Child Safety Technology - Free to PTSA Parents

Revolutionary Child Safety Technology – Free to PTA Parents! eTrak Powered by Verizon Powered by Verizon helps parents Always Know children are safe with its revolutionary new location-tracking device. This lightweight, domino-sized device uses highly accurate, patented GPS+ technology to show a child’s location on any smartphone or computer. Other features ensure that if the device goes outside a prescribed area or a child pushes the “panic button,” messages are sent to multiple recipients with the device’s location and directions on how to get there. For a limited time, PTA parents can order the device free of charge, (regularly $99), paying only the one-time activation fee ($39) and monthly subscription fee of $15. Plus, for every PTA parent’s subscription order, eTrak is donating $6 to their local unit and $2 each to their State PTA and National PTA. Click here to learn more and take advantage of this limited time offer.

Your PTSA Board

Reflections Chairperson, Stacey Rusch getting ready

Kentucky Kids Day and Red Ribbon Week Committee
Denise Rohbach, Lana Rice, Allyson Parker and Richelle McCoy

The 2012 PTSA Board hard at work supporting the kids, teachers and staff at NOMS!

Protecting your child from IDentity Theft

A Message from a National PTA Member Benefits Provider

PTA Members: Sign-Up for Your SocialScout™ Membership Today! Keep your kids safe while safeguarding their privacy and reputation on sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, using the Parent Tested, Parent Approved award-winning parental intelligence system, SocialScout™! SocialScout™ is a dynamic, new web-based tool that helps you monitor and quickly analyze your child's social networking and mobile phone activity. With SocialScout™, you will: Know who your child's online friends are Receive alerts when new requests are made See what's being posted about your child Learn how and when your child is using technology Automatic translation of mobile text-lingo and slang terms And much more! PTA Members receive a 10% discount on service offerings from SocialScout™. Click here to begin the sign-up process or go to the PTA Member Benefits page to learn more about this special offer!

August 22, 2012 Board Meeting Minutes

North Oldham Middle School PTSA Meeting Minutes

August 22, 2012

Welcome-Meeting was called to order at 9am and was presided over by Nicole Wilson, President Elect.  Minutes were taken by Julia Warfield, Teacher Appreciation Week Chair.
In attendance- Nicole Wilson, Carrie Pitsenberger, Beth Morrison, Ashley Shadburne, Jennie Walz, Amy Prahin, Richelle McCoy, Stacy Rousch, Lana Rice, Denise Rohrbach, Allyson Parker Dawn McCubbin, Janelle Meece, Paige Cox, Alisa Ritz,

Principal's Report- Carrie Pitsenberger-
The start of school going well.
New traffic pattern for carpool well recieved and working well. - Assoc. Principal Jenna Dalton will now also be the 7th grade advocate. Speak with her about any concerns with your 7th grade child.

Highlights-
3 positions still open-Concessions Chair, Operation Parent Rep, SEPTA Parent Rep
Goal of PTSA is every child to be a member and at least one parent
New this year-Mother's Munch and Mingles- tabled until Besty Lowe returns
Previous minutes from 5/15/12 to be sent out and voted on next time

Treasurer's  Report
Beginning Balance-$2997
PTSA Dues/Directories/Donations -$4649
TOTAL INCOME-$4649
Disbursements-
Postage-$20.25
PTSA Dues-367.5
TOTAL EXPENSES- $387.75
CURRENT PERIOD ENDING BALANCE-$7258.25

Discussed to remind those making purchases for their particular program to fill out the reimbursement form. Form to be scanned and sent to everyone and also extra copies are in a folder in the NOMS office.

Background checks- $10/person. Now valid for 5 years. Discussion of having PTSA paying for some portion of the background checks. Contact Teresa Gill to see who has a current background check when selecting volunteers. A list of who has been cleared for background checks at Harmony Elementary and Goshen Elementary.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-
Jennie Walz- Keep her posted on any births, news, deaths, etc. She asked for an address for Jenny Mitchell

MEMBERSHIP-
Amy Prahin - Discussed that it was hard for people to remember if they had paid dues, etc. at end of last year.
762 memberships down about 200
No staff joined as of yet
Some forms with no money attached
a letter will be sent out to those who did not pay to send in payment and put an announcement in the daily announcements
Will put an announcement in the daily announcements to extend sign up for being in the directory since 6th grade open house has not occured yet
Beth Scherer-requested to have membership forms at her fundraiser table tonight at the open house
Suggestions for Next Year
Deposit checks in July before registration
Have directory and membership forms to membership person BEFORE registration next year.

KUDOS to Amy Prahin from Richelle Mccoy (former membership chair) for a great job as the new membership chair!

REPORTS:
PROGRAMS-
Reflections- Present Stacey Rusch - She asked what her budget is and for a notebook to help her with her position. There are no dates for reflections yet but it is sometime mid October. She has a council meeting tomorrow.
School Directory- Absent Vicki Meyer
Ky Kids- Present Lana Rice, Denise Rohrbach, and Allyson Parker
Will have T-shirt contest this year as well and use same vendor. Will have photo booth and music at lunch again. Her budget is largely unchanged.
Red Ribbon- Something every day of the week.
Theme- Making good choices. Will involve Oldham Co. Health Dept. Discussed about possbily adding a talk to kids about texting and media choices. Also the need to educate parents about how to check on students media choices such as snap chat, Instagram.
Will use Operation Parent as a resource for this. (Still looking for an Operation Parent chair also)

Hospitality- Present Dawn McCubbins and Janelle Meece
Will have first lucheon THIS Thursday with a picnic theme. Have had an overwhelming response for food. Set up at 9:30 in media center. Will also have some giveaways. Nicole Wilson will donate jewelry for a giveaway.
Secret Pals-Absent Pauline Moore- All teachers have been accounted for, a reminder to keep gifts simple and they can be brought in or sent in with your child

FUNDRAISING-
Dance- Present Ashley Shadburne
1st one THIS Friday 7-9:30 will be announced in announcements and will put up posters today. There was discussion to remind parents to use carpool to pick up children or must come in if child is leaving before 9:30.
There will glow in the dark face paint and break dancers! Sam Sneed will be the DJ and the dance group is called Bamboozle. The dancers will not teach individual kids moves secondary to the need for background checks but may show dance moves to the group at the top of each hour.
Ms. Pitsenberger will be on hand to reinforce the dress code and behavior.
Paragon-
Present Beth Scherer- Made 7500 last year.
Will need 6-7 people to pass out orders when the time comes.
People can also just make donations. We get 100% of donations vs. 40% of orders.
A discussion of whether someone could make a donation and still be eligible for prizes was had.
Pizza- Present Beth Morrison here but left early. No information on this yet.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
Beautification- Amy Kempf Absent
Community Council- Jenny Stegeman Absent but says no report per email
Facebook-Absent Amy Collins- Denise Rohrbach reports that she had set it up last year but facebook underwent changes and people must resign up again.
Mustang Achievers-Present Ashley Shadburne- No report at present
SBDM- Present Jennifer Finnigan but left early no report

Staff Appreciation- Present Julia Warfield no report at present.
Would like same week used last year.

Talent Show- Absent Leslye Schumacher No report
Volunteer Coordinator- Present Paige Cox Reports a very good response from volunteers.
Said to disregard the column in the email she sent out about yes/no for background because it is not accurate.
She will get with Teresa Huber to check on background checks.

8th grade promotions- Present Alisa Ritz No report yet

NEW BUSINESS:
Tabled until Betsy Lowe returns

COMMUNICATION:
Betsy to manage communication. We can send emails to Gay Alsup in the office and they will be checked regularly.
Newsletter- April Daughtery will publish.
Vote on bylaw change to bylaw to allow email voting when not enough members are present  for a  quorum, tabled until Betsy Lowe returns.
Motion to approve treasury report by Beth Scherer and 2nd by Denise Rohrbach. Motion carried.
Motion to approve PTSA slate also carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 10:11am
Next meeting second Wednesday in September starting at 8:45 with a much and mingle/meeting starting at 9:00 am

Back to School Barbecue for Teachers and Staff

The Teacher's Back to School Luncheon was a fantastic way to start the new school year!  The media center was transformed into a BBQ picnic with checkered table clothes and summer flowers.  The PTSA  was overwhelmed by the donations of food and drinks and would like to thank everyone for their donations.  The teachers and staff were extremely grateful.   

Some lucky staff members won flowers and candy bouquets.  We are thrilled to start the year with such a great response in the second week of school!  Thank you to all who donated the delicious food and shared your amazing recipes.  We are already starting to plan the Holiday Luncheon in December and will be utilizing Volunteer Spot for the donations.     

1st Dance of the Year

Join your friends at the 

1st Dance of the Year

Friday, August 24

7:00 - 9:30

NOMS Gym

Cost of admission $3

Concessions will be sold

Students must be in dress code

Notice: Announcing General PTSA Meeting

The first General PTSA Meeting at NOMS Will be held on August 22, 2012
at 5:45 in the Media Center
Just prior to the NOMS 6th Grade Open House.

Staff Appreciation "Back to School" Luncheon

Dear Parents  - it is a NOMS tradition to host a "Welcome Back to School" luncheon for the fantastic staff that we have at North Oldham Middle School.

A huge thank you to Dawn McCubbins and Janelle Meece for orgainzing the luncheon.  They are looking for volunteers to bring in food.  Please contact them (contact information on the right hand column) if you would like to help.

Tuesday 8/7 is Registration Day

Dear Parents,

It's hard to believe that today is the first day of August and that means school starts in just two weeks.

NOMS will hold Registration Day on 

Tuesday, August 7 

starting at 8:00 am 

ending at 4:00 pm

Students will have year book photos taken so they will need to be dressed in dress code.

Please remember to bring your utility bill dated after 6/1/12 showing your address.

We look forward to seeing you there.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 749-4339 (Betsy Lowe).

Welcome to NOMS!

May 2012 General PTSA Meeting Minutes

NOMS PTSA

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

MEETING MINUTES

MAY 15,2012

Attendance:  Nikki Feuquay, Jill Tarvestad, Laura Forbes, Betsy Lowe, Julia Warfield, Jennie Walz, Denise Rohrbach, Beth Scherer, Cheryl Cooper, Meg DeMuth, Janelle Meere, Leah Simpson, Dawn McCubbin, Jenny Stegeman, Lana Rice

Meeting called to order at 12:30 p.m.

Today’s meeting is open to the General Membership as well as the Board of Directors and Comm. Chairs.  It was held at Jenny Stegeman’s home and was advertised in school announcements for two weeks prior to today’s meeting.

New Business:

A motion was made by Betsy Lowe to change the current dues for membership from $5 to $6 due to State dues change.

1.Denise Rohrbach

2.Lana Rice

Vote called = All in favor and Motion passed

A motion was made by Leah Simpson to add voting by E-Mail to the PTSA By Laws.

1. Richelle McCoy
2. Leah Simpson

Vote called = All in favor and motion passed

A motion was made by Jenny Walz to accept the purposed Slate of Officers for 2012-2013.

1. Cheryl Cooper
2. Betsy Lowe

A vote was called = all in favor and Motion passed.

A motion was made to donate to the media center up to $4000 for IPads to be purchased if end of the year budget produces the extra funds.  Motion made by Betsy Lowe.

1. Pauline Moore
2. Cheryl Cooper

A vote was called = all in favor and Motion passed.

An Audit Committee was requested.

1. Laura Forbes
2. Leah Simpson

A purposed Budget was presented by Jenny Stegeman and Cheryl Cooper. A motion to accept was made by Leah Simpson.

1. Richelle McCoy
2. Nicole Wilson

A vote was called for = all in favor and Motion passed.

Approval for April and March Meeting Minutes was motioned by Pauline Moore.

1. Meg DeMuth
2. Betsy Lowe

Vote called = all in favor and Motion passed.

A motion to approve the Treasurers report was made by Nikki Feuquay.

1. Richell McCoy
2. Pauline Moore

Vote called = All in favor and Motion passed

Jenny Stegeman thanked everyone for thier hard work and dedication this year.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

Jennifer Finnigan is new SBDM Parent Representative

NOMS PTSA is proud to announce Jennifer Finnigan will be the new NOMS SBDM Representative for 2012-2014.  The NOMS SBDM election was conducted at NOMS Friday, May 11, 2012.  Thank you to all of the candidates for your willingness to help NOMS and to parents for taking the time to stop by and vote!

8th Grade Promotion Activities

The end of the school year is approaching faster than ever with the last day of school being May18. The PTSA is sponsoring a few special activities just for the 8th grade class. On Wednesday evening starting at 7:00 pm there is an 8th grade dress up dance being held at North Oldham Middle School. There is no cost, refreshments are complimentary. Please remember to dress appropriately - guidelines have been sent home via the school. The dance ends at 9:30 sharp. Please be on time to pick up you son/daughter. On Friday the students are treated to a free cookout including a main course, chips, soda, and cookie. Please bring something for yourself if you have an allergy. All food items are bought from Kroger. Following the cookout, the PTSA will host survivor games and activities for the students. All activities take place on the North campus. Games will end at 3:00 when students will return to class to pack up for their last time at NOMS. Ifnyounhave any questions, please feel free to contact Betsy Lowe at betsy4kids@aol.com

Candidates for SBDM

My name is Michael Byrne.  I have been a resident of Oldham County since 2006. In September 2012, I will have children in 6th, and 7th grade at NOMS.  Last spring I coached boy’s lacrosse at NOMS.  This past fall I coached the 6th grade field hockey team, and I will be coaching the 6/7th  grade field hockey team in the fall.  I have served as a parent representative on the SBDM Council at Goshen Elementary for the past 4 years.  During that time the council recommended both the hiring of a new principal and the transition from a mixed grade classroom format to single grade classroom format.  These significant changes were made in addition to the regular duties the council performs each year.     I would like to continue to serve the community in this capacity at NOMS.  I think htat my past experience makes me qualified to do so.   Sincerely, Michael Byrne   My name is Jennifer Finnigan, and I am excited about the opportunity to work on the SBDM council again.  My husband and I relocated from Dallas-Fort Worth to Hillcrest about three years ago. Together, we have three children in the Oldham County School System.  Shannon, who will be in 7th grade at North Oldham Middle School next year, Reese, will be in 4th grade and Drew will be in 1st grade, both at Goshen elementary.   To provide a little more background for those that do not know me, I earned my Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University, and my Masters in Health Promotion at the University of North Texas.   Prior to starting a family, I worked in the AT&T Corporate Health Center at the AT&T World Headquarters in Bloomfield, NJ, and then worked for a prominent Dallas surgeon.  Both experiences fueled my love for wellness, and a healthy lifestyle which I continue to teach my family.  Currently, as a stay at home mom, I have been very active in Goshen elementary as a volunteer, as room mother and assisting various departments including teachers assistant, helping with the book fair annually, and regularly working in the library.  I feel it is my duty and responsibility as a stay at home mother to be as engaged in my children’s education, and help support the school in any way possible.   This past year, I was able to fill a 1-year vacancy on the NOMS SBDM council last year, and would like to continue this work for the next term.  By serving the 12 months, I was able to “get my feet wet” on the process and I would love the opportunity to continue this work.  For me, it is important to stay connected and in tune with our children’s educational experience.    I believe that by serving on this council again, I can continue to help maintain the high integrity and standards of excellence that North Oldham Middle School enjoys.  My background in wellness, consistent voluntary commitment to Goshen Elementary and NOMS, hands on approach to resolving issues, and my love for children and education will allow me to help serve this committee very well.  I enjoy working in a team environment, and working together to reach a common goal.  I believe the school experience should be fun, motivating, fair, challenging at all levels, and most importantly…should happen in an environment where everyone is treated as equals and respected.     Thank you for considering me for this role and allowing me to continue to help our school remain recognized as the ideal place to send your child to learn and grow.  I would consider it an honor and a privilege to serve on the committee.  Thank you.  

General PTSA meeting

PTSA General Membership Meeting and Final 2011-12 Board Meeting Luncheon

Tuesday May 15, 2012  

11:30 Mix and Mingle Luncheon

12:00 GMM and Board Meeting

Jenny Stegeman’s home

13329 Ridgemoor Drive

Prospect, KY 40059

Questions:  thejenster@insightbb.com

2012 SBDM Election Information

North Oldham Middle School

Site-Based Decision Making Council 

Election Announcement

April 20, 2012

Dear Parents:

This is your opportunity to make a difference.  It is that time of year again for you to make a positive difference by nominating yourself or someone else and by casting your vote in the SBDM Council Parent Election for North Oldham Middle School.  A two-year volunteer position will be opening up on the NOMS SBDM Council July 1, 2012- June 30, 2014.   

Elections for this position will take place on May 11, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the North Oldham Middle School Office.  Please find the nomination form below.

What is an SBDM council?  As mandated by Kentucky state law under KERA, the Site-Based Decision Making Council (SBDM) is the governing body for this school.  It determines school policy for curriculum, staffing, discipline, scheduling, instructional practices, extra-curricular activities and other matters pertinent to the operation of the school. 

Who serves on the council?  2 parents, 3 teachers, a secretary, and the principal.  The principal serves as the chairperson.

Who may run for council?  Any parent, step parent, foster parent or legal guardian of a student who will be attending NOMS during the entire 2012-2014 school years.  A parent is ineligible if he/she is an employee or relative of an employee of NOMS or the Oldham County District Central Office, or is an Oldham County School Board member or the spouse of an Oldham County School Board member.

If you want to run for the council, what should you do?  Complete the attached nomination form by writing a brief paragraph that includes basic information about yourself and why you would like to serve on the SBDM council.  Return this form and paragraph to the NOMS office by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday May 3, 2012.  Your paragraph will be posted on the NOMS PTSA web site www.nomsptsa.blogspot.com  and the daily announcements during the week of May 7, 2012.

When and who may vote?  Voting will take place on Friday May 11, 2012 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the NOMS Office. Only families who will have children at North Oldham Middle School for the 2012-2014 school year may vote in this election.  If have any further questions, please contact 

Jenny Stegeman NOMS PTSA President at  thejenster@insightbb.com  

_____________________________________________________________

North Oldham Middle School

Site-Based Decision Making Council

 Parent Nomination Form

(Term July 1, 2012- June 30, 2014)

● A parent representative will be elected to serve on the SBDM Council for the term that begins July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014.  This is a 2 year term for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years.

● The election will be held on Friday May 11, 2012, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the NOMS Office.

● Nomination forms must be turned in to the NOMS office by 3:30 pm on Thursday May 3, 2012.  Candidate information will be posted on the NOMS PTSA web site www.nomsptsa@blogspot.com. during the week of 

May 7, 2012

● Candidates must be parents of students registered at North Oldham Middle School for the 2012-2014 school year.  They may not be employees of NOMS, or employees of the Oldham County District administrative office, Oldham County School Board members or a spouse of an Oldham County School Board member.

I,___________________________, wish to be a candidate for the position of Parent Representative for North Oldham Middle School SBDM Council.

Name of Student at NOMS 2012-2013 grade   __________________________    _______    ___________________________    ________

     

Name of Student at NOMS 2013-2014 grade 

__________________________    _______    ___________________________   ________

I accept this nomination and hereby certify that I am eligible to serve on the SBDM council and meet all qualifications as described above.

Signature of Nominee _______________________________ Date___________

Please attach a brief paragraph that includes basic information about yourself and why you would like to serve on the SBDM council.

Thank you.

Jenny Stegeman

Champion Choices Event!!!

Minutes from March PTSA meeting

NOMS PTSA

Meeting Minutes

March 12, 2012

Meeting called to order at 9:06 a.m. 

In attendance:  Nikki Feuquay, Jenny Stegeman, Shari Newman, Beth Scherer,

Jennie Walz, Meg Demuth, , Jennifer Finnigan, Richelle McCoy, Cheryl Cooper, Laura Forbes, Denise Rohrbach, Lana Rice, Pauline Moore, Julia Warfield, Jill Tarvestad and Leah Simpson.

President Report:  Jenny Stegeman 

The Social chair for the 8^th grade promotion is Betsy Lowe.

The school will be giving out registration packets out differently this year.  They will issue them after Spring Break. We will need to have our documents ready if we want them to go out with the packets. Send Jenny any fliers that you want included.

Principal’s Report:  Rob Smith

Secretary Report:  Nikki Feuquay

It was motioned by Richelle McCoy and 2^nd by Pauline Moore to accept the Jan. 2012 meeting minutes as stands.  Vote called and passed.

It was motioned by Pauline Moore and 2^nd by Richelle McCoy to accept Feb. meeting minutes as stands.  Vote called and passed.

VP Membership Report:  Richelle McCoy

Bingo party was a success.  34 new members and 4 new staff members were sold.  956 total members, of whom 403 are students and 34 are faculty.

Treasurers Report:  Cheryl Cooper

It was discussed on handle the new registration procedure and what that meant in terms of us collecting next year’s membership early.  Can we keep this and close the books out for this year, carrying over the membership money.  Jenny will have to get this clarified.

Cheryl explained that the bank will be charging a $3 monthly fee to view our checks from now on.  It was agreed that we go ahead and pay this.

Beautification report:  Open

39 bags of mulch were purchased and needs to be spread.  We are asking Beta club if they will do this.

Birthday Board:  Monica Helsley

Kudos to Monica working in silence every month sending our birthday wishes out.

Secret Pals: Lyne Church 

VP of Programs: Nicole Matts

8^th Grade Promotion: Betsy Lowe

High Achievers:  Jill Tarvestad- 

Mustang achievers held slide show and soda party.  Great slide show, will be used at 8^th graduation.  Last party this year. Thanks Jill for your hard work

Kentucky Kids Day:  Lana Rice and Leah Simpson-

Red Ribbon Challenge:  Lana Rice and Leah Simpson-

They will hold three more events this year.  Kick butts, to encourage kids not to smoke.  Health department will come out on March 28. . An Alcohol awareness PSA, done by the 8^th graders in video form, contest.on April 6^th.  Healthy choices handouts will also be given out.  

Discussed asking for donation at beginning of year from parents. No decision made.

Reflections:  Jane Luzzio-

Next Years theme will be Magic of the Moment.

Talent Show:  Leslye Schumacher

Had great turn oput for auditions.  The show is April 27.  Elise Ball will run concessions.

Teacher Appreciation week:  Julia Warfield-

Needs volunteers to put stars on teacher’s doors and red carpet on hallways the Friday before.  Still working on plans.

VP of Fundraising:  Missy Klein

Fall fundraiser:  Beth Scherer- 

Do we need to do Paragon next year? Being that we have $9000 left over this year.  Yes, because the extra money was from a grant we received and will not get next year.

Social/Dance Chair:  Open.  

Dance date is April 27.  Laura Forbes volunteered to run this and take Social chair.

Pizza fundraising:  Shari Newman

Missy Klein has Pizza Hut cards that will be sold for $10 which will intitle holder to buy one and get one free when ordering pizza.

Board of Directors:

Community Council:  Pauline Moore- 

Meeting March 16 at OCHS.

Corresponding Secretary:  Jennie Walz-

Several days, 1 adoption and Diedre Morely and Tracy Shoul are expecting.

Hospitality:  Meg Demuth-

December luncheon was a great success.

Legislative:  Nicole Wilson.

PTSA Website:  Betsy Lowe-

Newsletter:  Tamara Ledford- 

Facebook:  Dierdre Morley

SBDM: Jennifer Finnigan, Kimberly Kinnison-

School Directory:  Holly Ansman-.

Volunteer Coordinator:  Pauline Moore-

SEPTA Rep.:  Jenny Walz-

Operation Parent rep.:  Open

Old Business;  Jenny Stegeman

New Business:  Jenny Stegeman

Next meeting April 18, 2012.

General Meeting will be held to pass budget and slate for next year on May 9, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m..

Choking game amid middle schoolers

One in 16 eighth-graders surveyed admit to experimenting with "the choking game" (also known as asphyxia) at least once, according to research published today in Pediactrics. Though the potentially fatal "game" -– defined by Reuters as "putting pressure on the neck with a towel or belt to cut off someone's oxygen supply, then releasing the pressure to give a 'high' sensation" –- has been around for years, it's gaining new traction and popularity among kids because of its prevalence on YouTube. ABC News reports that videos of kids participating in the game are "all over" the site.

Judy Rogg, whose 12-year-old son Erik died in 2010 after attempting to "play" in his living room, calls the choking game a silent epidemic. "Kids think it's an alternative to drugs," she told ABC. Now Rogg has made it her mission to educate kids, parents and schools about the dangerous risks and severity of the consequences caused by asphyxiation.

The choking game was named the cause of 82 reported deaths from 1995 to 2007, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers from the Oregon Public Health Division in Portland are highly skeptical of that number, however, because it's likely that death caused by asphyxiation could be misclassified as a suicide if a child tried it alone so they believe the number could be much higher.

Beyond the obvious reasons, Dr. Thomas Andrew, New Hampshire's Chief Medical Examiner, made clear to ABC why the game is so dangerous. "The brain gets short circuited… You can certainly trigger seizure activity that may or may or not end in permanent damage to the brain," he explained. Almost two thirds of eighth-graders who had played said they'd tried it more than once, and just over a quarter said they'd played the game at least five times. "The more times you repeat something like this, the better the chance of a bad outcome," Robert Nystrom, one of the study's researchers told Reuters Health.

Rogg believes that the Internet is absolutely propelling the problem. "A lot of kids make it look fun," she says. Indeed, a quick search on YouTube results in dozens of instructional videos, groups trying the game, and even kids assuring their viewers that it isn't dangerous.