Important Summer 2026 Assignment RE: AI
The following email was sent to all students in grades 9-11 regarding an important brief summer assignment about AI.
As you head into final exams, I want to let you know about a new, brief required assignment due in August before the start of the school year. It’s designed to take about an hour to complete.
The topic is AI, specifically what it is, how it works, what it gets wrong, and how to use it in ways that actually serve your education. You will also reflect on Mercy's Academic Integrity Policy and describe in writing how you intend to approach using AI responsibly as a learner.
Our goal is that you understand AI well enough to use it in ways that actually strengthen your learning, not replace it. There is a real difference between using AI as a tool that sharpens your thinking, rather than using it as a substitute for your thinking. This assignment will help you reflect and describe how you will approach using AI responsibly as part of your own academic growth.
Look for a follow-up email in late July with assignment details and submission instructions. Good luck on Finals and enjoy your summer break!