Hello Families,

Broadband Assistance
Bringing Broadband to Unserved Areas

The Maine Broadband Coalition is still working to fill in the 'holes' or 'dead spots' in the Maine Internet coverage landscape. I pass this along to RSU 57 families because some of these holes in the infrastructure reside in the corners of our district.

The best action that you can take is to:

follow the activity of the Maine Broadband Coalition,
sign up for their newsletter,
take the speed test,
or get involved in organizing your community to expand broadband in RSU 57 and the State.

Service Cost Assistance
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also announcing a program to provide help for struggling families to set up home Internet service. Read an excerpt from the FCC website:

About the Emergency Broadband Benefit The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price.

To get more information, to see if you qualify, or to apply, visit https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandb...

Charging Issues
One of the concerns that we hear from families about in help tickets as well as on the survey link below, is about charging.

While this is not an issue that we see every day, the ability to charge your school device is vital. The technology department has been working on building our inventory and procedures to allow us to offer remote students a more consistent charging experience.

Elementary iPads Elementary school offices have charging blocks and cables available for pick up. If the iPad is not charging, please bring the iPad into your child's school and try a different charger or cable. 9 times out of 10, that is what is causing the issue.

Middle and High School Contact tech support by completing the Tech Help form (https://forms.gle/o7p7r6DCSc48xcsp9). A technician will be in touch within a day to help with the issue.

Kevin Perkins
Director of Technology

Visit the Blog: RSU 57 Family Technology News Blog
Share your thoughts: RSU 57 Family Technology Survey
Request a hotspot: Hotspot Request Email