O'Neill Jr./Sr. High School named Apple Distinguished School for 2013-2015

O’Neill, NE - November 2013

O’Neill Public School is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013 to 2015 for its innovative implementation of technology, specifically in its 24/7 Learning Initiative. 

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

"The selection of O’Neill High School as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment,” stated superintendent Amy Shane. 

"Technology opens opportunities for all learners beyond what once was possible,” added Katie Morrow, O’Neill Public School Technology Integration Specialist.  "We hope to continue to utilize technology to push the educational boundaries and support all students in achievement success.”

Read more about O'Neill's exemplary learning environment by downloading this Multi-Touch book:

Download .ibooks file 

(will only work with iOS device or Mac with the free iBooks app)

Nebraska K-12 Digital Citizenship Symposium

"By your digital footprint you shall be known."

A team of two faculty and two students attended the 2013 Digital Citizenship Symposium.  Held across the state at three locations, students, school leaders, and parents were brought together to learn more about digital citizenship and develop ways to improve actions taken in our communities.  

http://NebraskaDCS.wikispaces.com 

The following are just a few of the important pieces of information shared by the professional speakers of the day:

93% of us are online.  We all should have a "digital driver's license."

"The easiest thing in the world to track is your cell phone.  Your phone, your content, your location...  all of it."  ~Nebraska State Attorney General's Office

Create a positive digital footprint

1) Blog and comment

2) Curate and share (Scoop.it, etc.)

3) Monitor (Google Alerts)

4) Manage ("They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets."Privacy Settings)

Nebraska State Patrol investigator claims that:

80-90% of junior and senior boys could go to jail for crimes they are committing with their cell phone-- that they may not even know about. 

• Deleting is NOT deleting.
• Know who your friends are.
• Manage your privacy settings.
• Be careful what you post.  (backgrounds in photos, logos on clothing, license plates)
• Be aware of your surroundings (others taking photos of you to incriminate you)
• Report, save evidence, and talk to adults or report anonymously
• Many apps share GPS coordinates by default
• Law enforcement CAN capture snapchats without you knowing.
• Every time you use open wifi, there is information saved & stored.

"Geography is no longer destiny. Isolation is no longer security."
~Karen Haase, Attorney of Education Law

Education is the solution.  Managing your digital footprint is NOT hiding.

Judgements are being made about you all the time- whether you think they are or not. 

Be "transparent and trackable"

2010 NASB survey

80% of students on-line; 70% have used social media for educational conversations

Ways to leave a positive digital footprint:

• photos/videos of you doing school or community activities
• family photos, etc.
• positive comments, school spirit
• cool things created for school or for fun
• "follow" reputable pages
• maintain privacy settings
• avoid repetitive 'selfies'

All in all, the day was a great reminder from many different perspective, that digital citizenship should be a priority both in and out of school.

Hour of Code

90 percent of American schools don’t teach computer science. Fewer students are learning how computers work than a decade ago. Girls and minorities are severely underrepresented. And yet, technology is increasingly shaping almost every aspect of how we live our lives.

That’s why Mr. Peterson's 8th Grade Technology class, along with the O'Neill Public Schools administrative team, participated in one of the largest education events in history: The Hour of Code. During Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 9-15), every student in the class will spend at least one hour learning computer science, doing online tutorials featuring Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Angry Birds.

The Hour of Code is a campaign to prove that regardless of age, race or gender, anyone can learn how to not just consume, but build the technologies of the future.

Our students are among over 2 million already planning to try one Hour of Code during Dec. 9-15 worldwide. This movement, organized by Code.org and supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and over 100 others, is a statement that today’s generation of students are ready to learn critical skills for 21st century success.

When: Dec. 9-15, during Computer Science Education Week.