2026-2027 Laptop Information for Lower Merion High School Students

Dr. Johnson shared the information below with
Lower Merion High School families on August 4, 2026.

Dear LMHS Families,

In this letter, we are sharing some important updates and changes related to technology and device use in our school, as Superintendent Dr. Ranelli recently explained. LMSD is committed to ensuring that technology is used purposefully to support teaching and learning while preserving the importance of meaningful human interaction, discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences. At the high school level, technology is an important instructional resource that supports increasing academic independence while preparing students for college, careers, and responsible digital citizenship.

Under the direction of their teachers, students use technology to enhance collaboration, research, organization, communication, creativity, problem solving, and productivity. Technology also supports the diverse instructional needs of our high school program, including advanced coursework, specialized electives, career and technical education, and other technology-intensive learning experiences.

To support these goals, each student in grades 9-12 will be assigned an individual MacBook for use both during the school day and outside of school for school-related learning. Enclosed you will find important information regarding student technology expectations, family resources, and MacBook distribution procedures for the 2026-27 school year.

Student Expectations and Digital Citizenship

During the first week of school, all students will participate in a review of District expectations for responsible, safe, and appropriate use of District-issued technology. Throughout the school year, teachers will continue to reinforce digital citizenship, online safety, ethical technology use, information literacy, and responsible communication.

Students are expected to use their MacBooks to support learning and school-related activities. While the District provides access to powerful technology resources, classroom teachers determine when and how technology is used to best support instruction. Technology should complement (and not replace) active learning, discussion, collaboration, and direct engagement with teachers and peers.

Parent and Guardian Tools and Resources

Parents and guardians remain important partners in helping students develop healthy, balanced, and responsible technology habits. To support families, the District is providing several tools and resources, including:

●      An app for parents/guardians that allows them to view their student's daily use of District-issued technology.

●      A parent/guardian-controlled option to restrict use of District devices at home outside of school hours.

●      Enhanced internet filtering designed to further limit access to inappropriate and non-educational content.

●      A process for parents and guardians to recommend websites for review and potential filtering.

LMSD is also developing a helpful list of technology resources for families, which we urge parents and guardians to review with their students. We provide links to these tools and information prior to the start of the school year.

Additional information about these resources will be shared before the start of the school year.

MacBook Distribution Procedures

To ensure students begin the school year prepared for instruction, the District will once again offer an early MacBook distribution opportunity at Lower Merion High School. Each student will receive an email later this summer with their assigned pickup time. Please reserve the applicable date below:

●      Rising 12^th Grade Students: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 8:00am-1:00pm

●      Rising 11^th Grade Students: Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 8:00am-1:00pm

○      11th and 12th graders will be able to pick up their devices prior to the SATs on August 22, 2026

●      Rising 10^th Grade Students: Monday, August 24, 2026, from 8:00am-1:00pm

●      Rising 9^th Grade Students: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 8:00am-1:00pm

Students who are unable to attend their scheduled distribution session will receive their MacBooks as soon as possible after the start of the school year. Participation in the summer distribution process is encouraged so that students are fully prepared for learning on the first day of school.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.     Can my student bring a personal laptop to school?  No. Students may not use personal laptops during the school day because they do not integrate with the District's instructional systems, network, security protections, or classroom management tools.

2.     What should we do if there is a problem with the device? Students may visit the Technology Help Desk located in each high school during the school day. Families are also encouraged to contact the Technology Department by emailing techsupport@lmsd.org with a description of the issue.

3.     What should we do if the device is lost or believed to be stolen? If a device is lost or suspected to be stolen during the school day, the student should immediately report it to an Assistant Principal, Coordinator of School Culture or Dean of students. If the device is lost or stolen outside of school hours, the student or parent/guardian should report it as soon as possible by emailing techsupport@lmsd.org.

4.     Will the District provide guidance on appropriate technology use? Yes. Students will receive instruction during the first week of school and throughout the year regarding acceptable use, digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible technology practices.

5.     Will my family still need to purchase laptop insurance? No. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, families will no longer be charged an annual insurance fee for District-issued student devices. As with other District-owned property entrusted to students (such as textbooks, library materials, musical instruments, athletic uniforms, or laboratory equipment) students and families are expected to exercise reasonable care while a device is in the student's possession, custody, or control.

If a District-issued device is damaged while in a student’s possession, custody, or control, the repair will be covered under the District’s extended-care plan through the manufacturer; however, in the event of the loss or theft of a device while in a student’s possession, custody, or control, the District’s insurance program may not cover the claim. In both of these instances, families remain responsible for the applicable deductible associated with the claim.

6.     What happens if a device is lost, stolen, or damaged while in a student's possession?  District-issued devices remain District property. If a device is lost, stolen, or damaged while under a student's care, the District reserves the right to assess repair or replacement costs in accordance with the above.

If you have questions regarding MacBook distribution, please call Sara Furches at 610-645-1834. If you have questions about student technology expectations, please contact your student’s grade-level assistant principal.

Sincerely, 

Mike Johnson, Ed.D.
Principal