During the week of Sept. 22, students in third through fifth grade at Elwood’s James H. Boyd Intermediate School were educated on Internet safety. The lessons were taught through workshops thatfocused on personal safety and social responsibility required when using technology.

In accordance with the age-appropriate curriculum “Common Sense Media,” students will participate in a total of five workshops throughout the school year, led by district technology instructor Krista Albrecht. Elwood introduced this program, as part of a new digital media safety initiative for the 2014-15 school year, in an effort to instruct young students on proper digital media conduct. Aligned with New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act and bullying prevention curricula, the program will equip students with the knowledge to protect themselves and respect others in the digital world.

As strong advocates of the new program, Superintendent of Schools Peter Scordo and Boyd Principal Denise Toscano attended a third-grade Internet safety workshop, where they interacted with students and shared an important message about being a “digital citizen.”

“Safety is so important, particularly when it comes to using digital media,” Scordo said. “Starting at a young age, we want to teach students how to use technology appropriately and safely.”