The Green Island school district is working on getting a computer for every student for remote learning.
The district ordered 125 Chromebooks last spring, which have been delayed and may not arrive until next year.
“We were slated to receive them in September, but nationwide, obviously, there’s a shortage,” said School Superintendent Kimberly Ross.
While Green Island waits, nearby Watervliet schools donated some to help.
“We had some extras available that we could lend,” said Watervliet Assistant Superintendent Donald Stevens. “Not the newest, but something that could get them by. Everybody’s looking for Chromebooks right now. They’re a hot commodity.”
Students need to stay connected, and they have to be prepared in case of another shutdown.
Many classes are live-streamed these days. Green Island bought hotspots to lend out when needed.
All schools are trying to be fully equipped.
“We are waiting for a few more Chromebooks to make sure we get every student and every teacher to have one,” said Stevens. “They’re all on backorder. We keep waiting by the door to see when the delivery arrives, but we will be one to one.”
The Chromebook donation is just one example of the collaboration between districts.
“Green Island has a history of partnering with districts like Watervliet, Cohoes, North Colonie, throughout the years, but the pandemic has actually strengthened our relationships,” said Ross.
Schools in Capital Region BOCES meet at least once a week to share information and ideas.
Districts partner for everything from food programs to services to transportation and technology.
Green Island is looking to buy some tablets for some of its youngest students.
When the Chromebooks they ordered finally arrive, the donated ones from Watervliet will be used as backups, or donated to another district that needs them.
