PARADISE, Calif - The virtual school semester begins next week and families are doing what they can to get their kids ready to learn from home.
“My husband and I work, so trying to figure out who is going to do what to make sure they are getting their school work done and there is all those struggles that parents have to deal with and overcome," said parent Sheila Craft.
Another struggle, the concern over dependable and fast internet. Out on the Ridge, many cable lines were destroyed in the Camp Fire.
“We do have this unique situation that other people don’t have and that we are still trying to re-build these hard lines," said Craft. "So it’s definitely more of a struggle."
Tom Taylor from Paradise Unified School District told Action News Now that he is going to provide students with items that will help students get through their wifi struggles for the upcoming fall semester.
“Some of the ways we are helping out with that is first come the chrome books," said Taylor, the Superintendent for Paradise Unified. "Last year, I think there were about 400 chrome books that we issued." "We are prepared to issue at least that many and more this year if need be.”
He also said he will be issuing personal hot spots.
“This year we have entered into a contract to provide another 210 now above what we were last year but we have multiple carriers so hopefully that will assist our students in having connectivity when necessary, said Taylor.”
He hopes that parents and students will reach out when they need help.
“If you have questions, please reach out to us" said Taylor. "We want to help our kids engaged." A key thing for us is making connections with our students, that is a priority."
Taylor says that along with providing chrome books and hot spots he would like to eventually partner with carriers to better help serve the kids in paradise.
A survey is available HERE on our website that parents can fill out regarding choices for WiFi connectivity for the semester.