TAMPA, Fla. — When Hillsborough County Schools’ Distance Learning program starts next week, the district will have distributed thousands of laptops to families to help students learn during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some families still need devices and internet access.
"The families that I work with personally and in my community, they don't have internet access. They owe a bill so they weren't able to qualify for the Spectrum internet free for the two months. Families are struggling to figure out how can we use one laptop for three or four kids in the household. How am I going to be able to do the assignments if I don't have the internet?” said Earlishia Oates, parent and president of the Sheehy Elementary PTA.
Right now, the district is only giving one laptop per household, and according to Hillsborough County Schools’ Facebook page, some schools had waitlists to get a computer. However, superintendent Addison Davis said the district is working hard to find solutions for everyone.
“From Wednesday to today we've given out 25,000 laptops to families in need. So it’s going well,” said Davis. “I know that there may be some families that we have not connected with…So, we have thousands of laptops that will be readily available for them in order to make certain that the learner continues the educational process to move forward.
District spokesperson Tanya Arja also said the district is printing instructional packets to supplement student learning for families who might not have access to internet. Teachers are also implementing flexible e-learning policies so students have enough time to complete assignments if they have to share devices with siblings.
Davis said the district is working with both Spectrum and other providers to help families without internet get service free for 60 days. However, there’s a catch. Some companies won’t allow families to participate in this program if they have an outstanding balance. So kids who need service might not be able to get it through no fault of their own.
“We're definitely going to have kids that are just going to move on and not be prepared and...so we're not setting them up for success,” said Oates.
The superintendent says he understands the concerns...and is working to help every family through these unprecedented times. "Our teachers have worked diligently over the last two weeks to prepare...they're really ready to help you as a parent and help our children continue their academic success.”
For more information on laptop distribution or how to get free internet service for 60 days to help your child learn, click here.
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
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