Pierce Joint Unified would like to recognize our technology department, which consists of Jeff Stuivenberg, Michelle White, Scott Waters and Samantha Gonzalez, who has spent tremendous effort over the past year making sure students have had the technology tools needed to continue learning during this pandemic. Those first efforts included checking out and sending devices home with every student in the district. Next the department began increasing the number of district hot spots that were available and distributing those. Due to supply and demand, this was a slower process than the district expected but the department continued to persevere through the late summer and early fall to get students internet connection through various hot spot devices. In the meantime, the technology staff was working with the teachers to ensure they had the necessary equipment and software tools to be able to implement Distance Learning districtwide when schools were not allowed to open for in-person instruction in August. Their work continues as new technology tools for the classroom are purchased and deployed. The IT Building is now open every day for students and families to come to get devices repaired, to get loaner devices and to get internet hot spots as needed. Thank you to this team for all you do to keep the technology working for our students, teachers and employees throughout the district. You are appreciated!