Chenery Upper Elementary School was selected to receive 200 Chromebooks through the Connected and Online Program, a statewide initiative designed to expand digital access and opportunity for residents across the state, Belmont Public Schools (BPS) announced Friday.
The school also received six Chromebook carts. According to a district release, the new devices will expand access to internet-enabled devices for students who do not have consistent internet access at home. The Chromebooks will be assigned to students for home use and will remain at home throughout the school year.
“We’re incredibly excited about what this means for our students,” Laura Smith, principal of Chenery Upper Elementary School, said in the release. “By responding directly to family feedback and providing devices for use at home, we’re helping to ensure that all students have consistent access to the tools they need. When families have what they need, students are better supported, more confident, and more connected to their learning.”
In addition to schoolwork, the district said students and families may also use the devices for telehealth appointments, to conduct “job-related business,” and to access medical information.
“We view this initiative as an important step in ensuring equitable access to resources for all members of our school community,” Superintendent Jill Geiser said in the release. “When families have consistent access to the tools and support they need, it strengthens our collective ability to support students’ learning, engagement, and overall success.”
The $28.5 million initiative is led by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), and supported by the Healey-Driscoll administration. It has distributed nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices throughout the state.
