Distance Learning Starts Monday

by Elizabeth McNamara | Mar 22, 2020

Teachers and administrators have spent the past week working on a distance learning plan for EG students that will begin Monday morning. Gov. Gina Raimondo ordered public schools throughout the state closed March 13 and moved up April vacation to last week because of the threat of the coronavirus COVID-19. Monday, after a week of preparation, students and teachers will convene via technology for a two-week trial balloon period. Raimondo said the distance learning plan would be reevaluated after April 3.

On the eve of this great experiment, here’s a note from Director of Teaching and Learning (and incoming superintendent) Alexis Meyer:

A Note From Mrs. Meyer

As you are aware by now, beginning on Monday, March 23, our East Greenwich School District is moving to distance learning for all grades. We appreciate the collective effort of our community to ensure our families, faculty, staff are supported during this transition, and we keep the wellness and safety of our community a top priority.

I would like to highlight a few important updates:

This distance learning period is scheduled through Friday, April 3, however, the Governor and R.I. Department of Education will be re-evaluating this policy and providing further direction regarding public school plans moving forward.

All students in our District have a free Chromebook available to them for use. We have had hundreds of families take advantage of our Chromebook pick-up window. Should you need support with a Chromebook, please contact our technology support team at [email protected]
Wi-Fi Access: If you do not have access to Wi-Fi, Cox has made regional hotspots available throughout the state:https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/learn/cox-hotspots.html. If your household qualifies for Free/Reduced lunch, you are encouraged to apply for free internet for 30 days through Cox Communications. The Application can be found HERE. Additional information on what Cox is offering can be found HERE. The district is in the process of purchasing hotspots devices for home

“Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch continues next week with an additional location at Archie R. Cole Middle School. Meals available for pick up, Monday-Friday between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Archie R. Cole Middle School, Eldredge Elementary, or Frenchtown Elementary School. Students must be present to receive meals.

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