The COVID-19 pandemic, both worldwide and in our St. Louis community, has caused education systems to shift to virtual learning. Because of the increased dependence on technology for education, the digital divide has become even more evident in the St. Louis region. Having access to technology devices to obtain equal access to education is more important than ever.

CHS students Kaitlyn Tran and Siddhi Narayan are working to minimize the digital divide in our region and have partnered with the Normandy Schools Collaborative, who does not yet have enough devices to optimize learning. So far, Normandy has only been able to provide one device for each household, with no devices available for K-2 students. Tran and Narayan will be hosting a device drive to collect used and new devices for Normandy Schools students. The details are outlined below:

• Device Drop Off: June 27 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
• Requested Device: Computers and/or Tablets made after 2016
• Location: Wydown Middle School

Donations will be collected throughout the summer with the goal of distributing devices this fall by the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the digital divide and hindered access to education for some students. Promoting digital equity by providing tech devices is a critical need and we hope you will consider a donation.

Click here to view the Device Drive Wish List.

UPDATE!

The District will be collecting devices until August 15. They can be dropped off at the main administration building, #2 Mark Twain Circle, on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Both new and used devices (manufactured after 2016) are acceptable. When donations are brought to the administration building, please ring the bell and wait for someone to come collect the item(s).

If members of the Clayton community are affiliated with or know of any corporations that would be willing to work with and support this effort, please have them fill out this form so they may be contacted. This initiative could not be possible without the help of the Clayton community - thank you to everyone who has helped make this effort a success.