‘We are excited, nervous, anxious': DCPS superintendent talks coronavirus distance learning with Duval Homeroom program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The coronavirus is changing a number of things in our everyday lives, including how students learn.

On Monday, thousands of Duval County students will be going to class from home with the help of a program called Duval Homeroom.

Parents will have the chance to familiarize themselves with the site Sunday evening. That’s when the school district plans to have it up and running.

Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene spoke Saturday about what students and parents should expect when distance learning begins.

Duval HomeRoom how-to video:

Duval County online learning: How to use Duval Homeroom Duval County online learning: How to use Duval Homeroom

Coronavirus pandemic: How Duval County Public Schools’ home instruction program will work

"This is the first time we’ll be doing this. This will be the first time parents are experiencing it. It’s really going to be like the first day of school,” Greene said.

Students across Duval County will be using Duval Homeroom to keep up with their studies, through at least April 15.

"We are excited, nervous, anxious. We’re probably feeling every emotion that we possibly can because we’re talking about 8,000 teachers starting a new journey with 130,000 students and the bulk of it will be online,” Greene said.

Parents will get to Duval Homeroom by going to duvalschools.org, clicking on Homeroom and finding their grade level.

LIST: Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia school districts’ coronavirus closure updates

"There’s a question-and-answer section for parents, there’s a parent resource section, there is a student section for them to link to all of the platforms that they’ve used during the school year,” Greene said.

Students will also be able to get help in other areas, as well.

"The one thing that I’m really proud of is that we’re also going to be reaching out to students and families by phone. Guidance counselors will be calling to check on students, especially our seniors,” Greene said.

Mental health services will also be available by phone.

Parents, here’s what you need to know about technology distribution:

• It started Saturday, and high school students were given first priority. The district is trying to keep them on track for graduation.
• DCPS will be reaching out to the first wave of middle school students next.
• The school district expects this process to continue at least through next week before it gets to all students who are eligible for technology.
• DCPS is expecting to distribute 25,000 devices to students.
• For elementary school students, school employees will take a school bus to number bus stops to drop off a supplemental packet each day. The District is also distributing free lunches and snacks to students that can be picked up at that time. Find the bus routes here: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/27738

Coronavirus Pandemic: DCPS to launch Duval Homeroom

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