South Whittier School District has been distributing hundreds of Chromebooks and closed their second week of distance learning with 93% of student participation, further closing the gap towards reaching 100% of students.
Distance learning officially began Monday, April 6. For students, distance learning includes computer use with many different types of communication technology. Students are participating in Zoom calls, Google Classroom, virtual IEP’s, emails, phone calls, and much more. They also have independent learning that consists of print materials for incorporating assignments that are the subject of written or oral feedback.
At the end of the first week of distance learning the district was able to connect to 87% of all South Whittier School District students. South Whittier has been taking action to ensure equitable access to all students including; providing information on how families can obtain free internet access, the district has been working on obtaining internet hotspots, and distributing devices to students who need them.
“Our principals, school secretaries, and community liaisons have been emailing, placing phone calls and reaching out to friends and neighbors to inquire why our unforgotten students have not participated in distance learning,” Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Martha Mestanza-Rojas, shared.
“We are holding our third device distribution day on Thursday, April 16. This should bring our participation percentage closer to 100%.”
During South Whittier’s third device distribution they gave 261 devices out. This brought their total of Chromebooks distributed to 640.
With second week data showing a higher percentage of 93% of students participating in distance learning Rojas shared, “This is awesome, however we need 100%!”
South Whittier School District has not only support student learning and access but have worked with their teachers as well. Administrators and teachers participated in professional development training the week prior to when distance learning began. Their virtual webinar included topics such as guidance to distance learning and South Whittier’s plan, instruction agreements, how to support families and using Google voice, planning with EL’s in mind, resources for teachers, and much more.
"It brings me great joy when teachers share how happy and excited our students are to be able to connect and interact with their teachers and classmates,” Rojas stated.
“SWSD teachers are incredible professionals. They have jumped into this new world of distance learning with enthusiasm and passion. They are determined to provide our SWSD students high quality standards-based lessons, intervention, English Language Development as well as provide our students with a sense of normalcy by providing opportunities to participate on a daily basis. I am so appreciative of our SWSD teachers!”