A business group is hoping to put used laptops into the hands of students who can use them now.

Idaho Business for Education hopes its Community Activation Project will also help provide Internet connections for students, as the coronavirus outbreak forces Idaho’s public schools to shift to a remote learning model.

“This project is mission critical to the thousands of students in our state who cannot learn remotely without computers and other devices or internet connections at their homes,” IBE president and chief executive officer Rod Gramer said in a news release Monday. “IBE is partnering with educators, other community groups and state education leaders to close this digital divide among our students.”

IBE is encouraging businesses and individuals to donate used laptops for the project. The computers will be scrubbed of data — and sanitized — before they go to students.

IBE has set up seven regional teams to help with the rollout. Click here for information on local contacts.

Vallivue employee tests positive

A Vallivue Middle School employee has tested positive for coronavirus.

“The employee did not present with symptoms until March 23rd and has not been in the building since March 13th for reasons unrelated to coronavirus,” the school said in an email to staff. “All Vallivue schools have been thoroughly disinfected during spring break. Students and staff should not be at additional risk from this case.”

Vallivue closed its schools on March 17, and has remain closed since then. Vallivue began its spring break on March 23 — the same day the State Board of Education imposed a four-week statewide school closure.

Concordia University postpones commencement

Add Concordia University to the list of Idaho colleges and universities that have called off spring commencement ceremonies.

The Boise law school will reschedule its May 2 commencement to Aug. 22. The ceremony will be held at the Boise Centre.

“Given the concerns about public safety and anticipation that social distancing guidance will be in place in the foreseeable future, the only choice is to delay commencement ceremonies,” Interim Dean Latonia Haney Keith said. “But it’s also incredibly important that we celebrate the amazing Class of 2020 when it’s safe to do so.”