Pine Crest Elementary School 201 Woodmoor Drive Silver Spring, MD 20901 Telephone: 301-649-8066 Fax: 301-649-8194 Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): It has come to our attention that many students have been using online resources and social media in a variety of ways outside of school. Some of these sites are approved and safe for our students to use. Other sites, social media in particular, are not appropriate or are not being used in an appropriate manner. For example, students are using Google Hangouts for gossip and rumors or playing violent video games rated ‘M’ for mature. There are so many resources that are available for our students to access outside of school, and we want to ensure that you are aware of the sites and apps that children may access. We strongly encourage you to discuss Internet and social media use including safety and etiquette with your child. This discussion should also include parental monitoring of Internet use and the types of sites and apps that are being accessed. Please find information and tip sheets attached that may be helpful as you discuss Internet and social media use with your child. You can also find valuable information on our school website. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Christina Parent School Counselor Pine Crest Elementary School