Common Sense, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, has recognized Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) as a Common Sense Certified School District: Digital Citizenship.

Common Sense’s resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to Internet safety, protecting online reputations and personal privacy, managing online relationships, and respecting creative copyright. The free resources are currently used in more than 90,000 classrooms nationwide.

Dr. Wanda Wagner, director of technology for ACES, gave an example of some of the ways Common Sense can be used. If a child wants their parent buy a movie, the parent can go to Common Sense’s website to read reviews and see if the movie is appropriate for the child’s age.

The reviews, which can also be for video games, applications, and books, also offer adults some questions they can ask children based on theme or plot elements from the particular piece of media.

For educators, in addition to the resources about online safety and information literacy, there are also tips and strategies to assist with the integration of technology in the classroom.

This is the second year ACES received certification for the district, and North Haven is a part of the ACES region.

Dr. Wagner said adults are role models for children, and children learn many things about technology from watching adults. She said that ACES runs a technology council, and they have previously had a Digital Citizenship ambassador present at the council before, and will do so again to get other schools involved.

—Matt DaCorte