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Smart Tech Habits

We are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for the world they live in today—and the one they will help shape tomorrow. As part of this mission, we recognize the vital role that technology can play in modern learning. From interactive digital tools that support personalized instruction to platforms that connect our classrooms with the wider world, technology enhances student engagement, encourages creativity, and fosters critical thinking.

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However, we also understand that meaningful learning extends beyond a screen. That’s why we are equally dedicated to creating opportunities for face-to-face collaboration, hands-on exploration, outdoor learning, and the development of interpersonal skills. Our approach is one of balance: using technology as a powerful educational tool, not a replacement for real-world connection and authentic experiences.

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We believe that by thoughtfully integrating technology with traditional and experiential learning, we are equipping our students with the adaptability, resilience, and depth of understanding they need to thrive in all areas of life.

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AI Use Policy for Students

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Purpose

This policy is intended to guide the ethical, safe, and creative use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by students. As a progressive learning community, we embrace innovation and critical thinking. Our goal is to help students become responsible digital citizens who can engage with AI thoughtfully and creatively while understanding its risks and limitations.

 

1. Guiding Principles​

  • Honesty and Integrity: Students must use AI tools in ways that uphold academic honesty and originality.

  • Equity and Inclusion: Access to AI tools will be equitable, and their use should not reinforce bias or harm others.

  • Digital Citizenship: Students are encouraged to critically evaluate AI outputs and understand how data and algorithms shape them.

  • Support for Learning: Trusted source AI can be used to support, not replace, the learning process.

 

2. Acceptable Uses of AI

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Students may use approved AI tools when given explicit permission by the subject teacher.

 

 3. Unacceptable Uses of AI

 

AI use is not permitted for:​

  • Submitting AI-generated work as original without citation or approval.

  • Using AI to bypass learning (e.g., solving assignments without understanding the content).

  • Generating content that is harmful, discriminatory, or inappropriate.

  • Sharing personal data or prompting AI to produce false or misleading information.

  • Circumventing internet safety or security measures.

 

4. Transparency and Attribution (as part of MHS acknowledgements policy)

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If students receive permission to use AI in their work, they must:​

  • Disclose how and where AI was used (e.g., “I used ChatGPT to brainstorm opening sentences, with teacher permission”).

  • Cite AI tools as they would any other resource, following school guidelines.

 

5. Privacy and Safety​

  • Students must not input personally identifiable information (PII) into AI tools.

  • All AI use must comply with the school’s technology and privacy policies.

  • Tools will be reviewed to ensure they meet school and state safety standards.

 

6. Consequences for Misuse

 

Misuse of AI will be addressed in alignment with our restorative discipline practices. Consequences may include:​

  • A reflective conversation and redoing the work independently.

  • Temporary loss of access to school-approved devices.

  • Family and school collaboration to restore trust and clarify expectations.

 

Conclusion

AI is part of the world our students are growing up in. We believe they deserve both access and guidance. Through this policy, we commit to helping students learn how to use AI tools with integrity, creativity, and awareness.​​

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​​​Technology Use Guidelines

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Lower School

 

Students in Grades K-4 are still experiencing rapid brain growth and learn best through hands-on experiences, play, and face-to-face interactions. While technology can provide engaging and educational content, it’s important to be intentional about how and when it is used.

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We know that many parents/guardians have chosen to delay giving their child access to phones or tablets—and we wholeheartedly support that decision. Still, we recognize how challenging that stance can be to maintain.

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Outlined here are our technology guidelines and recommendations for out of school:

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1. Delay Personal Devices

 

Lower school students benefit most from shared, supervised use of technology, rather than personal ownership of smartphones or tablets. If a device is necessary (for travel or communication), we suggest:

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  • Consider providing a basic “dumb” phone—limited to texting and calling, without internet access.

  • Make it clear that the device belongs to you, and that your child is simply using it.

  • Actively monitor your child’s online activity. Many apps can alert you to potentially harmful language or content.
     

This last point is especially important. Just as you once held your child’s hand while teaching them to cross the street, they need your guidance as they learn how to safely navigate the digital world—likely through their high school years and beyond.

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2. Hold Off on Group Chats and Social Media

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Children in grades K–4 are not developmentally ready for group chats or social media. These platforms often introduce them to misunderstandings, exclusion, and content they are not yet prepared to process.

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3. Limit Screen Time to Quality Content

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If you choose to allow screen time, keep it short and focused on high-quality, age-appropriate content. Whenever possible, engage with your child during screen time to help them process what they see and connect it to real life.

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Introducing digital communication too early can lead to stress, confusion, or emotional harm. Waiting until children are more socially and emotionally mature helps lay the foundation for healthy digital habits, stronger self-esteem, and more thoughtful online interactions.

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We recognize that each family’s approach to technology is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Our aim is to partner with parents in making informed choices and to support families who choose to delay giving young children phones or tablets.

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Upper School

 

For students in Grades 5–8, technology can be an incredibly powerful tool for learning—but it requires thoughtful guidance. This age group is developing greater independence, digital skills, and curiosity, but still needs strong boundaries and support to use technology wisely and responsibly.

 

1. Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries

  • Define when and where devices can be used (e.g. not during meals or bedtime).

  • Use screen time limits to promote balance between online and offline activities.

  • Encourage “tech-free zones” or times during the day.
     

2. Use Technology with Purpose

  • Prioritize educational apps, platforms, and tools that support critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration (e.g., Google Workspace, Flip, Canva, coding platforms, etc.).

  • Encourage students to use tech for creation, not just consumption (e.g., making videos, podcasts, digital art, or presentations).
     

3. Encourage Digital Literacy and Citizenship

  • Teach students to evaluate online information critically (What’s a credible source? What’s misinformation?).

  • Discuss privacy, respectful communication, and appropriate sharing on digital platforms.

  • Use frameworks like Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum.
     

4. Promote Tech-Life Balance

  • Ensure students engage in physical activity, social interaction, and hands-on learning daily.

  • Encourage hobbies or interests that are tech-free (sports, art, music, reading).

  • Model healthy tech habits as adults—students are watching!
     

5. Monitor and Guide, Not Spy

  • Keep devices in shared family spaces whenever possible.

  • Use parental controls as support tools, but pair them with open conversations about trust and responsibility.

  • Encourage students to talk openly about what they’re doing or seeing online.
     

6. Foster Responsibility and Independence

  • Teach time management using digital tools (like calendars, to-do lists, reminders).

  • Let students have increasing autonomy with tech as they demonstrate responsibility.

  • Allow safe opportunities for failure and reflection, helping them learn from poor digital choices.
     

7. Encourage Collaboration and Creativity

  • Assign or support group projects using shared digital tools (e.g. Google Docs, Padlet).

  • Encourage use of tech to create—not just consume—through writing, video editing, coding, or digital design.
     

8. Ensure Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Use tools that support diverse learners, such as text-to-speech, translation, or closed captions.

  • Encourage empathy by showing how technology can include all voices and abilities.

 

Marin Horizon School Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

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