With students and staff out for the summer, it’s the perfect time to focus on the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your school’s technology running smoothly throughout the year. For schools using our interactive displays, campus audio, digital signage and other solutions, the summer break provides a great window to complete updates, test systems and get ready for a strong start in the upcoming school year. Here are a few things you can do now:
Clean, Charge and Store Equipment the Right Way
A bit of care over the summer keeps all of your equipment in top shape for the fall:
- Clean displays and microphones with screen-safe cloths (no harsh cleaners)
- Fully charge all mics before storing or switch them to low-power or hibernation mode to protect battery life
- Power down displays or set them to energy-saving mode to reduce summer electricity usage
TIP: For ELEVATE microphones, you can hold the mute button for eight seconds to put them into hibernation. And if you’re unplugging IR mic chargers, remove the batteries to avoid over-discharge.
Give Your Displays a Fresh Start
Interactive flat panels like the Mimio Pro G, Mimio Pro 4 and CleverTouch IMPACT Lux have firmware and app updates available this summer. These updates improve performance, streamline navigation and bring more consistency across different display models. For districts using a mix of panel types, that unified experience means that teachers can walk into any room and use the same tools and interface without needing additional training. And if your panels support Android apps, Google tools or Microsoft 365, these updates will help ensure better compatibility and security heading into the new year.
Use Rollout to Save Time on Network-Wide Updates
If you’re managing FrontRow classroom audio or campus communication systems, the Rollout 1.2 tool makes summer maintenance more efficient. It lets you:
- Apply firmware updates across all compatible devices
- Push out configuration changes from a single place
- Update microphones with a new “fast wake” feature that powers them on in under three seconds when removed from the charger
That means less time spent updating devices manually and more time getting classrooms ready.
Tune Up Bells, Alerts and Digital Signage
Catching up on communication system maintenance over the summer will help prevent disruptions later on. Use this time to:
- Clear out and update bell schedules for the new school year
- Refresh CleverLive digital signage with updated announcements, school messages or wayfinding tools
- Test alert systems to make sure messages reach every panel, speaker and signage endpoint across your campus
CleverLive is Boxlight’s built-in, subscription-free digital signage platform available on all Boxlight interactive and non-interactive displays. It also supports features like YouTube playback, QR code integration and even emergency messaging, making it a powerful tool for both daily communication and safety alerts.
Check the Sound Where It Matters Most
Now’s the time to test audio systems and fine-tune coverage throughout the school:
- Adjust mic and speaker levels in classrooms to ensure clear amplification
- Walk the campus to confirm that paging and announcements can be heard in shared spaces like cafeterias, hallways and outdoor areas
- Validate the sound and delivery of emergency alerts
Checking on these devices will help ensure that all students and staff will be able to hear what they need to hear—whether it’s classroom instruction or critical announcements.
Add or Upgrade Tools While Classrooms Are Empty
Summer is ideal for installing new tools without disrupting classroom activities. This is a great time to introduce:
- CleverTouch Pro Series, a competitively priced interactive display built for schools that want performance on a budget. Available in sizes up to 98 inches, it comes EDLA-certified and includes Google Play and Microsoft 365 access.
- CL Totem, a sleek freestanding digital signage solution designed for lobbies and high-traffic areas. With CleverLive built in and optional media player storage, it works with both Boxlight and third-party signage platforms.
- FrontRow UNITY, Boxlight’s flexible classroom audio system, which now includes new mounting options for easier, cleaner installations. It supports both horizontal and vertical configurations, with built-in controls and alert buttons that integrate with campus communication systems.
Improve Campus Safety with Seamless Integrations
Boxlight’s communication and signage systems now integrate directly with five major school safety platforms—CrisisGo, Raptor Technologies, CENTEGIX, Kokomo24/7 and RedBag—giving schools powerful ways to respond quickly and effectively during an emergency.
These integrations connect existing tools like Conductor, CleverLive and FrontRow audio systems with third-party safety solutions already in use, empowering schools to:
- Activate alerts instantly from safety apps, badges or dashboards
- Display clear, visual instructions across every interactive panel and digital sign
- Deliver synchronized audio and visual alerts campus-wide, including in classrooms, common areas and outdoor spaces
By connecting these systems, schools can create a more unified, reliable safety response without layering on extra hardware or software. This also supports compliance with laws like Alyssa’s Law, which requires silent panic alert systems that link directly to first responders. Learn more here.
Make Summer Count
Technology doesn’t need a vacation, but summer is the best time to give it a tune-up. Whether you're updating displays, testing alerts or exploring new safety tools, a little prep now sets your team up for a stronger, more efficient and connected school year.
Reach out if you’d like some guidance.
