Congratulations to Monroe and Rolling Hills middle schools for earning Common Sense Education certification from Common Sense Media, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology.

"It’s a well-deserved accomplishment for both of our middle schools to be recognized as Common Sense Schools," said Julie Goo, Coordinator of Innovation Teaching and Learning. "Our educators strive to partner with our families to prepare students to use technology responsibly and to be lifelong learners and creators in our global community."

Demonstrated Commitment to Digital Citizenship

The certification recognizes the schools’ commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to use technology safely and thoughtfully.  They used Common Sense Education's research-based digital citizenship resources to promote positive online behavior and to support the foundational understanding of positive digital citizenship. Students learn  to think critically and use technology responsibly, and to create and participate while learning about  online hazards and challenges, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. 

The resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to internet safety, protecting online reputations and personal privacy, media balance, managing online relationships, and media literacy. The curriculum is used in classrooms throughout our country with the effort to prepare students for safe and healthy online habits. 

“With the right support at school and at home, kids can take ownership of their digital lives, engage with real issues, and change their communities for the better,” said Whitney Holton, Associate Superintendent of  Teaching and Learning. “The recognition acknowledges our commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship.” 

"We applaud the faculty and staff of these schools for embracing digital citizenship as an important part of their students' education," said Kelly Mendoza, vice president of education programs at Common Sense Education. "The schools deserve high praise for giving its students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century workplace and participate ethically in society at large." 

Learn more about the criteria the two middle schools met to become recognized as a Common Sense School.