Nemont Makes Distance Learning Easier For Community

The shift from in-person instruction at school to distance learning at home was difficult for some teachers, students and their families who might not have had the necessary tools to succeed in the new environment of learning. As schools scrambled to create distance learning plans and families figured out how they fit into that plan, Nemont recognized the struggles the new normal of learning might bring to members of the community. The Nemont Cooperative Board of Directors approved funds to donate 400 Chromebooks, set up WiFi hot spots in a number of communities, bumped internet speeds at no charge for existing customers and provided internet connections for approximately 250 to 300 students and teachers.

In the first round of Chromebook distribution early on, devices were handed out to Culbertson, Frazer and Lustre schools, while Wolf Point, Poplar and Trenton, N.D., schools were later provided the devices. “Any of the schools that were short devices to provide to their students to do distance learning we assisted where we could to meet the schools’ and students’ needs,” said Nemont PR and Marketing Specialist Gregg Hunter. To ensure the safety of those delivering and accepting the devices, Hunter stated most were delivered with the least number of people involved along with the proper personal protective equipment and distancing while others were shipped out through UPS.

In addition to distributing devices to help students get and stay connected, Nemont also installed or assisted with the installation of 12 Wifi access points with two more locations in the works. In Valley County, three access points were set up, on the corner of Ave. F and 7th Street in St. Marie, outside of Frazer School in the north-side parking lot and outside of the Glasgow Nemont garage, located east of Hi-Line Ford. Additional locations included Williston, Wolf Point, Poplar, Brockton, Fort Kipp and Lodge Grass.

“We arrived at the locations with the help of the school superintendents in gathering information where their students needed internet access the most,” explained Hunter. When summer break starts and distance learning ends for the year, access points located on school property will be kept in place and operational if the schools wish while those off-site will be reevaluated to determine if the equipment should stay in place and operational.

As school districts have decided to finish the year using their distance-learning model, Nemont continues to work with school districts. “We are now discussing ways that we can assist area schools with their graduations in hopes of salvaging something for their seniors to remember their last year of high school,” said Hunter.

Hunter admits Nemont could not have helped in such a big capacity without the assistance of the superintendents.

“The superintendents have invited a few of us from Nemont to sit in on their weekly video conferences along with other partners that have helped them out through this distance learning transitioning period. This has been very helpful in answering some of their questions that have come up with their teachers, staff, students, families and school boards,” said Hunter.

Hunter also stated all the schools Nemont has worked with have been very helpful in identifying the needs of their students in each of the communities Nemont serves. “We here at Nemont couldn’t have done this without the help of the schools’ superintendents and staff that worked with us to help accomplish these goals,” he stressed.