Create with Google Gemini

Google Gemini, like ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, allows you to create text, do research, learn, and more. We use Gemini because it's part of Google for Education, which makes it usable for students and staff of all ages and because we have a SOPPA agreement which means our data is protected.

Recently, Google announced new features in Gemini that can be used to propel creativity: Create Images, Create Video, Learn, and Write.

Create Images

Photoshop is a professional, robust tool for editing images. Gemini 2.5 Flash, the latest free version of Gemini, now performs many tasks normally reserved for tools like Photoshop. For example, I uploaded the Barrington 220 photo of myself, and then asked Gemini to change the background to Bora Bora, give me facial tattoos like Post Malone, and change the color of my shirt from blue to red. Here is the result.

This technology allows teachers across all grade levels and content areas to use photo editing for engaging, contextualized learning. Primary students can use background changes to place self-portraits in new worlds for creative storytelling and descriptive writing. Intermediate students in social studies can apply outfit changes and background shifts to dress themselves or a figure in historically accurate contexts, fostering empathy and an understanding of different eras. For middle school science, students can use the "marking" or "tattoo" feature to visually represent abstract biological concepts like infections or mutations on diagrams, demonstrating their understanding of complex systems. Finally, high school media literacy classes can use all editing features (background, clothing, markings) to create satirical images, helping them analyze and deconstruct the powerful role of visual rhetoric and symbolism in media.

Create Videos

For a Google Veo video example, I wanted to create a video of me running on a track at Barrington High School and suffering a hamstring injury.

In primary science, students could use a simple prompt like "a butterfly flying from a chrysalis to a flower" to visually demonstrate the life cycle, bringing abstract concepts to life in a way they can easily understand. An intermediate social studies class might generate a short clip of "a Roman soldier marching through a busy ancient marketplace" to visualize daily life and setting, making historical periods more tangible than a textbook description. Middle school ELA students could generate a scene, such as "a mysterious, fog-covered forest with a lone figure walking toward a glowing cabin," to create a captivating video trailer for a short story or literary analysis, prompting deeper understanding of mood and plot. Finally, a high school geometry class could use Veo to create a video showing "a three-dimensional cube rotating slowly in space with its net unfolding," which helps visualize complex spatial relationships and solid geometry concepts.

Learn

Guided Learning acts as a personal AI tutor to help build a deep understanding of a subject. It uses step-by-step breakdowns, questions, and interactive elements to actively engage learners.

Write

Canvas in Gemini is an interactive workspace where you collaborate with the AI to draft, refine, and organize documents, code, or other creative projects. It allows for direct text editing, an advantage over Brisk that does not allow students to make edits inside a Boost experience. Teachers can program Canvas similarly to Brisk by creating a Gem.

We hope these exciting updates lead to more guided and supported AI use with students! 

MacBook Air and iPad Swaps Near the Finish Line

The end is in sight for our massive district-wide Apple device refresh! Since early April, the Technology Department, working closely with our Library Technology Assistants (LTAs), has been hustling to get new iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads into the hands of staff and students across every building. It’s been a huge undertaking, and we've successfully rolled out the vast majority of new devices.

Just a Few Left—Let's Get You Swapped

We know that a handful of our colleagues weren't able to make it to the main swap events. Don't worry—you haven't been forgotten! You will get a shiny new device, too.

The Tech Department will be spending the next couple of weeks compiling the final list of staff and students who still need to swap. Once that list is finalized, we will be reaching out to you directly via email with a clear plan to get your exchange done. Keep an eye on your inbox soon for that communication.

Your Quick Prep Guide for a Speedy Swap

When it's your turn, we want to get you back to work with minimal downtime. You can make the final swap ridiculously fast and easy by taking two simple steps now:

• Google Drive is Your Best Friend: Please make sure all your important documents and work files are backed up to Google Drive. This is the key to a quick exchange—it means we don't have to wait for large transfers, and you won't lose any critical data when you power up your new machine.

• Password Power: The biggest delay we see is forgetting a key password. Make sure you know your current passwords for both logging into your computer/network and Infinite Campus. If you have those ready, the swap process is smooth sailing.

A little preparation goes a long way! Thanks again for your patience as we finalize this huge project.

Who do I contact for tech questions in my building?

Guest Author: Kathrine Clarke, LTA at Barbara Rose Elementary School

Who do I contact for Tech Questions in my building?

Your building LTA, Library Technology Associate, is a great start to answering your tech-related questions. LTAs have a wide range of expertise on the different subscriptions that are available to staff and students. Your LTA can help with:

• Troubleshooting technology for students and staff
• Submitting tickets if extra help is needed
• Adding new students to digital platforms
• Help choosing apps for classroom use (examples: Canva, Google Suite, Nearpod, Wayground, etc.)
• Acquiring curriculum materials (e.g., ordering books and consumables from the district office or district libraries)
• Managing electronic testing (e.g., creating users and answering testing platform questions)
• Managing subscriptions (LTAs have admin access for tools like):
• Explore Learning
• Schoology
• MyOn
• iReady
• …and more!

Who can parents contact for Tech Questions?

Allowing students to come to their building library to ask their questions to the LTA is a great way to foster independence and grow self-confidence. If parents want to reach out: 

• Elementary: Contact the classroom teacher first.
• Middle School: Start with the counselor, if the issue continues, include the LTA in an email.
• Middle School and High School students can send a Schoology message or email directly to their LTA.

To find the LTA information for your building, look on the district website for Library Media Services in the Families tab.

Don't Miss YES Discovery Week for IC Training

YES Discovery Week is November 17–21, 2025!

Get ready for YES Discovery Week, happening November 17–21, 2025! This week is dedicated to exploring new opportunities for professional growth through a variety of sessions focused on Infinite Campus. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or discover new tools, there’s something for everyone.

Classified staff who participate in two sessions they have not previously trained in will be eligible to receive board credit.

Please refer to the email sent on October 22 for complete details on registration and the process for applying for board credit.

iPadOS 26 Provides New Accessibility Features & Updates

Key's Quick Tips from Kelly Key, Assistive Technology Coordinator for Barrington 220

The new Generation 11 iPads are here, and they come with iPadOS 26, packed with exciting accessibility updates and improvements! Here are a few highlights: 

• Accessibility Reader (formerly Spoken Content): The text-to-speech feature has a new name and expanded capabilities, including options to read and customize website content. 
• Share Accessibility Settings via AirDrop: You can now easily share accessibility configurations between iPads—a huge time-saver! 
• Text Detection in Live Text: In addition to snapping a photo of a worksheet to have it read aloud, you can now simply hold the iPad up to printed text, and it will begin reading automatically. 
• New Head Tracking Controls: Along with eye tracking, users can now control their iPad using subtle head movements. 

Explore all the new tools and features designed to support our students in reading, writing, math, access, and overall accessibility HERE. (The linked sides include step-by-step visual directions and video demonstrations for each tool.) 

Check out this Google Doc with new iPadOS and iOS features in version 26 HERE.

Positive Progress So Far with Social Media & Digital Citizenship Guidelines

On October 21, 2025, district leaders presented an implementation progress report regarding this year's new Social Media Awareness & Digital Citizenship Guidelines to the Barrington 220 Board of Education. Early results show positive impacts across staff, student, and parent groups.

Our report provides an in-depth update on the current data and information used to measure the effectiveness of the Social Media Awareness and Digital Citizenship Guidelines that were accepted by the Board of Education on May 20, 2025. The report included information from several sources and reported on August 19–October 3, 2025—the first 32 days of school. Positive early indicators of program success include higher student engagement across all grade levels, reduced classroom distractions, greater awareness among students about responsible technology use, and improved consistency in reporting of digital-device-related incidents. Eight next steps were recommended to strengthen the further implementation, consistency, and long-term impact of the guidelines.

Report Summary

The first 32 implementation days of Barrington 220’s Social Media Awareness & Digital Citizenship (SMADC) Guidelines demonstrate meaningful progress in cultivating responsible, focused, and engaged learners at all grade levels across the district. Through sustained collaboration among students, staff, and families, the district is incorporating digital citizenship into our mission to empower personal excellence in every learner. 

The SMADC Guidelines were developed during the 2024–25 school year through a collaborative, cross-functional advisory committee process involving administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members. Accepted by the Board of Education in May 2025 for implementation in the 2025–26 school year, these guidelines promote healthy digital habits and minimize non-academic device use, while fostering student engagement and well-being.

The implementation phase spanning August 19–October 3, 2025, included a focus to measure the effectiveness of these guidelines. A variety of data and information conveys the success of the guideline implementation so far:

• Student Survey Results
• Staff Survey Results
• Student Behavior Incident Reporting
• Parent & Student Interviews
• Upcoming Presentation Preparations
• Communications
• iPad Use during Middle School Lunch

A set of conclusions and next steps are also included.

Student Survey Results

Over 4,300 students (Grades 3–12) participated in the fall survey assessing engagement, technology behaviors, and perceptions of the new SMADC Guidelines.

Key student survey findings included:

• Engagement Gains: More than 75% of students reported equal or greater participation and collaboration compared to last school year. Off-task device use also decreased across all levels.
• Feedback on the B Here. B Now. B Engaged. initiative: Students in Grades 3–5 valued clear rules and engaging lessons and requested consistency across classrooms. Middle school students supported the program’s goals, but requested limited personal-device use and reduced blocking of educational websites. High school students emphasized trust and autonomy, while asking for expanded access to educational resources.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Students proposed integrating peer-led digital citizenship mentorship into existing clubs and creating new social-media-related clubs.
• YouTube & Web Filtering: Students expressed concerns about limited video access, noting that educational content is often blocked. Many students interpreted the extension of district filtering outside of school as new website restrictions.
• App Request Process: Roughly 90% of students had never used the app request process and asked for easier access to request new apps and services.

Staff Survey Results

Over 500 PK–12 staff members participated in the SMADC implementation survey.

Key staff survey findings included:

• Positive Classroom Impact: 95% of staff reported student participation, interaction, and collaboration were the same or better than last year. Off-task use of school and personal devices dropped as well.
• Reduced Classroom Disruption: Teachers reported fewer redirections and less time spent managing devices—especially smartphones and smartwatches.
• YouTube & Edpuzzle: 71% of staff agreed they can effectively use YouTube and Edpuzzle, though many cited barriers. Over half requested professional learning on video integration.
• Web Filtering: 87% of staff said students can complete assignments effectively. Some middle and high school teachers cited occasional blocking of instructional websites or videos.
• Mentorship: Staff recommended embedding digital citizenship mentorship in student leadership groups such as Student Council and media-oriented clubs to strengthen student voice.

Student Behavior Incident Reporting

Behavior data from Infinite Campus and Intellispark revealed that the number of incidents reported has increased over the past three school years. This increase is likely a result of the focus on our SMADC guidelines and not an actual increase in student behaviors related to inappropriate technology use.

Parent & Student Interviews

Comments from video interviews with parents and students reinforced survey findings. Parents expressed appreciation for the district’s leadership in addressing social media challenges and the consistent messaging around healthy device use. Students highlighted feeling less distracted in class and more aware of digital expectations, though many requested more access. Both groups supported continued communication, flexibility, and education around responsible technology use.

Upcoming Presentation Preparations

The SMADC Leadership Team is preparing to share a variety of topics through student assemblies and family engagement nights during the school year. Upcoming events will include community discussions on digital citizenship, well-being in a connected world, and responsible online behavior, featuring experts and local law-enforcement partners.

Communications

District communications since August 2025 have emphasized clarity and transparency in implementing the SMADC Guidelines, including the B here. B now. B engaged. initiative. Updated handbook language, district newsletters, and a new webpage now outline the new expectations for student device use, filtering practices, and strategies to help families manage digital devices at home.

iPad Use During Middle School Lunch

Middle school lunch period observations confirmed that a relatively small percentage of students (20%) are using iPads during lunch and that the vast majority of lunchtime iPad users (97%) are socializing while using the iPad. Middle School principals will continue to monitor iPad use during lunch periods and will implement supports for families or individual students if necessary.

Overall Guidelines Implementation Conclusions

Initial implementation of the Social Media Awareness and 
Digital Citizenship Guidelines has resulted in measurable improvements in student focus, engagement, and responsible technology behaviors across grade levels. Staff members also report smoother classroom management as a result of the guidelines. Both students and parents show growing awareness of digital citizenship concepts and increased engagement in classroom activities.

Areas for continued improvement include:

• Clearer and more consistent enforcement of expectations across classrooms and schools.
• Expanded access to educational video platforms under managed filtering conditions.
• Enhanced training for staff on classroom device-management tools and instructional video integration.
• Continued communication with families to ensure understanding and support of device guidelines at home.

Next Steps

Our recommended next steps for the Social Media Awareness and 
Digital Citizenship Guidelines include: 

• Strengthen Consistency
• Balance Access & Student Engagement
• Expand Student Leadership & Mentorship
• Enhance Staff Professional Development & Resources
• Continue to Strengthen Home/School Partnerships
• Improve the App Request Process
• Continue Data Monitoring & Reporting
• Cultivate Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness

These early results indicate that Barrington 220’s Social Media Awareness and 
Digital Citizenship Guidelines are achieving the intended impact and provide important context for improving the initiative moving forward. The recommended next steps emphasize consistency, balance, leadership, and communication to ensure that every school models responsible technology use, supports student well-being, and builds upon our district’s shared culture of digital citizenship. 

More Information

Further information is available about the implementation of Barrington 220's Social Media Awareness & 
Digital Citizenship Guidelines:

• Download and view the full report (PDF)
• Download and view the full presentation (PDF)

November Tech Tools Update

We have a number of updates to share about technology tools here in Barrington 220. 

Personal Privacy Reminder

First, we wanted to share a reminder that even if an app is approved AND we have a SOPPA agreement, staff and students should NOT be sharing any personal information. For example, students should NOT put their personal information like their address with their first and last name into a book about them on Canva. Similarly, staff should not copy and paste text with student first and last names and home addresses into Google Gemini.

Recently Approved Apps

• McEduHub from Marshall Cavendish, an app for MCE for K–5 students and all staff on iPadOS.
• 3D Brain from Coldspring Harbor, an app with in-depth, interactive visuals of the human brain for 9–12 students and all staff on iPadOS.
• Google Drive from Google, an app for easy organization and file transfer for all staff for macOS.
• Notability from Ginger Labs, Inc, an app for note-taking for all staff for macOS.

We have also approved a number of apps for specific users who need special software to run soundboards, access photos from a yearbook photo company, update STEM robots, and more. 

If you're looking to request an app, Google API, or service, you can complete this form: Barrington Request for Apps, Google APIs, and Services.

Other Updates

• Apple Clips is no longer being supported by Apple. That app may stop operating in the near future.
• Everyone Can Create is still a thing! There are many great ideas and resources you can find in the Apple Learning Center.

Secure Your Logitech Crayon in the iPad Case

Now that we are at the very end of our iPad swaps at all our buildings, a few users have asked how to store the Logitech Crayon as securely as possible.

Use these easy steps to secure your Logitech Crayon:

• Place the Logitech Crayon button-side down.
• Point the tip of the Logitech Crayon toward the volume buttons.
• Slide the Logitech Crayon so the tip is as close to the volume buttons as possible.

In case your students have not yet discovered this "secret," please download and post this PDF and hang it in a location it will be seen by all users.

Brisk Next - BIG Updates!

Recently, Brisk added a few new features. You can follow all of the newly released updates on the What's New page. This article discusses some updates to the Brisk Button and to Brisk Next.

Brisk Button—Now with Next Level and Bundles

Looking for next-level teaching ideas? The Brisk extension just got a refresh! Now you can chat with Brisk to brainstorm and refine ideas from the content on any web page with Next Level. In this example, I clicked the Brisk Button and selected Next Level from a student essay in Google Docs.

Brisk Next Level analyzed the document and created options for what I might do next including create a slideshow, a 5-minute podcast, or engage in a brainstorming Student Boost.

You can learn more about Next Level in this video.

Bundles are a way to turn one resources into a full set of learning materials from the Brisk Button. Choose up to three materials to create such as guided notes, a slideshow, or a podcast, and Brisk creates all three at once. Using the same essay as above, I selected three materials to be created in the Brisk Button.

For each, I shared a prompt, grade level, standards, and more details.

Brisk created all of the materials at once in short order.

You can learn more about Bundles in this video.

Brisk Next—Next Ideas, Library, and Batch Feedback

You can now create Brisk materials directly from the Brisk Teaching website with Brisk Next Ideas. All of the same functions as the Brisk Button, but now without needed to start with a document or website.

In My Library, you can quickly access all of your Brisk-created materials. Pro tip: check out the search bar for an even easier way to find what you're looking for.

And, a feature that will save you time, the all-new Batch Feedback, where you are mass upload documents for the same feedback. You still have the option of giving the OK for each piece of feedback, but now without the need to repeatedly select the Brisk Button on every student document.

Those are some really exciting updates from Brisk. We hope you're making learning and teaching better for students and staff.