PECPS Families,
This afternoon, Prince Edward County Middle School administration was made aware of information circulating on social media regarding Prince Edward County Public Schools and the “Cat in the Hat” trend, which involves disturbing or threatening content circulating on TikTok and other platforms.
The safety and well-being of our students is the number one priority of Prince Edward County Public Schools. Based on our investigation to this point, we have found no validity to the specific concern reported to us. We will continue to take any report seriously and investigate concerns appropriately.
Please remind your child:
Do not respond to, engage with, or repost concerning content.
Take a screenshot to preserve evidence, when safe to do so.
Tell a trusted adult immediately—a parent, teacher, counselor, or administrator.
Report any threat or immediate safety concern to law enforcement.
Families of students directly involved have been contacted. Prince Edward County Public Schools is working collaboratively with law enforcement, and any student conduct will be addressed in accordance with our Code of Conduct.
Please talk with your child about responsible social media use and the importance of speaking up when something online makes them feel unsafe or concerned. Even content intended as a joke can cause fear, disrupt schools, and require significant school and law enforcement resources to investigate.
If you see something concerning, say something. Do not share it.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students, schools, and families safe.
Chip Jones, Superintendent