The Lightspeed Blog

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

Great Debates | Cell Phones in Schools: Empower Learning or Enforce Limits?

The presence of cell phones in schools has ignited one of the most enduring debates in modern education. Educators, parents, and students often find themselves split between the benefits and th...

Navigating Tough Conversations About Suicide

Data indicates that suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents – with many students facing risk factors such as bullying, social isolation, and untreated mental health conditions. In...

Empowering Parents in K-12 EdTech: Why Collaboration is Key

As technology continues to weave its way into our classrooms, parents are understandably worried about how much time their kids are spending on screens, the kind of content they’re accessing,…

Optimizing Your EdTech Resources in a Post-ESSER World with Lightspeed Digital Insight

K-12 schools have relied on distributions from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to pay for staffing, programming, and much-needed technologies.

FCC’s Filing Window for $200 Million Cybersecurity Pilot Program is Now Open

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced the application filing window for its Cybersecurity Pilot Program will open on September 17, 2024 and close November 1, 2024.

The Kids Are Crying for Help

It’s mental health awareness week – a time to destigmatize mental health issues and prioritize mental health awareness and outreach.

Best Practices for Blocking Risky Apps with Lightspeed’s Latest Integration

We’re excited to announce a powerful new integration that enhances your district’s compliance and security: Automatically block apps from Lightspeed Filter that were marked “Not…

Strategies for Fostering Connectedness in the Classroom

Recent studies have revealed a troubling trend: approximately half of high school students don't feel connected with their peers, teachers, and staff. Over forty percent reported a decrease in t...

Top 5 Teacher Features for Back-to-School with Lightspeed Classroom™

Summer is now officially over, and it is game on for teachers!

Top 10 Reasons Districts Choose Lightspeed Systems

At Lightspeed Systems, we’ve been helping K-12 communities provide safe, secure, and equitable education for over 25 years.

Great Debates | Social Media in Schools: Ban or Embrace?

School districts across the country are back to school with new policies in place to limit distractions and minimize the negative mental health impacts of too much technology. Two things on man...

Addressing Youth Suicide In Your Community

As we enter September, we are reminded that this is National Suicide Prevention Month. This annual moment calls us to acknowledge the silent struggle that touches countless young lives across al...

September: A Time for Compassion and Connection During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

As the new school year settles in, many students are reconnecting with friends, getting to know their teachers, and starting to get the hang of new subjects and lessons.

3 Ways to Maximize Teacher Success with Lightspeed Digital Insight: The Future of Professional Development

Professional development is the backbone of effective teaching, providing educators with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to thrive.

The Vital Role of Physical Health in Mental Wellness

In any organization that serves children and teens, staff members will face the ongoing challenge of finding effective ways to ensure the mental well-being of youth. A critical component in addr...

From Safe Search to Safer Search

For students, a simple web search is often the first step to stumbling upon all sorts of inappropriate content.

Creative Ways to Build Parent-Teacher Engagement

It’s been said that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Nothing could be more true! Parent-teacher engagement is crucial for fostering a supportive and effective educational environment. Rese...

Introducing Role-Based Access: Customizing Your EdTech Analytics

We know districts need data to make informed decisions about their edtech ecosystem, from app renewals and approvals to professional development and school site support.

Preparing Students for Success: A Comprehensive Guide

As the new semester approaches, parents and educators alike are focused on setting students up for success. But academic preparation is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly thrive, students ne...

Get Prepared for the FCC’s $200 Million Cybersecurity Pilot Program Today

In June 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program which will provide up to $200 million over a three-year period to public…

Introducing Lightspeed Alert’s New Email Quarantine Feature

Ensuring the safety and security of students in a digital environment is a top priority for educational institutions.

Celebrating Mental Health Progress and Enhancing Student Safety – Insights from CDC Data

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is a top priority for schools and communities.

Essential Funding Solutions for K-12 Schools in 2024

In the busy hallways of America's K-12 schools, an invisible crisis is unfolding. Behind the laughter and chatter, countless students grapple with real mental health challenges that threaten to...

Back to School: 4 Tips to Help Teachers Ease Back into Their 1:1 Classrooms This Fall

It’s that time of year again, and teachers are already working to get their physical and digital classrooms in order.

Building a District-wide Cybersecurity Culture: Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s “Beat the Filter” Challenge

Cybersecurity is a community effort at Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD).

3 District Hacks to Enhance Security, Simplify App Approvals, and Cut Costs with EdTech Analytics

Districts face increasing challenges managing their technology effectively while ensuring data privacy and optimizing costs.

Recognizing Barriers to Communication with Adolescents in K-12 Environments

Whether it is within the context of a school, a community center, a religious institution, or a sports team – those of us who serve children and teens know the importance of developing open comm...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Colorado’s Accessibility Law HB21-1110 and How Lightspeed Systems Can Help

Colorado school districts have questions about HB21-1110, Lightspeed has answers—and solutions to simplify compliance with this new and important accessibility regulation.

Breaking Down Barriers: FCC Opens Doors with E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspots

In a world where being connected matters, the FCC just handed students a powerful tool.

Back to School: 4 Ways Tech Teams Can Create an Effortless Return to the Classroom

The return of students, teachers, and staff to the classroom following summer break can be a chaotic time for everyone involved.
Load More