Smoky Row Elementary a Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Certified School

In a press release from Carmel Clay Schools, it has been announced that Smoky Row Elementary has become an official Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Certified School. They now join Prairie Trace Elementary and Cherry Tree Elementary in receiving this distinguished recognition.

Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, recognized Smoky Row’s commitment to taking a whole-community approach in preparing its students to use the power of digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn, while helping them understand the potential perils, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy and cyberbullying.

“Smoky Row staff and families have embraced the importance of helping students understand how to be responsible, safe digital citizens in our world of increasing technology usage,” said Smoky Row Assistant Principal Amy Satkoski. “Teachers and families are partnering together and having honest, meaningful conversations about best practices with technology both in and out of the school setting. The Smoky Row community is excited and proud of our achievement in becoming a Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Certified School and how it represents our commitment to growing our students as digital citizens.”

To be recognized as a Common Sense Certified School in Digital Citizenship, 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. During the 2015-16 school year, only 25 schools in Indiana received the Digital Citizenship Certification.

“Creating a community of responsible digital citizens is a team effort and we applaud the staff, students and families who have contributed in Smoky Row Elementary being named a Digital Citizenship Certified School,” said Dr. Nicholas D. Wahl, Superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools. “Our goal at Carmel Clay Schools is to create an environment in which students can think critically, behave safely and participate responsibly while learning in the digital sphere. We are thankful for the great resources Common Sense Media provides for our staff and families to utilize on the topic of Digital Citizenship.”

Smoky Row Elementary Digital Citizenship Vision:

Smoky Row Elementary seeks to ensure our students are safe, responsible digital citizens. Technology will continue to be integrated into our classrooms throughout our curriculum for the highest purpose, to encourage forward thinking, and to expand learning opportunities that may not otherwise be available to students. In order for learning to be the focus, staff and students must consider the impact of their digital footprint, as well as their words and actions in the online community.