Today, LISA Academy West Elementary in Little Rock, Arkansas, was presented with the FBI Safe Online Surfing (FBI-SOS) Internet Challenge’s national award. Under the guidance of computer teacher Vickie Carroll, LISA Academy students scored a composite score of 95.33 percent to win the March 2022 award in the Starfish category. For the month of March 2022, a record-breaking 173,011 students from 2,086 schools across all 50 states and four U.S. territories participated in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge. This achievement highlights the dedication and commitment of the students and teachers at LISA Academy West Elementary in educating themselves about online safety. The FBI-SOS program serves as a valuable resource to help students navigate the online world securely, and this recognition showcases the outstanding efforts made by LISA Academy West Elementary.
FBI Little Rock Presents National Safe Online Surfing Award to LISA Academy West Elementary in Little Rock
Background
On May 18, 2022, LISA Academy West Elementary in Little Rock, Arkansas, received the prestigious FBI Safe Online Surfing (FBI-SOS) Internet Challenge’s national award. The school’s computer teacher, Vickie Carroll, guided the students to achieve an impressive composite score of 95.33 percent, winning the March 2022 award in the Starfish category. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as a record-breaking number of 173,011 students from 2,086 schools across all 50 states and four U.S. territories participated in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge in March 2022.
Presentation of the Award
FBI Little Rock Acting Public Affairs Officer, Jessica Franklin, had the honor of presenting the national award to LISA Academy West Elementary. The award ceremony was held in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was attended by school administrators, faculty, and students. The event celebrated the exceptional accomplishment of the students and teachers, highlighting their dedication to online safety education.
Winning School and Teacher
LISA Academy West Elementary’s victory in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge is a testament to the commitment of both the school and its computer teacher, Vickie Carroll. Through her guidance, the students were able to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the challenge. Carroll’s dedication to educating students about staying safe online is evident in the comprehensive online courses on Internet safety that the students completed.
Impressions on Little Rock and Arkansas
The successful participation of LISA Academy West Elementary in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge has not only brought recognition to the school but has also shone a positive light on the city of Little Rock and the state of Arkansas as a whole. FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge, James A. Dawson, commended the students and teachers for their impressive accomplishment, emphasizing the impact it has on the reputation of both Little Rock and Arkansas.
Importance of Online Safety Education
The recognition bestowed upon LISA Academy West Elementary highlights the importance of online safety education for students. In today’s digital age, where internet usage has become an integral part of daily life, it is crucial to equip young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world safely. The FBI-SOS program serves as an invaluable resource in promoting online safety awareness and empowering students to make informed decisions while using the internet.
About the FBI-SOS Initiative
FBI-SOS is a free initiative designed to educate third through eighth-grade students about cyber safety. The program is available to all public, private, and home schools, providing an entertaining and educational web-based platform accessible throughout the year. The FBI-SOS website features six grade-specific “islands” that students can explore. Each island offers interactive games, videos, and other resources addressing various aspects of online safety, such as protecting personal information, creating strong passwords, practicing cell phone safety, understanding social networking risks, and ensuring online gaming safety. Real-life stories of children who have encountered cyberbullies and online predators are also incorporated into the program.
Categories and Eligibility
The FBI-SOS Internet Challenge awards schools in three categories based on the number of participating students: Starfish (5-50 participants), Stingray (51-100 participants), and Shark (100+ participants). This classification allows for fair competition among schools of varying sizes, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to participate and excel in the challenge.
Features of the FBI-SOS Website
The FBI-SOS website offers an engaging and interactive learning experience for students. The grade-specific “islands” provide age-appropriate content that cater to the needs and understanding of each grade level. The games, videos, and interactive features are carefully designed to reinforce the importance of online safety and empower students to make responsible choices while using the internet. By incorporating real-life stories, the program creates a relatable context that enables students to grasp the potential risks and consequences of unsafe online behavior.
Development and Collaboration
The FBI-SOS program was developed in collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, benefiting from the input of educators and schools across the United States. This collaborative effort ensures that the program meets the educational standards and requirements while effectively addressing the evolving challenges of online safety. By leveraging the expertise and insights of various stakeholders, the FBI-SOS program remains up-to-date and relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Contact Information
For more information about the FBI-SOS program and its initiatives, interested parties can visit the FBI-SOS website at sos.fbi.gov. Additionally, the FBI Little Rock Office Community Outreach Specialist can be contacted at (501) 221-9100 for further inquiries or assistance. The FBI-SOS team is dedicated to promoting online safety education and is available to support schools, educators, and students in their efforts to navigate the digital world securely.
In conclusion, the recognition of LISA Academy West Elementary’s achievement in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety education. Through the collaborative efforts of schools, teachers, and organizations like the FBI, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world safely. The FBI-SOS program continues to play a vital role in promoting online safety awareness and empowering young individuals to make responsible choices while engaging with the digital realm.