By Renee Larr
Cherry Tree Elementary has been recognized for its efforts to teach students, faculty and the community how to harness the power of digital media for learning while helping them understand the hidden dangers of it as well.
Common Sense, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, recently named Cherry Tree as a Digital Citizenship Certified School.
“We believe that digital citizenship skills have become essential for students in the 21st century, especially in schools like ours that are using technology to transform learning. That’s why we are committed to teaching our students how to think critically, behave safely and participate responsibly,” Principal Chris Atkinson stated in an email to Current in Carmel. “We are thankful for the great resources Common Sense Media provides our staff and families to use in instructing our students on Digital Citizenship.”
To be recognized, schools must create an implementation plan that includes a digital citizenship vision, a professional development plan for staff, a plan to engage students in digital citizenship lessons and a communication outreach strategy that provides resources on digital citizenship for students and families.
“Our media specialist and computer lab instructor have been implementing parts of the Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Curriculum for the last couple of years. When we looked at the application, we actually had covered the majority of the requirements. It took us around a month to cover the remaining requirements listed in the application,” Atkinson stated. “We are committed to the longevity of sustaining this certification as we believe in the importance of fostering students who are responsible digital citizens and lifelong learners.”
Students and staff also participated in a Digital Citizenship Week Sept. 12-16. Each day they recited a Digital Citizenship Pledge.
