All students at Monsignor Donovan High School are required to have a tablet PC laptop computer, which is used to access the school's wireless network and also to complete classroom assignments, take notes and take tests.

The laptop is about the size of a notebook and can be easily carried from class to class.

Parents must pay a $640 technology fee each year so their children can use the laptop, access the school's wireless network and use software provided by the school.

Assistance is available for parents who may have difficulty paying the fee. .

Cornell spreads the word about doubling rice yields and gets recognition in $1 million Alcan contest

While many researchers explore genetic improvements to raise rice yields, a Cornell institute has shown that such yields can be hugely increased through simple changes in how rice plants, soil, water and nutrients are managed. The rice-growing method has drawn attention worldwide, and Cornell is now on the short list of a $1 million sustainability prize.