As the leaves start to change and “spooky season” approaches, October brings about Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The goal of the Technology Department is to provide information and resources about cybersecurity to make it less spooky and more fun! We want to help you and your students stay safe online. 

Cybersecurity Tips for Educators:

Strong Passwords: Teach your students about creating strong, unique passwords. Encourage the use of phrases or combinations of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Phishing Awareness: Educate yourself and your students on recognizing phishing emails and messages. Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.

Software Updates: Regularly update your operating system, software, and apps. Cybercriminals often target vulnerabilities in outdated software.

Data Privacy: Respect students’ privacy by safeguarding their personal information. Familiarize yourself with data protection regulations like FERPA.

Cybersecurity Tips for Students and Families:

Apart from letting a parent or guardian know, never share your password with anyone. We recommend creating a strong and long password so no one can guess or hack into your accounts.

Never download a file or software online without permission from a parent or guardian. Many attachments, files, and software products may seem fine but can actually contain harmful malware viruses that are bad for your device. If in doubt, check with an adult.

Be wary of the people you talk to on social media. Not everyone is who they say they are on the Internet. For this same reason, never meet up with someone you have met on the Internet without a chaperone or your parent’s or guardian’s permission.

Don’t believe everything you read online is 100 percent factual. “Fake news” is common on the Internet, with many people, outlets or websites spreading false information. Double check with adults or other sources, such as in a library, about what you are wanting to research or learn more about.

As educators, we have the responsibility to help students safely navigate the digital world we live in. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to start or reinforce these important lessons. Check out the resources below if you would like cybersecurity lesson plans or videos for this month. Together, we can help create a safer digital world for all. Remember, you can always send suspicious emails to spam@provo.edu or call the Help Desk (4357). Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Resources for Educators:

StaySafeOnline.org: The National Cyber Security Alliance offers a wealth of resources, including lesson plans, tip sheets, and interactive games for teaching cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA provides educational materials and tools, including the “Stop. Think. Connect.” campaign, aimed at promoting online safety.

iKeepSafe: iKeepSafe offers a variety of resources for educators, including videos, lesson plans, and guides, to help students become responsible digital citizens.

Energy Conserved is Energy Produced

Conservation at School

ENERGY VAMPIRES are devices that continue to use energy and drain power, even whenturned off. 

UNPLUG IT TO SAVE MONEY

• Lamps
• Pencil sharpeners
• Phone chargers
• Calculators
• Overhead projector

Did you know?

Only 10% of electricity usedby an incandescent bulb is converted to light.

While 90% of electricity used by an LED bulb is converted tolight.

Conservation at Home

Save 8 gallons of water per day byeach person turning off the water while brushing their teeth both morning andnight.

2,920 gallons per year.

Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World

We’re excited to invite you and your family to a special event to reshape your approach to technology and its impact on your kids. On October 5th, don’t miss the chance to connect with the CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the previous Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, Richard Culatta, right here in our city. 

Richard Culatta will speak to families about his book, “Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World,” and share his wisdom, experiences, and strategies to empower families in the digital age.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, October 5th, 7:00-8:30 pm MDT

Location: Nuskin Enterprise Offices Auditorium, 75 W Center St Provo, UT 84601

Admission: Free! Reserve a spot on our webpage.

Navigating the online world can feel exciting but overwhelming for families.

With a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by technology, Richard Culatta offers a fresh perspective that will empower your child to:

• Navigate the online world confidently
• Distinguish between true and false information
• Foster respectful online interactions
• Strengthen family bonds in the digital space

The event promises to be a game-changer for families seeking guidance toward digital well-being and success in our ever-changing world.

Seminar Highlights:

• Book Seminar: Culatta’s book offers a roadmap for the digital world. Learn how to think critically about the information presented online, how to set family norms around technology, and much more to ensure your success and well-being.
• Free Book Copy: Attendees will receive complimentary copies of Culatta’s book.
• Interactive Q&A: Speak directly with Richard Culatta and gain insights into your pressing questions about digital parenting, online safety, and nurturing a healthy relationship with technology.
  • Virtual Participation: The event will be live-streamed on YouTube, too.

About Richard:

From working with the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee to leading groundbreaking technology education initiatives for the U.S. Government, Richard Culatta has consistently championed innovation in education– but he started here as a BYU graduate. 

Culatta’s career journey began as an advocate for education policy alongside the Washington Senator, Patty Murray. He left his mark by revamping the technology curriculum at BYU’s David O. McKay School of Education. Notably, his work with the Rose Education Foundation facilitated the introduction of internet connectivity to underserved Guatemalan schools. 

His previous role as Director of The Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology marked a pivotal phase, driving nationwide initiatives to promote personalized learning and shape the future of technology-based learning nationwide.

 His deep ties to Provo and focus on using technology when appropriate make him a perfect fit to guide our district’s families in harnessing the power of technology in education.

Mark your calendars for October 5th and join us at the Nuskin Enterprise Offices while seats last. We’ll see you there!

Reserve your ticket and contact the organizer on our eventbrite webapge.

For details visit your school's website.