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More than 300 Chromebooks to Senior High students this week
Chromebooks photo April 30Junior Tyson Curry receives a Chromebook Thursday morning from technology department employees Nic McGregor, left, and Jack Hirschy. Curry’s mother also was on hand to sign for receipt of the device.

      Mansfield Senior High School completed the distribution of more than 300 Chromebooks – laptop-type computers -- Thursday to students who need them for online study during the final month of the school year.

      Technology department employees Nic McGregor and Jack Hirschy were stationed just inside the main entrance to have students and parents sign required forms before receiving Chromebooks.

      Earlier this year the district received enough Chromebooks to provide one for every student in all grades to use during the school day. The plan had been to develop policies and procedures to allow students to take them home during the 2020-2021 school year.

      However, Gov. Mike DeWine’s March 16 closing of all schools in response to the COVID-19 threat prompted the decision to make the Chromebooks available to Senior High students sooner to facilitate completion of assignments needed for credits. Some seniors received Chromebooks prior to this week.

      Students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade just received a third packet of paper at-home lessons that will serve them through May 15. A fourth packet will be prepared for the remainder of the year.

      Distribution of Chromebooks at Senior High began on Monday when 111 were handed out, McGregor said. Another 104 were distributed on Tuesday, 84 on Wednesday and about 30 by shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday.

      Each Chromebook recipient also received printed instructions for logging onto the device and accessing assignments.

      Families without WiFi access at home were advised that all district buildings have WiFi and the connection can be accessed in the parking lots.

      “You are able to work in Google while not connected to WiFi,” the instruction sheet advises. “You can create documents, sheets and slides while not being connected. It will still save into your drive. Once you are connected to WiFi, the documents will be there permanently.”

      The technology department provided an email address and phone number for anyone who needs assistance.

      The district has purchased insurance to provide some coverage for the Chromebooks during the next four months. However, students and parents are responsible for their safe return.