In the Ellensburg School District, we are beginning the journey of preparing our teachers and students for the integration of AI. We recognize that AI literacy is becoming a requirement for the modern workforce, and our goal is to ensure our students are not left at a disadvantage. While national research shows many teens use AI in secret, we are working toward an environment where students can eventually use it openly, ethically, and effectively. We are committed to building the foundational skills they will need for their future careers.

To support this long-term goal, we are phasing in professional growth opportunities for our staff. We are currently exploring tools like SchoolAI and Gemini to help our educators begin navigating this new digital landscape. This is an ongoing process of learning and adaptation for our entire district.

Drawing on research from experts like Dan Fitzpatrick, we are exploring how AI might help students develop academic resilience. We are in the early stages of investigating how these tools could eventually serve as:

As we pilot these concepts, we are looking at tools like NotebookLM to see how they might eventually help students organize research within the Google Classroom environment.

As we develop our framework, we remain vigilant about the risks. Our draft guidelines are designed to ensure AI remains a supplemental tool:

As we begin navigating AI in our schools, we encourage you to talk openly with your child about its role in their learning. A great starting point is the GenAI Literacy 101 for Students course. This brief resource helps families understand how to use AI as a supportive "thinking partner" rather than a substitute for original work. Click the link below to start exploring!

AI is a reality we are beginning to address. In Ellensburg, our focus is shifting toward how we might use these tools critically and ethically. While we are still learning, our purpose remains unchanged: helping students grow into independent thinkers. We are committed to a thoughtful, measured approach to ensure our students are prepared for a changing world.