Technology

We believe technology is an essential tool students will use as they learn, practice, and apply the skills necessary to be engaged and enlightened global citizens. Using technology, our students analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information; connect with experts; advance their curiosity; and ignite their creativity as they collaborate to solve real-world problems and create and publish for authentic audiences.

Potsdam Central School incorporates the use of computer and computer-related technology so that it becomes a natural part of teaching and learning. The District is committed to graduating students who possess skills that demonstrate and utilize digital literacy and understanding.

The NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards and PCS technology instruction focuses on five key concepts:

1. Impacts of Computing
2. Computational Thinking
3. Networks & System Design
4. Cyber Security
5. Digital Literacy

View the 2022-2025 Instructional Technology Plan.

As a school community, PCS is committed to:

• Providing leadership, coordination, and access to appropriate technology, policies, staff development, and procedures that support technology goals. 
• Providing time for teacher teams (grade levels and/or departments) to meet annually to develop specific instructional goals as well as a timeline of the implementation of these goals.
• Integrating technology into the instructional program to enhance educational effectiveness Pre-K through 12.
• Increasing faculty and student use of instructional technology.
• Using websites and other forms of communication to ensure transparency.
• Implementing the Technology Standards embedded within the Common Core Learning Standards.
• Preparing students for the use of technology in higher education and the work force.
• Teaching students to be effective consumers of technology and information and to evaluate the quality of information and utilize ethical practices.
• Implementing and monitoring the district technology curriculum standards and accommodate additional specific needs for each building.

Data Privacy & Security – Education Law 2d

In early 2020, The New York State Department of Education adopted a new law focused on the privacy and security of student and staff personally identifiable information (PII).

The Educational Law Section 2d, known amongst NY schools as Education Law 2d, provides “guidance to educational agencies and their third-party contractors on ways to strengthen data privacy and security to protect student data and annual professional performance review data.”

Learn more about Data Privacy & Security – Education Law 2d.

Report Possible Breaches and/or Unauthorized Disclosures of Student Data (via Google Forms).

Federal Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.

Learn more about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Student Directory Information.

Smart Schools Investment Plan

The Potsdam Central School District’s Smart Schools Investment Plan was produced in accordance with the New York State Smart Schools Bond Act, approved in 2017.

View the Potsdam Central School District Smart Schools Investment Plan on the New York State Education Department website.

View the Final Smart Schools Bond Act Investment Plan – Supplemental 2025.