Stratham expands 1:1 devices, pilots AI in classrooms and wins $11,075 robotics grant

Technology staff presented a district technology update stressing both classroom devices and the systems that manage them. The district maintains a 1:1 device strategy: iPads for kindergarten, tablet-style Chromebooks for first grade and Chromebooks for grades 2–5. Staff said teachers are in year 3 of a five-year MacBook lease program for staff devices and the district uses Newline interactive boards in classrooms.

Behind-the-scenes systems include ClassNet single sign-on to reduce password friction and a focus on data privacy: any software that handles student data must sign a data-privacy agreement (DPA). The technology team said Google Workspace features (including Gemini) are available under the district’s education package and that the district has reviewed privacy agreements for deployed tools.

Technology staff also described pedagogical changes: a shift from quiet, book-based libraries to a Learning Commons that doubles as a makerspace and a focus on project-based STEAM work. The district reported receiving a $11,075 New Hampshire robotics grant to upgrade LEGO Spike Prime kits and support fourth- and fifth-grade robotics competition participation.

Presenters addressed artificial intelligence in classrooms as both an instructional opportunity and a risk-mitigation challenge. The district said it has SAU-level guidance for AI use and classroom supports so students learn to write prompts, check multiple sources, and use AI tools responsibly. The presentation included demonstration tools such as BookLM and SchoolAI; staff noted SchoolAI can provide curriculum-scoped chatbots and allow teachers to observe student chatbot interactions for coaching and classroom support. The district also uses Della Deo (filtering) and emphasized that teachers will monitor and model responsible AI use in class.

Technology staff said the district restored a school technology and social-media committee and will survey teachers about current classroom technology use to inform further recommendations and professional development.