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North Penn unveils 'Knights Armor' digital‑wellness campaign and handbook preview
Summary
New technology director Lindsay Smith and curriculum director Rachel Early previewed 'Knights Armor,' a multi‑year digital‑wellness initiative focused on AI literacy, data privacy, screen‑time balance and online behavior; the district plans community input, teacher training and a handbook due in August.
Lindsay Smith, the district’s newly introduced technology director, and Rachel Early, director of curriculum, told the North Penn ECI committee on June 4 that the district will launch a multi‑year digital‑wellness campaign called “Knights Armor.”
Smith described four pillars that will anchor the effort: integrity (AI literacy and academic honesty), fortitude (data privacy and cybersecurity), temperance (balance and screen‑time practices) and wisdom (responsible online behavior). "Our goal is to prioritize the well‑being of our students and also ensure that we're preparing them for the world that they're going to be entering," Smith said.
Early and Smith said the first year will emphasize research, stakeholder input and a district handbook that administrators expect to share in August. Next steps include meetings with kindergarten teachers, an open digital‑wellness survey for families and a multi‑stakeholder committee (students, teachers, parents, administrators) to translate research into actionable practices.
Board members commended the plan and asked how trustees can support implementation. Smith asked board members to amplify district messaging and to participate in research and community outreach. The presenters also noted the district will provide supports for families and teachers, including tech tips, training on multifactor authentication and guidance on appropriate device‑use policies.
The district framed the initiative as complementary to classroom curriculum rather than a device ban; Early said some lessons will be non‑digital and may emphasize conversation and direct instruction. The administrators said existing classroom monitoring tools and privacy practices will be part of the plan but that detailed policy proposals will come after committee work this fall.
