Making Waves

Dexter students in grades 5–12 can use our in-house artificial intelligence chatbot, DeeDee, and families can choose to opt out under COPPA. Anyone with an @dexterschools.org email, whether student or staff, can access both student and teacher models.

As DeeDee improves, the AI Group uses open-source, local tools to test it. Promptfoo checks new models for safety before they are released. Arize Phoenix tracks anonymous usage to help improve performance. No DeeDee data is shared outside these systems. 

Earlier this year, DCS introduced DeeDee, a one-of-a-kind artificial intelligence (AI) tool built by our staff specifically for Dexter students. Unlike public AI platforms, DeeDee runs entirely on the district’s secure servers and is not connected to the internet, ensuring strict privacy protections. This approach keeps student information safe while allowing teachers and students to explore AI in a controlled, educational environment. Dexter Community Schools sees artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to strengthen—not replace—human intelligence. The goal is to use AI to simplify routine tasks, support creativity, and give teachers more time for meaningful connections with students. 

The Career & Technology enrichment class is required for all seventh grade students at Mill Creek Middle School. In this course taught by Beth Smith, students begin to explore various career options based on their learning style, personality type, skills, and interests. They begin developing their Educational Development Plan (EDP), which they will continue to build through graduation from high school. This includes their educational and career goals and a pathway to achieve these goals.

In addition to exploring their learning styles and career interests, students practice filling out a Michigan work permit and two real-world job applications: one for Dairy Queen and one for Taco Bell. The unit culminates in mock interviews with Mrs. Smith.

Firefighters from the Dexter Fire Department visited preschool students at Jenkins and Bates last week to talk about fire safety and the important work they do to keep our community safe. Students enjoyed a special reading of The Story of Sparky the Fire Dog, and each classroom received their very own copy to keep. The firefighters also talked about calling 911 in an emergency and shared tips to stay safe.The big highlight of the visit was when students climbed inside a real fire truck and saw the equipment up close! It was an exciting, hands-on learning experience that helped our young learners understand safety in a fun and memorable way.