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Learn about upcoming events, K-12 edtech insights, back-to-school tips, student mental health resources, software implementation and utilization, and more, from the experts at Lightspeed on the Lightspeed Systems® blog.

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How to Build School-Community Partnerships that Work

What if schools and mental health providers dismantled these artificial boundaries? This is precisely why school-community mental wellness partnerships are so helpful. They create integrated ecosystems where expertise flows freely between classrooms and clinics, strengthening support networks that catch students before they fall.

From Inefficiency to Visibility: How Lightspeed Signal is Helping Schools Maximize Budgets

IT leaders face the daunting challenge of managing tighter budgets while ensuring that technology remains effective and efficient. With the increasing reliance on digital devices for learning, the need to maximize the lifespan and utility of these devices has never been more important.

Georgia HB 268: Understanding Georgia’s New School Safety Mandates Webinar Recap

This week, we hosted an incredibly insightful webinar on Georgia HB 268, the new school safety legislation that’s set to transform how schools across the state approach campus security. Here’s the full recap of the key topics discussed, the Q&A session, and some important takeaways.

UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) Policy Updates 2025

Schools and colleges across the UK are increasingly relying on technology in the learning space, making the need for digital and online safety a top priority for IT and Safeguarding leads. Our social and cultural landscape is changing – UKSIC’s standards are changing to reflect that and to keep children and young people safe in the online learning space.

Lightning Chat Episode 3: Spring Summit Retrospective

Welcome back to the Lightning Chat blog! In Episode 3, we join Colin McCabe, General Manager of the International Market at Lightspeed Systems, and Craig Chanoff, Chief Revenue Officer at Lightspeed Systems, as they reflect on their recent global tour hosting the Lightspeed Spring Summit.

Colorado HB21-1110 Accessibility Compliance: What You Need to Know Before July 1, 2025

Beginning July 1, 2025, HB21-1110 requires that all public-facing digital content and software used by state and local government entities — including K–12 districts — meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards.

Lightspeed Product Roadmap Webinar: Part 2 Recap

This week, we wrapped up the second part of our Lightspeed Product Roadmap webinar series, where we showcased the latest innovations and upcoming features across our product suite. For those who missed it, Part 2 focused on Lightspeed Alert, Stop It, Classroom, and the Parent Portal.

Real-Time Alerts Help Portage Central Uncover Hidden Crises

One such moment came when a Lightspeed alert flagged a Google Doc where a student was expressing deep anxieties around body image. A follow-up review of search history revealed patterns of concern, including related topics. It was the first time anyone—school staff or family—realized just how much the student was carrying.

Complying with Georgia’s School Safety Act: A Guide for K–12 Leaders

In April 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed Georgia House Bill 268—the School Safety Act—into law, setting a new statewide standard for school safety and crisis response. Taking effect on July 1, 2026, the legislation mandates that public schools...

What Alabama Schools Need to Know About HB 166 (FOCUS Act) and How to Stay Compliant Without Sacrificing Digital Learning

On May 14, 2025, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 166—the FOCUS Act—into law, introducing sweeping new guidelines that restrict student access to cell phones and wireless devices during instructional hours.

Real-Time Visibility Starts Here: Lightspeed Signal in Action Webinar Recap

“What Signal is really about is giving you time back.” With this powerful statement, Chris Travis, EVP of Sales at Lightspeed Systems, kicked off today’s webinar, emphasizing a key theme that resonates with many K-12 IT leaders.

Lightspeed Product Roadmap Webinar Recap – Part 1

Yesterday, we hosted the first session of our two-part Lightspeed Product Roadmap Webinar. Thank you to everyone who joined us! If you missed the webinar or want to revisit the highlights, here’s a comprehensive recap...

Now Available: Lightspeed Signal Helps You See—and Solve—What’s Been Slowing You Down

Lightspeed Signal gives IT teams real-time visibility into the health of their devices, applications, and internet performance—all in one place. It’s designed to help you answer the questions that interrupt your day, cost you time, and frustrate your team.

Empowering Your Students to Speak Up Boldly

Let’s unpack strategies for emboldening youth to use their voices for change—equipping them with powerful communication skills and supportive technology.

IT Blind Spots: The Hidden Challenges K-12 Tech Teams Are Tackling

Our conversation reinforced just how challenging it is to manage IT in K-12 schools, but it also highlighted the incredible work that tech teams like...

Cultivating a “Speak Up” Culture in K-12 Schools

Examine how schools can foster a "speak up" culture, equipping K-12 youth to address unhealthy behaviors through assertive communication and supportive tools.

Lightning Chats Episode 2: Zero Trust

In our second episode of Lightning Chats, Matthew Burg (Principal Product Manager, Lightspeed Filter) sits down with John Genter (Chief Information Security Officer, Lightspeed Systems) to delve into the critical topic of cybersecurity in K-12 education.

Digital Wellness: Building Solutions for Student Success in a Connected World

Digital overwhelm can result in cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and anxiety. Find solutions for the ways technology negatively reshapes adolescent development.

Lightspeed Classroom: Hall Monitor

Introducing Hall Monitor, a built-in digital hall pass system now available at no additional cost in Lightspeed classroom.

Student Safety Doesn’t Clock Out: Why 24/7 Monitoring Matters

24/7 student monitoring systems protect K-12 students when they're most vulnerable. See how digital reporting tools can address concerns outside school hours.

New in Lightspeed Classroom: Digital Hall Monitor & AI-Powered Class Insights

That’s why we’re excited to introduce two new features in Lightspeed Classroom: Hall Monitor and Class Highlights! At no additional cost, these innovative tools are designed to help teachers streamline digital learning management, support student safety, and enhance student engagement – both in the digital and physical classroom.

2025 CoSN EdTech Leadership Report: 3 Urgent Challenges Facing Districts—and How Lightspeed Is Meeting the Moment

The 2025 CoSN EdTech Leadership Survey, released in May, captures a critical moment in K–12 technology leadership. Drawing on responses from hundreds of school district leaders, the report highlights mounting challenges in visibility, budgeting, and artificial intelligence (AI).

6 Ways Schools Cut Per Student Spending on Apps and Devices (Backed by Real Districts and Data)

Budgets are tighter. Teams are leaner. And the pressure to justify every tool, license, and device has never been higher. But school districts are getting smart—cutting costs without compromising on safety, instruction, or access. We’ve pulled together 6 proven cost-saving tips, backed by large district leaders and recent data from the 2025 CoSN EdTech Leadership Survey, to help you focus your strategy and stretch your budget.

A Viral Threat to School Devices: How Districts Can Respond to the Chromebook Challenge

This dangerous trend encourages students to intentionally damage school-issued Chromebooks—specifically by breaking off charging pins. The results have included device failures, overheating, and, in some cases, smoke and fire hazards serious enough to prompt school evacuations.

Suicide Risk Identified Through Online Activity in Top 50 School District

In one of the top 50 largest school districts in the US, a student safety review recently led to a critical intervention after a distressing online activity flagged a student in crisis.

Beyond the School Year: Supporting K-12 Students When They Need It Most

As the school year ends, students’ needs don’t just disappear. Find year-round support and see why acting now could make all the difference for your district.

Introducing Lightspeed StopIt: Webinar Recap

Today’s webinar was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase how Lightspeed Alert and StopIt complement each other to proactively protect students and address the growing challenges schools face today.

A Commitment from the Heart of Texas on AFSP Advocacy Day

With roots deeply embedded in the educational technology sector, Lightspeed is dedicated to creating solutions that ensure student safety in schools and online—an effort that resonates even more now, as today marks the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Advocacy Day for Texas.

SMART AI: Safe, Managed, Appropriate, Reported, Transparent

SMART AI makes AI use in education safe, managed, appropriate, reported, and transparent. See how Lightspeed solutions can help you open up AI with confidence.

Breaking Down Silos, Optimizing Technology, and Empowering Student Success: Insights from Our Webinar

I had the pleasure of moderating today’s insightful webinar with district leaders, where we dove into some of the biggest challenges facing education today. From breaking down departmental silos to leveraging technology for informed decision-making, the conversation was filled with real-world strategies and valuable takeaways.

Strong Start, Rapid Adoption: Manatee County’s Lightspeed Classroom Rollout

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