Cincinnati Enquirer / May 5, 2020
Seventy-three computers have been distributed to the students of Sayler Park School thanks to Joy Rosebrook, a public school resource coordinator now entering her fifth year in the position and working with Sayler.
Once the pandemic hit and the stay-at-home order went into effect, Rosebrook created a spreadsheet and gathered information on which students needed services. Her first concern was if students had access to a computer to do their schoolwork, also asking about food, transportation and other necessities.
After calling and emailing every student’s home, Rosebrook found that about 30% of Saylor students didn’t have a computer in their household. The Community Learning Center Institute, she was able to get the first 32 computers for students.
Through a Verizon Wireless grant, fifth- through eighth-grade students had access to Verizon powered iPad with data to do online learning. (Parents also have to take a course to learn how to properly use them for instructions.)
Anyone who did not have internet was given resources on how to sign up for the free Spectrum services or, if their phones allowed them, how to access their personal hotspots. With the help of private funding, the Community Learning Institute, the NorthSouth Foundation and the Sayler Park Foundation Rosebrook and a few teachers were able to personally deliver to the homes of 109 of their 350 students.
“That’s kind of our job as resource coordinators and the agencies to really connect the school and the community, so this really fit that need,” Rosebrook said.
Since delivering the Chromebooks to students Rosebrook received a lot of stories and letters of gratitude.
“Hi, Joy! This is Liliana’s mother, I just wanted to reach out and say how much we appreciate having the chrome book!! Liliana enjoys doing homework again, and it keeps her occupied in what she’s learning! We really appreciate what you all have done with providing this for her to keep continuing education even during this crazy time. Thank you so much again!! ”