August 2023 News

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a program that provides eligible households up to $30/month toward their internet bills as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. All households with a child who was approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals within the last 12 months under the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including children who attend schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision, are eligible for ACP benefits.

Families can check their eligibility, sign up, and find fully covered plans at GetInternet.gov (mobile-accessible and available in Spanish) or by calling 877-384-2575.

The following are additional resources provided by the government:

• GetInternet.gov—a one-stop shop to learn about ACP, check eligibility, enroll, and find fully covered internet plans.
• White House Fact Sheet on the ACP and its benefits.

Additionally, CEMC/Cumberland Connect has provided resources in English and Spanish.

We will offer eight Volunteer Orientation and Training Meetings in October for anyone interested in volunteering at school this year or anyone who plans to chaperone a Field Trip.  These trainings must be attended each school year to renew your credentials and recertify you for volunteer opportunities.  We have one Volunteer Training scheduled for Tuesday, October 3 at 9:00 a.m. in the EMES Cafeteria.  The next scheduled training will be on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.  We will have another training on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.  Our next scheduled trainings will be on Tuesday, October 24 at 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and then the last few scheduled trainings for October will be on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 9:00 and 4:30 p.m.  October’s last Volunteer Training will be on Tuesday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m.   In November, there will be a Volunteer Training on Monday, November 6 at 9:00 a.m.  The next training will be on Tuesday, November 7 at 4:30 p.m.  On Monday, November 13, one Volunteer Training is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and the second one that day is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.  On Wednesday, November 29, there is a Volunteer Training at 9:00 a.m.  The last 2023 scheduled Volunteer Trainings are scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, at both 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.   The training usually lasts about 15-20 minutes.  We hope to see you there!