School districts, library systems offer Lake Houston-area students drive-up internet access during coronavirus

Students at Humble and New Caney ISDs are having to navigate learning remotely amid the coronavirus.

With Zoom meetings and online coursework ongoing, district officials as well as local libraries have set up Wi-Fi hotspots in parking lots to make the transition easier for students and staff who may struggle with internet access in their homes. Additionally, both school districts also distributed Chromebooks to students in the weeks following the initial closures in mid-March.

For example, both HISD and NCISD are allowing students to sit in their cars and get internet access from the parking lot of select campuses across the districts.

All elementary and middle school parking lots at HISD are available daily for students to use Wi-Fi. Although internet connection is strongest closest to the buildings, HISD officials are working to increase the strength outside elementary and middle schools, according to district officials.

NCISD also has drive-up Wi-Fi at New Caney High School Annex, Porter High School, Dogwood Elementary School, Keefer Crossing Middle School near the technology building, Kings Manor Elementary School and Valley Ranch Elementary School from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Additionally, the Harris County Public Library announced April 22 that it would be offering drive-up Wi-Fi for community use at most of its branches, including Atascocita, Kingwood and Humble. As library locations are currently closed due to the Harris County stay-at-home order, which is set to expire April 30, residents can drive up to most public library locations to access Wi-Fi from the parking lot while staying in their cars.

Here is a map of internet hotspots in Lake Houston area that have been established to help students learn during the outbreak:

Anna Lotz contributed to this report.