I.T.S. News and Events

Cybersecurity is a team effort, and we’re grateful for your help keeping our school district safe! Phishing emails and other cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, but by staying alert and reporting suspicious activity, you help protect our students, staff, and systems.

Reporting phishing emails is crucial for protecting students, staff, and sensitive data. These emails often attempt to steal login credentials, access financial information, or install malicious software. If left unreported, phishing attacks can spread quickly, compromise entire networks, and disrupt learning. By reporting suspicious emails, I.T.S. can take swift action to block threats, educate, and strengthen the district’s cybersecurity.

How to Spot a Phishing Email:

• Unexpected Emails – Be wary of messages from unknown senders or those claiming to be from IT, HR, or a colleague but seem out of character.
• Urgent or Threatening Language—Scammers try to create panic by saying your account will be locked or that you must act immediately.
• Suspicious Links and Attachments—Hover over links (without clicking!) to check where they really lead. If they look odd, don’t click!
• Requests for Personal Information – Legitimate organizations won’t ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive details via email.
• Spelling and Grammar Errors – Many phishing emails have noticeable typos or awkward wording.

If you receive a suspicious email or notice anything unusual, report it to I.T.S. immediately! In Gmail, you can mark the email as phishing or spam. Your quick action helps us block threats before they can cause harm.

CyberSmart Thank Yous

To show our appreciation, we’re giving out CyberSmart Thank Yous—and yes, they come with a sweet treat like Swedish Fish or Smarties! Check out our data from just the last six months. Thank you to these TSD employees for helping us find, delete, and protect from phishing and scam emails.

To get a CyberSmart Thank You, report spam or other cybersecurity issues to helpdesk@tsd.org. If you see something suspicious, please report it!

AI is no longer a distant concept — it is here, shaping how we work, learn, and engage with information. As an educator turned Chief Technology Officer, I have seen firsthand how technology can transform learning, but I also know that thoughtful implementation is key.

At Thompson School District, we are committed to ensuring that AI enhances teaching and learning while maintaining ethical, human-centered practices.

Our AI Task Force: A Mission-Driven Approach

To guide our efforts, we formed an AI Task Force, a team of educators, administrators, learning service members and IT professionals dedicated to shaping AI’s role in our district. Our mission:

We aim to foster an inclusive environment where AI tools empower students and educators, equipping them with the necessary skills to think critically and thrive in an ever-changing, complex world. Through iterative innovation and ethical and equitable technology access, we prepare learners for a future where human-centered AI drives growth and opportunity.

To fulfill this mission, we have established four guiding principles:

• Human-Centered Approach – AI should support, not replace, educators and students.
• Student and Staff Agency – Everyone should have the knowledge to use AI effectively and responsibly.
• Ethical and Responsible Use – AI integration must align with educational values and ethics.
• Safety and Security – Data privacy and security are non-negotiable.

AI and the Portrait of a Graduate

AI skills align directly with our Portrait of a Graduate competencies, helping students become:

Skilled communicators using modern digital tools
Critical thinkers who can leverage AI for problem-solving
Self-advocates prepared for emerging career opportunities
Collaborative team members who respect diverse perspectives

What can you do now?

AI is already part of education, and we encourage all educators and staff to explore its possibilities. Here are some steps you can take today: 

Explore AI tools

• Try platforms like ChatGPT, MagicSchool AI, Claude, or Gemini. Ask AI to be your thought partner, brainstorm ideas, or help you refine a lesson.
• Participate in our AI Blackout Bingo. Once you finish, submit your completed Bingo card.

Invite the Ed Tech and Digital Media team to work with you!  

• Bring AI discussions to your department or staff meetings 
• Sign up for Technanigans on June 3rd

Join a structured AI conversation

• Work with the AI Task Force to explore how AI can support your teaching.
• Read Dr. Schaffer’s Shaping the Future AI in Education and the Human Touch Blog

Attend Technanigans on June 3rd

• This summer event will feature TSD educators sharing practical AI integration strategies, alongside expert Matt Miller.

Moving Forward Together by Joining Us at Technanigans 2025!

To further support our educators, students, and staff, TSD will host Technanigans on June 3, 2025—a professional development opportunity focused on AI and educational technology. We invite you to learn from TSD teachers actively integrating AI into their classrooms and hear from guest speaker Matt Miller, an expert in AI and education.

By exploring AI together—thoughtfully and responsibly—we can prepare our students for the future while preserving what makes education truly powerful: human connection, creativity, and innovation.

Looking forward to learning together this summer at Technanigans!

AI Literacy Day, observed on March 28, is a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting understanding and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) among students, educators, and communities. This year’s theme, “What is AI?” invites individuals to explore the fundamentals of this rapidly evolving technology.

Through the work on the AI Task Force, representatives from across TSD have been actively engaged in answering questions about how our district can support all learners with the responsible use of AI.

Understand the Basics of AI

Begin by familiarizing yourself with what AI is and how it influences everyday life. Start engaging in conversations with colleagues, students, and community members about how AI can be utilized effectively.

• Explore AI as a user to get a feel for its capabilities and the user experience.
• Watch this video about the importance of learning about AI.
• Complete the staff Bingo challenge.
• Explore teacher tools for AI, such as MagicSchool, SchoolAI, Khanmigo, and more.
• Learn about the Importance of AI Literacy.
• Engage with students to discuss their perceptions and concerns about AI. Highlight the significance of AI literacy for both personal and professional growth.

Colorado Events for AI Literacy Day

• Rooted in Change
• Colorado Department of Education AI Literacy Event

Learn more about AI in Colorado

• AI in Colorado Education
• CDE Artificial Intelligence Resources

Learn more about AI in TSD

• AI Task Force - Thompson School District
• Read Kelly Sain’s blog: Navigating the Future: AI in TSD: Tools, Learning, and Opportunities to Engage

Sign up for professional learning opportunities, including Technanigans, a free ed tech conference right here in TSD this summer!

Recent breaches at neighboring school districts have underscored critical risks when it comes to securing sensitive data. One significant vulnerability involves documents that contain usernames, passwords and other sensitive data. These risks increase dramatically when documents are shared more broadly than they need to be.

Why Districts are High-Value Targets

School districts hold valuable data and the frequency with which it is overshared, make districts attractive to attackers. The consequences of breaches can extend far into the future, even by exploiting stolen data when students reach adulthood.

Think Before You Share: Operating from the Principle of Least Privilege

• Limit documents sharing with “all of TSD.” Making documents accessible to students and staff without restrictions should be very limited. Only share with the required individuals.

• Limit documents sharing via unrestricted links, which can be accessed by anyone who obtains or guesses the link.

Substitute Plans: A Common Target

Attackers have increasingly exploited substitute plans, which may contain sensitive data like a teacher’s username, password or a teacher’s personal contact details, such as cell phone number. When the documents are shared with a compromised TSD account, attackers can use them to execute phishing and other types of scams or malicious activities. By leveraging compromised district accounts, attackers gain access or can increase the success of their campaigns.

Best Practices for Sharing Documents and Sub Plans

To minimize risks and protect sensitive information, follow these cybersecurity guidelines:

• Avoid Including Sensitive Data (usernames, passwords, or personally identifiable information) in documents that could compromise account security. 
• Limit Sharing to only those who need access and periodically review and update to correct sharing permissions. Principle of least privilege. 
• Be Mindful with Credentials: Avoid using or providing your login information after clicking on links in email, advertisements or chats

By being proactive and using accounts and information responsibly we can:

• Protect students and staff from becoming victims in attacks
• Reduce recovery time and costs
• Model responsible digital behavior for students to carry into their future

Technology

To help your substitute teacher have a successful day, see some suggestions below that will assist them with technology use.

TSD subs have district accounts providing them access to Google and Vivi. Please do not provide your login information or leave them devices, as the office provides a Chromebook and they have their own Google account. If you use Google Classroom, you can ask the Help Desk to add the sub as a co-teacher to your Google Classroom. This grants them full but temporary access to the assignments and resources.

Add in your sub plans technology support such as: 

• Interns: [Name and Contact Info]
• Media Specialist: [Name and Contact Info]
• Grade-Level Teacher Partner(s): [Name and Contact Info]
• TSD Help Desk 970-613-7777

Having this information will ensure a smooth experience while you’re away.

Additional Ideas:

• Vivi for tips on how to use Vivi in the classroom.
• Assign work to students using Google Classroom.  Instructions for students so they can be more self-sufficient in your absence. Additionally, make this a part of your regular classroom routine so students feel more comfortable in the platform during your absence.
• Google Classroom pro tip: Set up an emergency sub plan in your classes that you keep unpublished. Then if you need to be gone from class suddenly, you can publish the content quickly.
• Empower a student in your class who can be the “expert” that can help a substitute connect to Vivi, understand the flow of the class, etc.

Please see:

• ITS Blog for tips and information on issues that ITS identifies
• ITS Drive Sharing Blog for information on keeping sharing scoped correctly
• ITS Password Security Blog for information on password guidelines
• ITS Spearphishing and ITS Incidents for information on how attackers are gaining access to these accounts