Chesterbrook News 3.10.19

Upcoming Events

3/11 - 3 hour early release at 12:30

3/15 - 6th Grade Ethics Day; 2nd Grade Native American Day

3/16 - Chesterbrook Fun Fair 10 - 12 PM

3/21 - 4th Grade Field Trip to the Kennedy Center

3/25-3/28 - Walk in my Shoes Assembly (Each grade level will have an assembly in afternoon)


Principal's Note

We are looking forward to another great week  Last week, we had a wonderfully engaging week of learning at Chesterbrook. We began with Dr. Seuss' Read Across America. I had the opportunity to read in a few classrooms which was certainly a highlight of my week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, all of our students were treated to an educational assembly from the Maryland Science Center, funded by our generous PTA. The snow delay the previous week moved our fourth grade Colonial Day to last Wednesday, however, did not change the outcome of this incredible opportunity for our students.  We had a full day filled with students learning colonial trades and activities.  I even came home with lovely homemade soaps made by our students. I was very impressed with the focus our students gave to each activity and thoroughly enjoyed watching children and parents enjoy colonial dancing at the end of the day. It has been a joy watching our teachers get our students prepared through focused instructional activities over the past few weeks and evident that our students had great parent support with their amazing projects and beautiful costumes.  Thank you to the many volunteers that help make so many of our events at Chesterbrook possible. 

Principal Evaluation - Your Feedback is Important!

As a first year principal, part of the evaluation process comes from survey data collected from staff and parents, identifying areas of strength and growth as I continue this path of life-long learning.  I wanted to share this information regarding the process, so you can be prepared to receive the survey.

This week all Chesterbrook parents will be contacted through email or text message with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form Online. The survey will be collected online between March 13 and March 27.

This survey is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and offers parents an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various issues related to our school. These issues include instructional leadership, school climate, human resources management, organizational management, communication and community relations and professionalism.

Thank you for your support,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal


Kiss and Ride Drop off

Kiss And Ride Safety

We have had a number of cars parked in non-designated parking spaces and using the handicapped spaces illegally during kiss and ride pickup in the afternoon.  While it may save a couple minutes to park and walk to pickup your child, this is causing our parking lot to become difficult to maneuver and unsafe. If you are picking up your child we ask that you wait patiently to use kiss and ride.  Our lot is small and cannot accommodate cars parked in non designated spaces.  We appreciate your attention to this matter to create a safe and supportive environment.  Thank you!


Summer VIP Program Registration for rising 7th grade students

Registration is now open for the Value In Prevention (VIP) Summer Program at Carson Middle School. Families can register on MySchoolBucks. The program is open to all rising 7th graders attending Longfellow, Cooper, Herndon, Hughes, and Carson Middle School. The cost of the entire program is $50 and includes breakfast, lunch, transportation, and 4 field trips. The program will take place July 1st-August 1st and students can choose from a variety of activities including Basketball, Cooking, Soccer, STEAM, and Theatre. If you have any questions, please contact Riley Barrows rtbarrows1@fcps.edu


Yearbook

If you want to order a yearbook please use this link.  Chesterbrook's Yearbook ID Code is 13221419.  Order deadline is April 12th.


Communication to Parents and Students about the Momo Challenge and Digital Citizenship Resources

In Fairfax County schools, county agencies and families are working together to create an environment where children and youth can safely learn, work, and play. Similar to our message containing information about the 13 Reasons Why NETFLIX program and the Blue Whale Challenge, we are sending this communication to alert you to a recent rise in new games and social media challenges that encourage young people to participate in harmful behavior.

One example of this is a potentially harmful game called the “Momo Challenge" that has reportedly been posted on different social media platforms to include WhatsApp and assigns players a series of progressively more intense tasks, to include self-harm. It is important to note that the Momo Challenge is a hoax that has received a significant amount of media attention.

This hoax has been seen across the United States in recent months, targeting primarily elementary aged children. Vigilant parents and guardians in Fairfax County have also reported seeing information about the Momo Challenge or similar games on their children's phones and have alerted school authorities.

Please talk to your child about this type of internet hoax, and check his or her phone or other device for signs of an app or communications with anyone telling them to do specific tasks. This provides an excellent opportunity to remind your child of best practices for internet safety and digital citizenship:

  • Remind your child information shared on social media is not always true and how quickly misinformation can create a panic online.
  • Children should never engage in conversations with strangers online.
  • Be aware of the sites and apps your children are using and know their usernames and passwords.
  • Turn off suggested autoplay on videos to stop children from viewing content they have not selected, and you have not approved.
  • If appropriate, tell your children that Momo is not real and will not hurt them.
  • Encourage open dialogue with them around any concerns.

FCPS has additional resources available on this website: https://www.fcps.edu/node/32086. If you have concerns about your child, please contact your school counselor. Please be aware that a number of mental health resources are available, including Fairfax County Public School resources: School Counseling Services at 571-423- 4420, School Psychology Services at 571-423-4250, and School Social Work Services at 571-423-4300 and Fairfax County resources: Crisis Link Hotline at 703-527-4077, Merrifield Emergency Services 703-573-5679 (available 24/7) or Entry and Referral during business hours at 703-383-8500. The Fairfax County Police Department non-emergency number is 703-691-2131.

More information about the Momo Challenge and other internet challenges or hoaxes is available at these links: