October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual global initiative dedicated to promoting online safety and vigilance. The Louisiana Department of Education officially recognizes this month and provides excellent resources to help our students and educators understand and practice strong digital safety.

Think of cybersecurity as the digital foundation of our schools. Just like we secure our physical buildings, we must secure our virtual spaces. This month is a perfect opportunity to refresh our understanding of smart online habits, ensuring we keep sensitive student and staff data safe and maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, guided by the resources the LDOE provides.

To support this effort, the LDOE has curated and shared key resources covering topics like social media safety, AI security, phishing prevention, and secure password management.

We encourage participation in this awareness campaign. 

Here are ways you can Gear Up and strengthen student’s digital knowledge by using these official resources:

LDOE Digital Citizenship - Cybersecurity for Students: Tailored content to teach students best practices.

LDOE Digital Citizenship and AI (Secondary Students): Focuses on the unique security challenges presented by artificial intelligence. 

CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resources: A comprehensive toolkit from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. 

Know Be4 Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit: Provides free tools and content to help you build a security culture.

Careers in Construction

Overview

The construction industry offers a wide range of high-demand, high-wage careers that build the world around us—from homes and schools to roads, bridges, and commercial spaces. Careers in this field allow students to develop technical, problem-solving, and leadership skills while contributing to essential projects in their communities.

Key Pathways in Construction

• Carpentry – building structures, frameworks, and detailed woodwork.

• Electrical – wiring, lighting, and power systems.

• Plumbing & Pipefitting – water, gas, and heating systems.

• Welding & Metal Fabrication – joining and shaping metals for structures and equipment.

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) – installing and maintaining climate-control systems.

• Heavy Equipment Operation – operating machinery for large-scale construction.

• Project Management & Estimating – planning, scheduling, and overseeing construction projects.

• Architecture & Engineering – designing and developing blueprints and structures.

Industry Outlook

• High demand for skilled workers.

• Opportunities to earn Industry-Based Credentials (IBCs) and apprenticeships.

• Pathways to entrepreneurship, supervisory roles, and union membership.

• Strong earning potential without requiring a traditional 4-year degree.

Suggested Activities

Elementary Level

• Building Blocks Challenge: Students use blocks, LEGOs, or recyclables to design structures.

• Career Dress-Up Day: Invite students to dress as construction workers or engineers.

• Story Time: Read books about building and construction (e.g., Iggy Peck, Architect).

Middle School Level

• Hands-On Projects: Birdhouse, toolbox, or simple woodwork activity.

• Math in Construction: Practice measuring, angles, and area using real-world construction examples.

• Career Guest Speaker: Invite a local carpenter, electrician, or welder to talk about their work.

• Virtual Job Tours: Explore construction careers through online videos and VR simulations.

High School Level

• Site Visits: Tour a construction site or technical training center (CTEC, BRCC).

• Job Shadowing: Pair students with professionals in carpentry, welding, or electrical fields.

• Apprenticeship Exploration: Connect with local trade unions or training providers.

• Certifications: Introduce NCCER Core, OSHA 10, or entry-level IBC opportunities.

• Project-Based Learning: Students design and build a small structure, such as a shed or garden bench.