Dear East Penn Families,
As we prepare for the school year, we want to make families aware of several district-level updates related to technology and artificial intelligence (AI). These changes reflect our continued commitment to providing students with safe, responsible, and age-appropriate access to technology while supporting teaching and learning.
Because technology use and expectations vary by age, the updates are outlined below by elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each section highlights the changes families should be aware of and provides information on how to access the corresponding student handbook for additional information.
Elementary Level Updates
- District-Issued Devices: Student devices and chargers will remain at school and will not be sent home this year. This will change the format of remote learning days; additional information will be shared as inclement weather approaches.
- YouTube Access: Students will not have access to YouTube on district-issued devices. Teachers may continue to access YouTube for instructional purposes.
- Personal Electronic Devices: The 2026–2027 Elementary Handbooks include updated expectations for personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and other wearables. These devices may not be used during the instructional day unless authorized by the principal or included in a student’s 504 Plan or IEP. Devices used solely for GPS tracking are permitted.
- Cell Phones & Smartwatches: If brought to school, cell phones and smartwatches must be turned off and stored in the student’s backpack or locker throughout the school day. Students may not use personal devices to photograph or record students or staff without their knowledge and consent.
- Unauthorized Device Use: If a personal device is used during the school day, it will be held in the main office for parent/guardian pickup.
- Additional Information: Schools are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices and cannot provide technical support for them. Complete guidelines are available in the 2026–2027 elementary school-specific handbooks on each building’s website.
Middle School Level Updates
- YouTube Access: Students will not have access to YouTube on district-issued Chromebooks. Teachers may continue to access YouTube for instructional purposes.
- Electronic Devices: The definition of personal electronic devices has been expanded to include smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, wearable and AI-enabled technology, AR/VR devices, wireless earbuds and headphones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, gaming devices, cameras and recording devices, and other personal technology capable of accessing, recording, storing, or transmitting digital information.
- Wearable Technology: Staff may require students to remove, silence, secure, or temporarily surrender wearable electronic devices when necessary to protect academic integrity, student privacy, safety, or the orderly operation of school activities.
- Internet & Extracurricular Use: Personal devices using the District’s internet connection are subject to the District’s Acceptable Use Policy. Coaches, advisors, chaperones, and other staff may establish additional device restrictions for extracurricular activities when necessary for safety, supervision, privacy, or the educational purpose of the activity.
- Personal Device Responsibility: Students are responsible for the safe storage of personal electronic devices brought to school or school-sponsored activities. The District is not responsible for devices that are lost or damaged, including devices stored in a District-provided pouch or container.
- Personal Device & Data Costs: Students will not be required to provide a personal electronic device for instruction. Families are responsible for any phone or data charges resulting from the voluntary use of a personal device.
Complete guidelines are available in the 2026–2027 Middle School Student Handbooks for Eyer and Lower Macungie Middle School.
High School Level Updates
- Electronic Devices: The definition of personal electronic devices has been expanded to include smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, wearable and AI-enabled technology, tablets, cameras, recording devices, and other personal technology capable of accessing, recording, or transmitting digital information. Please note that smart glasses, including prescription smart glasses, are considered electronic devices.
- Instructional Time: Personal electronic devices are not permitted during instructional time, including homeroom and bathroom use during the instructional day, unless specifically authorized for an educational purpose. Devices may be used before and after school, between classes, during lunch, and in study halls provided their use follows District policy.
- Privacy & Recording: Students may not photograph, record, livestream, or distribute audio, video, or images of students, staff, classrooms, instructional activities, or school-sponsored events without prior authorization. Electronic devices are prohibited in locker rooms, restrooms, and changing areas.
- Academic Integrity & AI: Personal electronic devices and AI tools may not be used to obtain, generate, receive, or communicate answers on assessments or other academic work unless expressly authorized by the teacher.
- Wearable Technology: Staff may require students to remove, silence, secure, or temporarily surrender wearable devices, including smartwatches and smart glasses, when necessary to protect privacy, academic integrity, safety, or the orderly operation of school activities.
Complete guidelines are available in the 2026–2027 Emmaus High School Handbook
Your Voice Matters
As technology and AI continue to evolve, the partnership between families and schools is increasingly important. Our goal is to prepare students not only to understand how to use AI, but also when to use it, when not to use it, and how to think critically, ethically, and independently in a technology-driven world.
As we continue to develop our approach to AI in East Penn, we want to hear from you. We invite all families to complete our AI Family Surveys to share your perspectives on the use of AI in elementary schools and our secondary schools. Please complete the survey by Tuesday, September 8th.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your feedback. Your voice will help inform our work as we develop thoughtful expectations and practices that support teaching, learning, and student success across East Penn.
Sincerely,
East Penn School District