One to One Documents

EARLY LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers of HHS Students:

Enclosed you will find specific information regarding guidelines, laptop insurance, and laptop distribution policies and procedures for the 2025-2026 school year.

To assist with the early distribution of laptop computers, we are offering students the opportunity to collect their laptops early at Harriton High School. Please put in your calendar the dates that apply below.

• Rising 12th Grade Students: Monday – August 18, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM 
• Rising 11th Grade Students: Tuesday – August 19, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM   
• Rising 10th Grade Students: Wednesday – August 20, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM
• Rising 9th Grade Students: Thursday – August 21, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM 
• Make Up Day/Late Laptop Returns: Tuesday – August 26, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM

To qualify for early pick up, students must:

• Have returned your laptop from the previous school year by the last day of school.
• If your student is participating in any LMSD school sponsored summer programs, their laptop must be returned by Thursday August 7, 2025, to be eligible for early laptop distribution.
• Have paid the $70 insurance premium payment (pay online or with cash or check made out to "Harriton High School")
• Have NO outstanding debt from the previous year's computer use. (damages, charger fees, etc.)
• Have successfully completed the 1:1 Laptop Quiz on Safe Use and Policy 137 (score of 23/25 or higher)

To submit the $70.00 insurance premium, you may utilize one of the two following options:

• Pay via a My School Bucks Invoice.
  • Parents/guardians will receive a MySchoolBucks Invoice for the laptop insurance premium fee via email to the email address(es) used to create a PowerSchool Parent Portal account.
  • Weekly invoice reminders will be sent out via email until balances are paid.
  • More information about MySchoolBucks invoicing and payments at https://www.lmsd.org/fees.
• Pay via check/money order to Harriton High School for $70.00.
  • The check/money order should be payable to the Lower Merion School District.
  • Please include your child's full name and student ID number in the memo line of the check/money order.
  • This payment can be brought to early pick-up.

Below this letter, please find:

• Technology Guide for New Students and Families.
• Information for Parents/Guardians and Students Opting Out of One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative

Other helpful information regarding the One-to-One Laptop Initiative is available on the School District's website at: www.lmsd.org/1to1 .

Other information regarding the laptop program is available on the school district website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Assistant Principal Pat Snyder (snyderpa@lmsd.org) at 610-658-3950.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support of the One-to-One Laptop Initiative.

Sincerely,
Stu Warshawer, Acting Principal

Technology Guide for New Students & Families

Welcome to Harriton! New students and parents/guardians must complete the checklists below to access their district-issued laptop and LMSD online resources. Students will receive a district-issued device within 5 days of their registration, pending completion of required student and parent responsibilities.

Failure to complete these steps may delay access to the laptop.

Students Complete the following in the order they appear:

1. Take the 1:1 Laptop Quiz and earn a 23/25 or higher. The Laptop Orientation video can be accessed via the quiz.
2. Submit 1:1 Laptop requirements including $70 insurance (pay online or with cash or check made out to "Harriton High School") and signed Acceptable Use Policy. Contact Mr. Patrick Snyder (snyderpa@lmsd.org) with questions.
3. Obtain a laptop from the Tech Center (room 168).
4. Obtain your network username (s0#####) and password from the Registrar and use them to log into your device for the first time on campus.

Accounts:

1. Log into PowerSchool using your network username and password.
2. Log into ClassLink using your network username and password. Select the Schoology App to launch the site.
3. Join your grade level's "Class of" Group on Schoology. To do this, select Groups > My Groups > Join Group > and enter your grade level's access code:
4. Class of 2029 (9th grade) – Available September 2025
5. Class of 2028 (10th grade) –  W2GG-D86V-RSMQW
6. Class of 2027 (11th grade) – C7B4-CFDQ-PCCHC
7. Class of 2026 (12th grade) – 4D32-S355-226VB
8. Log in to your LMSD Google account using your student email (s0#####@students.lmsd.org) and network password. When prompted, select a new password that you will remember.

Parents/Guardians Complete the following in the order they appear:

1. Email a 10-day opt-out statement for your child's LMSD Google Account.
2. Create a Parent PowerSchool Account to update contact information and view grades and attendance.
3. Create a Parent Schoology Account to view class work, including assignments and calendars.

Policy 137: District-Issued Electronic Devices: Students Use, Rights and Responsibilities

Attachment C: Best Practice Guidelines for Use of Student Electronic Devices

Information for Parents/Guardians and Students Opting Out of One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative

The One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative is designed to provide students with 21st Century learning environments both at home and in school, and to give all students access to technology resources. Lower Merion School District seeks to create a learning environment that fosters deeper cognitive development through inquiry, real and relevant project-based learning, and differentiated instruction – all supported by continuous access to digital technologies. The One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative provides students with the ability to work on projects and research both at school and at home by providing 24/7 access to the software that they use in school. We believe that the Electronic Device is an essential tool to assist students in thinking critically, analyzing data, solving real world problems and publishing their work.

In the event that the parent/guardian of a student, or the student themselves if the student is over 18, decline to participate in the One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative by refusing to sign an Agreement for Electronic Device Use, the building principal shall be responsible for making necessary accommodations for the student to ensure that the student's education is not adversely affected. Such accommodations may include access to printed resources and access to building based electronic devices in areas such as Libraries and Help Centers.

All accommodations will be made on an individualized basis. The District does not guarantee that all accommodations will be provided to all students who do not participate in the One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative.

Please contact your building principal or their designee with any questions.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers of LMHS Students:

Enclosed you will find specific information regarding guidelines, laptop insurance, and laptop distribution policies and procedures for the 2025-2026 school year.

To assist with the early distribution of laptop computers, we are offering students the opportunity to collect their laptop early at Lower Merion High School. More information about each student's individual scheduled day and time will be shared via email later this summer. Please put in your calendar the dates that apply below.

• Rising 12th Grade Students: Monday – August 18, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM 
• Rising 11th Grade Students: Tuesday – August 19, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM   
• Rising 10th Grade Students: Wednesday – August 20, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM
• Rising 9th Grade Students: Thursday – August 21, 2025, from 8:00AM – 1:00PM  
• Make Up Day/Late Laptop Returns: Tuesday – August 26, 2025, from 1:00PM – 6:00PM

To Qualify for early pick up, students must:

• Have returned your laptop from the previous school year by the last day of school.
• If your student is participating in any LMSD school sponsored summer programs, their laptop must be returned by Thursday August 7, 2025, to be eligible for early laptop distribution.
• Have paid the $70 insurance premium payment.
• Have NO outstanding debt from the previous year's computer use. (damages, charger fees, etc.)
• Have successfully completed the Laptop Quiz on Safe Use and Policy 137.

(Directions for completing the Laptop Quiz on Safe Use and Policy 137 are attached below.) 

To distribute laptops to all students by September 2, 2025, we are asking that you submit the $70.00 insurance premium in one of the two following ways:

• Using the same system we introduced last year, a My School Bucks Invoice will show directly to the parent portal in PowerSchool. Weekly invoice reminders will be sent out via email until balances are paid. Parents, guardians, and caregivers will receive a MySchoolBucks Invoice for the laptop insurance premium fee via email.  This invoice will be sent to the email address(es) used to create a PowerSchool Parent Portal account.  More information about MySchoolBucks invoicing and payments at https://www.lmsd.org/fees.
• If you are unable to pay using My School Bucks via the invoice you may send the $70.00 payment via check/money order to Lower Merion High School. The check/money order should be payable to the Lower Merion School District. Please include your child's full name and student ID number in the memo line of the check/money order.

Additional Questions?

Parent/Guardian Orientation sessions will be held at times and dates to be announced at your child's high school. Notices will be sent home to parents/guardians and published on the LMSD website at www.lmsd.org.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support of the One-to-One Laptop Initiative.

Enclosures:

• Best Practice Guidelines for Use of Student Laptops
• Laptop Quiz on Safe Use and Policy 137 Instructions
• LMSD PowerSchool Online Electronic Form Instructions
• Information for Parents/Guardians and Students Opting Out of One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative (below)

Other helpful information regarding the One-to-One Laptop Initiative is available on the School District's website at:www.lmsd.org/1to1 .

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Assistant Principal Jon Fadely at 610-645-1834.

Sincerely,

Mike Johnson
Principal

Information for Parents/Guardians and Students Opting Out of One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative

The One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative is designed to provide students with 21st Century learning environments both at home and in school, and to give all students access to technology resources. Lower Merion School District seeks to create a learning environment that fosters deeper cognitive development through inquiry, real and relevant project-based learning, and differentiated instruction – all supported by continuous access to digital technologies. The One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative provides students with the ability to work on projects and research both at school and at home by providing 24/7 access to the software that they use in school. We believe that the Electronic Device is an essential tool to assist students in thinking critically, analyzing data, solving real world problems and publishing their work.

In the event that the parent/guardian of a student, or the student themselves if the student is over 18, decline to participate in the One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative by refusing to sign an Agreement for Electronic Device Use, the building principal shall be responsible for making necessary accommodations for the student to ensure that the student's education is not adversely affected. Such accommodations may include access to printed resources and access to building based electronic devices in areas such as Libraries and Help Centers.

All accommodations will be made on an individualized basis. The District does not guarantee that all accommodations will be provided to all students who do not participate in the One-to-One Electronic Device Initiative.

Please contact your building principal with any questions.

Hello BCMS Families,

Enclosed you will find specific information regarding laptop distribution and policy guidelines for the 2025-2026 school year. Our 5th, 6th and 7th grade students will be assigned a Chromebook, and our 8th graders will be assigned a MacBook.

Laptops will be distributed in school by grade level on the following days:

• 6th & 8th Grade: Thursday, September 4th
• 7th Grade: Friday, September 5th
• 5th Grade: Monday, September 8th

All BCMS students will be provided an opportunity to participate in a training session to review the policies and procedures regarding the appropriate use of the laptop prior to distribution. Teachers will also work with students to provide instruction related to digital citizenship throughout the year.

Students may not use their own personal laptop devices at school as they will not have access to our network. If a student should have a problem with their device, they will have the opportunity to visit Mr. Bowens at our tech center, located in the library, between the hours of 7:45am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday during the school year. Prior to visiting the tech center, we encourage our students and parents/guardians to email the helpdesk outlining the technology concern at techsupport@lmsd.org.

In order for students to receive a device, students/families must complete the following:

1. Electronically sign a parent/guardian and student electronic agreement (via PowerSchool eCollect) granting the student permission for the student to use the device. Directions for electronically signing the appropriate agreement are attached. Please note, both the parent/guardian and the student must electronically sign the appropriate agreement in their respective PowerSchool Portal accounts.
   1. Provide a parent/guardian electronic signature (via E-collect) designating Agreement A or Agreement B for permission of LMSD laptop use.
   2. Provide a student signature (via E-collect). Students will be given time to do this at school when they pick up their device if they are unable to access PowerSchool from home prior to the start of school.
   3. District policies and administrative regulations cited in the agreement can be found here: https://www.lmsd.org/academics/instructional-tech/one-to-one/documents
   4. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review these policies ahead of time, so you feel comfortable electronically signing the agreement form. Questions about the policies and administrative regulations can be sent to Robert Catalano, Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity, at CatalaR@lmsd.org
   5. If you require paper copies of the district policies, please contact your student's school and paper copies of the policies and administrative regulations will be provided to you.
2. Proof of insurance premium payment:
   1. Please submit the $30.00 (grades 5 – 7, Chromebook) or $70.00 (grade 8, MacBook) insurance premium through MySchoolBucks online.
   2. Parents, guardians, and caregivers will receive a MySchoolBucks invoice for the laptop insurance premium fee. This invoice will be sent to the parent/guardian email address(es) on file for your student in PowerSchool. For more information about MySchoolBucks invoicing and payments please visit https://www.lmsd.org/academics/instructional-tech/one-to-one/insurance
   3. If you do not already have a MySchoolBucks account, please follow the following link for instructions on how to set up your account: https://www.lmsd.org/parents/myschoolbucks.
   4. If you are unable to pay using MySchoolBucks, you may send the insurance premium check/money order to Bala Cynwyd Middle School's main office. The check/money order should be payable to the Lower Merion School District. Please include your child's full name and student ID number in the memo line of the check/money order. Again, we are requesting that payment be made through MySchoolBucks but if this is not possible, you may submit a check/money order to the main office.
   5. Please note that this insurance premium payment does not include the deductible for lost, stolen or damaged devices or chargers. In the case of 8th grade students, there is a $100 deductible for lost or damaged devices. Lost MacBook chargers carry a fee of $68, while lost Chromebook chargers are $50. We encourage all students to be responsible with their laptop and charger throughout the year.

*Parents/guardians may not substitute homeowners or other personal insurance for District procured laptop insurance.

When a laptop is issued to a student as the result of an IEP team determining through the SETT process that a laptop is necessary component of the student's IEP, the parent/guardian of the student is not required to pay the laptop insurance premium. However, parents/guardians may be required to pay the applicable insurance deductible charge for each theft, loss, or damage claim.

If a student does not have laptop insurance and the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged while in that student's control, the District reserves the right to hold the parent/guardian responsible for the full replacement or repair cost.

If a laptop is missing or suspected stolen on school grounds during the school day, the student must report this immediately to the BCMS Coordinator of School Culture, Kristen Murphy, murphyk@lmsd.org. To report a laptop missing or stolen after school hours, the parent/guardian or student must email techsupport@lmsd.org.

Families who receive notification that they qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program for the 2025-2026 school year will have the option to forgo the insurance cost and still have their student's/students' laptop covered under this insurance agreement and do not need to provide payment. Families will only have this option if they have received notification from the school district that they qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program either by completing a new application online each school year and receive a letter from the School District that they qualify or have been notified by the School District that they are predetermined, eligible. In addition to the qualification of the program each school year, each family needs to sign the Waiver for Sharing Information with Other Programs that accompanies the Free and Reduced/Direct Certification Eligibility Letters. The Free and Reduced Application and the Waiver for Sharing Information with Other Programs are available at https://www.lmsd.org/departments/nutritional/free-reduced.

Families who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program will be required to pay the deductible charge for each theft, loss, or damage claim. Families wishing to participate in this program must apply or re-apply and be approved for the program yearly at www.schoolcafe.com. Information regarding the Free and Reduced Lunch Program can be found on the Lower Merion School District website by going to https://www.lmsd.org/departments/nutritional/free-reduced/faqs. Families who don't apply (or re-apply), or who are denied eligibility to participate in this program will be required to pay the insurance premium ($70 for 8th graders and $30 for 5-7th graders).

Students should also refer to the enclosed Best Practice Guidelines for Use of Student Laptop.

In the event you or your child refuses to electronically sign the agreement for laptop use, the District will use its best effort to make necessary accommodations for your child to ensure that your child's education is not adversely affected. For more information, please see Administrative Regulation 137 at https://www.lmsd.org/academics/instructional-tech/one-to-one/documents.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristen Murphy, Coordinator of School Culture, at murphyk@lmsd.org, or Assistant Principal Dave Clark, ClarkDa@lmsd.org.

Sincerely,

Eugenia Koo, Principal
Bala Cynwyd Middle School

Dear Black Rock Families, 

Enclosed in this communication you will find information on policy guidelines as well as laptop distribution for the 2025-26 school year. All students in 5th, 6th and 7th grade will receive their own Chromebook. All students in 8th grade will be assigned their own MacBook. In order to ensure that your student is prepared to be issued their device, please carefully review these important guidelines below.

What do I need to do before my student receives a District issued laptop?

In order for students to receive a District issued laptop, the following steps must be completed by parents prior to laptop distribution:

1. Electronically sign a parent/guardian and student electronic agreement (via PowerSchool eCollect) granting the student permission to take the LMSD laptop off of school grounds. Please carefully review the Instructions for electronically signing the appropriate agreement via eCollect. 
   1. Provide a parent/guardian electronic signature (via eCollect) for permission of LMSD laptop use.
   2. Provide a student signature (via eCollect).
   3. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review District Policy and Administrative Regulations 137 ahead of time, so that you feel comfortable electronically signing the agreement form.  Questions about the policies and administrative regulations can be sent to Robert Catalano, Director of Information Systems, at CatalaR@lmsd.org . If you require paper copies, please contact your students' school and paper copies of the policies and administrative regulations will be provided to you.
2. Proof of insurance premium payment.
   1. Please submit the $30.00 (Chromebook) or $70.00 (MacBook) insurance premium through MySchoolBucks online. Instructions for using SchoolBucks online can be found here. A direct link to the site to submit your payment for Chromebooks (5th-7th grade students) and MacBooks (8th grade students) may be found HERE. 
   2. Please note that this does not cover the fee for lost or broken chargers ($50 replacement charge for Chromebook chargers or $68 replacement charge for MacBook chargers).
   3. If you are unable to pay electronically using MySchoolBucks, you may send the $30 check/money order (Chromebook) or $70 check/money order (MacBook) to Black Rock Middle School. The check/money order should be payable to the Lower Merion School District. Please include your child's full name and student ID number in the memo line of the check/money order. The check/money order must be brought in person to the main office for it to be received.

How will laptops be distributed to students in 5th and 6th grade?

• Chromebooks for students in grades 5 & 6 will be distributed during the school day on Wednesday, September 3rd.
• Please be reminded that your family must provide electronic signatures (via eCollect) and proof of a paid insurance premium (via MySchoolBucks online) prior to being issued a laptop.

How will laptops be distributed to students in 7th and 8th grade?

• Chromebooks will be distributed to 7th grade students and MacBooks will be distributed to 8th grade students during the school day on Tuesday, September 2nd.
• Please be reminded that your family must provide electronic signatures (via eCollect) and proof of a paid insurance premium (via MySchoolBucks online) prior to being issued a laptop.

In the interest of addressing some commonly asked questions, please see the responses to the following frequently asked questions below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my student bring their own device?
   • Students may not use their own personal laptop devices at school as they will not have access to our network.
2. Can another insurance policy be substituted or used for a district procured laptop?
   • Parents/guardians may not substitute homeowners or other personal insurance for District procured laptop insurance. 
3. What do I do if my student has an issue with their device?
   • If a student should have a problem with their device, they will have the opportunity to visit our technology helpdesk center, located in the BRMS library during school hours. Prior to visiting the helpdesk center, we would encourage our students and parents to first email the technology office, outlining the technology concern at techsupport@lmsd.org. 
4. What do I do if my student's laptop is missing or suspected stolen?
   • If a laptop is missing or suspected stolen on school grounds during the school day, the student must report this immediately to  Mr. Will Williams, Coordinator of School Culture at williaw@lmsd.org. To report a laptop missing or stolen after school hours, the parent/guardian or student must email techsupport@lmsd.org. 
5. What if my student has an IEP and following the SETT process it is determined that my student needs access to a device in accordance with their individualized educational program?
   • Then the parent/guardian of the student is not required to pay the laptop insurance premium. However, since parents/guardians may be required to pay the applicable insurance deductible charge for each theft, loss, or damage claim.
6. What if my family receives notification that we are eligible for a free or reduced lunch option? How does this qualification impact the cost of accessing the laptop?
   • Families who receive notification that they qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program for the 2025-2026 school year will have the option to forgo the insurance cost yet still have their student's/students' laptop covered under this insurance agreement and do not need to provide payment. Families will only have this option if they have received notification from the school district that they qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program either by completing a new application online each school year and receiving a letter from the School District that they qualify or have been notified by the School District that they are predetermined eligible. In addition to the qualification of the program each school year, each family needs to sign the Waiver for Sharing Information with Other Programs that accompanies the Free and Reduced/Direct Certification Eligibility Letters. The Free and Reduced Application and the Waiver for Sharing Information with Other Programs are available on the LMSD.org Nutritional Services Page of the website.
   • Families who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program will be required to pay the deductible charge for each theft, loss, or damage claim. A payment plan for the insurance deductible can be established with school administration. Families wishing to participate in this program must apply and be approved for the program yearly at  https://www.schoolcafe.com. Information regarding the Free and Reduced Lunch Program can be found on the Lower Merion School District website by going to www.LMSD.org/fandr. Families who don't apply (or re-apply), or who are denied eligibility to participate in this program will be required to pay the appropriate insurance premium.
7. Is there guidance from the District on how my student should use the laptop?
   • Yes! Students and families should refer to the enclosed Best Practice Guidelines for Use of Student Laptop (AR 137, Attachment C).
8. What will happen in the event that a parent, guardian, or student decline to participate in the 1 to1 laptop program by refusing to sign the agreement? 
   • The District will use its best effort to make necessary accommodations for your child to ensure that your child's education is not adversely affected.
9. What will happen if a student does not have laptop insurance and the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged while in that student's control?
   • If a student does not have laptop insurance and the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged while in that student's control, then the District reserves the right to hold the parent/guardian responsible for the full replacement or repair cost.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Will Williams, Coordinator of School Culture at williaw@lmsd.org.

Sincerely, 
Sarah Stout
Principal

Dear Welsh Valley Families, 

Enclosed in this communication you will find information on policy guidelines as well as laptop distribution for the 2025-26 school year. All students in 5th, 6th and 7th grade will receive their own Chromebook. All students in 8th grade will be assigned their own MacBook. In order to ensure that your student is prepared to be issued their device, please carefully review these important guidelines below.

What do I need to do before my student receives a District issued laptop?

In order for students to receive a District issued laptop, the following steps must be completed by parents prior to laptop distribution:

1. Electronically sign a parent/guardian and student electronic agreement (via PowerSchool eCollect) granting the student permission to take the LMSD laptop off of school grounds. Please carefully review the Instructions for electronically signing the appropriate agreement via eCollect.
   1. Provide a parent/guardian electronic signature (via eCollect) for permission of LMSD laptop use.
   2. Provide a student signature (via eCollect).
   3. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review District Policy and Administrative Regulations 137 ahead of time, so that you feel comfortable electronically signing the agreement form.  Questions about the policies and administrative regulations can be sent to Robert Catalano, Director of Information Systems, at CatalaR@lmsd.org. If you require paper copies, please contact your student’s school and paper copies of the policies and administrative regulations will be provided to you.
2. Proof of insurance premium payment.
   1. Please submit the $30.00 (Chromebook) or $70.00 (MacBook) insurance premium through MySchoolBucks online. Instructions for using SchoolBucks online can be found here. A direct link to the site to submit your payment for Chromebooks (5th-7th grade students) and MacBooks (8th grade students) may be found HERE.
   2. Please note that this does not cover the fee for lost or broken chargers ($50 replacement charge for Chromebook chargers or $68 replacement charge for MacBook chargers).
   3. If you are unable to pay electronically using MySchoolBucks, you may send the $30 check/money order (Chromebook) or $70 check/money order (MacBook) to Welsh Valley Middle School. The check/money order should be payable to the Lower Merion School District. Please include your child’s full name and student ID number in the memo line of the check/money order. The check/money order must be brought in person to the main office for it to be received.

How will laptops be distributed to students in 5th and 6th grade?

• Chromebooks will be distributed to 5th grade students as part of 5th grade orientation on August 28th.
• 6th grade students have the option to pick up their laptop early on August 26th from 8-9am. Any student who cannot pick up their laptop before school starts will be able to receive it the first week of school but utilizing the early deployment window is encouraged.
• Please be reminded that your family must provide electronic signatures (via eCollect) and proof of a paid insurance premium (via MySchoolBucks online) prior to being issued a laptop.

How will laptops be distributed to students in 7th and 8th grade?

• Chromebooks will be distributed to 7th grade students and MacBooks will be distributed to 8th grade students.
• 7th grade students have the option to pick up their laptop early on August 26th from 9:15-10:15. 8th grade students have the option to pick up their laptop early on August 26th from 10:30-11:30. Any student who cannot pick up their laptop before school starts will be able to receive it the first week of school but utilizing the early deployment window is encouraged.
• Please be reminded that your family must provide electronic signatures (via eCollect) and proof of a paid insurance premium (via MySchoolBucks online) prior to being issued a laptop.

In the interest of addressing some commonly asked questions, please see the responses to the following frequently asked questions below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my student bring their own device?
   • Students may not use their own personal laptop devices at school as they will not have access to our network.
2. Can another insurance policy be substituted or used for a district procured laptop?
   • Parents/guardians may not substitute homeowners or other personal insurance for District procured laptop insurance. 
3. What do I do if my student has an issue with their device?
   • If a student should have a problem with their device, they will have the opportunity to visit our technology helpdesk center, located in the WVMS library during school hours. Prior to visiting the helpdesk center, we would encourage our students and parents to first email the technology office, outlining the technology concern at techsupport@lmsd.org. 
4. What do I do if my student’s laptop is missing or suspected stolen?
   • If a Laptop is missing or suspected stolen on school grounds during the school day, the student must report this immediately to the Dean of Students in their building. To report a Laptop missing or stolen after school hours, the parent/guardian or student must email techsupport@lmsd.org. 
5. What if my student has an IEP and following the SETT process it is determined that my student needs access to a device in accordance with their individualized educational program?
   • Then the parent/guardian of the student is not required to pay the laptop insurance premium. However, since parents/guardians may be required to pay the applicable insurance deductible charge for each theft, loss, or damage claim.
6. What if my family receives notification that we are eligible for a free or reduced lunch option? How does this qualification impact the cost of accessing the laptop?
   • Families who receive notification that they qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program for the 2025-2026 school year will have the option to forgo the insurance cost yet still have their student’s/students’ laptop covered under this insurance agreement and do not need to provide payment. Families will only have this option if they have received notification from the school district that they qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program either by completing a new application online each school year and receiving a letter from the School District that they qualify or have been notified by the School District that they are predetermined eligible. In addition to the qualification of the program each school year, each family needs to sign the Waiver for Sharing Information with Other Programs that accompanies the Free and Reduced/Direct Certification Eligibility Letters. The Free and Reduced Application and the Waiver for Sharing Information with Other Programs are available on the LMSD.org Nutritional Services Page of the website.
   • Families who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program will be required to pay the deductible charge for each theft, loss, or damage claim. A payment plan for the insurance deductible can be established with school administration. Families wishing to participate in this program must apply and be approved for the program yearly at  https://www.schoolcafe.com. Information regarding the Free and Reduced Lunch Program can be found on the Lower Merion School District website by going to www.LMSD.org/fandr. Families who don’t apply (or re-apply), or who are denied eligibility to participate in this program will be required to pay the appropriate insurance premium.
7. Is there guidance from the District on how my student should use the laptop?
   • Yes! Students and families should refer to the enclosed Best Practice Guidelines for Use of Student Laptop (AR 137, Attachment C).
8. What will happen in the event that a parent, guardian, or student decline to participate in the 1 to1 laptop program by refusing to sign the agreement? 
   • The District will use its best effort to make necessary accommodations for your child to ensure that your child’s education is not adversely affected.
9. What will happen if a student does not have laptop insurance and the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged while in that student’s control?
   • If a student does not have laptop insurance and the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged while in that student’s control, then the District reserves the right to hold the parent/guardian responsible for the full replacement or repair cost.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Mario Dattilo, Dean of Students, at dattilm@lmsd.org.

Sincerely, 

Christopher Hall
Principal