The start of the year is the time for new beginnings and new devices. Just like last year, all Westlawn students will receive a device to use to assist in their learning this year. Kindergarten students will receive an iPad, and students in grades 1-6 will receive a laptop. What is new this year is that all students will receive lessons in technology delivered by school-based technology specialist Ms. Dushok. These lessons will take place in the library during students’ specials time.

During the first portion of the school year, students will be invited to explore topics in digital citizenship, including media balance, online privacy, digital footprints, communication, cyberbullying, and news and media literacy. The goal of these lessons is to help students develop their understanding of the role that devices and the internet play in their lives currently and in the future.

While all FCPS-issued devices have a certain set of controls programmed by FCPS, the ultimate goal of technology education is to help students become independent learners who can make safe and healthy choices when offered open access to a device and the internet in general. For that reason, we encourage families to take an early and active approach to partnering with us to guide children in the use of technology. At Westlawn, we will be using Common Sense to guide many of our digital citizenship lessons. Families are encouraged to explore the Common Sense website for information about movies, video games, podcasts, and other technology marketed toward children.

Families with questions about digital citizenship and technology use are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Dushok for more information and support.