Yuma School District One to receive 500 WiFi hotspots for students

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma School District One (YSDO) secures 500 hotspot devices for students in need of reliable internet to provide them with the proper essentials to continue remote learning.

Christine McCoy, communication coordinator for District One says they provided the hotspots because each student is entitled to an equal education.

"With remote learning district-wide and even in the state of Arizona, we have so many kids that need to connect to their classroom in order to receive this instruction so were really proud that we've been able to provide a hotspot to any student in need so that every student in Yuma at a District One school has access to the same education."

The hotspots expand service to rural areas in Yuma that may experience slower to no internet connectivity.

In the past couple of weeks, YSDO has communicated with the families who
may benefit from this reliable service.

Devices were purchased through Verizon and given to the students on August 10th, when they began remote learning.

They did have a temporary solution up until the hotspots were distributed.

"Our schools did provide paper packets for those families that may have needed them in the interim, but it was really only approximately a week of time in between when remote learning started and when the hotspots were issued," McCoy said.

Duane Sheppard, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, says, “District One is proud that our schools provide many essential services to students, and our primary purpose remains to provide an engaging and rigorous education. In this era of remote learning, having reliable internet access is a key component to a students' success."

YSDO says they continue to ensure all students have the tools and
the support they need to succeed and will continue to provide quality education in an equitable learning environment.