The Pingry School

🔔 Ring the Bell 2026: Pingry's Annual Celebration of Giving is here, and you can feel the excitement this morning!

Over the next 48 hours, the Pingry community will make their best gift to the Pingry School in support of Pingry arts, technology & innovation, tuition assistance, athletics, and so much more.

Join in on the celebration by visiting the link in our bio or down below!💙

pingry.org/ringthebell

Last week, Pingry’s annual Explorer-in-Residence, renowned explorer Denis Belliveau, transformed our World History 9 students into global citizens. Diving into the Silk Road, the Mongols, and Eurasian trade networks, students engaged in a unique experiential learning adventure. The week culminated in an immersive Silk Road Trade Simulation, bringing history to life!

What does it mean to be human in an AI world?

It's a question that goes beyond technology to the heart of how we teach, learn, and prepare students for a changing world.

Today, Pingry faculty and staff gathered for Professional Growth Day, beginning with a thought-provoking presentation from educator and AI thought leader Eric Hudson, Being Human in an AI World.

Eric challenged us to consider a fundamental question: What is the role of schools in a world where AI is already part of students' lives?

His message focused on three essential skills: critical AI literacy, learning, and ethical decision-making. Students must understand not only how to use AI, but when to use it, what thinking must remain their own, and how to make decisions grounded in their values.

A powerful takeaway was the importance of human agency. Doing hard things matters. The struggle of learning, the pride of independent discovery, and the confidence gained through challenges are worth protecting.

One framework stood out: Human first. Human last. Students begin with their own thinking, use AI to explore and refine ideas, and ultimately retain ownership of their work. The goal isn't just a better final product, but a stronger learner.

At Pingry, this work is already underway. From developing AI literacy and assessment guidance to engaging faculty, staff, and trustees in collaborative discussions, our community is taking an intentional approach to AI in education, with opportunities for student voices to contribute.

Throughout Professional Growth Day, colleagues carried these conversations into workshops and department discussions focused on technology integration, instructional practices, and student growth.

Investing in our educators means creating space to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and learn together. Preparing students for the future isn't simply about keeping pace with change. It's about being intentional in what we preserve, strengthen, and cultivate.

Thank you to Eric Hudson for reminding us that education isn't just about navigating the future of AI. It's about shaping the humans who will navigate it.