THSS Technology & Digital Learning Expectations 2026–2027
At Thomas Haney Secondary School, technology should support learning, creativity, connection, student growth, and a safe and productive learning environment. As a self-directed learning school, we are committed to helping students develop healthy technology habits, strong self-management skills, and a strong sense of digital responsibility.
Cell Phone Expectations
In line with the Ministerial directive, THSS is a cell phone-free learning environment during the school day.
Students are expected to keep cell phones away and out of sight during:
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Teacher Advisory (TA) & Scheduled/Set classes
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Great Hall work blocks
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Learning support spaces
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Test Centre
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Transition times between classes
Cell phones may be used:
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With permission from a teacher during class set/scheduled time
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Before School / During lunch / After school
Students must leave cell phones in their backpack or another non-visible location during learning time. Parents are encouraged to contact students through the school office during the school day, as student cell phones are expected to be away and out of sight during school hours.
Laptop & Technology Expectations
Laptops and tablets are important learning tools at THSS and must be used for educational purposes. Technology use must support learning. Examples of inappropriate use include gaming, social media, texting, streaming unrelated content, unauthorized AI use, and activities that distract from learning. Students without personal devices will continue to have access to school-supported technology that is available for signout in the library.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Students may use AI tools only when authorized by their teacher. Our district has provided Microsoft CoPilot access to all students in grades 9-12. AI tools can support learning when used responsibly, ethically, and transparently.
Students are expected to:
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Use AI to support learning, not replace thinking
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Complete authentic and original work
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Be able to explain and demonstrate understanding of submitted work
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Follow teacher expectations regarding AI use and citation
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Refrain from using AI for Indigenous courses or assignments
The use of AI and other forms of plagiarism to complete an assignment may result in a failing grade for the assignment. Student work that cannot be authenticated may be reassessed, revised in a supervised setting, or require students to participate in a conversation about their work. Students determined to be using AI may lose academic recognition and awards.
Smart AI-Enabled Glasses
Smart AI-enabled glasses or devices with recording, transcription, internet, or AI capabilities are not permitted on school grounds. Students are not permitted to film or create recordings of teachers or students with their glasses, phones or other devices.
Headphones & Earbuds
Headphones and earbuds may only be used when they support learning and do not interfere with instruction, communication, or safety. Students must remove them during direct instruction, discussions, group work, collaborative activities, physical education classes, presentations, assessments, and whenever directed by staff. Headphones may not be connected to cell phones or other devices during set classes or presentations.
Student Support & Accommodations
THSS recognizes that some students require accommodations related to medical, sensory, anxiety, or learning needs. Supports will continue to be provided through established school processes and documented plans where appropriate. Supports will continue to be provided through counsellors, case managers, learning support staff, and administration.
Test Centre & Formal Testing Environments
Students are required to store all digital devices before beginning any formal assessment. This includes phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, earbuds, headphones, smart AI-enabled glasses, unauthorized calculators, and other electronic devices.
If Expectations Are Not Followed
Our goal is always to support students through reminders, relationships, and consistency.
Interventions may include:
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Reminder and redirection by any staff member
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Temporary phone/technology removal during class time by any staff member
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Office referral
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Communication home by teacher and/or administration
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Development of a personalized support plan for repeated concerns
At THSS, we believe students learn best when they are focused, connected, engaged, and actively involved in their learning and school community.