Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance

Cherry Creek Schools believes in empowering students, staff, and the community to engage with artificial intelligence in safe, smart, and social ways that support our core values.

We Believe:

Continuous learning and adaptation keep students and staff future-ready.

As AI evolves, we refine our practices and grow our understanding to meet what comes next.

AI must promote equity and expand opportunity for all students and staff.

Every learner deserves fair access to tools that support success. AI should reduce barriers, not reinforce them, so all students and staff can achieve their full potential.

Protecting privacy supports the whole wellbeing of every learner.

Keeping student and staff information safe builds trust and creates a secure environment where learning can thrive. When people feel protected, they are more willing to explore, think, and grow.

AI should support learning and creativity, not replace human thinking.

Students and staff grow when they think deeply, make decisions, and create original work. AI should enhance curiosity and learning while reinforcing a growth mindset.

Transparency strengthens relationships and trust in our community.

Being open about how and when AI is used helps students, staff, and families feel informed and included. Transparency encourages collaboration and shared responsibility.

Individuals are 100% responsible for their final product.

Authentic work shows integrity, care, and personal effort. AI may assist, but each person is accountable for accuracy, understanding, and originality.

Guidance for AI Use in Cherry Creek Schools

Elementary

Safe

Your privacy and safety come first when using AI.

Never type your name, school, or personal information into AI tools. The tools you use at school are chosen to help keep your information safe.

Smart

AI is a tool to help you learn, not to do your work for you.

AI can help you explore ideas, ask questions, and practice skills, but your own thinking, creativity, and effort matter most. You are always responsible for the work you turn in.

Social

Using AI should be fair, kind, and respectful.

AI should help everyone learn and feel included. If something feels unfair, confusing, or uncomfortable, ask a teacher for help.

Middle School

Safe

Protect yourself and your data online.

Think carefully about what personal information you share with AI. Only use AI tools approved by the school and follow guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

Smart

AI is a learning partner, not a shortcut.

Use AI to explore, research, and get feedback, but think critically about the answers. Your ideas, analysis, development of essential skills, and effort are still the most important part of your work.

Social

Use AI responsibly and respectfully.

AI should support fairness and inclusion. Check that the information you get is accurate, avoid spreading misinformation, and always treat others online and in your work with kindness.

High School

Safe

Be aware of privacy, security, and digital ethics.

Use AI in ways that respect data privacy, school policies and legal standards, digital ethics, and your own well-being. Use AI responsibly and be aware of overreliance on AI.

Smart

Be intentional and critical when using AI.

Use AI to enhance learning, creativity, and problem-solving, but always evaluate its suggestions carefully. Your reasoning, judgment, and original work remain essential to your development.

Social

Use AI ethically and thoughtfully.

Consider the impact of your work on others and the wider community. Avoid plagiarism or bias, and strive to use AI to collaborate, communicate, and contribute positively.

Educators

Safe

Protect student privacy and wellbeing at all times.

Use only district-approved AI tools and never upload student personally identifiable or sensitive information into external systems. Protect your own well-being by using AI responsibly and be aware of overreliance on AI.

Smart

Use AI to enhance teaching and learning, not replace professional judgment.

AI may support planning, feedback, differentiation, or administrative tasks, but your expertise guides its use. Prioritize student thinking, creativity, and engagement.

Social

Model ethical, transparent, and equitable AI use.

Clearly communicate expectations for AI use in your classroom, monitor for bias and equity, and adjust practices to support all learners while encouraging critical thinking about AI outputs.

School Administration

Safe

Safeguard privacy, security, and student wellbeing at all times.

Ensure only district-approved AI tools are used and that all privacy, data protection, and security requirements are followed. Promptly address any concerns related to misuse, bias, or breaches.

Smart

Use AI to support leadership, decision-making, and operational effectiveness but not to replace professional judgment.

AI can assist with analyzing information, planning, drafting communications, or improving efficiency, but administrators remain accountable for accuracy, decisions, and outcomes.

Social

Model ethical, equitable, and transparent AI use.

Set the tone for responsible AI use across schools, promote inclusivity and fairness, and encourage continuous learning and reflection to support staff and student growth.

District Support & Operations Staff

Safe

Protect data privacy and uphold security requirements at all times.

Use only district-approved AI tools and never enter staff or student personal or sensitive information into external or non-vetted systems. Safeguarding data supports the wellbeing and trust of the Cherry Creek community.

Smart

Use AI to improve efficiency while maintaining accuracy and professional responsibility.

AI may support drafting communications, summarizing information, analyzing data, or streamlining workflows, but final decisions and outputs must reflect your professional judgment and align with district standards.

Social

Use AI transparently and in ways that reflect district values of equity, fairness, and service.

Be open about when AI supports your work, review outputs carefully for bias or errors, and ensure AI use supports clear communication, equitable access, and positive collaboration across departments.

Families

Safe

Your child’s safety and privacy are a top priority.

The district reviews AI tools for security, privacy, and fairness before use. Remind your child not to share personal information with AI systems at home or at school.

Smart

AI should support, not replace your child’s learning.

AI can help students explore ideas, practice skills, or get feedback, but students must do their own thinking and complete their own work. Encourage your child to use AI responsibly and take ownership of their learning.

Social

Support ethical, thoughtful, and responsible use of AI.

Talk with your child about how AI works, why its answers may be imperfect, and how to think critically about digital information. Ask teachers questions about AI use and reinforce digital citizenship at home.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AI tools can CCSD employees use?

What is the district policy on AI usage?

Can CCSD employees use Copilot and Gemini for personal use?

Is the district teaching my child digital literacy so they are competitive in the future workforce?

Policies Guiding AI Use

Policy: What guides AI use

Existing Board policies already outline expectations for equity, academic integrity, and student data privacy as they relate to AI use. Additional updates to student and staff technology policies are pending Board review.

AC – Nondiscrimination/Equity (Adopted 8/11/25)
AI tools must be reviewed for bias, fairness, and accessibility.
JICDA – Academic Dishonesty (Adopted 8/11/25)
AI-generated student work can count as dishonesty; AI use must be teacher-approved and attributed.
JRCB – Student Data Privacy (Adopted 8/11/25)
AI tools must pass a privacy review before use with student information.
JICJ – Student Use of Personal Technology Devices (Adopted 9/8/25)
Defines personal technology device expectations, usage, and inappropriate usage.
JS – Student Internet/Electronic Use (DRAFT – Pending Review by BOE)
Student AI use must be instructional, teacher-approved, and follow district rules (including attribution).
EHC – Staff Tech Use (DRAFT – Pending Review by BOE)
Staff may use AI but must protect sensitive data and remain responsible for accuracy and quality.

District‑Approved AI tools for Staff

Microsoft Copilot Chat

A secure chat assistant for brainstorming, summarizing long documents, drafting emails, and general chat.

Google Gemini

A secure chat partner for creative brainstorming, drafting emails, and simplifying complex topics.

Google NotebookLM

A powerful research tool that allows you to upload your own PDFs or notes to create personalized study guides, summaries, and FAQs based only on your provided sources.

PowerSchool PowerBuddy

Located directly in Schoology to help educators draft assignments, create discussion prompts, and build assessments.