All Cincinnati Public Schools' Students Receiving Computers And Access To Free Internet

Press release from Cincinnati Public Schools:

August 17, 2020

Cincinnati Public Schools is expanding two programs aimed at making sure all CPS students have computers and internet access to do school work at home for the 2020–21 school year.

CPS' preschool students, kindergarteners and first-graders will receive iPads starting August 24. The device distribution program began in July originally with iPads and laptops for students in grades 2–12, while plans were worked out to provide iPads to the youngest students.

And, the Connect Our Students program with Cincinnati Bell to provide free internet in homes, which began in July for students in five schools, is being expanded faster than expected to include all CPS schools. CPS will begin contacting all CPS families starting August 3 through email and phone calls to provide instructions on signing up for the program.

The take-home iPads and laptops, and free internet, are for students to do schoolwork at home. Every CPS student is eligible for the free home internet, but it is a limited service with federal Child Internet Protection Act restrictions in place and a download speed of 20 Mbps or 5Mbps depending on the home's wiring.

Students in grades 2–12 are receiving laptops, with preschoolers and first-graders receiving iPads. The devices are on loan and must be returned at the end of the school year.

CPS has enough computers available for all students. All students in grades 2–12 are encouraged to pick up CPS-provided devices. Students will not be permitted to bring personal computers to school.

CPS-provided devices have Microsoft Office installed, which students will need to do school work, and child-protection firewalls.

• Connect Our Students Flier and FAQs
• Connect Our Students Flier and FAQs — Spanish
• CPS' Connect Our Students Flier

Device Distribution — July 6 through August 31, 2020

Starting July 6, students will pick up devices at the front lobby entrances of their schools on specific distribution days between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Note: August pickup dates for select elementary schools have changed. Be sure to check the list below for your school's pickup date.

When you arrive, pull into the school's front driveway, and a CPS technician will give instructions. Parents may pick up devices without the student present.

Please note: Devices must be picked up at the school the student will attend for 2020–21.

Families can arrange for a family member or friend to pick up the device. The student's name and date of birth is required.

Make-up days will be held each week by invitation only for students who did not pick up devices on the assigned day. Students will be invited via robo calls.

Note: Health and safety guidelines from CPS and the Ohio Department of Health will be followed at distribution sites. Face masks must be worn, and social-distancing guidelines must be followed — standing or sitting a minimum of six-feet apart.

Device Quick Reference Guides

Distribution By-school, By-date Chart

School Name

Scheduled Distribution

Spencer Center

July 6–7

James N. Gamble Montessori High School

July 6–7

Riverview East Academy

July 6–7 and Friday, July 17

Oyler School

July 6–7 and Friday, July 17

Taft IT High School

July 8–10

Clark Montessori School

July 8–10

Virtual High School

July 8–10

Shroder High School

July 8–10

Gilbert A. Dater High School

July 13–17

Woodward Career Technical High School

July 14–17

Hughes STEM High School

July 14–17

Western Hills University High School

July 14–17

Aiken High School

July 20–23

School for Creative & Performing Arts

July 20–23

Withrow University High School

• Monday, July 20, at Withrow
• Tuesday, July 21, at Withrow
• Wednesday, July 22, at Walnut Hills High School (Due to COVID-19 testing at Withrow)
• Thursday, July 23, at Withrow

This press release was produced by Cincinnati Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.