The following information was both emailed and mailed to EASD families at the end of July.
The 2026–2027 school year is quickly approaching! This letter outlines routine start-of-year technology updates, responsibilities, and resources to help ensure a smooth transition back to school.
With very few workflows changing this year, our focus is on key systems that keep students safe and families informed. Additional details, handbooks, and resources are always available on the EASD Technology Services website.
1. Securly Content Filter & Home App
Online safety is a shared responsibility. While the District filters school-issued devices, no filter is perfect. We encourage families to use the Securly Home app to: www.securly.com/home-parent
Monitor Activity: View your child’s web history and online habits on their school device.
Set Boundaries: Restrict or allow specific websites (like YouTube) during at-home hours.
Get Started: Download the Securly Home app on your mobile device and log in with the email address you have on file with the District. Learn more at www.securly.com/home-parent.
2. Optional Student Device Warranty
Because students in grades 5–12 take their school-issued devices home, we strongly encourage purchasing our optional, non-refundable accidental damage warranty. Without it, families are responsible for all repair costs (e.g., a broken touch screen can cost over $200).
Standard Cost: $30.
Reduced Cost: $20 (Reduced lunch) or $10 (Free lunch).
Coverage: Covers the first accidental damage incident through the school year and following summer (2027).
Deadline: Must be purchased by September 30, 2026.
How to Pay: Please pay online via the portal at easdpa.revtrak.net. First-time users must create an account and link it to their PowerSchool Parent Portal account. Alternatively, checks payable to Ephrata Area School District (with the student's '800' number in the memo section) can be submitted. Cash is not accepted.
3. PowerSchool Parent Portal
The PowerSchool Parent Portal is your central hub for academic progress, grades, attendance, student schedules, lunch balances, and bus stops (note: bus stops are website-only and not on the app).
Access: Visit powerschool.easdpa.org/public or download the mobile app using code: MNKH.
Existing Users: Please verify that you can successfully log in to both the website and the app.
New Users: If you do not have an account, a separate mailing with registration instructions will be sent at the beginning of August. We strongly recommend that all families have an active portal account.
Note: The Parent Portal is temporarily closed for the summer transition and will reopen in mid-August.
4. Stay Connected: Website & EASD App
Please continue to use our website and app for school news, events, and emergency alerts:
If you have any questions regarding student devices, warranties, or District software, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office or try our new AI agent designed to provide answers to your questions based on our student device documentation HERE.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we kick off another fantastic school year!
Sincerely,
Tim McCormick, Ed.D.
Director of Technology
Ephrata Area School District
timothy_mccormick@easdpa.org
717-721-1463