Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can identify patterns, organize information, make predictions, or create content. Mt. Vernon is using AI to support learning, creativity, accessibility, educator planning, and workforce readiness while teaching students to evaluate AI critically and use it ethically. The district’s AI Guidance emphasizes that AI should enhance learning and understanding, not replace them.

Students in grades 5-12 may use MagicSchool AI, the only district-approved student platform. Staff may use AI for approved instructional and operational tasks. The district evaluates AI tools for instructional value, accessibility, security, and privacy before approving them for district use.

The district’s current student AI program applies to grades 5-12. Use is age-appropriate and develops over time: students in grades 5-6 may explore basic AI concepts, ethics, brainstorming, study tools, and prompt writing; students in grades 7-8 may use AI for clarification, summarization, translation support, and learning how AI works; students in grades 9-12 may examine bias, compare tools, and use AI as a thought partner for deeper learning.

Depending on the grade level and assignment, students may brainstorm ideas, create flashcards or other study tools, ask for clarification, summarize information, explore how AI produces responses, or examine bias and accuracy. Teachers will explain when AI may be used and what type of assistance is appropriate for each activity. AI use will not replace instruction, discussion, practice, or the student’s own thinking.

No. Mt. Vernon is not giving students access to open-ended AI chatbots. Instead, teachers use MagicSchool to create structured "Student Rooms" for specific learning activities. Each “Student Room” is a teacher-created learning space designed for a particular assignment or lesson. Teachers select which specific AI tools students can access, such as Writing Feedback, Tutor Me, Idea Generator, or Book Suggestions, which are purpose-built educational AI tools, not general chatbots. Teachers customize prompts and instructions, and monitor all student activity and AI responses. Students join the teacher-created rooms through a link or QR code for that specific lesson. When the activity is complete, teachers can close the room. Students only have access to MagicSchool when teachers open a room for them, ensuring AI use is intentional, structured, and aligned with learning objectives. Students do not have access to general AI chatbots; they only use specific educational tools selected by their teachers.

Protecting student information is a district priority. Mt. Vernon requires approved vendors to follow applicable privacy requirements, sign Data Privacy Agreements, and prohibit student data from being used to train public AI models. AI tools are also subject to district technology expectations, including security, monitoring, and filtering requirements.

Students must never enter personally identifiable information into an AI platform. This includes information such as a full name combined with other identifying details, address, phone number, passwords, student identification numbers, health information, disability information, or private information about another person. Students should also avoid sharing private family, school, or personal details unless specifically directed through an approved district process

The district uses approved platforms and requires vendors to meet district privacy and security expectations. Staff and students are prohibited from entering personally identifiable information into AI tools, and all use must follow FERPA, COPPA, district privacy procedures, and the district’s Acceptable Use Policy. Human oversight is required whenever AI is used in teaching or school operations.

Yes. AI can make mistakes, create information that is not true, reflect bias, or provide an answer that sounds confident but is incorrect. The district teaches students and staff to question, verify, and critically evaluate AI-generated content rather than treating it as a final authority.

No. The district’s AI Philosophy states that AI is not a replacement for teachers, counselors, school leaders, or the relationships that support students. Teachers remain responsible for instruction, feedback, assessment, and student relationships, and they serve as “lead learners” who model effective and ethical AI use.

Teachers design assignments and classroom activities to emphasize process-based learning, explanation, practice, discussion, and student reflection. Students may use AI for approved support, but they may not use it to bypass the actual cognitive work or learning objective of an assignment. Teachers review student work and determine when AI use is appropriate.

Teachers will clearly state whether AI is allowed, limited, or prohibited for each assignment. Students must follow those directions, be transparent about AI assistance, and provide citations or disclosures when required. Using AI to complete work in a way that misrepresents a student’s learning or violates an assignment’s expectations is prohibited under the district’s AI Guidance and Acceptable Use Policy.

Students may use AI at home only when their teacher’s directions permit it and only for the approved purpose. Families should encourage students to use AI as a learning support—for example, to clarify a concept or practice with study questions—not as a shortcut for completing an assignment. Students should follow the same privacy, academic integrity, and transparency expectations at home that apply at school.

The Stoplight Model provides a simple way to understand AI expectations. Green uses are approved, such as brainstorming, creating study tools, and clarifying concepts. Yellow uses require teacher direction or human review, while Red uses are prohibited, such as entering personal information, impersonating or misleading others, or using AI to complete the actual learning required by an assignment.

Teachers will communicate AI expectations as part of assignment directions and classroom instruction. The district will also provide ongoing information through district communication channels, newsletters, and other family engagement opportunities. Families may ask teachers how AI is being used in a particular class or assignment.

Remind your child that AI is a tool, not a person or an unquestionable source of truth. Encourage your child to protect private information, verify AI-generated information, follow teacher directions, acknowledge AI assistance when required, and use AI to support learning rather than avoid it. Families can also ask students to explain what they learned and how AI was used.

Families should first contact the child’s teacher or school administrator with questions about a specific classroom activity or assignment. Questions about districtwide practices may be directed to the building or district office. Mt. Vernon welcomes feedback as it reviews AI use and updates guidance.

AI is changing rapidly, so the district maintains an ongoing review process through its AI Cohort and related staff feedback. Mt. Vernon will continue providing professional learning, gathering input from students and staff, reviewing platform use, and updating guidance as needed. The AI Guidance is scheduled for annual review, with additional updates when significant changes require them.

Families may review the Mt. Vernon AI Guidance, AI Philosophy, and applicable Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines, including Board Policy A300, Responsible Use of Technology and Internet Use Policy. Additional information will be shared through district communications and family learning opportunities.

Board Policy A300 RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE POLICY