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Gorham Public Schools Releases AI Handbook for Students Ahead of 2026 School Year
On the district’s final day of the 2025‑2026 academic year, Gorham Public Schools unveiled a more than 20‑page guide that will set the tone for how students use artificial‑intelligence tools in 2026. The handbook, a product of a year‑long effort, aims to give students clear direction on when it is appropriate to tap into chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini and to outline the boundaries of responsible use.
The release comes at a time when generative‑AI chatbots are a daily staple for more than half of Americans. In classrooms, the same trend is evident: students increasingly lean on these tools for help with math problems, essay drafts, and research projects. By reflecting that reality, the handbook offers tiered guidelines that change with age and maturity.
According to the handbook, teachers may introduce AI only with Pre‑K through Grade 2 learners; students in Grades 3‑8 receive teacher‑guided exposure; and high‑schoolers are granted expanded, independent use. The document also lists permissible activities—brainstorming ideas or receiving feedback on drafts—and bars the use of AI for completing full essays or answering test questions. Every instance of AI assistance must be cited in the student’s work, and breaches will trigger the district’s academic‑integrity and code‑of‑conduct policies.
Superintendent Heather Perry explained that the policy is not about labeling AI as good or bad. “We’re not trying to put any kind of label on AI, whether it’s good or bad,” she said. “The policy is designed to prepare students for the workforce.”
Reactions among the student body are mixed. “Definitely use AI,” said Gorham High School senior Owen Frie, adding that he relies on the tool for math help. “I think students use it a lot on projects,” added Hailey LaConte. In contrast, Ella Ferrante said, “I don’t personally use AI. I am definitely trying to use it less.” Several students noted that the high‑school policy feels permissive and that misuse sometimes goes unchecked.
The handbook fits into a broader district strategy. Serving 2,851 students across five schools with a 13‑to‑1 student‑teacher ratio, Gorham boasts state‑test proficiency of 90 % in math and 91 % in reading. Assistant Superintendent Quinton Donahue confirmed that a parallel handbook for staff is also in the works to ensure consistent application of the AI rules.
The district plans to circulate the guide over the summer so students can review it before classes resume. The handbook’s layout includes a concise summary of AI benefits and risks, a decision tree for when to engage AI, and a citation guide. Leadership emphasized that the document is a framework for ethical and effective AI use, not a blanket prohibition.
In the months ahead, Gorham Public Schools will monitor compliance and collect feedback from both students and teachers. While no additional AI initiatives have been announced, the district remains open to revising the handbook as the technology landscape evolves.
The release signals a growing recognition that AI literacy is a necessary component of modern education. By providing clear, grade‑specific guidelines, Gorham Public Schools seeks to balance the advantages of generative AI with the imperatives of academic integrity and critical thinking.
The release comes at a time when generative‑AI chatbots are a daily staple for more than half of Americans. In classrooms, the same trend is evident: students increasingly lean on these tools for help with math problems, essay drafts, and research projects. By reflecting that reality, the handbook offers tiered guidelines that change with age and maturity.
According to the handbook, teachers may introduce AI only with Pre‑K through Grade 2 learners; students in Grades 3‑8 receive teacher‑guided exposure; and high‑schoolers are granted expanded, independent use. The document also lists permissible activities—brainstorming ideas or receiving feedback on drafts—and bars the use of AI for completing full essays or answering test questions. Every instance of AI assistance must be cited in the student’s work, and breaches will trigger the district’s academic‑integrity and code‑of‑conduct policies.
Superintendent Heather Perry explained that the policy is not about labeling AI as good or bad. “We’re not trying to put any kind of label on AI, whether it’s good or bad,” she said. “The policy is designed to prepare students for the workforce.”
Reactions among the student body are mixed. “Definitely use AI,” said Gorham High School senior Owen Frie, adding that he relies on the tool for math help. “I think students use it a lot on projects,” added Hailey LaConte. In contrast, Ella Ferrante said, “I don’t personally use AI. I am definitely trying to use it less.” Several students noted that the high‑school policy feels permissive and that misuse sometimes goes unchecked.
The handbook fits into a broader district strategy. Serving 2,851 students across five schools with a 13‑to‑1 student‑teacher ratio, Gorham boasts state‑test proficiency of 90 % in math and 91 % in reading. Assistant Superintendent Quinton Donahue confirmed that a parallel handbook for staff is also in the works to ensure consistent application of the AI rules.
The district plans to circulate the guide over the summer so students can review it before classes resume. The handbook’s layout includes a concise summary of AI benefits and risks, a decision tree for when to engage AI, and a citation guide. Leadership emphasized that the document is a framework for ethical and effective AI use, not a blanket prohibition.
In the months ahead, Gorham Public Schools will monitor compliance and collect feedback from both students and teachers. While no additional AI initiatives have been announced, the district remains open to revising the handbook as the technology landscape evolves.
The release signals a growing recognition that AI literacy is a necessary component of modern education. By providing clear, grade‑specific guidelines, Gorham Public Schools seeks to balance the advantages of generative AI with the imperatives of academic integrity and critical thinking.
