Cincinnati Public Schools' Students Will Receive Computers And Access To Free Internet

Press release from Cincinnati Public Schools:

August 3, 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 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. Cincinnati Bell will begin contacting all CPS families starting August 3 to offer the free Internet hookup.

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

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.

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