Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Your Child

Growing Up in an AI World

Today's students are growing up alongside artificial intelligence. AI is becoming part of everyday life, from search engines and educational tools to the apps and devices we use every day.

At Onteora Central School District, our goal is to help students understand AI, use it responsibly, and think critically about the information it provides. AI can support learning, but teachers, staff, and administrators remain at the center of every student's educational experience.

This page explains how AI is used in our schools, how student privacy is protected, and ways families can support safe and responsible AI use at home.

Our Commitment to Students

People Make the Decisions

AI does not make decisions about grades, placement, discipline, special education services, or student support. Those decisions are made by qualified educators and school staff who know and work with your child.

Privacy Comes First

All AI tools used with students are reviewed by Technology Services and district leadership before implementation. Approved tools must meet strict privacy, security, and educational standards.

Student information is never sold and is not used to train public AI models. The District follows:

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act)
New York State Education Law 2-D
District Data Privacy and Security Policies

View approved applications on our Data Privacy and Security Page.

Age-Appropriate Use

AI tools are matched to students' developmental needs. Younger students have access to a more limited and highly supervised set of tools, while older students may use additional AI-supported resources for learning and research.

Human Review Matters

AI can make mistakes, provide incomplete information, or reflect bias. Teachers and staff review AI-generated content and remain responsible for instructional decisions and classroom materials.

Digital Citizenship and Responsible Use

Students are taught to:

Verify information from multiple sources
Use AI ethically and honestly
Protect personal information
Think critically about AI-generated content
Follow academic integrity expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI replace my child's teacher?

No. AI is a tool that may help teachers streamline routine tasks or provide additional learning supports. It cannot replace the relationships, expertise, guidance, and care provided by educators.

Is my child's information safe?

Yes. Student information may only be used within district-approved tools that have been reviewed for privacy and security. Approved vendors are prohibited from selling student data or using it to train public AI systems.

Can my child use AI to complete assignments?

AI may support learning in some situations, but students may not submit AI-generated work as their own unless specifically directed by their teacher. Teachers provide guidance about acceptable use in their classrooms.

How do I know what AI tools are being used?

Approved instructional applications and digital tools are listed on the District's Data Privacy and Security Page. Families may also contact their child's teacher or or the Data and Security Privacy Officer (John Reimer - jreimer@onteora.k12.ny.us - (845) 657-2373 x.1093) with questions.

What if I have concerns about AI use?

We encourage families to reach out. Questions or concerns can be directed to your building administrator or the Data and Security Privacy Officer (John Reimer - jreimer@onteora.k12.ny.us - (845) 657-2373 x.1093)

How Families Can Help

Families play an important role in helping children develop healthy and responsible technology habits.

Ask Questions

Talk with your child about the digital tools they use at school and at home.

Encourage Critical Thinking

Remind children that AI can make mistakes. Help them learn to question information, verify facts, and seek trusted sources.

Discuss Privacy

Teach children not to share personal information, passwords, or sensitive details with AI tools or online services.

Promote Honest Use

Discuss the importance of academic integrity and using AI as a learning support rather than a shortcut.

Stay Informed

Learn about emerging technologies and how they affect education, privacy, and digital citizenship.

Family Resources

AI Literacy Toolkit for Families

Common Sense Media & Day of AI

A free collection of videos, activities, and discussion guides designed to help families and educators explore AI together and build digital literacy skills.

🔗 https://www.commonsense.org/education/families-ai-literacy-toolkit

Guide to ChatGPT for Parents and Caregivers

Common Sense Media

Learn how AI chatbots work, the opportunities they provide, and important considerations for children and teens.

🔗 https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/guide-to-chatgpt-for-parents-and-caregivers

Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence