Dayton schools upgrading online lessons, student internet access

Dayton Public Schools will upgrade online offerings for students during the coronavirus-related school closures, both in quality of lessons as well as access to technology, DPS officials said Monday.

DPS will loan a Chromebook computer to any family that has no means of accessing online school work, and families having problems with the computers can call 937-542-3205, according to a district statement.

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All high school seniors will be loaned a WiFi hotspot so they can complete their work from home. Seniors will receive their hotspot and a Chromebook this week or early next week.

DPS officials also are working on a plan to park 32-wifi-equipped buses in Dayton neighborhoods to improve students’ internet access from inside their homes. Locations and times for those buses have not yet been released.

Dayton Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said last week that while the district is trying to improve online lessons for students, it is already planning a robust review of this spring’s material in the first six weeks of next school year.

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In recent weeks, DPS students have been able to access general educational videos for their grade level and subjects from district curriculum staff at DPSOnlineLearning.com. As a result of ongoing training, teachers will begin providing online instruction and assignments specific to their classes Monday, April 13.

DPS families are being asked to confirm that their email and phone number are up-to-date in the district’s Home Access Center so teachers can easily communicate with students and families.

A packet of school work will go to all K-8 students Wednesday when they pick up food from a DPS distribution site (9 a.m. to noon) or have the meals delivered to their homes. The packets will also be posted online.

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District officials said families can visit DPSOnlineLearning.com for answers to frequently asked questions, or contact their school’s principal directly via email.

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