Projects

How does AI impact our children?

Do you know how FCPS is using AI to teach your children? Do you know what your children are learning? Are they learning to think for themselves or are they learning how to write good AI prompts?

In Superintendent's Reid's weekly reflection October 13, 2025, she remarks that

An effective AI strategy must balance modern technology with active, human-connected learning experiences. We're preparing our students for careers that don't yet exist — we can't relegate our young people to passively relying on 'learning apps' or farming out their own human judgment to a machine!

Is your child's experience matching this vision? Ask them. We'd like to hear about it.

AI Timeline at FCPS

Mon, Dec 8th

Oakton Balance Project publishes the Open Letter for the Responsible Use of AI in Fairfax County Public Schools

https://www.oakton-balance.org/open-letter

Mon, Nov 24, 10:15am

Superintendent’s Weekly Reflections message, from Superintendent Reid

This message repeats the previous message sent on Nov 19, and also mentions that ChatGPT is one of the leading artificial intelligence (AI) models currently available in the market and will provide access to this leading AI model, which can enable tasks like providing support, planning, communication, translation, and more, with strong privacy and security safeguards in place. Also mentions that this collaboration is driven by the FCPS Department of Information Technology (DIT) and will be a thoughtful, strategic, and secure integration of AI technology which upholds our strong commitment to privacy, as OpenAI has adhered to FCPS' Data Privacy Agreement and contract terms.

Wed, Nov 19, 4:15pm

AI Innovation at Fairfax County Public Schools message, from Superintendent Reid

FCPS will be in the first cohort of school divisions across the nation to use ChatGPT for Teachers. ChatGPT for Teachers will be free until June 2027. Superintendent Reid says OpenAI is ensuring FCPS privacy and security standards are being upheld in these tools, which will only be available for staff use.

Mon, Nov 3, 6:00pm @ West Springfield HS

Meeting of the Moment, hosted by Superintendent Reid

Photos, https://ai.fcps.edu/

Started with an interactive expo with FCPS AI partners: Google, Playlab, and Adobe Express. Hosted by Superintendent Reid with featured speakers Steven Butschi, Director of Education, North America - Google, and Yusuf Ahmad, CEO - Playlab. Focus was mainly on the positive aspects of AI use. When asked how soon students should be learning AI, Superintendent Rei answered, “The sooner, the better.”

Tue, Oct 7

Work Session including FCPS AI Update, hosted by Superintendent Reid

Dr. Babak Mostaghimi (Youtube, slides)

Dr. Mostaghimi summarizes the common AI pitfalls: (1) Do Not Just Put Kids on More Computer Programs (2) Do Not Give Up Your Thinking to AI (3) Do Not Let Tools Lead Instruction or Program Design (4) Be Cautious About Data Security

Useful AI Links

New Legislation Would Ban AI from New York’s Schools: Opinion piece on keeping AI out of NY elementary and middle schools written by a NY assembly member
AI Chatbots for Mental Health Support: Common Sense Media chatbot analysis concluding that A.I. chatbots are “fundamentally unsafe for teen mental health support”

Oakton Elementary Wait Until 8th

Do you know about The Wait Until 8th pledge? It empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. More than 130,000 parents have said yes to waiting on the smartphone for their families.

We are excited that Oakton Elementary is officially registered with Wait Until 8th. If you'd like to join the movement, please take the pledge!

Other initiatives we're driving at Oakton Balance Project

Computer Responsibilities Addendum

Developed document in collaboration with school staff to clarify responsibilities for computer use at school, on the bus, and at home.

Indoor Recess Support

We are working with Principal Kelly and the OES student council to implement a drive collecting board games for classroom use during indoor recess on inclement weather days.

Laptop Free Holidays

Worked with OES administration and staff to place charging carts within each classroom to:

Support Dr. Reid’s goals of reduced social distraction through screens.
Reduce funding loss from laptop damage.
Reduce the burden of carrying laptops back and forth.
Reduce charging challenges for students and families.

Building Community

We meet once a month on a Friday at the OES Playground while children play and parents learn from and support one another.

Please join our Whatsapp group!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse