Internet Safety Expert Raises Awareness at Collegiate

9/11/2016

The Internet and social media are so ingrained into culture that learning to navigate them wisely is a critical part of healthy growth. With that in mind, Collegiate School is hosting a speaker on campus this fall and spring in multiple sessions designed to educate our JK-12 students, parents and faculty.

On Sept. 19 and 20, Katie Greer, a nationally recognized authority on internet and technology safety, will lead her first series of discussions focused on the topic Understanding Social Media at Every Age & Stage.

Ms. Greer visited Collegiate last spring to talk to 6th Graders about safe and responsible use of social media. The response proved so overwhelmingly positive that Head of School Steve Hickman asked her back to speak to JK-12th Grade students, faculty and parents.

Head of Middle School Charlie Blair believes her return is timely, and is pleased that parents and faculty also will have an opportunity to learn from her.

“The exchange of information and ideas through social media is now ubiquitous in our culture yet it is fraught with potential for missteps or worse,” said Mr. Blair. “Katie Greer's deep understanding of these issues and her ability to relate to all ages make her an ideal resource to help our community navigate matters of digital safety and digital citizenship.”

In the first of her two visits to campus, Ms. Greer will present information specific to Lower School, Middle School and Upper School students, faculty and parents about age appropriate internet and social media awareness and use. She will also answer questions from students, parents and faculty. (On her second visit in March, Ms. Greer will speak with 5th and 6th Graders, as well as their parents.)

“We recognize that social media and the internet are part of our students’ world,” said Sally Chambers, Middle School counselor and member of the committee planning Ms. Greer’s appearances. “We are looking for a balanced approach to using social media in a safe way.”

Here is Ms. Greer’s schedule while she is on campus:
Monday, Sept. 19
8:30-9:30 a.m. - Lower School Assembly, JK-1st Grade - Centennial Hall
10:50-11:40 a.m. - Upper School Assembly, 9th-12th Grade - Oates Theater
1-2 p.m. - Middle School Assembly, 7th-8th Grade - Oates Theater
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Upper School Faculty - Craigie Board Room
7-8:30 p.m. - Upper School parents, 9th-12th Grade - Oates Theater

Tuesday, September 20
8:15-9:15 a.m. - Middle School parents, 7th-8th Grade - Reeves Center
10:50-11:40 a.m. - Upper School students - 12th Grade - Craigie Board Room
2:10-2:45 p.m. - Lower School Assembly, 2nd-4th Grade - Burke Hall
3:15-4:15 - Lower School Faculty - Centennial Hall
7-8:30 p.m. - Lower School parents, JK-4th Grade - Centennial Hall

For more information, please contact Beth Kondorossy, Director of Student Life, at bkondorossy@collegiate-va.org; Sally Chambers, Middle School Counselor, at schambers@collegiate-va.org; or Laura Fields, Assistant Head of Lower School, at lfields@collegiate-va.org.

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