Smart Gen Society Visits Consortium Schools

In today’s fast-paced digital world, ensuring students understand how to navigate technology safely is more important than ever. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, middle school students across all six Consortium schools recently had the opportunity to learn from Smart Gen Society, a local organization dedicated to promoting digital safety and responsible online behavior.

Students in middle school had the opportunity to hear the potential dangers and threats to spending so much time on the internet and communicating through apps.  SmartGen presenters also shared statistics on how social media specifically can affect mental health. 

We also invited all Consortium parents to a special parent session. Attendees represented four of our six schools, and parents left with tools to support their children in the digital space. 

Students and parents alike asked great questions about how to move forward with confidence. We are so grateful to the Consortium friend who sponsored these presentations for our community. 

Building Digital Awareness in the Classroom

At the Consortium schools, digital citizenship is a key part of our curriculum. Through technology classes, students engage in discussions about online safety, ethical technology use, and digital responsibility. Our library and technology teachers collaborate regularly, using resources from Google, Common Sense Media, and ISTE standards to ensure students receive the most up-to-date guidance on navigating the digital world.

Technology Safeguards for Student Safety

Beyond education, our schools implement advanced security measures to protect students during the school day. Every piece of digital information entering our schools is filtered through two layers of protection—our firewall and GoGuardian, a tool that allows teachers and administrators to monitor student Chromebook activity in real time. With GoGuardian, educators can close tabs, pause screens, limit open windows and direct students to specific sites, ensuring technology remains a tool for learning rather than distraction.

A Commitment to Responsible Technology Use

Leadership at the Consortium plans an annual review of the Technology Responsible Use Policies, ensuring families stay informed through the family handbook. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge and tools to use technology responsibly—understanding that while digital access is valuable, it must be approached with care and awareness.

The Smart Gen Society presentations reinforced these principles, helping students and parents alike recognize the importance of digital boundaries, online safety and positive digital branding. As technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to providing students with the education and safeguards they need to thrive in a connected world.

About the Omaha Catholic School Consortium

The Omaha Catholic School Consortium serves nearly 1,700 students across six schools: Dual Language Academy, Holy Cross, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bernadette, Sts Peter and Paul and St. Thomas More. Established in 2012, the Omaha Catholic School Consortium is a collaboration of parishes, schools, parents and community partners working together to support Catholic education in southeast Omaha. The Consortium is committed to Catholic education that will thrive in our community for generations to come. 

Learn more about the six Catholic schools and 16 parishes that comprise the Consortium: omahacsc.org.