Date: February 26, 2026
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, West Virginia law introduced requirements that all public schools are to provide annual instruction on safe and responsible technology use to students in grades 3–12 through the Safety While Accessing Technology (SWAT) Education Program. These annual lessons are to specifically focus on the safety aspect of digital citizenship - including topics such as recognizing sexual predators, understanding the risks of "sexting" or sharing explicit materials, cyberbullying, and human trafficking prevention. This requirement was established by West Virginia Senate Bill 466, enacted during the 2024 Regular Session.
The SWAT Program provides interactive lessons designed to teach students about digital literacy and internet safety. Through this program, students receive age-appropriate instruction on topics such as:
· Safe and responsible use of online communication platforms.
· Understanding copyright rules related to digital content.
· Encouraging open communication with trusted adults about online interactions.
· Identifying, avoiding, and reporting dangerous or illegal online behaviors.
· Information about support resources available to children or families who encounter unsafe online situations.
The safety and well-being of our students remain a top priority, and today’s students navigate an increasingly digital world. By equipping them with tools to stay safe and make informed choices online, we strengthen their ability to learn, connect, and explore responsibly. Together, our school community and families can support healthy, safe, and positive technology use.
If you have any questions about Senate Bill 466, the SWAT Program, or the instructional materials, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value our partnership with families and appreciate your continued support in helping us keep students safe both in school and online.
This letter, a downloadable optional opt out form, and other information for Parents/Guardians pertaining to this program can be accessed on our Taylor County Schools Website. Click on Menu and then navigate to Parents and Students. CyberSWAT Resources will be listed as an option choice.
(A printed copy of the optional Opt-out form can by requested by contacting the student’s assigned school)
Thank you for your attention to this important initiative.
Sincerely,
Dr. John E. Stallings, Jr.
Superintendent