Techtips

Back-to-School Tech Tips: Keeping Your School Secure, Prepared, and Running Smoothly

As schools gear up for a new year, it’s the perfect time to take a fresh look at your technology program. A few proactive steps now can prevent headaches later, strengthen data security, and extend the life of your devices. Here are some practical tips to help your school stay ahead:

iOS 26 Is Coming – Are You Ready?

Apple is expected to release iOS 26 in Fall 2025, bringing big changes like Apple Intelligence, streamlined file systems, and other enhancements. If your school uses iPads, now is the time to ask: are we ready for this upgrade?

Test critical learning apps on a pilot device before rolling it out widely.
Plan storage clean-up for student iPads so the upgrade installs smoothly.
Use your MDM to control the timing of updates so classrooms aren’t disrupted.

If you’d like help preparing for iOS 26, this is a great opportunity to chat with our team.

Refresh Your Technology’s Acceptable Use Policy

Your school’s Acceptable Use Policy is the foundation of safe technology use. A once-a-year review ensures it reflects today’s realities:

Add clear expectations around AI tools like ChatGPT and generative image apps.
Update guidance on social media use for students and staff.
Address new communication channels (chat apps, messaging within LMS platforms, etc.).
Make sure consequences for misuse are clear and consistently communicated.

Review Your Device Inventory & Plan Ahead

Now that student devices are out in classrooms, it’s the right moment to check your inventory and plan for the future:

Do you have 3–5% extra devices on hand for quick swaps when a student’s device fails?
Is it time to start planning for your replacement cycle, even if it’s 2–3 years down the road?
Have you noticed damage patterns across multiple devices that suggest it’s time to adjust how technology is used or stored in classrooms?

A quick audit now helps avoid surprises later — and gives you time to budget smartly.

Smarter Google Settings for Student Email

Google Workspace for Education offers powerful tools, but only if settings are tuned for safety:

Restrict external email for younger students to cut down on phishing and distractions.
Add keyword filters to flag inappropriate terms before they escalate.
Pair with Google Vault to ensure records are retained securely.

Why Google Vault Matters for Staff

Google Vault isn’t just an archiving tool, it’s a safety net for schools.

Set retention policies (5–7 years) to protect your school in HR or legal matters.
Ensure offboarding doesn’t mean losing important communication records.
Train at least one admin in Vault search and retrieval so leadership can respond quickly when needed.

Build a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness

Cyberattacks are getting more sophisticated, and schools are prime targets. The best defense is educated staff.

Roll out bite-sized training on high-risk behaviors like phishing, password safety, and data sharing.
Consider simulated phishing emails to build awareness in a safe way.
Require multi-factor authentication for all admin and leadership accounts.

Projector Care = Longer Life

Projectors are still classroom workhorses, and a little TLC extends their life:

Clean or replace filters every semester.
Keep a spare bulb handy — failures often happen after long breaks.
Recalibrate focus and alignment at the start of the school year.

Network Health & Security Checks

Your network is the backbone of your school’s tech program. Give it a check-up:

Run speed tests during peak class times to spot bandwidth bottlenecks.
Schedule quarterly vulnerability scans for outdated devices or open ports.
Segment networks so student devices are kept separate from admin systems.
Verify UPS batteries on switches and firewalls before storm season.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Year

Test your backups — don’t just trust that they’re running.
Make sure spare accessories (chargers, cases, styluses) are stocked.
Schedule a mid-year tech review to catch issues before spring testing season.