Students without home internet can request a hotspot from CMS to use in order to complete their school work and attend classes. Please complete the Chromebook Reporting Form, selecting the option stating that you are in need of a hotspot. The form will also direct you to the Parent/Guardian Consent Form which must be submitted in order to be added to our hotspot waitlist.
CMS & NWSA do not have hotspots available for all students. Hotspots are available on a first come, first served, and highest need basis (highest need being the most important).
NWSA has no more hotspots on hand and CMS is working to distribute what they have on hand, funded by the CMS Foundation. Last we heard, the need within our district is currently higher than the number of devices.
These devices are for parents and students who absolutely cannot afford internet or who do not have access to internet at all.
Hotspots at NWSA are provided by the Sprint 1Million Connected Grant project. The information below is required for Sprint. Sprint hotspots are limited in data and do not have full or fast coverage in all areas. Your network and home internet will always work better than the NWSA Sprint hotspots. The devices in this grant are not intended to supplement or provide relief to those with a current internet plan.
If you are paying for internet via your cable service provider or phone carrier, it is the company's responsibility to provide you the best coverage and internet service. If your internet is inconsistent or does not meet your demand, contact your ISP. Remember that some phone plans come with hotspot capabilities on your phone.
If you already pay for internet, here are a couple ways to ensure your connection using a CMS Chromebook is not interrupted and learning continues during "school" hours:
If your phones have an unlimited plan, turn off the WiFi.
Temporarily disconnect other technology connected to your WiFi such as smart TVs, thermostats, Alexa, gaming systems and other smart technologies.
Purchase a WiFi extender for areas of the house that are further away from the home router.
Do not have any unnecessary browser tabs open during video conferences.