Internet Resources Options for Area Families

COVID-19 Internet Access Guidance for
Families without Internet

Area schools have shifted learning to use remote learning techniques.  This can be difficult if you do not have adequate internet functionality.  If you have a PK-12 student or teacher in your household:

If you are in an area that can receive Spectrum cable internet:

• Spectrum is providing free home internet and WiFi for 60 days for any household with a PK-12 student or teacher that has not subscribed to Spectrum internet in the last 30 days.
• To request this service, call Spectrum at 1-855-243-8892.

If you are in an area that can receive Consolidated Communications DSL service:

• Consolidated Communications (formerly FairPoint) is providing 60 days for any household with a PK-12 student or teacher who qualifies and is within their service area.
• To request this service, call Consolidated Communications at 1-844-968-7224.

If you currently have Verizon Wireless as a cell phone service provider:

• Verizon is offering 15GB additional Mobile Hotspot data to nearly all plans, to be used between 3/25/20-4/30/20.
• Please refer here to learn more.

If you currently have US Cellular as a cell phone service provider:

• US Cellular is lifting data caps, overage charges, and tethering/hotspot capabilities on almost all of their consumer plans through the end of May.
• US Cellular has acquired more wireless capacity to cope with the added traffic. See this.
• Please refer here to learn more

If you currently have Sprint as a cell phone service provider:

• Current customers can receive unlimited data for 60 days with metered data plans.
• They are providing 20GB of Mobile Hotspot data free to customers with hotspot-capable devices.
• Please refer here to learn more

Study from car initiative:

• Many school districts in Maine are providing internet access from the parking lot. School districts have created guests networks that can be accessed from the parking lot.
• Please refer here to learn more

If you are concerned about being able to make internet payments during this pandemic:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued guidance for providers limiting or eliminating service termination, late fees, and other access supports.
• Read full guidelines here.

MSAD 27 Resource Guide

Download PDF here

School Lunch Program Changes Effective 3-30-2020

Download complete PDF at  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jxDN84FENFOtfHiEi_lRLZPpg4m56PUT/view

Covid-19 Resources

From the Madawaska School Department Guidance Offices

March 24, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The COVID-19 or the coronavirus, has had a global reach and is impacting both the physical and mental health of Mainers everywhere including here in the Valley. We have created a resource guide to connect families with local agencies regarding homelessness or housing challenges, food insecurity, social service needs, etc. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need assistance with any of the above issues or anything else.

Information from the Center of Disease Control on managing your emotional health during this stressful time: Managing Stress & Anxiety 

Immediate Medical Emergency: 911

Mental Health Crisis/Suicide Hotline: 1-888-568-1112

Community Resources & General Info: 211 or visit 211.org

Food Pantries:

Because of the increase in demand for the food pantries, if you are in need of food, please contact us and we will alert them.  

Hope and Justice Project: They provide emergency shelter, crisis intervention, court and social service advocacy, unconditional emotional support, and appropriate referrals to people affected by domestic abuse & violence.

● 24 Hour Hotline 1-800-439-2323

● Fort Kent Office 834-7395

● Email: info@hopeandjusticeproject.org

● Website: www.hopeandjusticeproject.org

General Assistance:  Phone inquiries only - call the Madawaska Town Office at 728-6351 and ask for Donna Leonard,  Monday- Friday,  8-4.

Unemployment- Department of Labor- www.maine.gov/labor/contact -

207-623-7900

Internet Services:  Spectrum is offering 60 days of free wi-fi to all Maine students.

1. Must be a new customer - not a current Spectrum customer

2. Must be located where Spectrum services are offered

3. Offer good for 60 days

4. Customer pays $5 for wifi - otherwise $0 for ethernet connection

5. Qualifiers include participation in reduced or free lunch program etc. https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist

Consolidated Communications is also offering free service.  Call 1-877-771-4338 and ask for Free Internet for Students.

Home Energy Assistance-:  1-800-585-3053 or ACAP Phone:  

(207) 768-3053 or 1-800-432-7881   Email:  energy@acap-me.org

Shelter:

Sister Mary O’Donnell Emergency Shelter 764-4125

Email: shelter@aroostookhomeless.org

Private non-profit, non-denominational organization which provides temporary shelter for families with/without children and also individuals eighteen (18) or older who have no means of support in a drug and alcohol free facility. All basic needs are met and case management is provided and required.

Sincerely,

   Tricia Armstrong

Tricia Armstrong- Elementary School Counselor  728-3635, ext. 3505

   April Leighton, LCPC

April Leighton- Middle/High School Counselor   728-3371, ext 2405

   Connie Malenica, LCSW

Connie Malenica- School Social Worker                 728-3371, ext 2414

Coronavirus Letter 6

See the Coronavirus Letter #6 here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10oKgeVJdyritJ1uFJhikLkbTJR6p-SFG/view

Letter to Seniors

Please see the Valley Unified letter to seniors: CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Letter 5

Please see the latest information on March 19th regarding the school closure.
https://vuescsuper.blogspot.com/2020/03/covid-19-letter-5-update-on-school.html

Contact with Students

All students and parents in MSAD27, MSAD33, and Madawaska Schools are asked to connect with teachers today if they haven’t done so. Middle/High School students are asked to check their school email and respond to their teachers today if they haven’t done so yet this week. We need to ensure that we are reaching each student to deliver remote learning. If you are having trouble with your school email, call your school for assistance.

Valley Unified School Meal Plan

Valley Unified is making school lunch accessible while school is closed. Please click the following link for more information. http://bit.ly/3d81WS2

COVID-19 School Closure Blog

Greetings,

We were asked to create a spot to store all COVID-19 school closure information for the Madawaska School Department.  We felt this would be the most appropriate way to do that.  Feel free to subscribe to the blog to receive updates when there is new information.