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Newington Public Schools

Every student will be a contributing member of their community and highly prepared for life after graduation.

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  • Educational Technology

    The Office of Educational Technology, part of the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, is dedicated to supporting educators and students in blended learning environments. Our Educational Technology department collaborates with administrators, teachers, and support staff to infuse technology into teaching and learning in order to integrate learning experiences so they result in higher levels of achievement for students. The focus is to empower its community of students to become fully active participants in our global technology-driven society, where they have access to digital educational resources beyond the school day, while promoting creativity, critical thinking, and individualized learning.


    Our Educational Technology department supports the district by providing staff with the software, technology tools, and professional learning necessary to provide students with the 21st-century skills needed to become college, career, and citizenship ready. As technology continues to evolve, the way the district provides instruction and learning opportunities is constantly being evaluated and changed to reflect the needs of our students and transform the learning environment.


    Over the last three years, the district has implemented a 1:1 Technology Program with all of the students in the district.  The Educational Technology department works to support teachers and staff in using the technology effectively, efficiently, and with the latest learning resources to provide students with dynamic, technology integrated, learning experiences.


    Information Technology

    The Information Technology (IT) team works to support the 21st-century learners and instructors in all of the Newington schools and the Board of Education Central Offices. Our IT team works to provide the latest technology needs for a rapidly changing educational world. The IT team provides information systems and services management, device management, a multifaceted technology infrastructure, and technical support to educators and staff on district devices and software.


    The mission of the Information Technology (IT) Department is to provide excellence in contemporary technology services and solutions that ensure and enhance the learning process; and with eyes to the future, be technology visionaries that facilitate the educational objectives of the district while ensuring cost-effective information delivery systems are in place.


    The IT team encourages Newington staff and teachers to take the time to learn how to use the devices, products, and software that they use in their classroom, office, or school. It is also important to learn simple problem-solving and trouble-shooting fixes for these products. If problems continue, submit a ticket to the NPS Help Desk for device or product issues.

     

  • District Data Privacy & Information Security Information


    Newington Public Schools is committed to protecting the information privacy of our students. The district complies with State and Federal legislative regulations such as the Act Concerning Student Data Privacy (PA:16-189 & PA:18-125), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Although many regulations apply only to students, the district is committed to protecting the privacy of all of our data. Newington Public Schools works to invest in and develop policies and practices that give our students and staff members powerful and safe educational experiences both online and in our classrooms. Many of our vendors have already taken the Student Privacy Pledge.
     

    Student Safety

    NPS operates several layers of network protections to ensure the safety of all users when using Internet resources. The district also implements content filtering solutions as part of protecting students and complying with mandates.

    At School:

    • These protections help prevent access to inappropriate content such as malicious software, hacking, and pornography. These tools are configured in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). 
    • Digital Citizenship and Safety curriculum aligned to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards in Educational Technology and Media classes.

    At Home:

    • Parents/guardians are encouraged to be an active part of their student's use of these devices as part of the program. 
    • Chrome extensions are installed to help reduce access to pornography and malicious websites when the devices are used at home. These tools are not 100% effective on their own and are not intended to replace parent involvement.  
       

    Instructional Practices, Software, and Tools

    Student Chromebooks operate on the G Suite for Education Platform. Students and parents are required to sign the Google Workspace for Education Consent Form.

    Teachers are only allowed to promote the usage of applications/websites that have been approved by district administration and adhere to the State’s Act Concerning Student Data Privacy. Teachers follow an approval process for the use of any applications or websites that collect student data, including student generated content. Students are not allowed to install applications on their Chromebooks.

    A variety of tools are available to students both individually and for group collaboration and exploration. These tools facilitate the creation of evidence of their learning.

    Examples:

    • BrainPop (Instructional support materials/resources) - ELEMENTARY
    • G Suite for Education Core Apps including Google Classroom, Docs, Slides (Creation and collaboration) - ALL LEVELS
    • Learning A-Z/RazKids (Instructional support materials/resources) - ELEMENTARY
    • Scratch (Coding) - ALL LEVELS
    • Screencastify (Blended learning) - ALL LEVELS
    • Seesaw (Digital Portfolios) - ELEMENTARY
    • WeVideo (Creation of Video) - ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE

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    Artificial Intelligence Use in Newington Public Schools Robot Smiling

    Newington Public Schools (NPS) is proactively developing principles, standards, and direction for the safe, effective, and responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and other digital tools for student learning. This commitment aligns with the Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth Executive Order and the State of Connecticut Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI). NPS aims to foster innovation and develop global competencies while ensuring the responsible deployment of digital GenAI tools and safeguarding students’ privacy and personal information.

    The overall goal of NPS is to create a learning environment where AI technologies empower rather than replace the human aspects of education. These technologies are embraced cautiously to prepare students for a future where they are prevalent.

    What is AI and How Can We Use It? Light bulb shining

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps us with everyday tasks, like finding a photo on your phone or getting help from a voice assistant.
    • Generative AI (GenAI) is a type of AI that can create new things like text, images, or music. Think of it as a helpful tool for creativity and research.

    We see AI as a support tool, not a replacement. When used the right way, it can:

    • Help students brainstorm ideas and solve problems.
    • Act as a tutor to help students learn at their own pace.
    • Assist with research and understanding complex ideas.
    • Support creativity by providing a starting point for projects.

    Approved Tools for Student Use Checkmark checked

    Our Educational Technology Department has reviewed and approved specific GenAI tools for school use. These tools are all in compliance with Connecticut’s Data Privacy laws and security checks.

    Approved tools for Grades K-8:

    • MagicSchool for Students
    • Canva/CanvaEDU
    • Adobe Express
    • Padlet
    • Seesaw (PK-4 only)

    Approved tools for Grades 9-12:

    • MagicSchool for Students
    • Gemini
    • NotebookLM
    • Canva/CanvaEDU
    • Adobe Express
    • Padlet

    This list may be updated as new and safe tools become available.

    Academic Honesty and Safe Use Shield for protection

    Using AI correctly is important for academic honesty and safety. We ask our students to follow these simple guidelines:

    • Ask your teacher first. Always get permission before using an AI tool for an assignment.
    • Don't take credit for AI's work. You must be honest about how you used the tool and cite it when you can.
    • Protect your privacy. Never put any personal information into an AI tool, such as your name, address, or phone number. We can't control what happens to that information once it's entered.

    Questions?

    For questions or concerns about the approval of GenAI tools, security, data protection, and/or the responsible use of GenAI platforms, you can contact superintendent@npsct.org. Further information is also be available in the Board’s policy on Technology Instruction Using Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). We are excited to support our students as they learn and grow in this new technological landscape.