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SCHOOL NEWS: One Week until our Laps for Learning and Health Fair!
Momo Challenge: Recently, there has been some talk at various grade levels by students about Momo and the Momo Challenge. Lots of different stories abound on what Momo does, but the most popular one is that the Momo picture will randomly appear on children’s devices and tell them to do something harmful to themselves or others or will destroy their device. This is not true and is a part of the hoax—however, there is a picture that does come up if you do a search on the topic (and the topic stays in your search history).
Below is a statement by Fairfax County Public Schools about the Momo Challenge.
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:
COMING UP ON MARCH 28th: 6th Grade Silver Diner Night! 5:00-8:00 at the Springfield Mall Silver Diner. This is a fun night for 6th graders and a fundraiser for their end of year party. There will be a 50-50 raffle, too. Bring cash for the raffle.
WSHS Girls B-ball Camp: GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP TO BE HELD AT WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, JUNE 17-21. GIRLS ENTERING GRADES 3rd THRU 9th , ALL LEVELS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COACH GIBSON AT: WRGibson@fcps.edu
https://westspringfield.rschoolteams.com/sites/westspringfield.rschoolteams.com/files/files/Private_User/gibson/2019%20Girls%20Camp%20Registration.doc
PTA NEWS:
Tonight (March 15th)!! Back due to popular demand! RVES PTA Family Movie Night! Doors open at 6 pm and movie starts at 6:30 pm. Join us for a FREE showing of Wreck it Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. Pizza will be available for sale and free popcorn!
Laps for Learning and Health Fair – March 23 – Check In starts at 8:30
Tire your kids out! This will be a fun event with the final lap ending at at obstacle moon bounce and kids will be cheered on by a live DJ! Pledge forms went out in last week’s Friday folder but contact us if you need another. Pledge forms should be brought that day (BUT NO MONEY). Money will be collected later and brought into school. There are raffle prizes for different pledge levels. T-shirts will be given for everyone who collects $25.00. EVERYONE can participate in the Fun Run. You do not need to collect money to participate.
We do need your help! Please consider volunteering at this fun filled event!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4DAEA82BA5FC1-2019
Spring PTA After School Activities:Below you will find a listing of the PTA-sponsored after-school activities that are being offered this April. Flyers providing more detail and registration information are included in the packet.
For any questions, please contact the PTA’s After-School Programs Coordinator, Lisa Callahan, at (703)338-2989 or lisa.callahan27@gmail.com. All class offerings use online registration and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please be aware that some classes will not run if there are insufficient students. If this is the case, your money will be refunded. For scholarship information, or to apply for a scholarship, please contact Mrs. Boland as soon as possible.
Zumba Kids
Grades K-6 - FRIDAYS 4:05 – 5:05 4/12– 6/7 - 8 sessions $88
Register: novakidsinmotion.com
Basketball / Flag Football Combo
Grades K-3 - MONDAYS 4:05 - 5:05 4/1 - 6/3 8 sessions $88
Register: novakidsinmotion
STEM ExCEL 2D Game Design
Grades: 1-4 WEDNESDAYS 4:05 – 5:05 4/3 - 5/ 29 8 sessions $130
Register: stemexcel.org/rollingvalley
STEM ExCEL Electronics with Minecraft Redstone
Grades: 3-6 WEDNESDAYS 4:05 – 5:05 4/3 - 5/ 29 8 sessions $140
Register: stemexcel.org/rollingvalley
Pizza! Pizza! The Papa John’s Buy One, Get One Free cards are back! Use this card at over 150 participating locations in VA, DC, and MD - including the Papa Johns in West Springfield Shopping Center. For every carryout large pizza you buy at regular menu price, you get one free. The card is $15 for UNLIMITED use until January 2020. $10 for every card goes back to Rolling Valley Elementary. Contact Amy Dean @ amy.m.dean@gmail.com.
RunFit Kidz Grades 2-6 - Fridays 7:45 - 9:00am 3/22 - 5/17 - 7 sessions $93 Deadline: March 16 Register: runfitkidz.com
Nominations for PTA! We are accepting nominations for the 2019-20 PTA Board. Send them in for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary to metessier@gmail.com
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Excellence Awards - Today, March 15th, is the LAST DAY to nominate FCPS staff for SEPTA Excellence awards!
Anyone can submit a nomination. You do not need to be a SEPTA member to nominate someone or to be nominated!
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/awards/
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Fairfax County SEPTA General Membership Meeting & I'm Determined Presentation - Tuesday, March 19th at Key Middle School in Springfield. Registrationn/Check-in begins at 6:30, the event begins at 7. The I'm Determined Program helps teach students how to incorporate important self-determination skills into everyday life at home and school. The presentation will also cover how the I'm Determined program is being implemented in Fairfax County Public Schools.
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FCPS' Annual Special Education Conference - Registration is NOW OPEN for the annual Special Education Conference on Saturday, April 6th at Lake Braddock Secondary School. The conference is open to parents/caregivers as well as FCPS teachers and staff. The registration form and workshop information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/spedconference2019
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