Lawrence Schools Allow Families To Keep Devices Over Summer

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Children who received a hot spot or a computer device from the Lawrence Township Public School District for remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic will be permitted to keep it over the summer, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Andrew Zuckerman said in a letter to parents this week.

“Due to the uncertainty about what learning will look like in September, we are allowing your child to keep the device and/or hot spot over the summer,” Zuckerman said. “This will allow them to keep up with the summer assignments until school starts again in September.”

On Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a list of rules and guidelines for reopening schools this fall amid the coronavirus outbreak. Boards of education were given flexibility that "recognizes and respects" the differences between districts, he said.

This includes the option to rearrange schedules and implement a hybrid of in-person and remote learning. He also cautioned districts should be ready in case they need to move back to an entirely remote learning environment. Read more here: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ School Reopening Rules Amid Coronavirus

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In Lawrence, if online learning continues in some form in September, students will already have their computers, Zuckerman said. If all students return to school in September, arrangements can be made to collect the hot spots or devices.

Anyone who finds their loaned devices are not needed or are in need of repair should contact the school district’s technology department at https://summertechsupport.youcanbook.me to set up an appointment.

“Throughout the summer, we will be working with the state to follow the guidelines to protect the health and safety of our students and staff,” Zuckerman said. “You will receive additional information from the district about how learning will be conducted in September. In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions. I hope you and your families have a happy and safe summer, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know