Salem Schools To Televise Live Kindergarten Classes

SALEM, MA — The school year has gotten off to a slow start for some Salem students who have yet to receive a school-issued laptop.

Salem Public Schools are making contingencies due to the delayed distribution with remote learning proceeding at scheduled for all students with a device — with the exception of the Carlton Innovation School.

"We know that some of you may not have access to a device," school officials posted on social media Tuesday. "We expect to receive a large shipment of Chromebooks next week."

Contingencies in the meantime include broadcasting live kindergarten classes on Salem Access Television — Channel 15 — from 8:30 to 11 a.m. each weekday. There will also be printed learning packets available at schools and food distribution sites on Friday.

Salem is starting the year with a remote model for all but a small number of priority classrooms for students who would have the hardest time starting school virtually. Superintendent of Schools Stephen Zrike said the plan is to get schools open remotely this week and learn from the experiences of having a small number of students in the buildings to work toward bringing back more grades for in-classroom learning as soon as possible.

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