Thousands of laptops, hard copy learning packets ready for distribution to Tacoma kids
Tacoma Public Schools will launch a laptop distribution program Wednesday for students who do not have access to a device amid school closures from coronavirus.
The first round of distribution includes 2,500 laptops that were surplussed from TPS schools and refurbished, said district spokesperson Dan Voelpel.
The 30,000-student district is prioritizing laptop distribution to seniors to ensure they can complete their graduation requirements, in addition to all Advanced Placement (AP) students.
“That’s really critical because Advanced Placement tests are coming up in the next few weeks, and those have all moved online by the College Board, so students need those computers,” deputy superintendent Josh Garcia told the TPS Board of Directors on Friday.
Last week, state Superintendent Chris Reykdal directed school districts across the state to have a remote learning plan in place by Monday.
Providing students with laptops will help students participate in remote learning and engage with their teachers, according to TPS.
Students that already have a laptop or other online learning tools, including an iPad or tablet, are asked to use those to ensure there will be enough laptops for those who need them.
Pickup is available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at two locations: Mount Tahoma High School 4634 S. 74th St. and the Professional Development Center (PDC), 6501 N. 23rd St.
Depending on grade level, students can pick up their laptops between April 1 and April 7, first come, first served:
Grade 12, AP students: April 1-3, 6, 7
Grades 9-11: April 2, 3, 6, 7
Grades 6-8: April 3, 6, 7
Graces K-5: April 6, 7
Families will need to provide their student’s ID number to receive a laptop.
The laptops do not come with internet access. The district is working with individual families to help provide access to internet, including seeing if they qualify for 60 days of free internet service from Comcast.
The district already provided 650 laptops to high school students last week and has ordered another 2,400 using the district’s technology levy. A distribution date for those has not been announced.
In addition to online learning, the district is providing learning packets for students, both online and in hard copy. The hard copy packets are being handed out at all 10 middle school locations at TPS and also delivered through the Meals on Bus Wheels program.
More than 24,500 hard copy packets have already been printed. Packets are available for each grade level and range between 20 and 200 pages.
Paper supply is not an issue, said Voelpel, who did not immediately have a printing cost.
“We’re tracking costs of everything related to coronavirus in hopes that some of it will be reimbursed by state or federal emergency funds,” Voelpel said in a text.
The district is working on a fresh set of online optional and hard copy learning materials that will be available after spring break, April 6-10.
For more information, visit tacomaschools.org.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 5:05 AM.
