of bringing 21st century learning tools into the classroom. New Smart Boards were installed in select classrooms, and all classrooms in both middle and high school are now wireless.

"We are so excited to be able to use the notebook computers at school and also bring them home to do homework at night," says Elizabeth Montiel, a senior. "I love being able to review the work I've completed during the day and search the web for information I need for the next day."

"I think it's great that Orangewood has stepped into the 21st century with wireless notebooks for the students in middle and high school," says Kym Zona, a parent from Huntington Beach. "My son, who is in the fourth grade, can't wait until next year when they expand the program to include students in the fourth and fifth grades."

"We have a rich heritage in providing the best Adventist education in Southern California," says Principal Ruben Escalante. "With these new notebook computers, we offer a learning experience that sets the bar a little higher for other educational institutions in our area."

Orangewood has active parents, alumni, donors and a strong Home and School Association. This year, the association has pledged to financially support the infrastructure of this notebook computer program. "We are strongly supportive in helping provide students with lifelong tools to help them excel in their future," says Alina Tolan, association president. The school subsidizes a third of the cost of the computer. The parents pay the rest, either in a lump sum or in payments. The computer is the child's to keep.

This new technology at Orangewood Academy will be available for alumni and friends to experience during alumni weekend, Oct. 25-28. Additional information is available from the development and alumni affairs office, 714-534-4694 or alumni.orangewoodacademy.com.