To continue education virtually for the remainder of the COVID-19 quarantine, Salem-Keizer officials announced they will provide free internet for families that don’t have access to it.
Teachers spent the end of March phoning all 41,000 students to determine their current situation and any assistance they would need to continue schooling online. They identified 1,800 students in need of internet access, and plan on providing for 2,500 families. They are currently working with internet providers to set up home internet capable of running class calls and videos.
According to the Salem-Keizer website, “[The Salem-Keizer School District] will continue to hold equity at the center of our work, while supporting the academic, mental and social-emotional needs of our students.” Their plan is in accordance with orders from the Oregon Department of Education and includes free meals, Chromebook rentals, and educational packets to ensure every students’ educational needs are met and general wellbeing is maintained.
Online classes are set to start on April 13th with assignments posted on Google Classroom for K-12 students and Seesaw for K-5 students. Secondary school students will be given two opportunities for live help from each of their teachers every week, as well as contact via email for all additional questions and inquires.
