Learning is virtual in the Dayton Public Schools, but the personal connection between staff and students has not changed. The DPS Student Engagement Team personally delivered 1,405 WiFi hotspots to student households in September. Overall, 1,645 households requested hotspots, but some opted to pick them up at the district’s central office. 

The district has provided a Chromebook and school supplies to every student, and at least one WiFi hotspot to households that do not have access to reliable, high-speed internet. Ensuring equitable access to education during virtual learning has been a top district priority after the decision was made in August to postpone the start of in-person classes.

“I am very proud of the efforts our Student Engagement Team have made to not only deliver these hotspots directly to students, but to build a connection with families in our district,” said Richard E. Wright, II Chief of Safety and Security, Truancy and Hearings. 

The Student Engagement Team is made up of Security Resource Officers, truancy staff and Positive School Climate Coaches. Each team member will play an integral part in increasing student attendance. The team has been tasked with personally visiting households of absent students who have not attended any class sessions and cannot be reached by phone. The Student Engagement Team members will personally talk to students about the importance of attendance and ensure they have everything needed to attend school, whether it is virtual or in-person.

Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said previously that the district hopes to resume in-person learning as soon as possible, as long as it is safe to do so. Families can visit DPSRestart.com for the latest information about virtual learning, food distribution and other resources.