BW Update - February 13, 2026

Dear BWRSD Community,

I am writing to share that the Bristol Warren Regional School District School Committee has formally adopted a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy for students and staff, effective February 9, 2026.

As AI tools continue to evolve and become more visible in education and the workplace, it is important that our district provides clear guidance on how these technologies may be used responsibly, ethically, and in ways that support learning. This new policy establishes expectations for appropriate AI use while reinforcing our core values of academic integrity, student privacy, equity, and human-centered teaching and learning.

The policy is grounded in several key principles:

• AI is intended to support learning and professional practice, not replace human thinking, creativity, or judgment.

• Academic integrity remains essential, and AI may not be used to misrepresent one’s work or abilities.

• Student, family, and staff privacy must be protected, including strict limits on the use of personally identifiable information.

• AI use must be developmentally appropriate, transparent, and equitable, with clear expectations set by educators.

• Only district-approved AI tools may be used for school-related purposes.

For students, the policy outlines when AI tools may be used to support learning and when their use is prohibited. For educators and staff, it provides guidance on using AI to enhance instruction, planning, and professional efficiency while maintaining alignment to grade-level standards and professional responsibility.

This policy reflects our commitment to innovation paired with thoughtful safeguards. We believe that when used responsibly, AI can be a powerful tool that enhances teaching and learning while reinforcing the importance of human insight, reflection, and ethical decision-making.

The full AI Use Policy is available on the district website for families and community members who wish to review it in detail. As with all district policies, it will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our students and staff.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we navigate emerging technologies together in ways that keep students at the center of our work.

With our children in mind,

Ana C. Riley

Superintendent of Schools

As a reminder, there is no school for the upcoming week of February 16-20, 2026. Our regular schedule will resume on Monday, February 23. We hope all our students and staff enjoy their break and are able to get outside and have some fun!

Website: www.bwrsd.org
Location: 235 High Street, Bristol, RI, USA
Phone: 401-253-4000

The Bristol Warren Regional School District is committed to maintaining and promoting an educational environment free from all forms of discrimination, including harassment. The civil rights of all school community members are guaranteed by law, and the protection of those rights is important to the District. Discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, genetic information or testing, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability (hereinafter "membership in a protected class") will not be tolerated. The BWRSD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. Special accommodations for district events can be arranged through kathryn.brown@bwrsd.org and through school principals for school events.

The Bristol Warren Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color, disability or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.