Hawthorn District 73 AI Usage

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The District may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the development of communications and academic materials. These tools are intended to enhance efficiency, clarity, and accessibility. Student information will only be shared with AI systems that include built-in confidentiality and access protections designed to safeguard such data. Where student information is utilized, the AI system will not retain such information or use it to train underlying models. Furthermore, all content generated with the assistance of AI will be carefully reviewed by District staff to ensure accuracy and alignment with District policies and procedures. Hawthorn uses districtwide guidelines to inform our AI use. We share information with students via age-appropriate lessons developed in coordination with other Lake County school districts, and employ color-coded signals to communicate student expectations for AI use as needed.

AI Guidelines

Purpose of Artificial Intelligence in the District

The purpose of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the district is to support educational outcomes for all students, enhance instructional effectiveness, and prepare students and staff for an AI-informed future. AI is intended to function as a collaborative partner that strengthens, rather than replaces, human relationships, professional judgment, creativity, and critical thinking.

AI tools may be used to:

Enhance teaching and learning experiences
Support instructional planning, feedback, and reflection
Increase efficiency in professional and operational tasks
Build AI fluency and critical digital literacy for students and staff

AI is not a replacement for educators, nor should it be used to make final decisions related to instruction, grading, evaluation, or student outcomes. Human expertise, academic integrity, and professional responsibility remain central to all educational decisions.

Guiding Principles for AI Use

Hawthorn District 73’s use of artificial intelligence is grounded in the following guiding principles, which reflect our commitment to human-centered learning, ethical and transparent practices, and the thoughtful use of AI to enhance, not replace, teaching, learning, and professional judgment.

Keep Human-Centered Learning at the Forefront

AI should support, not replace, human thinking, relationships, and decision-making.
Educators and students remain responsible for learning, reflection, and final judgments.
AI will not be used to independently evaluate students, serve as the sole feedback source, or assign grades.
All AI-supported products or assignments require human review and professional oversight.

Build Critical Literacy, Creativity, and Curiosity

AI is a tool, not an authority.
Users are expected to question, verify, and refine AI-generated content.
AI should spark creativity, curiosity, and deeper thinking, not function as a shortcut or to promote passive learning.
High levels of learning, not efficiency alone, is the primary goal of AI use.

Maintain Transparency, and Equity

Use of AI should be transparent and clearly communicated (written or verbal disclosure) when it meaningfully contributes to staff work products or student learning.
Students and staff take ownership of how AI is used and how products are refined with AI.
AI use should be age-appropriate, inclusive, and free from bias or discrimination.
The district will regularly review AI practices to ensure equitable access and responsible integration.

Safety and Protection

The district is committed to ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence prioritizes student, staff, and family safety, protects data privacy, and upholds ethical conduct by establishing clear expectations, approved tools, and safeguards that align with district policies, legal requirements, and best practices.

Data Privacy and Protection

Personally identifiable information (PII), confidential data, and records for students, staff, and families may not be entered into AI tools.
All AI use must comply with applicable privacy laws, including COPPA and FERPA.
Only district-approved AI tools may be used with students or staff.
AI tools may not be used in ways that compromise district networks, systems, or data security.

Compliance with District Policies

AI use must comply with all existing district handbooks and policies, including those related to bullying, harassment, discrimination, and academic integrity.
Misuse of AI by students or staff will be addressed through existing disciplinary and professional conduct procedures.
The use of AI tools must follow published age restrictions.
The district will define grade-band expectations for AI use to ensure developmentally appropriate integration.
AI-generated code, tools, or workflows may not be deployed on district systems without proper review.

Responsible Use of AI

Responsible use of artificial intelligence is a shared responsibility across staff, students, and families, requiring collaboration, clear communication, and a collective commitment to ethical practices, academic integrity, data privacy, and safe digital engagement.

Staff

Model ethical and transparent AI use.
Use only district-approved tools for professional or instructional purposes.
Clearly define when and how AI may be used in assignments (AI stoplight).
Review all AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, and instructional alignment before use.
AI should inform, not replace, professional judgment.
Use the recommended prompt framework (SSSSS).

Students

Follow district and classroom expectations for AI use.
Use AI as a support for learning, not a substitute for original thinking.
Maintain academic integrity and ethical conduct.
Understand that misuse of AI is subject to the student handbook and disciplinary procedures.
Understand that the misrepresentation of AI-generated content as a student's own violates academic integrity policies outlined in the Hawthorn Student Handbook.

For Families

Engage in ongoing dialogue with students about ethical AI use.
Support safe and appropriate AI use at home.
Encourage creativity, originality, and responsible decision-making.
Follow teacher guidance regarding when and how AI tools are used for learning.

The district will continue to provide guidance, resources, and professional learning to support responsible AI integration while regularly reviewing practices to reflect evolving technology and educational needs .

Approved AI Tools

D73 Approved Generative AI Tools

Hawthorn District 73 has reviewed and approved the following list* of tools for use in our district. Each of the approved tools meet our standards for safety, accessibility, and instructional quality. These tools are supplemental instructional technology resources used to support high levels of instruction and learning in coordination with our foundational resources. While these tools can be used to enhance instruction, engage students, and extend learning, the effectiveness of each tool depends on thoughtful and intentional implementation. AI widgets within all Hawthorn approved instructional resources are also approved for use.

*This list may be updated and modified as the need arises.

Approved Staff AI Tools
Canva (Visual Design)	Gemini Notebook (AI research and notetaking tool)	Gemini (Closed System AI Assistant)	Google Vids (Video and Image Generator)
ChatGPT (Generative AI Assistant)	Khanmigo *free version (Education AI Assistant)	MagicSchool *free version (Education AI Assistant)	IXL Spark Studio (Education AI Assistant)

Approved Student AI Tools
Tool	Description
Canva Magic Media, Insights, Dream Lab	Generate designs, write text, edit images and videos, and even build interactive widgets.
MagicSchool AI	Secure, teacher-moderated education specific AI tool to receive targeted writing feedback, study for exams, and explore concepts from multiple perspectives.

Classroom AI Signals

AI Signals

AI use in the classroom operates on a spectrum, from no AI use permitted on some assignments, to collaborative integration of AI generated material. The following use guidelines are designed to provide clarity for teachers and students on when and how to use AI as an intentional learning tool.

No AI Use	AI is not used for the assignment. Student Responsibility: I can show what I know using my own knowledge and skills.
AI Assisted	Teachers permit use of AI to brainstorm ideas, create outlines, and/or explore potential topics. Student Responsibility: I can use AI to brainstorm or organize my ideas. My product is 100% my own creation.
AI Collaboration	The teacher permits AI to create an initial draft, revise work, and/or perform grammar checks. The final text is revised by the student. AI use is cited by the student. Student Responsibility: I can use AI to assist in the drafting or revising of my work, and cite my AI use appropriately.
AI Co-Created	The teacher permits extensive use of AI generated products. Students provide a rationale for their use of AI, adhere to Hawthorn academic integrity guidelines, and follow teacher expectations. Student Responsibility: I can follow the expectations for using AI generated products and cite my AI use appropriately.