It’s February 2026, and at West Valley School District, we know that being "online" isn't just something we do—it’s where we live, learn, and work. Since it's Safer Internet Month, it's the perfect time to shift the conversation from just "staying out of trouble" to actively building a digital community we actually want to be a part of.

This isn’t just a message for parents; this is a call to action for every student in our hallways and every staff member in our buildings.

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📝 Blog Post: Beyond the Screen: Our West Valley Commitment to a Safer Internet

In 2026, the "internet" isn't just a series of websites; it’s our digital campus. Whether we are collaborating on a project in a virtual workspace, sharing highlights on social media, or using AI to help brainstorm ideas, our digital footprint is our reputation.

At West Valley School District, safety is a shared responsibility. We don't just want to be "protected" by filters—we want to be empowered by our choices. Here is how we’re leveling up this month.

🕵️ For Students: The "Digital Detective" Mindset

By now, you know that not everything you see is real. With AI-generated content becoming more indistinguishable from reality, your best tool isn't a password—it's your critical thinking.

• Verify Before You Amplify: Before you share that viral clip or shocking headline, do a quick "vibe check." If it’s designed to make you feel instant anger or shock, it might be a deepfake or misinformation.

• The "Front Page" Test: Before you post, ask yourself: "Would I be okay with this being projected on the big screen in the gym?" If the answer is a cringe-worthy "no," keep it in your drafts.

• Own Your Privacy: Your data is valuable. Be stingy with it. Check your app permissions and make sure you aren’t giving away your location or contacts to every random "quiz" app you download.

🍎 For Staff: Mentors, Not Just Monitors

Our educators are the navigators of this digital landscape. We’re moving past just "watching" what students do and moving toward mentoring how they behave.

• Digital Citizenship in the Classroom: Whether you teach Math, Art, or PE, digital ethics play a role. Modeling how to cite sources (including AI!) and how to give constructive feedback online sets the tone for our students.

• The Power of the Pivot: When a digital conflict arises, we use it as a learning moment. Helping students navigate "cancel culture" or group-chat drama with empathy is just as important as the curriculum.

🤝 For the Whole West Valley Community: Digital Empathy

A safer internet starts with how we treat the human on the other side of the screen. In a world where it’s easy to be anonymous, we choose to be authentic.

• Kindness is a Choice: High-fives in the hallway should translate to support in the comments section.

• The "Open Door" Policy: We want a culture where if a student—or a staff member—clicks a bad link or experiences online harassment, they feel safe coming forward immediately. We solve problems faster when we solve them together.

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Our February Goal

Let’s make West Valley the gold standard for digital citizenship. It’s about more than just avoiding "bad" sites; it’s about creating "good" spaces for everyone to learn.

 

Stay safe, stay vigilant!

Jeremy Cox

IT Director

West Valley School District