Hartford Public Schools To Distribute New Devices
Published on April 17, 2020
HARTFORD, CONN (April 17, 2020) – Today the City of Hartford and Hartford Public Schools announced that Hartford Public Schools has received 3,500 additional technology devices and will begin distributing them to students who have not yet received devices. Devices will only be distributed to students specifically identified and will not be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To this point, 84% of students have logged into a Google classroom. Beginning Monday, April 20, 2020 Hartford Public Schools’ Health Services Department will also begin taking appointments for tele-health visits with students, regardless of their insurance status. Families can seek medical advice from clinic staff in English and Spanish, and they can get prescriptions called into their pharmacy. Appointments can be made by calling 860-937-6223 between 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday.
“Hartford Public Schools is doing everything they can to get devices to every student who needs ones, and next week they will take another big step towards meeting that goal,” said Mayor Luke Bronin. “The tele-health appointments will be an important way to provide health and wellness resources for our students, and also to just check in on students during this unprecedented time. We are all very grateful to the entire team at Hartford Public Schools and to the city’s information technology team for their work to reach every student and support every student.”
“Hartford Public Schools continues to do all we can to stay connected to our students and families, and support them while our schools are closed,” said Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez. “Next week, we welcome our students back to distance learning and continue the student meal pickup schedule. Our staff are scheduling appointments for families who still don’t have a device to receive one. We’re also proud to announce the start of telehealth services for students regardless of insurance status, and our Caring and Connected Response task force comprised of community partners to supplement our services to families.”
“The Hartford Board of Education stands with our students and families during this challenging time,” said Hartford Board of Education Chairperson Ayesha Clarke. “We are working with the Superintendent to ensure that all our families are supported as they navigate the new reality of distance learning. We also remain committed to providing equity and access to our students so they can stay healthy and safe while learning at home.”