New Opportunity to Stay Connected – Royal ISD Introduces “Falcon Learning Zones“

New Opportunity to Stay Connected – Royal ISD Introduces “Falcon Learning Zones“

RISD Communications

April 30, 2020

Click here to view a Printable Flyer.

Overview

Royal ISD is very excited to announce a new program to help our students stay connected! At 9:00 AM on Thursday, April 30th, Royal ISD will offer free Wi-Fi at each of three Falcon Learning Zones. This will allow students to access their remote learning materials and provide them with safe, filtered access to educational content and resources. RISD has received a grant that allows us to provide SmartBus “Falcon Learning Zones” through a partnership with mobile internet provider Kajeet.

"As we prepare for the possibility of extended school closures, we know that an Internet connection is a lifeline and a learning link for our students," Kevin Schwartz, chief technology officer for Austin ISD, said in a news release. Click here to check out how Austin ISD is using this tool to provide internet access where it is needed most.

CLICK HERE for locations and a schedule.

The buses will be available for student use from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day. To take advantage of this service, students simply need to bring their district-provided Chromebooks to their nearest Falcon Learning Zone. Once there, each district-provided Chromebook will automatically connect to the Smartbus Wi-Fi, allowing them to receive safe, filtered access to their Falcons Learn@Home assignments and content.

Program Guidelines

  • Students can connect to the Wi-Fi using their school Chromebooks only. Personal devices will not be able to connect to the Smartbus Wi-Fi.
  • Students will not board the buses.
  • Wi-Fi service will be configured with Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)-compliant content filters to keep students focused on schoolwork and not on distractions.
  • Students are advised to stay inside, although some students may have to move closer to the bus to gain access to the Wi-Fi. Families should provide adult supervision for elementary-aged students who must leave their homes to access the Wi-Fi.
  • RISD Transportation team members will be present to ensure that students remain at least six feet apart and follow social distancing guidelines.