Gmail in your classroom.

In the environments I'm in students are not allowed gmail through school accounts or server.  This is a precaution that is a topic of discussion, however instructors can use gmail accounts with permissions already in place.  
I'd use gmail if edu link or other softwares are unavailable for posting make up assignments, worksheets, and learning resources if it were not such a difficult topic at workplace.  Some abuses have occurred , however if my accounts were buttoned down tightly enough I wouldn't be responsible for spam or unwanted chatter directed toward my gmail account ...  
Suggestions from anyone on successful resolution to these concerns are welcome.    

Gmail could be a powerful tool for my quarterly Goal Setting lessons, as that is a significant function in my high school guidance curriculum. I hope to move away from paper-type assignments during these lessons, and more fully utilizing Google applications.