City of Perth Amboy Expands Internet Capabilities for Students

PERTH AMBOY – July 21, 2020 – The City of Perth Amboy will be expanding Wi-Fi and hotspot capabilities in an effort to aid families who don’t have access to internet services. View the link to the video announcement from Mayor Wilda Diaz here.

Wi-Fi is already available inside certain buildings; however, places such as the Perth Amboy Public Library and the Brighton Avenue Community Center will also be providing Wi-Fi access around the exterior areas of the buildings. Providing this exterior internet access is critical due to social distancing guidelines that are in place as a result of COVID-19. The city is in the process of renewing Wi-Fi service throughout Washington Park, which would be available in the next few weeks. The City of Perth Amboy is also considering other areas to provide internet capabilities, such as the exterior areas of buildings within the business district.

Adding to the city’s efforts, the Perth Amboy School District has ensured every child in the City of Perth Amboy has received a Chromebook so that they are able to complete schoolwork. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Roman, has also informed the mayor that they are currently working on upgrades to those devices. The district is also planning to provide enough hotspots for families who do not already have internet access.

As the city has worked together with Perth Amboy Public Schools, Mayor Wilda Diaz commented, “It truly has been a great partnership working with the schools because with the coordination of the Board of Education we have been able to provide 250,000 meals to students during the pandemic.” Diaz continued, “It’s all about partnership and collaboration.”

Many families have been concerned about protecting their children as they return to school in the fall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Perth Amboy School District is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff while maintaining the highest level of educational integrity,” said Dr. Roman.

Governor Phil Murphy has announced that the New Jersey Department of Education will be releasing guidance which will allow parents to choose all-remote learning for students. The DOE measure, in conjunction with Perth Amboy expanding internet capabilities, will allow for greater access for students and faculty.

The Perth Amboy School district had allocated $2 million of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding to technology. The district has now committed to match that for a total of $4 million to ensure all students have fast, reliable internet access.

If you have questions regarding your child’s school sessions or homework access, you are encouraged to contact your child’s school for clarity. You can call Perth Amboy Public Schools at 732-376-6200 or visit their website at www.paps.net.

About the Perth Amboy Public School District

The Perth Amboy Public School District, located in the City of Perth Amboy, is a historic 4.5 square-mile municipality resting along the shores of the beautiful Raritan Bay in Middlesex County. The district provides a comprehensive and rigorous education for more than 10,000 students in Grades Pre-K through 12.

About the City of Perth Amboy

The City of Perth Amboy has a history as long as New Jersey’s. It was settled in 1683 and named after James Drummond, 4^th Earl of Perth, and the native Lenape tribe who called it Ompoge. The name was later corrupted to Amboy. Today, Perth Amboy is a vibrant city with a growing population according to the last two censuses. It is home to the second-largest Hispanic population in the state with approximately 78 percent of its more than 50,000 residents. Its form of government is composed of mayor and council.

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