By Allison Peck
HERSHEY, Neb. — Hershey Public Schools, in partnership with Public School Proud, has released a new video highlighting the district’s Digital Citizenship Initiative, which focuses on helping students and families make safe, respectful, and responsible choices online.
The initiative emphasizes the lasting impact of online behavior, reminding students that posts, comments, screenshots, and tags can follow them long after they are shared.
The video features voices from across the Hershey school community, including Superintendent Jane Davis, Director of Teaching and Learning Sarah Ostmeyer, students Demi DaMoude and Cole Murdock, both juniors, sixth-grade student Kyler Klein, parent Mandy Abbott, and school board president Steve Koch.
Hershey’s Digital Citizenship Initiative is built around six core principles designed to help students manage their digital footprint. Those principles include finding balance in digital use, respecting privacy, understanding the impact of words and actions, defining personal identity, practicing kindness and courage, and being critical thinkers and creators online.
According to district officials, the initiative grew out of a Board of Education goal-setting process that addressed increasing concerns over student cell phone use, social media behavior, and online safety.
“We want students to understand that what they do online impacts real people,” said Superintendent Jane Davis. “Our goal is to help them make choices that show respect, protect privacy, and build a positive digital footprint.”
Koch said the effort helps connect schools and families around a shared message.
“When we support students in learning responsible online habits, we strengthen our school culture and our community,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Hershey Public Schools shares weekly digital citizenship reminders through school communications, digital signage, and social media. The district also provides resources and conversation starters for parents to encourage discussions at home.
The Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, in partnership with A.Plum Creative, has shared information about Hershey’s approach with member districts interested in implementing similar programs. The video is available on the Public School Proud website.
Watch the video on Public Schools Proud: https://publicschoolproudnebraska.org/story/jane-davis-hershey-public-school-superintendant/?color=1