PGCPS free laptop program launches; Rollout frustrates some families

Prince George’s County will spend $2 million to distribute laptops and provide wireless internet to students who lack computer or internet access during the coronavirus-induced school closures across Maryland. But some parents are complaining a poorly-worded survey means some families will have to split their home computer between their work-from-home job duties and their student’s education.

How it works

Under the program, the Prince George’s County Public School System will distribute inexpensive Chromebook laptops to pupils from distribution sites at neighborhood schools. Families who completed the PGCPS technology survey or communicated their needs to teachers and administrators will receive priority distribution.

Prince George’s County Public Schools announced it will partner with Comcast and Verizon to provide broadband internet access. 

School officials also encouraged neighborhood businesses, nonprofits and churches to establish public wifi hotspots that could help provide internet access for students. 

Also, starting April 14, 2020, Prince George’s County Public Schools will turn on wifi access at several schools across the county for students to use from school parking lots. 

From PGCPS, more details on device pickup and internet access are below:

• Chromebook distribution will be held Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3 at students’ boundary school in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• If there is inclement weather, please check the PGCPS website and PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38/Xfinity 96) for a new distribution date.
• Bring a parent ID, student report card and an ink pen to complete the appropriate forms. 
• PGCPS will assist families who are eligible for Free and Reduced Meals sign up for Comcast Essentials.
• PGCPS will work with Comcast and Verizon to help all non-FARMS families establish internet either through a hotspot or broadband. 

Complaints

Shortly after the program details were announced Wednesday, Some Prince George’s County residents took to Twitter to complain that the technology survey was misleading.

We can probably work around this for our @pgcps student. But what about parents who can’t? I understand nobody expected the current situation, but school doesn’t start back up for two more weeks so why wasn’t more time spent on baking and communicating the online learning plans?

— Nonconforming Use (@bcbolin) April 1, 2020

I did the same thing! Answered the survey without thinking through the logistics of my 1st grader having exclusive use of my computer. Now school told us we are not eligible bc of that and every store is sold out of cheap chromebooks. 😑

— R (@BounteousLove) April 1, 2020

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