Last year, teacher Barbara Pierson brought her Responsible Ethical Citizenship classes to Acres Green Elementary School, teaching first- through sixth-graders how to think globally by acting locally.

Relating current events, disasters and disease to life in Lone Tree both empowers students and makes them aware of the impact they have on their communities and the world, Pierson said.

September was National Preparedness Month, and to commemorate it, Pierson's classes spent the month learning disaster readiness, including flu prevention, weather recognition and personal safety.

"This is an action-oriented program that asks the kids what they can do in the classroom and the community to be safe and prepared," Pierson said. "It's important the kids understand that there are things they can do."

Instead of just telling the kids what to do or what they can expect to do when they are adults, Pierson said, she shows students they can make a difference now.

"I take a 'think globally, act locally' approach," Pierson said. "For example, Oct. 15 is global hand washing day, and I ask the kids to think big and to imagine the impact it would have if everyone washed their hands around the world. And as the kids wash their hands at home, they are contributing to the bigger picture."

As a part of the Douglas County School District's goal to produce responsible citizens, Pierson's classes are just one example of how schools in the district are implementing this curriculum.

To reinforce the month's lessons, students were treated to a school-wide assembly from READYColorado and Radio Disney on Sept. 30.

Between dancing to music from Hannah Montana and other Disney entertainers, students demonstrated what they've learned with trivia and a timed "72-hour Ready Kit Creation" challenge.

However, according to Pierson, the fact her students are implementing what they've learned at home is proof enough her program has an impact, she said.

"I've had parents and students tell me, 'Oh, daddy fell asleep watching television, so we turned it off so we aren't wasteful,'" Pierson said. "It's just very rewarding and satisfying and hopefully it's making a difference in our school, our students' homes and our community."

Students are even keeping their teachers accountable, Pierson said, as they remind them to turn off classroom lights and computers when no one is in the room. Students are also more aware of how their actions impact others, Pierson said.

The program teaches accountability, especially with germs and illness, she said.

Anna Haislip: 303-954-2457 or haislipa@yourhub.com