OCTOBER 20, 2023

Throughout the day on Tuesday, as part of the district’s Digital Citizenship Week, Katie L. Greer, a digital safety expert and speaker, addressed children from grades 3-12 about how they can safely use technology and personal devices in a productive way.

Greer conducted four sessions during the day that included steps students can take to better protect themselves, such as using privacy settings, content filters and blocking and reporting. For students grades 3-5, her biggest rule was to never communicate with people you don’t know, either via an app or when gaming online.

Students were extremely engaged, giving thumbs up, and asking many questions at the end of presentations.

While the guidelines Greer offered were often of a cautionary nature, she cited occasions when social media had a significant positive impact, such as heightening awareness of ALS and issues related to homelessness, among others. “Talk to each other kindly,” she said. “Be respectful and good consumers of information.”

Eight seventh graders were selected by English teacher Jean Gilroy and School Counselor Susan Leyden for the opportunity to participate in a workshop sponsored by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center in White Plains. The event will focus on the International Declaration of Human Rights. Over 20 students interviewed for the chance to attend the day-long symposium. Upon their return, they will share their knowledge by leading classes with their fifth grade peers.

Fourth graders at Bedford Road School spent some time exploring the school’s Edible Garden during one of the last class visits this fall. As they searched for remaining vegetables, volunteer Erica Gardner remarked how much she enjoyed seeing students progress in their knowledge of science from kindergarten through fourth grade. She noted how the fourth-grade curriculum aligns perfectly with the garden harvest experience and lessons about the Iroquois. In particular, instruction on the Iroquois’ Three Sisters creation story points to the planting of corn, beans and squash, all of which were grown this season and are pictured below. 

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