Dear Middle School Parents, 
 
In this week's edition of Appleby This Week the school outlined the approach it will be taking with respect to the use and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school's programming. However, as most AI services such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini have been specifically designed for individuals aged 13 years or older, the approach we will be taking in Middle School will be different from the one in Upper and Senior School. To view the article in Appleby This Week please click here.
 
As AI is more and more becoming an integral part of our everyday lives, we believe that our Middle School students will benefit from learning experiences that enhance foundational AI literacy. As such we will be creating opportunities and experiences that will focus on building your child's knowledge and understanding in this area. This includes getting them to consider questions such as: What is generative AI? How do these systems work? What are the ethical implications of generative AI? Faculty members will be demonstrating the effectiveness of the different AI tools and leading activities that will be a progression towards the use of AI tools in Upper and Senior School.
 
If you have any questions regarding our approach to the use of AI in Middle School please contact either Janay Eccles, Director, Middle School at jeccles@appleby.on.ca or Dr. Carlos Heleno, Assistant Head, Academics at cheleno@appleby.on.ca.

Sincerely,
 
 
Fraser Grant '87
Head of School and
Deputy Principal