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Dear Whitman Community,
It has been nice to get back into the flow of school this past week with no interruptions from Mother Nature. Your students are working hard as we approach the end of the 3rd quarter on April 4. Please note that we have a student holiday on April 5 so teachers can finish out grades and prepare for the 4th quarter of the school year.
April is the Month of the Military Child. During April, children from military families are honored and recognized for their commitment and contributions in support of our military and nation. We invite all of our military families to come to a dinner and presentation on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the cafeteria. Please join us for food, fun, and recognition of our military families.
I hope everyone has a great week. Thanks for all you do to support our Whitman students!
Craig Herring, Principal
April is the Month of the Military Child
From deployments to new schools, military children are faced with unique challenges that ordinary youth their age never experience. Their ability to adapt to present and future changes deserves respect and admiration. In an effort to recognize the hard work and applaud the courage of military children, the DoD deemed April as the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). It is a time to honor military youth for the important role they play in contributing to the strength of the military family.
It reminds us that the strength of Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families. It also reaffirms the military’s commitment to ensuring excellence in schools, childcare and youth services as well as, providing a strong supportive environment where children can thrive.
Why Purple? Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is a combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue. Wearing the color purple is a visible way to show support and thank military youth for their strength and sacrifices.
Celebrating the Month of the Military Child provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize and thank military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.
Visit FCPS' Resources for Military Families page.
Momo Challenge and Digital Citizenship Resources
It has come to our attention that a “game” called the Momo Challenge has begun appearing on social media, primarily through WhatsApp. Although believed to be a viral hoax, the game targets primarily elementary aged children, and engages the “players” in a series of increasingly dangerous tasks, including self-harming acts. A message to alert parents (below) has been created for your reference and/or use in upcoming newsletters or other communication you will have with parents.
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:
Contact
School Counseling Services 571-423-4420
School Psychology Services 571-423-4250
School Social Work Services 571-423-4300
 
   
Richmond Highway Corridor Improvements
Widening Route 1 and multimodal improvements from Jeff Todd Way to Sherwood Hall Lane in Fairfax County
Note: A design public hearing will be held Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium/cafeteria (use entrance 4) at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, VA 22309. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m.
If cancelled due to inclement weather, the meeting will be held Thursday, April 11.
   WHITMAN PTSA
The Whitman PTSA board would like to thank you in advance for your support. Questions, comments, and ideas are always welcome. PTSA email is Parentsforwhitman@gmail.com. We also post upcoming events on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhitmanPTSA/.
Co-Presidents - Jackson and ShDonna Drumgoogle
Vice President - vacant
Secretary - Hayley Violand
Treasurer - Marie McCain
  
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