Press release also shared in The Pelham Examiner.

Digital Citizenship Month raises awareness about the importance of using technology responsibly, safely and respectfully. In Pelham, we want to make sure that all our citizens have opportunities to learn and practice good digital citizenship.

To that end, Pelham Together, the Pelham Public Schools, Digital Mom Media, and local restaurants Cantina Lobos, Rockwells and  Basilico have come together to share three exciting initiatives that demonstrate Pelham’s commitment to Digital Citizenship.

Throughout October, Pelhamites can take positive steps toward healthy digital lifestyles in several ways:

• Disconnect to Reconnect invites the community to go phone free at the table while dining out at participating local restaurants

• District wide Digital Citizenship Curriculum offers in-class lessons on a range of topics for students grades K-12 

• Pelham Together’s Digital Literacy Workshop Series invites adults to learn from subject matter experts and share their experiences and perspectives 

  Disconnect to Reconnect

  From October 21 to October 26 enjoy a sweet reward in exchange for a screen free meal at Cantina Lobos, Rockwells or Basilico. To participate, put away your phones, ask for the The Pelham Together Family Pack which includes table games, fun trivia, and meaningful conversation starters – and enjoy a meal with real connection. Those who complete the challenge successfully, will receive a free dessert! 

  Pelham School District Digital Citizenship Curriculum

  Pelham students, K-12, are taught a Digital Citizenship Curriculum throughout the school year (not just in October!) with lessons that focus on responsible and safe online behavior. Topics students are learning include: 

  • At the elementary level, students are introduced to digital citizenship concepts including online safety, protecting private information, media balance, cyberbullying and caring for devices through lessons taught during library class. 

  • In technology class, Pelham Middle School students dive deeper into topics such as data privacy, media literacy, and managing their digital habits, with special attention to issues like digital media and the brain, posting on social media, phishing, recognizing internet hoaxes, and finding credible news sources. 

  • Throughout health, humanities and social studies classes, high school students explore the relationship between digital citizenship and mental health, media literacy, and civil discourse, gaining a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the digital world. 

    • Throughout the year, the high school shares resources from Common Sense Media with the students. 

    • This year, two new committees at the high school will focus on students’ use of digital devices and academic honesty in the age of AI, to help ensure that the district remains proactive in addressing current challenges in our constantly changing digital world.

  Digital Literacy Workshops

  Parents, Grandparents & Caregivers can join the Pelham Together Digital Literacy Series with local digital parenting expert, Sarah Gallagher Trombley. These are free zoom sessions. Click here for more details and to register. 

  • Understanding Social Media. Monday October 7th, 7-8 pm. A parent-centric explanation of the Big 4: YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. 

  • Snapchat Deep Dive. Thursday October 17, 7-8pm. Back by popular demand! Learn and get comfortable navigating around this notoriously difficult app. 

  • Friendship & Texting. Monday October 28, 7-8pm. A parent-centric deep dive into texting.

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    Sarah Gallagher Trombley is a digital parenting expert. For more information about Digital Mom Media visit her website.

    Cantina Lobos is located at 217 Wolfs Lane. For reservations email Info@CantinaLobos.com or Call 380-8644. 

    Rockwells is located at 105 Wolf Lane. For hours and more information, call (914) 738-5881.

    Basilico is located at 142 5th Avenue. For more information or reservations, call (914) 740-5900 or visit opentable. 

    Digital Mom Media, Cantina Lobos, Rockwells and Pelham Together are proud members of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce.