AI in Our Schools — Questions from Families

A companion to our full AI guidance, written for parents and guardians.

What is Lapeer's approach to AI in schools?

We help students learn to use AI thoughtfully, ethically, and safely, building the judgment they'll need throughout their lives. We focus on AI literacy first: understanding what AI can do, what it can't, and when it helps or gets in the way of real learning. This guidance is reviewed and updated as the technology and our practice evolve.

Which AI tools do students use?

Approved tools vary by grade, and every tool has been reviewed for student data privacy and educational fit on district-approved devices.

• Elementary: teacher monitored tools only. Students don't access general-purpose chatbots.

• Middle school: students gain direct access to a small set of tools, with instruction on responsible use.

• High school: students have access to additional tools, including district-managed AI, along with everything available to younger grades.

Why isn't ChatGPT used in school?

ChatGPT is a consumer product accessed through personal accounts, which means information entered into it falls outside the district's data protections. Instead, we use two kinds of tools: district-managed tools (which carry the same privacy protections as the school's email and documents) and education-specific tools built for K-12 and reviewed for privacy. If a new tool becomes useful for instruction, teachers can request a review.

How do you handle cheating and honesty?

Teachers decide when and how AI can be used on each assignment and make those expectations clear (reference Student Handbook & Code of Conduct for more information). When AI is allowed, students add a short note explaining what tool they used and how; the same idea as citing a source. Turning in AI-generated work as your own is not allowed, and suspected misuse is handled through our student code of conduct. 

How is my child's privacy protected?

Student data is protected under federal laws (FERPA and COPPA), and approved tools are reviewed with those protections in mind. Staff and students are taught to keep personal information such as names, personally identifiable information out of any tool that isn't reviewed for privacy.

How are teachers being prepared?

Teachers across the district take part in ongoing professional development on AI tools, ethical use, and classroom integration. We treat this as an ongoing investment, not a one-time training, because the technology keeps changing.

How can I talk with my child about AI at home?

A few starting points that work at any age:

• Ask what AI tools they've seen at school or with friends.

• Talk about when AI helps with learning and when it gets in the way of the thinking they're supposed to do themselves.

• Remind them that AI can sound confident and still be wrong — it's worth checking.

• Be curious together. You don't have to be the expert.

The Student Guide to AI from Michigan Virtual is a helpful resource with conversation starters for students and families.

Aligned with Michigan Department of Education AI guidance (May 2026). Developed by the LCS District AI Task Force in consultation with Michigan Virtual.