TECHNOLOGY AT MOUNT VERNON
EMPOWERING LEARNERS
TO DESIGN A BETTER WORLD
TECHNOLOGY
by Division
LOWER SCHOOL (KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 5)
In the Lower School, our approach to technology focuses on teacher-guided exploration and building foundational digital literacy skills. We teach students to begin thinking critically about how technology works. Through this guided exposure, our learners begin building the digital literacy and curiosity they need to navigate an AI-powered world responsibly. All while, we maintain intentional design for learning with a focus on inquiry, play and no-screens.
Learning Management System — Toddle
In the Lower School, Toddle serves as the central platform for managing classroom learning and family communication. Teachers use it to capture and share student learning through photos, videos, reflections, and assessments. Toddle supports documentation of growth over time and enables teachers to keep families connected to what’s happening in the classroom in real time.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)
Tech Devices in Lower School
• Access to iPads
• Access to 3D Printers & Laser Cutters/Engravers
• Access to Microcontrollers
CHAT AWAY WITH YOUR FRIENDLY GRADE 5 GUIDE CREATED BY FINN B., G5 Chatbot Designer
• Access to Robots & Coding Technologies
• Access to Graphic Design Software
• Access to Programming/Coding (Scratch)
• Access to Minecraft for Education
In Middle School, students leverage technology to enhance learning, collaborate, and solve real-world problems. They build digital fluency and take greater ownership of their tech use, developing the skills to navigate a connected world responsibly and creatively.
Learning Management System — Toddle
In Middle School, Toddle supports academic organization, communication, and student accountability. It provides a streamlined system for accessing assignments, submitting work, receiving feedback, and tracking progress. Teachers and students rely on Toddle to manage daily workflows, while parents stay informed through regular updates.
Tech Devices & Software in Middle School*
• Assigned 13” MacBook Airbooks
• Access to VR Headsets
• Access to iPads
• Access to 3D Printers and Laser Cutters/Engravers
• Access to Microcontrollers
• Access to Graphic Design Software
• Access to Programming/ Coding (Python)
• Access to Minecraft for Education
Lower School
Toddle Student View
Middle School
Toddle Parent App
As a School of Inquiry, Innovation, and Impact, Mount Vernon leverages technology to deepen learning, spark creativity, and strengthen connections. Anchored in Google Workspace for Education (formerly Google Suite), our digital tools empower students to collaborate and create with purpose. With a focus on responsible use and thoughtful integration, technology supports each learner’s Journey of Purpose and real-world readiness.
THE ESSENTIALS, SIMPLIFIED
This streamlined technology map distills Mount Vernon’s full digital ecosystem into its core components making it easier to understand how our primary platforms connect to support every learner, educator, and family:
Student Information System (SIS)
VERACROSS Parent Portal, Forms, Billing, Schedule, etc.
Learning Management System (LMS)
TODDLE & CANVAS: Classroom Updates Feedback, Progress Tracking, Curriculum, Assignments, etc. GOOGLE WORKSPACE Email, Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.
HOW & WHEN AI IS USED
To prepare students for an AI-powered future, Mount Vernon believes in teaching kids when it is appropriate to use AI with clear expectations and helpful guardrails.
THE SCHOOL VALUES BEING research-informed IN SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE AND EMERGING INNOVATIVE PRACTICES.
— The Impact Ready Project
DATA SECURITY & DIGITAL SAFETY
Mount Vernon prioritizes student safety and data privacy through a proactive, evolving approach to technology.
• Firewall Protection: Adaptive firewalls block threats as they emerge
• Bark Monitoring: Flags potential concerns in student communication and internet use
• Securly Controls: Allows parents to manage school-issued devices at home
• Gradual Release Model: Digital access grows with student maturity and responsibility
SOCIAL MEDIA, CELL PHONES & SMART WATCHES
At Mount Vernon, we prepare students to thrive in a connected world—equipping them with the tools, ethics, and critical thinking to navigate emerging technologies with confidence. At the same time, we are mindful of research, including findings from the U.S. Surgeon General and Pew Research Center, which highlight links between social media overuse and rising youth anxiety and depression.
To support digital wellness, we take a phased approach to personal devices:
• Lower School: Cell phones and smartwatches are not permitted.
• Middle School: Devices may come to school but must remain off and stored during school hours.
• Upper School: Responsible use is allowed throughout the day, with discretion granted by each teacher.
UPPER SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)
Upper School students use technology to innovate, research, and solve real-world problems. With greater independence, they develop responsible digital skills and integrate technology deeply into their personalized learning to prepare for college and beyond.
Learning Management System — Canvas
In the Upper School, Canvas serves as the central platform for course management, communication, and academic reporting. Students have 24/7 access to syllabi, digital textbooks, resources, assignments, and teacher feedback, encouraging self-direction and time management. Canvas also allows families to stay informed through powerful feedback and progress tracking, while giving teachers the flexibility to design and deliver personalized, rigorous learning experiences. Widely used in higher education, Canvas provides students with early exposure to the digital learning systems commonly used in college, further supporting college readiness.
Tech Devices & Software in Upper School*
• Laptops (BYOD)
• Access to VR Lab
• Access to iPads
• Access to 3D Printers and Laser Cutters/Engravers
• Access to Microcontrollers
• Access to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software
• Access to Graphic Design Software
• Access to Programming/Coding (Python)
PARENT/GUARDIAN PARTNERSHIP
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in supporting their child's responsible use of technology. We encourage you to:
• Monitor your child's technology use at home.
• Review the MVPN TechWise Guidelines.
• Reinforce the importance of taking care of school-issued devices.
• Support the school's technology guidelines.
Mount Vernon Students PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL VIRTUAL MEDICINE (VMED) CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES
Related Courses in Upper School
• Computers, Society, and Programming
• Computer Science II: Game Design
• Computer Science III: Machine Learning and AI
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Computer Science A
• User Experience Design
*These lists are not exhaustive but aim to provide an understanding of the quality and level of hardware and software available at each age level.
• Utilize resources like Securly and Bark (to be shared by the school) to set boundaries and guidelines for device use at home.