Isle of Wight County Schools has a plan to support continuity of instruction for students in grades 6-8 who do not have access to a computer or tablet at home. The division will begin distributing iPads to families of students who attend Smithfield Middle, Georgie Tyler Middle, and are in 6th grade at Westside. We do NOT have enough iPads to distribute one for every student. The goal is to provide the iPads to households with the greatest need--ones where students do not have access to a device at home. With the device, they will now be able to participate in remote learning for the remainder of the academic year.
Device distribution will take place on Thursday April 9 from 4 to 7 pm and Friday April 10 from 9am to 12pm at Smithfield Middle and Georgie Tyler Middle. Parents of Westside 6th graders should report to Smithfield Middle for device pick-up. The devices will be distributed on a first come first served basis. Adults must have a valid ID and be listed in PowerSchool as the student’s parent or legal guardian. Families of multiple children in grades 6-8 will only receive one device to ensure there are enough for each household that needs one.
To abide by social distancing practices, the distribution will be set up as a drive through process. The driver and any passengers should remain in their car at all times. The parent or guardian will sign a document acknowledging receipt of the iPad and their responsibilities for using, maintaining, and eventually returning the device. Adults should make sure they bring their own pen for signing the documents.
We ask all parents to be patient during the distribution process and encourage you to plan something to keep you and your passengers occupied should there be a wait when you arrive.
Your child’s school will be sending you additional information about the iPad distribution process on Monday, April 6. If you have any questions about the process after you hear from your child’s school, please contact your building principal.