Hemlock, MI - In 2015, when Hemlock Public School District started to rollout a 1:1 technology initiative, it was not with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind.
“One-to-one, any-time, any-place, any-pace learning was and is the right thing to do for our children,” shared Superintendent Killingbeck. “It took three years of investment in technology and training. The rollout was not a knee jerk reaction, it was a carefully considered, low-hype, a strategic investment of the district’s resources.”
The fact that the 1:1 Chromebook initiative is in place is now paying huge dividends.
Hemlock High School’s Keith Green relates, “All of our teachers have Google Classroom set up (Google Classroom is a free virtual classroom provided by the technology giant Google). The kids know how to access their online resources. So, while it’s not exactly business, as usual, the infrastructure is in place. Teaching and learning can continue in a familiar and effective environment. We have 1:1 devices for students from 1st through 12th grade so we were able to send devices home for all of our students who do not have computer access.”
Superintendent Killingbeck continued, “We don't know at this early stage what our state is going to do regarding the makeup of school days. But we do know that teaching, learning, and keeping students engaged are the right things to do. Fortunately, we can do that."
Our instructional staff has done a fantastic job mobilizing e-learning, generating packets, and being ready to help students as they continue to keep the love of learning alive. Again, we know this is not business as usual for us, so if you have a special education child or one with a 504 and have concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to their service provider or our Special Education Supervisor, Scott Buchman.