Walnut Grove ES achieves 100% participation for Cybersecurity Training
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On Thursday, May 22, the Walnut Grove Elementary School Team received a surprise breakfast treat and a special recognition from the Technology & Innovation Division’s Information Technology (IT) Security Team. The school’s leaders and teaching corps achieved the goal of 100% completion of the district’s annual Cybersecurity Awareness and Education training.
“At Walnut Grove, we think before we click,” shares Principal Dr. Jaime Fooks. “Our staff stays alert to phishing emails, suspicious links, and unexpected attachments. If it looks sketchy, we report it, no hesitation. Our culture is built on teamwork. We communicate, support one another, and share resources to ensure we’re all making safe, informed decisions online.”
From the front office to the classroom, Walnut Grove’s staff models responsible digital behavior for students every day. “We lock it down, because protecting student information is a top priority,” Dr. Fooks adds.
The district’s Technology and Innovation Security Team, led by Executive Director Arden Peterkin, arranged a surprise Chick-fil-A breakfast and a gift of commemorative t-shirts to celebrate Walnut Grove’s collective effort in reaching the impressive double accomplishment.
“Walnut Grove Elementary School’s 100% completion rate demonstrates what it means to build a culture where cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” says Peterkin. “Every employee plays an important role in protecting the school district’s information and technology resources, and their collective commitment directly strengthens GCPS’ overall security posture.”
The surprise breakfast was greeted with enthusiasm and gratitude as teachers gathered in the school’s entrance. “Our teachers are fully invested, and completing the Cybersecurity Training is how we launch our year, laying the foundation for creating a safe digital footprint,” says Dr. Fooks. “They felt so proud and appreciated by their surprise celebration, and the surprise element made it even more meaningful. They shared with me that it felt good to be seen for their behind-the-scenes effort.”
As the SY 2025-26 Cybersecurity Awareness and Education training window opens October 1, 2025, and closes on April 3, 2026, the challenge is set for all schools and internal departments.
“I encourage Team GCPS to follow Walnut Grove’s lead,” adds Peterkin. “By consistently incorporating cybersecurity best practices in our day-to-day work, we contribute to being a safe and secure learning and work environment for all students and staff.”
Who will reach the completion goal next? Good surprises are waiting for teams that accomplish Cybersecurity Awareness and Education training.
The annual 2025-26 Cybersecurity Awareness and Education training opens on October 1 on the Staff Portal. Learn more by clicking the Cybersecurity Awareness icon to begin.