[ad_1]
It can be stressful when schools switch to virtual learning. Knox News has your back.
Here is our guide on how to get free food, internet and child care if your school switches to virtual learning temporarily as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.
Do you have a question about Knox County Schools? Reach out to children’s issues reporter Isabel Lohman and she will try to find an answer for you. You can email her at Isabel.Lohman@knoxnews.com.
You also can sign up for our free parenting newsletter so you don’t miss a story.
Where can I get meals?
Parents (or older students) can pick up free breakfasts and lunches from a nearby school listed below. The district is offering free breakfast and lunches for any KCS student or child aged 18 and under.
If your child’s school announces it is moving to virtual-only and if you want free meals, you should fill out a form at knoxschools.org/mealsrequest. If you miss the form’s deadline, it’s OK. You can still pick up food at a nearby school.
Free meals are not available on inclement weather days.
If you have questions, you can email virtualmeals@knoxschools.org.
What are the meal pick-up times?
Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m.: Pick up two breakfasts and two lunches
Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m.: Pick up three breakfasts and three lunches
Where can I pick up the food?
When you fill out the meal form, you must select a school you would like to pick up from. The form lists several schools:
- Austin-East Magnet High
- Bearden Middle
- Bearden High
- Beaumont Magnet Academy
- Carter High
- Cedar Bluff Elementary
- Central High
- East Knox Elementary
- Farragut High
- Fulton High
- Gibbs High
- Halls High
- Hardin Valley Middle
- Inskip Elementary
- Karns Middle
- Lonsdale Elementary
- Northwest Middle
- Powell Middle
- Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
- South-Doyle Middle
- South-Doyle High
- West High
Do I have to bring my child with me?
No, you’ll just need to give the nutrition employee the name of your child.
Where can I get internet access for my student’s learning?
Your family may qualify for discounted internet service through the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program. You could get a discount of up to $50 a month toward broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer or tablet, according to information on the school district’s site.
There are two ways to apply. You can contact an internet provider directory or go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
For more information, go to knoxschools.org/chromebooks.
Outdoor internet at Knox County Schools buildings
Some schools offer free outdoor Wi-Fi. Your child’s Chromebook should automatically connect to the internet when in range. Look for a sign by the school’s guest parking or front entrance.
Schools with outdoor Wi-Fi:
- A.L. Lotts Elementary
- Austin East Magnet High
- Bearden High
- Belle Morris Elementary
- Bonny Kate Elementary
- Carter Elementary
- Carter High
- Carter Middle
- Central High
- Christenberry Elementary
- Corryton Elementary
- Farragut High
- Farragut Middle
- Fulton High
- Gap Creek Elementary
- Gibbs Elementary
- Gibbs High
- Halls High
- Halls Middle
- Hardin Valley Academy
- Hardin Valley Elementary
- Karns High
- Mooreland Heights Elementary
- Mount Olive Elementary
- New Hopewell Elementary
- Pond Gap Elementary
- Powell High
- Ritta Elementary
- Sarah Moore Green Elementary
- South-Doyle High
- Vine Middle Magnet
- West High
- Whittle Springs Middle
What are my child care options?
Your child’s afterschool program may be offering full-time child care during a closure. Enrollment is available only to students who already are in the program and potentially teachers’ children, district spokeswoman Carly Harrington said Monday.
Check with your afterschool program to see whether child care is an option on virtual learning days. Harrington said hours would be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
[ad_2]
Source link