DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND DAILY CHECK-INS Haverhill is also tackling the mental health side of technology head-on. “We start lessons on cyber safety, digital citizenship, and online empathy as early as kindergarten,” Marotta says. The district works closely with the Haverhill Police Department, who visit schools to talk about cyberbullying, online privacy, and emerging concerns like deepfakes. One of the most promising new tools is Pulse, a digital check-in program piloted in the middle schools. Each morning, students log into a secure system and rate their mood or request to see a counselor. “In less than a minute, a thousand students can check in,” Antkowiak explains.“If someone flags that they need help, our counselors can reach them immediately.” The system gives administrators real-time data on student morale and helps teachers respond proactively. “Principals can see when morale dips and organize assemblies or community-building activities,” she adds. “It’s simple, but it’s incredibly effective.” Artificial Intelligence has become the latest frontier in education—and Haverhill’s leadership is confronting it with curiosity, not fear. “Like it or not, 263 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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