Schools adjust to distance learning and aim to provide WiFi for all

GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION) Around 3,700 laptops are being given to Greenfield students, this week. Greenfield Union School District is providing one for every child in 1st through 8th grades.

"It feels pretty good that I'm now going to get to do my assignments at home," said 5th grade student, Mary Jesse Rosales.

The laptops will allow students to continue to learn in a way many would not have thought possible just a few weeks ago.

For some, the transition to learning from home has not been easy. A lack of access to WiFi in the community has already set some back.

"Our teachers are so excited to connect with their kids. They're already doing it, but they're only seeing 12 kids enter the classroom, or 15 kids, when they have over 20 kids in their class," said Greenfield Union School District Superintendent, Zandra Galvan.

According to EdSource.org, only 32% of households in Greenfield have WiFi access. 34% have access in Soledad and 30% in King City.

Districts said they will have to get creative to make sure their students make it to next year. "Could it be a possibility that we put one of our access points on a street pole in a neighborhood that has a ton of our kids? Maybe we can move some of our school busses and centrally locating them on corners were kids can access them immediately," said Galvan.

Galvan said the district is already talking with the City of Greenfield about increasing access. Some companies are offering free wifi to households with students, but the district's goal is to remove all barriers and fast.

"Schools are going to be closed, but that doesn't mean the learning stops. We need to do everything we can to continue to see learning prosper," said Galvan.