Round Rock ISD distributing Chromebooks to students needing access to online learning

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(Round Rock ISD)

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Round Rock ISD is distributing thousands of Chromebooks to students needing access to online learning.

Curbside distribution began Tuesday and will continue through Friday, April 3. Teacher-led, at-home instruction begins on April 6, says RRISD.

The district says the Chromebooks are intended for students with no or limited access to devices at home. District technology staff have installed content filtering to only allow online access to educational resources.

The district says students and teachers will be using tools like Google Classrooms and the district's email system to receive and submit assignments and for teachers to provide feedback. Teachers will also have “office hours” when they are available to help students.

"Since students participate in learning on their own schedule, it is possible for more than one student to use a single computer," says the district. "Many of the assignments, once received, will not be dependent on devices or internet access to complete."

The district says because they don't have enough devices to give to every student, they are encouraging students to use resources already available to them if possible.

Laptop distribution will take place each day from 2–5 p.m. at Cedar Ridge, McNeil, Stony Point, Round Rock, and Westwood high schools, and will be organized by school level.

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Those picking up devices are asked to bring a piece of paper with their student’s name and student ID number to the distribution site and place it on their dashboard so it is visible from the windshield. These devices are on loan from the District and are expected to be returned in the future.

The distribution schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, March 31: Distribution for high school students. (Please visit your home high school. Success High School students can go to Cedar Ridge or home high school.)
Wednesday, April 1: Distribution for middle school students. (Please visit the high school you are zoned to attend.)
Thursday/Friday, April 2-3: Distribution for elementary school students. (Please visit the high school you are zoned to attend.)

Distribution locations:

Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664
McNeil High School, 5720 McNeil Dr, Austin, TX 78729
Round Rock High School, 201 Deep Wood Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681
Stony Point High School, 1801 Tiger Trail, Round Rock, TX 78664
Westwood High School, 12400 Mellow Meadow Dr, Austin, TX 78750

For students needing internet access, the district says they have ordered wifi hotspots and more information about the distribution of these will be provided after they arrive.

The district also says a few internet service providers are offering free, trial internet to homes that may not have access:

Comcast is offering 60 days of free Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. For new customers, applicants can simply visit online or call 1-855-846-8376 (English) or 1-855-765-6995 (Spanish).
Spectrum is offering 60 days free broadband and Wi-Fi access for households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. No installation fees for new households. Enroll by calling 1-844-488-8395.
Suddenlink is offering 60 days of free internet to any household in its service area that has a K-12 and/or college student. Call 888-633-0030 or learn more online.

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