DTC To Offer Drive Up WI-FI Hot Spots for Use at DeKalb County Schools

April 16, 2020
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Following discussions with DeKalb County Schools Leadership, DTC Communications will offer free drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots for use by students and teachers at DeKalb County Schools. The decision aligns with DTC’s earlier commitment to honor the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Keep Americans Connected Pledge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service may be accessed at no charge using one’s personal or school provided device from the safety of their vehicle if they are parked close to DeKalb County High School, Northside Elementary, or the DeKalb West School.

DTC previously opened free public Wi-Fi hotspots to the general public at the company’s retail locations, and each remains available for the use of any community member.

DTC also pledged to forego late fees and not disconnect customers for specific COVID-19 or Coronavirus related reasons.

“DTC Communications is proud to continue its support of the DeKalb County School District by providing additional connectivity at no cost for students and faculty. Mr. Cripps, the school board, and system leadership are working diligently to serve our students, families, and system employees. The DTC board of directors and employees are thankful to support our school system and communities in this manner as we work together during this challenging time.” said Chris Townson, CEO of DTC Communications.

“I can’t thank DTC enough. This is another community resource that is stepping up for our kids. It’s awesome to see the love being shown to our kids. We will forever be grateful for that. It gives kids that don’t have access to the Internet the ability to drive or ride with someone into a school and they will be able to hook up to Wi-Fi,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, DTC Communications has remained committed to supporting their members, customers, and the communities which the cooperative serves.

DTC Communications is a member owned telecommunications cooperative established in 1951. DTC provides world-class broadband and technology solutions to improve the quality of life of our members and communities in the regions we serve.

April 16, 2020
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Have you received your coronavirus stimulus relief check yet?

The first wave of checks have been deposited into some bank accounts, according to the IRS. Millions more can expect to receive theirs in the coming weeks as part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill passed to aid Americans suffering financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

To help taxpayers check the status of their payment, the IRS is rolling out a tracking tool called “Get My Payment” by April 17. The tool will also let users update their direct deposit information with the IRS.
The agency also unveiled an online tool for low-income Americans who do not typically file taxes to enter their banking information to receive a payment.

The checks, worth $1,200 for individuals with adjusted gross income below $75,000 and $2,400 for couples earning below $150,000, are part of the federal government’s response to unprecedented unemployment levels and financial strain caused by Covid-19.

Those who filed 2018 or 2019 returns and authorized direct deposit from the IRS will be paid first. The U.S. Treasury Department announced Monday that tens of millions of Americans should receive their deposits by Wednesday, April 15, and the department “expects a large majority of eligible Americans will receive Economic Impact Payments within the next two weeks.”

It will take much longer for others, including those who do not typically file returns or opt to receive paper checks. Paper checks won’t start being mailed until the beginning of May, according to a memo from the US House Ways and Means Committee, and the IRS plans to prioritize sending those checks to lower income households first.

And remember: Scammers are already trying to cash in on the stimulus payments. Be on high alert.

April 15, 2020
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DeKalb County Schools will remain closed for the remainder of this spring.

Governor Bill Lee on Wednesday called on all public schools in Tennessee to remain closed for the rest of the academic year as the state continues to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

“Due to the Governor’s recommendation, DeKalb County Schools will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year. In the coming days, we will receive more information from the Tennessee Department of Education. We will provide this information to you as soon as possible. Principals and teachers will continue to communicate educational plans to the students through phone calls, Skyward and emails. Please continue checking for communication from your school. School nutrition will continue to offer breakfast and lunch on Mondays and Thursdays at DCHS/DMS and DWS from 10:30-12:00,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

Meanwhile a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 at DCHS will be held although the scheduled May 15th date for the commencement may have to be changed due the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many questions have been raised about graduation. Mr. Randy Jennings, DCHS Principal and I will make plans for a graduation ceremony. As soon as the Safer in Place order is lifted, we will set a date to conduct the graduation ceremony. Parents and students will be informed in plenty of time to make arrangements for the 2020 graduation ceremony,” said Director Cripps.

“I am sorry for the inconvenience that COVID-19 has caused for students, guardians, faculty and staff. We will continue to move forward making decisions that are focused on our students’ and stakeholders’ social and emotional well-being, safety and education. I wish you good health and safety,” said Cripps.

Governor Lee announced his recommendation at his statewide afternoon news conference in Nashville. The decision comes two days after the governor extended his stay-at-home order through the end of April and as he looks to formulate a plan to reopen the state’s economy in May.

“We want to make sure there is flexibility” for districts across the state, Lee said. “Students have lost a significant amount of learning time.”

In addition to learning time, Lee said time outside of the classroom has further implications, noting educators play a large role in the wellbeing of students.

Penny Schwinn, the state’s education commissioner, will lead a new COVID-19 Child Wellbeing Task Force. In a statement, Schwinn voiced appreciation for the recommendation to close schools for the remainder of the year.

“Children being out of school for such a long time has significant implications for a child’s wellbeing, and this poses a different kind of challenge for all of us, as communities and as a state,” she said in the statement.

This is the third recommendation from the governor on statewide school closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he expects all districts and schools in the state to follow the recommendation and that the state would communicate with any district that wanted to open again this school year.

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