Where we've been

In its first year, the Collective examined technology use across our schools and identified three shared priorities. That work became the foundation of our New York State Instructional Technology Plan, which will guide the district through 2029.

A culture of safe, healthy, and informed technology use for students, staff, and families.

Purposeful, creative use of technology, supported by clear expectations and ongoing learning.

Preparing students for rapid change by thoughtfully exploring new tools, especially AI.

Where we're headed: 2026 to 2027

This year, the Collective turns to the first of those priorities: digital wellness, with a particular focus on screen time and thoughtful student technology use. As technology evolves rapidly and screens occupy a growing share of childhood, we want to be intentional about when, why, and how students use technology in our classrooms and at home.

Over five in-person sessions, the group will learn together, examine how technology is actually used across grades K through 12, and produce two things by spring.

This year's deliverables

Guidance for thoughtful, purposeful technology use in K through 12 classrooms.

Practical tools and guidance to support healthy technology habits at home.

Thu, Oct 15

Welcome returning and new members, revisit our three priorities, and frame what screen time means and why quality of use matters as much as quantity.

Thu, Nov 19

Examine what technology use looks like across grades K through 12, hear from students and teachers, and identify where use is purposeful and where it has become a default.

Thu, Jan 14

Explore current research on screens, attention, and learning in plain language, along with the wider policy landscape, including New York's distraction-free schools law.

Thu, Feb 11

Draft recommendations for thoughtful technology use in our classrooms and outline family-facing resources that support healthy habits at home.

Thu, Mar 11

Complete the recommendations and family resources, connect them to our technology plan, and decide how the work is shared with the community.

Your commitment

Five in-person meetings between October and March, each 90 minutes. Come ready to listen with curiosity, speak from experience, and keep students at the center.

Who should join

Parents and guardians, students in grades 7 through 12, teachers, support staff, administrators, and technology staff. Returning members are welcome, and we're excited to add new voices. The group will not exceed 20 members.