Public School Proud, in partnership with Hershey Public Schools, has released a new video spotlighting Hershey Public Schools’ Digital Citizenship Initiative. The video highlights the district's initiative which focuses on educating students and families to make safe, kind, and thoughtful choices online—and reminds viewers that posts, comments, screenshots, and tags can last longer than we expect. The video features voices from across the Hershey school community, including Jane Davis, Superintendent; Sarah Ostmeyer, Director of Teaching and Learning; students Demi DaMoude (Junior), Cole Murdock (Junior), and Kyler Klein (6th Grade); Mandy Abbott (parent); and Steve Koch, Board President.
The Digital Citizenship Initiative is grounded in six core rules that help students make smart choices online and protect their digital footprint: finding balance in their digital lives; caring about everyone’s privacy; understanding the power of words and actions; defining who they are; we are kind and courageous; and being critical thinkers and creators.
Hershey Public Schools launched this initiative through a Board of Education goal-setting process that addressed growing concerns about student cell phone use, social media behavior, and online safety. Anna Weber, owner of A.Plum Creative, creates the weekly student-focused content and graphics shared throughout the year on school digital signage and the district’s social media accounts. “This video is about helping students pause and think,” said Jane Davis, Superintendent of Hershey Public Schools. “We want students to understand that what they do online impacts real people, and we want them to make choices that show respect, protect privacy, and build a positive digital footprint.” Steve Koch, Board President, added, “This initiative brings our school and families together around a shared message. When we support students in learning responsible online habits, we strengthen our school culture and our community.”
Hershey Public Schools’ Digital Citizenship Initiative is designed to reach all stakeholders—students, families, staff, and our community. Each week, the district shares reminders and a weekly focus that are also discussed across the school community. The district also shares parent resources and conversation starters to help families talk at home about digital citizenship and the importance of protecting a student’s digital footprint.
The Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), in partnership with A.Plum Creative, has shared information about Hershey’s initiative with its member districts to help other schools learn from Hershey’s approach and explore similar support for students and families. The video can be viewed from the Public School Proud website at this link - WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!