Poughkeepsie School District begins Chromebook distribution

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POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD) began distributing Chromebooks to families that need them so children can participate in the distance learning program established as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheryl Rabinowitz, assistant to the superintendent, has sent out an estimated 800 invitations to families to arrange pickup of a device. Invitations were sent based on the 2,389 surveys received by the district, some of which were duplicates. As of Tuesday afternoon, 559 Chromebooks had been picked up with more to be picked up Thursday and Friday of this week.

Response to the distribution has been positive. According to a statement by District Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser, a parent emailed the district to say, ”pickup of the laptop was the easiest, most organized thing I have ever experienced with the district. I want to give props to everyone involved and the IT Department! Thank u for that! All appreciated! Good job!”

Boxes of Chromebooks at Poughkeepsie High School

Rosser said they “appreciate the support and patience of our parents and guardians during this process.” 

At the time of pick up, parents/guardians completed paperwork agreeing to the use and expectations of the loaned device. They also received a copy of the Student Technology Handbook, which outlines the expectations and use of the device. Families who have yet to request a device may do so by filling out the survey in English or Spanish on the district website or by calling Rabinowitz at 845-702-7842. 

The superintendent indicated that the district is committed to providing one device per family. Should there be more devices available, families who have indicated they need more than one will be contacted.

In addition, as of April 16, about 100 families indicated via the survey that they had no internet access. As announced in a video meeting with Mayor Rob Rolison last week, Rosser said the district is partnering with The Poughkeepsie Public Library District. Rosser said, “Through the leadership of Tom Lawrence, director, it appears that we might have a solution that will address the needs of those families. We have also provided the names of service providers who are providing low cost and free internet service trials to families during the school closure period.”

Rosser also thanked district partners including members of the Children’s Cabinet, Poughkeepsie Alliance, and Nuvance Health “who have greatly assisted the district with identifying resources to provide our families with Chromebooks. I also want to publicly thank all the staff involved in preparing these Chromebooks for distribution and pickup.”

Heather Martino, president of the Poughkeepsie Public School Teachers’ Association, was one of the staff members recognized by Rosser. “The distribution at the high school was spectacular,” said Martino, adding that “Cheryl Rabinowitz did an amazing job of analyzing the data from the surveys received by the district.”

In addition to Martino and Rabinowitz, Rosser thanked district employees Sean Daneshvar, Brian Cook, Jeff Kover, and Chris Kearse for setting up the devices for the students. Joining Martino and Rabinowitz in the distribution process were Sean Daneshvar, Da’Ron Wilson, Christian Hodge, and Kelleyann Royce-Giron.  

Standing behind the window during distribution, Martino was able to remove her mask a few times to smile at her students. “To see their smiles was really good for the soul,” said the teacher. In accordance with health guidelines related to COVID-19, pickups are scheduled to allow for social distancing. Staff members wear masks and gloves and the district asks everyone to bring their own pen to fill out the paperwork.




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