Technology Director Michael Bois prepared laptops to distribute to students in need of a device during the school closure. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District) 
Principal Lisa Mobley organized laptops for distribution on Monday, April 6 at King Philip Regional High School. (King Philip Regional School District)
WRENTHAM — Superintendent Paul Zinni is pleased to share that the King Philip Regional School District is working hard to ensure that any student in need of a laptop during the school closure receives one.
On Monday, April 6, Technology Director Michael Bois and King Philip High School Principal Lisa Mobley distributed approximately 40 devices to students.
Laptops were picked up between 10 a.m. and noon at King Philip Regional High School. In adherence with social distancing guidelines, individuals picking up laptops were required to stay in their vehicle until signaled by a member of administration to exit. Each individual had to exit their vehicle alone and pick up a laptop at a designated table. Laptops could only be received by 18-year-old students or the parent of a younger student and they were required to sign damage and return policies before receiving the device.
During pick-up, Director Bois and Principal Mobley wore masks that Principal Mobley sewed over the weekend and there was little to no physical contact between staff and those picking up devices. Individuals were asked to keep the pens they used to sign the policies and immediately go back to their vehicles.
Additionally, King Philip Middle School Principal Michelle Kreuzer dropped off a laptop to a family that could not make it to the pick-up location.
Prior to the laptop distribution, a survey was sent out to households in the district inquiring about students’ needs and whether they had a device to use at home. Once the results were received, the administrative team and guidance department reached out to those that had expressed a need or didn’t respond.
The administrative team and guidance department made close to 300 calls in total.
Once the list of students in need of a laptop was compiled, Director Bois spent the weekend preparing the devices for distribution and ensuring secure WiFi connections for families.
District leadership is expecting that more families will need access to devices or WiFi during the closure and is looking into further options to offer.
“King Philip’s approach to teaching in these unprecedented times is not with an online learning curriculum, but instead emergency remote learning opportunities for our students,” said Principal Mobley. “Online learning is a specific curriculum tailored to an online environment, but we have to recognize that many families in our district do not have devices or WiFi. Our main priority right now is to meet the needs of our students and staff while supporting each other through communication and connection.”
King Philip district leadership will remain in contact with community members to ensure all students’ needs are met during the school closure.
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