mailto:alooman@mtrsd.org

I know that one of the greatest challenges many of you face with remote learning is the lack of adequate internet access. I appreciate all of the feedback you've given me on surveys and in response to my phone calls and emails as I try to narrow down, one family at a time, what the exact causes of your connection challenges may be and try to problem solve them.

Some people have had luck connecting with Hilltown Networks, a new company out of Ashfield. We have been working to have them test sites and if a connection is possible, help families by using some grant funding to pay for the installation fees. If you have not had them come and see if you are able to get better internet at your house, and would like to, please let me know. Setting up a site test does not obligate you to sign on with them.

We are also working with Senator Comerford to try and get companies to lift data caps and to try and put some pressure on Whip City to get houses connected as the wires are ready, rather than waiting until the whole town is ready.

Finally, for those with no other options, we are making space in the building for internet access hubs. What this will look like is that families will be assigned a space in the building where they can come and access the internet during school hours. Supervision is not provided, so students will need to be accompanied by an adult. Because of the need to physically distance everyone, if you fall into this category and have not yet talked to me, please do so as soon as possible so that I can ensure we have a space for you as I will have a capacity limit.

Let me end this part by saying, I know how incredibly challenging this is going to be. Please know that I stand ready to work with you to find the best solution for your family. Please reach out if I can be of any help to you at all.

Thank you to all of you who have been so understanding and flexible when it comes to the delay in our new devices arriving. I will be connecting with those of you who said you do not have any device available for your child to use next week to arrange a time to get a chromebook to you.

I am waiting for our IT department to get me the user agreements and log-in information for all students. I am expecting that early next week. As soon as I have it, I will reach out to you to make sure you have it as well.

You will be receiving a packet of forms in the mail early next week. This packet includes a student registration form, a health form, a free/reduced lunch application, and some additional 'back to school' forms. It also includes a return envelope. Please complete this paperwork and return it to us as soon as possible so that we are able to update our records and start the year with accurate information.