2500 Technology, Internet and Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Policy

Policies

Middletown Public Schools                                                               No. 2500

Technology, Internet and Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use

With Student Web Mail Form

The Middletown School Committee recognizes that as telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and other modern technologies shift the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, created, and transferred by members of society. Those changes may also alter instruction and student learning.

The School Committee supports access by students to rich information resources and AI-enabled tools and the acquisition of appropriate skills to analyze and evaluate such resources. It also recognizes both the need and legal requirement to implement a program that will protect students from access to materials and information deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or unethical.

The district affords the opportunity to parents/guardians to explicitly grant or deny access to the Middletown Public Schools’ technology and Internet access, including district-approved AI tools where applicable, as well as permission to publish student work on the Internet.

The Middletown Public Schools also recognizes the need for faculty and staff to support appropriate use of technology, Internet access, and AI tools, and to abide by parent/guardian decisions regarding student access.

This policy aligns with guidance issued by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), which emphasizes that AI must be used safely, intentionally, equitably, and in ways that improve student learning while protecting student data privacy .

Technology – all Middletown Public Schools electronic devices or assets whether connected with the Middletown Public School Network, including digital platforms, software applications, and AI-enabled tools.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – computer systems or software that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, including generating or analyzing text, images, audio, video, code, simulations, or recommendations (e.g., generative AI tools such as chatbots).

Middletown Public School Network – A collection of physical computers owned by Middletown Public Schools and internet connected services that are owned and/or operated by Middletown Public Schools for the purpose of providing an education to Middletown students.

System administrators may review files and communications at any time to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system in a safe and responsible manner. There should be no presumption of privacy for communications stored, sent, received, or accessed through Middletown Public Schools’ technology, network, e-mail system, Internet connection, or AI-enabled tools.

It is a matter of law that any document pertaining to the public business on a publicly funded system is a public record.

Personally identifiable student information shall not be entered into AI tools unless the tool has been explicitly approved by the district and complies with applicable state and federal privacy laws, including FERPA, COPPA, and CIPA .

Computer and Internet Responsibilities

Students shall:

● Read, understand, and adhere to the guidelines set forth in this Acceptable Use Policy.

● Use technology, Internet, and AI tools only as directed by teachers and consistent with instructional goals.

● Report any technology, Internet, or AI-generated content that is defamatory, obscene, racially or sexually oriented, may constitute harassment or bullying, or may contain illegal materials, to the supervising teacher or principal.

● Understand that AI-generated content may not be submitted as their own work unless explicitly permitted by the teacher.

● Disclose and acknowledge AI use when required by the teacher.

Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

● Read, understand, and adhere to this Acceptable Use Policy including expectations related to AI use with your student.

● Guide your student in the ethical and appropriate use of technology, the Internet, and AI tools.

● Read and sign the online form indicating agreement that your student will adhere to all guidelines and be held responsible for their actions.

Responsibilities of Staff Members

It is expected that staff and faculty members in Middletown Public Schools will use technology, the Internet, and AI tools for research, instructional, and operational purposes only.

Staff and faculty members should maintain the highest ethical behavior in using technology and AI, and should promote that behavior among students.

Employee violations of this policy will be managed in accordance with law, school policy, and collective bargaining agreements, as applicable.

Staff shall:

● Read, understand, and adhere to the guidelines set forth in this Acceptable Use Policy.

● Make every attempt to maintain the curricular focus of technology and Internet use and ensure AI tools supplement—not replace—student learning, consistent with RIDE guidance .

● Always supervise student use of technology and AI tools.

● Model and provide instruction in the ethical, transparent, and appropriate use of technology, the Internet, and AI.

● Review and verify AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, and appropriateness before instructional use.

● Never input student personally identifiable information into AI tools unless approved by the district.

Use Standards and Requirements

All users of the Middletown Public Schools’ technology, Internet, and AI-enabled tools are subject to this Acceptable Use Policy.

Technology and AI use must be responsible, efficient, legal, and in support of the educational goals and objectives of Middletown Public Schools and the State of Rhode Island.

AI tools may be used only when instructionally appropriate, developmentally appropriate, and explicitly permitted by the district or supervising teacher .

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence does not change expectations for academic honesty.

Students may not use AI tools to generate work that is submitted as their own unless explicitly authorized by the teacher.

When permitted, students must follow teacher instructions regarding disclosure, citation, and appropriate use of AI.

Disciplinary action may be taken if the provisions of this policy are violated, including misuse of AI tools. Disciplinary action will vary based on the nature of the violation and harm caused and may include parent contact, restitution, and other actions consistent with district policy and law.

First Reading - January 22, 2026

Second and Final Reading - February 26, 2026

One year reading due - February 2027