Artificial Intelligence & Restoring Focus

As Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshapes the world around us, schools have a responsibility to prepare students and educators not just to use AI, but to use it wisely, ethically, and creatively. In the 2025–2026 school year, Bernards Township School District is embedding AI education into our Restoring Focus initiative as we continue to create learning environments grounded in attention, agency, and authentic engagement.

This year’s focus is on exploring the role of AI in education while restoring human connection, curiosity, and critical thinking. Rather than viewing AI as a distraction or replacement for human work, we see it as a tool, one that, when used thoughtfully, can enhance learning, streamline tasks, and free up time for what matters most: relationships, reflection, and real-world problem solving.

What We’re Doing This Year

• Empowering Educators: Through professional development, we are helping teachers understand and responsibly integrate AI into instruction and workflow without compromising the values of deep thinking, originality, or equity.

• Student Exploration: We are giving students opportunities to explore AI as creators and critical thinkers, not just as consumers—supporting career exploration, digital literacy, and ethical reasoning.

• Ongoing Conversations: We’re inviting staff, students, and families into the conversation. What does responsible AI use look like in schools? How can we preserve focus, creativity, and integrity in a world where automation is everywhere?

• Partnering with Parents: We’re offering dedicated AI learning sessions at each school to help parents understand how AI is shaping education and everyday life. These sessions, along with curated resources and tools, are designed to help families navigate AI with confidence and support their children’s thoughtful and safe use of these technologies.