It’s Digital Citizenship Spirit Week at all South Huntington schools this week from October 21st through the 25th.   The week will focus on encouraging essential digital literacy habits and promoting online safety practices because young people are using media and devices more than ever.  South Huntington’s Supervisor of Educational Technology, Dr. Marlee Rice, and the ’ technology coaches in our schools created fun activities for different grade levels to help our students develop a healthy, balanced, and positive approach to using media and technology at all ages. Many districts celebrate Digital Citizenship Week in October with special lessons and events to help students and their families learn to make smart choices online and in life.  Dr. Rice and the tech coaches decided to add a Spirit Week component to it to help bring focus and excitement to each day, and continue the enthusiasm that revved up in all of our school’s last week as we held special theme days to get ready for Homecoming Weekend.  “I think it certainly brings awareness to the issues and draws the kids in, excites them for the connection between the Spirit Week event and the lesson we’re focusing on each day,” said Dr. Rice.

Monday is Sports Day!  Represent your favorite sport to celebrate putting down your device and getting outside and moving.

Tuesday is Hat Day!  Wear a “thinking hat” to remember to ask questions about what we see online.

Wednesday is Unity Day!  Wear orange - which represents standing up against cyberbullying.

Thursday is Wacky Socks Day!  Wear wacky socks to think about your digital footprint.

Friday is Wildcat Pride Day!  Wear school swag or colors to celebrate the value of community.

“Safe and proper online practices are also embedded into our computer science digital fluency curriculum for students in all grade levels.  I don't think they can hear this message about being safe online enough. Students need to experience different activities and hear it in multiple ways in order for it to really sink in and become part of their practice,” said Dr. Rice.