JBD FRIDAY FOCUS
March 1, 2019 ~ "Embrace the Adventure!"
Internet Hoax
Living and raising children in the age of technology and the internet is continuously a challenge. As parents and educators, we all have the responsibility to closely monitor our children's internet use and screen time. Fortunately, the school system has 'Securely' and we can search and immediately find out if students are viewing sites that are inappropriate. For us, it is actually easier. The school system has firewalls and blocks most inappropriate things. Every now and then though, something gets through, but what is not happening is MOMO. If you haven't heard of this, you will, but what I have learned since I heard about it yesterday morning is that it is not real. It's not happening. People are saying it's happening and popping up on videos, but it is actually not a real thing. An article written by The Atlantic explains this more clearly. The main message is very clear to us: ALL CHILDREN HAVE TO BE MONITORED WHEN USING TECHNOLOGY-NO MATTER WHAT.
Please keep that in mind when your child is oh- so- quiet while you are cooking dinner and they are up in their rooms not bothering anyone. Parents have the power to block sites, monitor screen time, and ultimately-take devices away. Last I checked, none of our John B. Dey Seagulls were independently wealthy and do not actually own or pay for their phones, IPads, Switch, or game systems. Parents-you are in charge of all of this, you are the boss of the technology in your home. I sent a similar message a few months ago about Fortnite and the tendency for students to get addicted and obsessed to video games. That is real.
Curiosity and wonder is a great thing and we want our children to have the desire to question and learn. We can't shield and protect, we can only make sure students know what to do when they are faced with information and media images that are not advantageous to their growth and development. I feel fortunate, because when I was raising my children, the big deal was whether or not they were watching PG-13 movies at someone else's house. My, times have changed.
Just so you know, our school division is well aware of this hoax and keeps tabs on all viral images that could pop up on our devices. Our counselors and teachers are skilled to help your students if their fears are real. Just reach out or send us a note if your child is truly upset and we will do all we can to reassure the children.
For more information on the lack of credibility on MOMO, access an article from The Atlantic-and search MOMO.
At the risk of sounding cliche, this too shall pass...but, we can be sure that something else will pop up. Talk to your children, monitor device usage, and focus on other fun family things to do, like playing board games, reading great books, and watching G movies with a bowl of popcorn. Outings at the Chrysler museum, the Aquarium, the public library, are all good things to do during this cold, rainy season. Focus on the good that is out in the world-it really out weighs the crazy.
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Bianchi
JBD Proud Principal
JOHN B. DEY FUN RUN COMING SOON!
Pledging opens: 2/26 Go to FUNRUN.COM
Pep Rally: 3/5
Fun Run: 3/14
Seussical the 2nd Grade Musical
Grade 2 Parents - All Second Grade students will perform “Seussical Jr.” on Tuesday, March 5 at 5:30 pm. Concert attire: Black pants, a solid colored shirt with no design (unless of course it is a Seuss shirt), and tennis shoes. We welcome all Seuss hats or headbands!
NEXT WEEK AT DEY
Monday, March 4:
- Seussical, Jr. Assembly 1:45 p.m ( K-3 only)
- PTA Spanish (K/1) 3:00 - 4:00
- Math Tutoring
- Battle of the Books Semi-Finals 6:00 p.m. Central Library
Tuesday, March 5:
- Seussical, Jr. 5:30 p.m.
- Boosterthon Pep Rally 9:00 & 1:30
- No tutoring today
- PTA Tennis (K-2)
Wednesday, March 6:
- Word Shirt Wednesday
- PTA Spanish (Gr. 2-5)
Thursday, March 7:
- PTA Tennis (Gr. 3-5)
Friday, March 8:
PTA CORNER
PTA EVENTS
March 14-Boosterthon Fun Run (During PE)
March 22-Bingo Night
April 3-Spring Movie Night (Mulan)
April 27-Family Fun Fitness Day
We need volunteers to help at every PTA event. To volunteer for PTA events, please register at http://www.jbdpta.my-pta.org/
BOOSTERTHON
Our MIND SPARK MYSTERY LAB themed FUNdraiser is coming soon! From March 5-14 the Boosterthon team will meet with the students to do fun character building lessons during 15 minutes of their PE bells. On March 14, all of the students will get to participate in a FUN RUN to benefit the JBD PTA as we raise money for beautification and technology for our new cafeteria wing, and to help fund our PTA events.
Thank you for your support!!!
BINGO
Bingo is almost here and we are thrilled to have over $12,300 in donations so far for our silent auction, with more to come! With over 150 prizes up for grabs, this night is not one to miss. How about some Disney Park Hopper passes!?!!
Pre-sale tickets are the best way to get your Bingo tickets. Be on the lookout for a pre-sale form coming home with your child next week.
Thank you to the companies who have already donated to the silent auction!
To see the full list go to www.jbdpta.com
JBD PTA SCHOLARSHIPS
The John B. Dey Elementary School PTA is pleased to offer three (3) $500 scholarships
* Completed application packets may be mailed or dropped off to the main office by 2:30 PM on March 15, 2019, Attention: Scholarship Chairperson
Go to www.jbdpta.com for more information!
HARRIS TEETER is NOW OPEN!!!!!
Be sure to link your VIC Card to John B Dey (#5338-use this number when signing up)
P.E. CORNER~Shamrock Final Mile & Nutrition Month
YOUR PIE SPIRIT NIGHT!
CLINIC CORNER
How to Avoid and Prevent Head Lice
Encourage your kids to avoid sharing things that have been on or near another child's head, including hairbrushes, combs, hats, scarves, towels, helmets, pillows, sleeping bags, etc.
Teach your kids to put their coats and hats in their book bags when they get to school, instead of just throwing them in a pile with other classmates' clothing. During PE coats can be tied around waist if not worn.
Regularly clean things that your child's head has direct contact with that they share with other children. Examples are car seats, pillows, and headphones. Head lice can live 1-2 days away from the scalp. Vacuuming floors, carpet, and furniture is an effective way to remove them from the environment. Bedding, coats, clothing, pillows that can be laundered on a hot setting will remove any lice or nits. Stuffed animals and toys that cannot be put in a washing machine place in a plastic bag for 2 weeks sealed.
Nits are the eggs that are small and white in color. They can look like dry scalp but nits cannot be easily removed without treatment. Although you may find head lice anywhere on the scalp, they are often found at the back of your child's head, near their neck, and behind ears. Symptoms of head lice, which can include an itchy scalp and small red bumps or sores on the back of your child's neck and scalp.
Be extra vigilant for head lice if there have been frequent reports of head lice at your child's school or in your child's classroom.
Check your child’s head before and after sleepovers, school field trips, and when your child goes camping.
You should avoid using potentially toxic products if your child does not have an active infestation.
Many products advertise as a lice shield. Nothing is 100 % going to prevent your child from getting head lice if they are exposed.
Preventing the Spread of Head Lice
If your child gets head lice, these tips can help prevent a recurrence or spreading it to others:
- Remove all of the nits (eggs) on your child's head. Missing some nits is a common way for kids to have a persistent infestation, as lice keep hatching and keep the infestation going.
- Do not hesitate to notify the school and parents of children with which your child has close contact. Your child might get lice again, even after being properly treated, if the kids around are not also treated. Two or more cases in the classroom and the clinic will check the class. Just by letting the school nurse/ office know your child is home being treated for head lice a parent letter will go home to let other parents know there is a case of head lice in the classroom.
Call the clinic with any questions or concerns. 648-2447
Michele Self, R.N
GIFTED CORNER
April 2 (Tues) gifted testing for 1st graders who turned in an application. Results will be e-mailed to you by the middle of May.
*applications: The application is on line, found at: https://giftedapplication.vbcps.com/
You may only submit it once a year so select all appropriate areas before submitting.
The user ID is your child’s permanent number (also used for Lunch and book check out. Your child should know this number by heart. Your child has this same number through 12th grade)
The password is your child’ school computer password. This will change every 60 days. Please ask your child for this password first, and if that is unsuccessful, follow through with the classroom teacher.
+ Parent Portal is a place to review your child’s permanent records through 12th grade. It requires a two-step process to access so establish your account well before you need it. Go to VBSchools.com and click Parent Portal under the PARENTS drop down.
March is...
- Music in our Schools Month
- Youth Art Month
- National Nutrition Month
- Women's History Month
- Social Work Month
JBD YEARBOOKS ~ORDER DEADLINE APRIL 5
The John B. Dey 2018-2019 Yearbook is on sale now! Order online at ybpay.lifetouch.com with YEARBOOK CODE : 2077919.
Yearbooks are $25.00. Online orders only. Thank you!
A LOOK AHEAD
March 14: Boosterthon Fun Run (during P.E.)
March 15:
- PTA Scholarship Application deadline 2:30 p.m.
March 16: Shamrock Final Mile
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
John B. Dey Weekly Family Newsletter
Beth Bianchi
Proud Principal
Email: Elizabeth.Bianchi@vbschools.com
Location: John B Dey Elementary School, North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: 757-648-2440
Twitter: @JbdElem