Jason Barth: Our IT Hero

Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me. 

---

by: Cristin Blake and Tarsja Tibbs
​
Technology has played a key role in the world and how people interact now since the start of the pandemic. With this, schools have been affected and have had to adapt to adding technology to their learning curriculum. 

Specifically in the Wethersfield School District, staff members have been working to make it easier for all students to have access to all their work and be able to communicate with their teachers even while learning remotely. Jason Barth is one of the staff members that has greatly helped our community and made it less stressful for everyone.

After joining Wethersfield High School in 2015, Jason Barth has worked as a Computer Technician, helping fix all the computers and technical problems that occur. It may not be as easy everyone thinks. Since the pandemic, technology has changed dramatically and Barth has had to learn everything so that he could help everyone out. 

That could be very stressful but to him, “This is the new normal. I have adjusted to it, I’m used to it now.”

If students are having technical difficulties with their computers, they would just bring their computers to the library where Barth would have them fixed. This process took him within a few hours to fix and the student would be able to get their computer back. 

Now, because of COVID, new hygiene rules and regulations have been put in place. Now, those computers have to go through the maintenance staff so they can be cleaned. It now takes him at least a day to fix. Loaner computers have been put in place so that students wouldn’t have to wait that long for their computers. 

Computers aren’t the only technology that he deals with at the school. He has been the guy who helps install the new technology gadgets that are helpful for teachers in the classroom. 

Different types of technology have now been used because of remote learning. Webcams have been installed in classrooms so that the teachers are able to see their students through Google Meet and vice versa. A new way of getting WiFi to students and families with poor connection is also being introduced. 

Dorris Duggins, a social sciences teacher at WHS, has been one of the main teachers that have benefited from Jason Barth’s work in the classroom. 

In Mrs. Duggins’ words, she says, “Whenever the school sends him to my room, he is there all the time prepared. When something happened to my speaker, he brought extra speakers just in case he thought that we would need them. He’s smiling, so helpful and kind, will follow up, and he’s been someone that I always smile and happy to see coming.”
Jason Barth didn’t even see himself as a hero but he has made a huge impact on various members of our community to make the transition between in-person to remote learning safe and easy for all. 

​

---