Holliston Public Schools: Your Guide to AI

This guide is designed to provide clear direction for both students and staff on the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Holliston Public Schools community. It addresses key topics such as understanding AI, ethical considerations, and its integration into the curriculum.

What is AI Anyway? 🤔

AI is like a computer that can do smart things, like solve problems, understand language, and even create stuff! One type of AI is called a Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT). GPTs can generate text, images, and other media based on what you tell them. What you tell it is called a "prompt."

For Students 🎒

Understanding AI

This section provides a foundational understanding of AI, including definitions of key terms like Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) and prompts. It also explains why AI models can make mistakes, such as hallucinations, and discusses important concepts like algorithmic bias, potential harms, and the everyday impact of AI.

Responsible Use

To ensure safe and ethical use, students should:

  • Prioritize privacy: Never share personal information with AI models and be aware that user data may be used to train these models.

  • Focus on learning: Use AI as a tool to support your learning, not as a shortcut for completing assignments.

  • Check for accuracy: Always double-check information from AI. You are responsible for the accuracy of your work.

Critical Evaluation

Learn how to identify and critically evaluate AI-generated content. This includes recognizing its characteristics and assessing the reliability of the information it provides.

Cultivating Perspective

Before using AI, establish your own point of view. This practice ensures that you use AI to expand on your ideas rather than to generate them from scratch.

Environmental and Copyright Considerations

Be mindful of the broader impact of AI. This includes being aware of the significant environmental toll of generative AI (water and electricity consumption) and understanding the copyright concerns related to how AI models use and repurpose existing works.

Classroom Policies and Citation

  • Know your teacher's policy: Always confirm your teacher's expectations.

  • Cite your sources: To avoid plagiarism, you must cite any content you generate or use from AI. More specific guidance on proper citation styles for AI will be provided in the future.

Consequences

Misuse of AI will result in clear and thought-out consequences. The goal is to treat first-time mistakes as learning opportunities while maintaining clear policies to eliminate ambiguity.

For Staff 🍎

Modeling and Expectations

  • Model responsible behavior: Staff should demonstrate ethical and responsible use of AI for students to follow.

  • Set clear expectations: Provide specific guidelines for AI use in assignments. This includes outlining which types of AI are acceptable and giving concrete examples of appropriate use to reduce confusion.

Curriculum and Enforcement

  • Integrate AI into the curriculum: Holliston Public Schools will develop  more procedures for integrating lessons about AI into the curriculum. This will cover its functionality, limitations (like bias and hallucinations), and its impact on daily life.

  • Enforce policies: Staff are responsible for understanding and enforcing the policies outlined in the Handbook and this AI Guidance.

Handbook Updates

ACCEPTABLE USE

Please refer to School Committee Policies IJNDB & IJNDC, as well as the use of generative AI.  These policies and procedures outline the rules and expectations for students, staff, and the school community with respect to technology. 

Use of Generative AI

If and when assigned by an educator, AI tools may be used for brainstorming or preliminary research. Using AI to generate answers, complete assignments, or passing off AI-generated content as one’s own is considered plagiarism. If AI is permitted by the educator, proper citation is required. The following citation styles offer guidance on acknowledging the use of Artificial Intelligence:

● MLA Style - Generative AI

● APA Style - ChatGPT

● Chicago Style - Generative AI

● Purdue Owl- AI Generated Content

Recognizing the rapid evolution of generative AI, these procedures may need to be updated as necessary.

 

AI Policy Excerpt: 

Excerpt from School Committee Policy IJNDC- Acceptable Use of Digital Resources
(Adopted January 2025)

Use of enhanced technology tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) are emerging as important components of the digital information and technology landscape, and the Holliston Public Schools see their use as strongly connected to a students’ development as digitally literate citizens. Such tools are subject to all of the expectations and requirements contained in the Acceptable Use Policy  and other district policies/handbooks referenced below.

In addition to adherence to such policies/handbooks, instructional uses of enhanced technology tools should be governed by educators’ professional judgment and all relevant codes of safe, ethical, and responsible digital conduct.

Read the full IJNDC Policy here.

Let's Keep Learning! 

AI is constantly changing. We'll update these guidelines as needed. We are planning to develop a HPS AI Resource Hub for more information!

AI Guidance Feedback

We are seeking feedback from all stakeholders on the proposed draft AI Guidance for the 2025-2026 school year. This input will be incorporated over the summer to finalize the AI Guidance document. Please share your contact information and provide feedback on this draft using the star rating and free text space below. Thank you!

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AI Guidance Rating

Below is the original draft AI Guidance prior to the request for stakeholder feedback. 

Use the feedback form below the draft document to share your input.

(Draft)

Holliston Public Schools: Your Guide to AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world, and it can change how we learn and teach too! This guide will help us all use AI responsibly and ethically. AI is a powerful tool and it can be super helpful, but we need to know how to use it right.

What is AI Anyway? 🤔

AI is like a computer that can do smart things, like solve problems, understand language, and even create stuff! One type of AI is called a Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT). GPTs can generate text, images, and other media based on what you tell them. What you tell it is called a "prompt."

Using AI Responsibly: The Big Picture 🖼️

  • Respect: Always follow school rules and be ethical in how you use AI.
  • Privacy: Never share personal information (like your name, address, or grades) with AI tools. Think of everything you put into AI as potentially public.
  • Accuracy: AI can make mistakes! Always double-check information and make sure you understand it. Don't just blindly trust what AI tells you.
  • Learning First: AI should help you learn, not replace your own thinking. Don't use it to cheat or avoid doing the work.

For Students: AI in the Classroom 🎒

  • Ask Your Teacher: Every assignment is different. Always ask your teacher if it's okay to use AI and how you're allowed to use it.
  • Cite Your Sources: Just like with any other source, you need to give credit if you use AI-generated content. Not citing AI is plagiarism.
  • Be Smart: AI can help you brainstorm ideas, but you're responsible for understanding the work you turn in. Use your own brainpower!
  • What Happens if I Misuse AI? Misusing AI is like any other form of academic dishonesty. You could have to redo the assignment, get a lower grade, or have other consequences. We want to help you learn, so first-time mistakes will be treated as a learning opportunity.  Always feel free to discuss with your teacher.

For Staff: Guiding AI Use 🍎

  • Model Good Behavior: Show students how to use AI responsibly and ethically.
  • Clear Expectations: Tell students exactly when and how they can use AI for assignments.
  • Focus on Learning: Use AI to enhance teaching and help students develop critical thinking.