In a rapidly advancing digital age, the importance of understanding and practicing good digital citizenship cannot be overstated. It is a concept that we at Cunningham Park Elementary, take seriously, and the entire school recently celebrated Digital Citizenship Week with great enthusiasm.

Digital Citizenship Week is an opportunity for students and staff to come together to learn about online safety, responsible internet use, and the importance of respecting each other in the digital realm. At Cunningham Park Elementary, this special week was more than just a reminder—it was a celebration of our school's commitment to fostering responsible digital citizens.

Throughout the week, students from kindergarten to sixth grade participated in dress up days to celebrate the different aspect of digital citizenship.  On Monday, we respresented our favorite sports to celebrate getting outside and moving.  We then celebrated "Thoughtful Tuesday" by wearing a positive message to remind others that their words and actions online effect safety.  Wednesday was Unity Day.  We all wore orange which represented standing up against cyberbullying.  We even had our special Kindness Dinosaur greet us at our morning arrival!  Next, was Wacky Sock Day.  We wore wacky socks on Thursday to think about our digital footprint.  And then we concluded the week on Friday with pajama day.  We wore these to remind us to NOT be lazy and approach all online sources with caution.   

In class, students actively engaged in discussions, activities, and lessons that made these critical skills not just informative but also fun. By integrating these lessons into the curriculum, CPES aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and ethically.

Principal Hoak expressed her delight in the school's commitment to teaching digital citizenship. "We believe that teaching digital citizenship is an essential part of our students' education," she said. "Our goal is to prepare them not only for academic success but also for life in an increasingly digital world. By fostering a culture of responsibility, kindness, and respect online, we are helping our students become well-rounded individuals."

The celebration extended beyond the classroom as well. Cunningham Park Elementary encouraged parents and caregivers to join in the dialogue about digital citizenship. Resources were shared to help families reinforce the same principles at home, ensuring a consistent message and approach.

Digital Citizenship Week was not just a one-time event at Cunningham Park Elementary but rather a part of an ongoing effort to instill these vital principles in the hearts and minds of their students. By celebrating this special week, CPES has taken a significant step towards creating a safer and more responsible digital future for its students.

Did you know... Cunningham Park is a Common Sense School?  This shows our commitment to upholding our students to the best digital behavior and continuously learning about the benefits and risks of technology. As technology continues to shape the way we live, learn, and interact, it is schools like US that set the stage for a generation of digital citizens who will navigate the digital landscape with care, empathy, and responsibility.