West Hartford Superintendent Tom Moore and school principals offered resources information to students regarding how to secure technology in advance of the launch of online learning next week.

By Ronni Newton

Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore said Tuesday that principals have reached out to all families, by email and phone, to ensure that they are aware of online educational resources as well as how to borrow technology and obtain internet service in advance of the launch of online learning, which will begin next week and continue while schools are suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As this week goes on, more and more of the information that you will be getting will be about school and learning, and the new normal,” Moore said in a letter to families.

While much of that communication will be coming from the principals, Moore said he plans to continue to provide families with updates on the situation on a regular basis.

General resources have now been posted online, on each school’s website as well as district-wide, “to support all students in exploration and enrichment during this period of emergency closing” as a short-term bridge for reinforcement of self-directed learning in advance of the structured online learning that will begin next week.

• Elementary resources: https://www.smore.com/etgwj-whps-online-resources
• Secondary resources: https://www.smore.com/agzj9-whps-online-resources
• Pupil Services resources: https://www.smore.com/1vxr6
• Library resources: https://soraapp.com (middle and high school via Google accounts) and http://www.westhartfordlibrary.org/services/ebooks_eaudio.asp (all ages)

Once the online learning program is launched, students will be able to view their weekly plan, lessons, and resources. There will be schedules for connecting with teachers on a regular basis, as well as information about how to receive additional help or support.

Grab and go meals will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at seven different locations (click here for details), and packets will be available there for students, as well as at technology loaner pick-up sites listed below.

Students who have access to computers, laptops, iPads, or other tablets will be able to use those devices for online learning, but for those who do not have access, West Hartford Public Schools will have Chromebooks available on a loaner basis for students in grades 3 and up. Loaner pick-up will be held Thursday and Friday at multiple locations.

Parents or guardians must be present to sign out the devices for students under 18, and are asked to bring their own pens, and maintain 6 feet of space while in line at any site. Additional dates will be considered if needed.

Online learning will take place on device-neutral platforms such as Google Meets, Google Classroom, Zoom, and others.

The schedule for loaner pick-up is as follows:

Thursday, March 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Charter Oak International Academy, 425 Oakwood Ave. 860-233-8506
• King Philip Middle School, 100 King Philip Drive 860-233-8236
• Hall High School, 975 North Main Street 860-232-4561

Friday, March 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Charter Oak International Academy, 425 Oakwood Ave. 860-233-8506
• King Philip Middle School ,100 King Philip Drive 860-233-8236
• Conard High School, 110 Beechwood Road 860-929-5050
• Braeburn, 45 Braeburn Road 860-561-2200
• Bugbee, 1943 Asylum Ave. 860-929-5500
• Whiting Lane, 47 Whiting Lane 860-233-8541
• Hillcrest Avenue Neighborhood Outreach Center (HANOC) Located at 105 Hillcrest Avenue

The district is also providing information for families regarding discounted internet service and/or computers available to those in need.

“West Hartford Public Schools provides this information as a public service – being listed does not signify endorsement by the district. Please contact providers directly for more information,” the website states.

Click here for more information about resources for internet access. In addition, Comcast is offering free internet to low income families that don’t currently have internet.

More information about food programs and resources can be found here.

Moore expressed his thanks to families for their “time, patience, and support.”

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!