Having taken the necessary steps to highlight the importance of technology safety and responsibility while also utilizing technology for interactive learning, Fayetteville Elementary has been recognized as a Common Sense Certified School in Digital Citizenship for 2017-2018 by Common Sense Media.

Common Sense Media is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families make smart media choices and empower students to harness technology for learning and life.

Technology specialist at Fayetteville Elementary, Regina Yeargin, is proud of this achievement, she says, “Our teachers have worked so hard to empower students to make safe, smart, and ethical decisions while online.”

Students at the elementary school have engaged in lessons that teach digital safety and responsibility, including information literacy, privacy, security and effective communication.

Yeargin says, “Even before receiving the certification, our staff and students were becoming knowledgeable and equipped to navigate the digital world sensibly and safely.”

Common Sense Media also recognized the way in which teachers and students at Fayetteville Elementary use technology for learning. Technology integration is a part of the daily academic experience for students at Fayetteville Elementary.

“The use of technology in our classrooms have allowed students to communicate and collaborate on projects, learning and other tasks,” says Yeargin. 

Fayetteville Elementary is the second school in school system to receive this certification; Sara Harp Minter Elementary received it in the 2015-2016 school year. Since then, the school has earned recertification twice, including the current 2017-2018 school year.

The Common Sense certification is valid for one year. Schools and teachers must complete all of the actions required for certification each year, and then recertify by submitting an application.