Apollo Glass Gives Back to Students

Many families are in the middle of a challenging school year. Some community members elected to pursue a full time distance learning model, while all students in secondary schools embraced a hybrid model. Across the board, the demands of technology usage and availability at home are at an all-time high. 

• Over 1,000 elementary and secondary aged students are enrolled in the distance learning model full time
• Many families have more than one student in a hybrid or distant learning environment
• A large number of families in more rural areas have limited access to reliable internet

“The teachers, students and families have worked very hard to set things up for success,” says Mathew Nelson, District 877 Technology Director.  “One challenge that we have found is that not all families have fiber Internet access, which makes it difficult at times to access the content via their DSL or cellular hotspot connection.”

To support our students and community, Apollo Glass donated 10 Chromebooks to District 877 in September to assist with distance learning. Folders, pens, and markers were not the only supplies needed this school year; those without home computers or reliable internet are in need of support. AGGB understands families in our community need help to provide technology so students can meet standards for distance learning. These challenging times are hard for everyone, and our students should be prepared for whatever learning environment comes their way.

“We are fortunate that we have had enough to borrow a device for each student who doesn’t have a device for distance learning,” says Nelson.  “We are thankful for that, and every device helps as not only do we want our distance learnings to have access, but we also still have over 4600 students physically attend school and we want to make sure that they have access to technology when they are here to enhance student learning outcomes.”

Help is still needed! If you, or your business, is interested in providing support to your community schools, please reach out. In the Buffalo Hanover Montrose School district, our contact is Matthew Nelson, Technology Director, at 763 – 682 – 8426 or mnelson@bhmschools.org.

We are proud to support our community by giving back to individuals and organizations in need for the past two years. Learn more about Apollo Glass and the Apollo Glass Gives Back campaign here.

Visit other resources to help families adjust to distance learning during this challenging time:

The Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During Covid-19

Change to Chill: Stay Calm During Uncertainty

Unicef: Protecting Mental Health for Teens

Common Sense Education: Parent Tips for Distance Learning

Education Reimagined: Distance Learning Resource Center