Interesting topic. Although Seekonk and Attleboro are not exactly like Alabama, we certainly could have families among us who have hit a rough patch and do not have access to the internet except through a smartphone. If the school assignment were to include the printing of something, like a map, the student would have to get themselves over to the library because, in this case, even McDonald's WiFi access wouldn't help.

Another problem in families that don't have a computer setup might be the 'writing of papers'. An essay, or whatever. I haven't seen a typewriter in years.

What comment was not approved?

Comcast offers a program for households who qualify for free and reduced lunch that provides free cable modem to homes and a monthly $10 fee for internet service; it also includes a voucher for a computer for $150. Information can be found at www.internetessentials.com

Good...thanks for the info Wzzzzrd.
OK, but how about those that do not have Comcast, no phone line and just a cell phone? I wonder if someone in the school dept has info collected regarding these kids and families. And, are they being assisted in some way?

Steve, I wondered about the same thing, that is how much personal information a teacher has access to on the children in her class. Homeless families are sometimes living out of motel room. Good for WiFi (maybe) but not so good for owning a computer. Other families might not want to pay $10 a month just so a child can do an occasional homework assignment.

I suppose the easiest way around it all would be to make computer homework optional. Ie: the homework assignment is either this or that.

In the article i read some teachers and systems had modified their homework assignments to minimize computer requirement. I think when the kids get into middle school and certainly HS, computer use is much more of a necessity.
Then again, kids learn faster than we do, so they can catch up more quickly later! Probably the smart kids, the really smart one will find ways to get a computer to use, i.e.. stay after school , restaurant, library and make it happen.
Still something should be done to keep track of these kids in our area and make allowances to help have access without to much hassle.

I'll check and try to find a contact with in the school dept.. Perhaps even our new Rep., Paul Heroux.
Hope you are right that this is a non-issue in our area.

Steve, I think the idea of the community pitching in is excellent. Ill start the offer. I would gladly volunteer the use of our common space in our store. Pc Express. We have seating for eight. We already have the wifi in place for the buisiness. Under the guidance and supervision of adult volunteers I would glady offer this assitance till 9pm mon thru thurs. We are located across from Artistic Productions on rte 152. If anyone is serious about this please contact me. Todd Ouellet Pc Express. 508 369 3898

i also wanted to add that we would gladly make several computers with printing capabilities avaiable to the students. Everyone is looking solutions. I have offered athe start of one. Let's see if others will follow and or follow up on our offer.

Todd Ouellet
Pc Express
550 Central Ave
Seekonk, Ma

Well the offer stands. But nobody has approached me as of yet. Seekonk is fairly affluent so I suspect we are outside the bell curve on this, but if anyone wants to pursue it we will gladly spearhead the motion.