FLINT, MI — No family could prepare for what the 2020 school year would bring.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to plague the country, most students in Genesee County are learning remotely.

Flint is no exception.

Flint Community Schools Superintendent Anita Steward is asking families still in need of access to technology or internet to contact their child’s school building. The district is able to provide Chromebooks and hotspots to all families who have requested them.

The district has also learned that Comcast will continue to provide 60 days of free Internet service to new, eligible customers through the end of 2020, Steward said. The Internet Essentials from Comcast program provides low-income families free internet for 60 days and a reduced price after the free trial. Details on the program can be found here.

“Flint Community Schools is committed to a high-quality learning experience for all students,” Steward said.

Educators go door-to-door to connect with Flint children missing from virtual class

A north Flint Census and school supply event was also held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Hasselbring Senior Center, 1002 W Home Ave. The event included resources and information for families, free books and school supplies, community safety information, balloon art and games.

Flint Community Schools was down 2,000 children at the start of its academic year Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Groups of administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals and other support staff in the district went door to door starting Wednesday, Aug. 19, to find students who were unable to connect online. Some families were mobile and had either changed their number or moved. They found many families simply did not have access to a device needed for their child’s remote education.

Find contact information for district schools here.

Read more:

First day of school looks different this year as Flint students start class online

Flint kids learn from grandma, retired teacher at century-old community center

Flint students get free backpacks, haircuts, Halloween costumes at community event

Here’s what happens when someone at a Genesee County school gets coronavirus

Flint Community Schools to stay online only until further notice

Flint schools closes Flint Junior High School, former Northwestern building

Flint-area kindergarten teacher gets classroom makeover with coronavirus amenities

Flint school board terminates superintendent’s contract without cause