2026-27 Parent Email

8/11/2026
Dear Central Bucks Families,

We hope you have had a relaxing summer. Our Technology & Innovation team is preparing for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, including student device distribution.
Whether your child is receiving a new device this year or continuing to use a previously issued device, we want to share several important updates and next steps.

Digital Wellness & Responsible Technology Use
Central Bucks is committed to providing students with safe, responsible, and purposeful access to technology. This year, we are enhancing our Digital Wellness Initiative that will bring together students and staff to discuss research, community feedback, and best practices related to technology use.

The goal of this work is to develop balanced, research-informed guidance that supports responsible technology use, digital citizenship, online safety, and student well-being.

To support families immediately, we have expanded our use of Lightspeed tools:

• 1. Starting September 20th, parents and guardians will begin receiving a weekly summary of their child's web activity. This provides families with greater visibility into their child's online activity at home. Weekly Student Activity Reports are automatically emailed to parents and guardians and summarize student web browsing activity from home.  You may opt out of this at any time.  Learn more by reading here: Lightspeed Parent Portal.
      
  2. Additionally, Central Bucks is committed to helping families better understand the technology used to support teaching and learning. Parents and guardians can review educational software applications used throughout the district on our website. Learn more here: Public Portal

1:1 Device Program
Central Bucks provides students with district-managed devices to ensure consistent learning experience. School-issued devices include:

• Internet filtering and security protections
• Required educational software and applications
• Technical support and repair services
• Access to instructional tools used by teachers

Students in grades K – 2 are provided access to classroom iPads during the school day for targeted instructional activities that support learning and creativity. Students in grades 3-5 are assigned a district-issued laptop that will be taken home to support classroom learning and to access educational resources. Students in grades 6-12 are assigned a district-issued laptop that travels between school and home to support learning both in and out of the classroom.

While technology plays an important role in modern learning, Central Bucks is committed to balanced and age-appropriate device use. Our goal is to ensure students use technology in purposeful ways that enhance learning, foster digital citizenship, and support overall well-being.

First Steps for Families
Individual schools will communicate device distribution dates. Beginning August 11, families of students entering grades 4, 7, and 10, as well as families who are new to Central Bucks, must complete the following steps before receiving a device:

• 1. Visit CBSD 1:1 Program
  2. Review the 1:1 Handbook with your child.
  3. Complete the User Agreement and submit the required usage fee through https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome.

Submitting the agreement and payment confirms that both the parent/guardian and student have reviewed the program requirements.

Device Usage Fees

This fee covers the Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) which helps offset the cost of accidental repairs during the school year. Learn more about this in our handbook. Prorated fees are available for students who are new to Central Bucks. Families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals will see a $0 balance in My Payments Plus. However, all families must still complete the enrollment process and user agreement. Families needing financial assistance are encouraged to apply through https://www.myschoolapps.com.

Additional Information

• Students who did not receive a carrying bag last year may request one from their school.
• All Grade 3 students will receive a new bag this year.

Questions?
For technical assistance, please submit a Help Desk ticket through the district's support portal.
Thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to another successful school year and wish your family a wonderful start to the year.

Sincerely,
Jason Jaffe
Director of Technology and Innovation