Gloucester Schools Allow Families To Keep Chromebooks Over Summer

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District will allow families in the township to keep the 5,000 Chromebooks that were sent home for remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic through the summer.

The decision was made out of concerns for safety and logistics, and to allow students to take advantage of extended learning opportunities as suggested by the school.

“These activities are intended to prevent the ‘summer slide,’ in which students have the potential to lose ground academically over the summer break,” Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau said in a letter to parents. “Now more than ever, learning activities over the summer can assist our students for future success.”

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Bilodeau asked parents/guardians to support the district and your child in the following ways:

• Confirm that the Chromebook is in working order and stored with the charger in a safe place and store in the protective case provided when not in use.
• Contact district tech support at techhelp@gloucestertownshipschools.org if there is damage to the Chromebook or it is not working. The district will continue to provide support for the device over the summer.
• Encourage your child to use the device for fun and enriching learning activities provided/suggested by the school over the summer.
• Be prepared to return the Chromebook the first week of school if/when normal operations return. Directions will follow.
• Should your family relocate or transfer to another district over the summer, schedule to return the Chromebook and charger (you may keep the bag) prior to receiving your transfer card to your new school.

“Thank you again for your support and devotion you have all had with your children this entire year,” Bilodeau said. “We wish everyone a safe and healthy summer. On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Gloucester Township Public School staff we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family in the year to come. Should you have questions about your child’s educational program, please contact your school office.”

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know