MCDOWELL COUNTY, W.Va. – As both schools and families prepare for an unprecedented school year, McDowell County Schools (MCS) gave an update on virtual schooling for the 2020 fall semester.

New Chromepads (K-2) and Chromebooks (3rd – 12th) were ordered months ago but have not yet arrived from the manufacturer. MCS credited the high demand for technology devices during the COVID-19 pandemic for the delay.

Until the devices arrive, MCS has a plan to distribute on hand devices to children.

“Soon a school staff member will contact you to determine how many devices that you will need until the new Chrome devices arrive,” said school officials in a social media release. “Each child will need their own device if you have multiple children in the home for virtual learning.”

Students are also allowed to use devices they own as well, not needing a loaner device.

“MCS will host drive-thru pickups for each virtual family safely. The school will contact you to come to campus to pick up devices if needed as well as complete important forms for the new school year,” said school officials. “Each school will share their dates and times. At this time, the school will give your log in information as well as your child’s account information to the learning platform.”

Training for parents will also be held to make sure students are able to complete their upcoming assignments.

“We will soon share mini-trainings and videos for parents on both Schoology (3rd – 12th) and See Saw/Zoom for PreK – 2. The trainings will be short and we will also post videos for you to watch on your own.”

Schedule outlines will be released soon for elementary and secondary schools once teachers and principals review them this week.

MCS also gave recommendations for families to prepare for the upcoming virtual learning, including making sure your internet connection is working and stable, set up a quiet space for children to work from each day and held discuss the importance of daily participation and effort with your child.