SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
Embedded Files
Good evening Seneca Valley!!
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving break. Thank you for all the caregivers that made it to parent teacher conferences. We appreciate the feedback that you have provided as we look to improve our engagement opportunities. We are now three weeks from our winter break. Please make sure you are checking Parentvue to check on grades and attendance.
Please make sure you read updates from our PTSA, Boosters, and Athletics.
I wish you all a great evening.
Have a great Monday and week on purpose!
Ricardo Hernandez, Principal
MYP Personal Project Updates: Students attended their 3rd lesson in Chemistry this week! They developed their research skills by learning how to research and refine their learning and product goals, as well as starting to consider possible success criteria. Success Criteria are the characteristics students would like their final product to have; similar to a student-developed rubric.
Questions to ask your student:
What are your learning and product goal?
What do you need to research in order to achieve your goals and develop success criteria?
Have you started working on your Research assignment?
Have you submitted your assignments (Project Proposal and Meeting #1 notes) in Canvas?
Looking ahead: Students should complete their Research assignment in Canvas by Fri., Nov. 15th.
Please let me know if you have any questions! My email is Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org.
Mrs. Becraft, SVHS IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Coordinator
Reminders from earlier newsletters:
What is the MYP Personal Project (MYP PP)? The MYP PP is a culminating project for 10th graders and an IB requirement for the IB Middle Years Program (MYP). The MYP Personal Project (MYP PP) uses student interest & choice to drive the development of IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills by setting goals, researching, action planning, & creating a unique product. Please click here for more information.
Dinner doesn't have to be a production - but it can support ours!
Have Noodles for dinner on December 12 and 25% of proceeds go to the SVHS Birds of Play to support our programming, guest artists, productions, field trips, and other unique opportunities we offer our Seneca Valley students and community.
Enter code Giving25 at checkout between 4-8pm on December 12th at the Germantown Noodles and Co location to give back!
The visual art department would like to welcome everyone to see the amazing student created artworks displayed in the media center from December 9th-13th. There will be an evening reception on December 10th from 5-7pm. Congratulations to all the artists!
Begin the Career Journey in High School!
Seneca Valley High School offers ten career-related programs and fifteen pathways! These high-demand career and technical programs are open to all Seneca Valley High School students. These exciting and innovative four-year career-related experiences extend beyond the classroom to enrichment opportunities during and outside of the school day. Most of the programs culminate in opportunities for college credit or industry certifications. Please take some time to visit our website and discuss the possibilities with your child during the upcoming holiday breaks! You can also dance along to the career and technical education video created by Mr. Anthony George!!
For more information contact Adrian Charley at Adrian_V_Charley@mcpsmd.org
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4q72MycLRZLPM9Eu6
Adrian Charley
CTE Coordinator
Seneca Valley High School
240-740-6400
Green Team News!
Seneca Valley High School is participating in the MCPS Food Recovery Program! We have set up three carts in the cafeteria where students can place any packaged, non-perishable food they don’t want from their school lunch. Additionally, there is a small refrigerator next to the microwave for students to place packaged perishable items, such as milk, juice, string cheese, fruits, vegetables, and more.
The recovered food will be available to students at dismissal. From 2:30 to 2:45 PM, the carts will be stationed in the cafeteria, offering all the food that was collected during lunch.
Please join us in reducing food waste and increasing student access to food. This is a Green Team initiative! See the following visual for more details:
The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy 2024-2025
Registration is open for the Seal of Biliteracy! We welcome all juniors and seniors who speak a language other than English at home and/or are enrolled in an upper-level Language Acquisition class to register. Please direct all questions to Ms. Rebecca Hanford at rebecca_s_hanford@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!
Library Media Center News:
Attention Seniors, Parents and Guardians
The Graduation Package has been set for the Class of 2025 at $55. This is the lowest Graduation Package in recent years. The price includes the cap and gown, senior t-shirt, senior picnic, venue, rehearsal breakfast and other costs related to graduation such as programs and tickets. It has been posted to SCO and should be paid as soon as possible.
Cap and gown orders will be taken soon. Keep up to date on the Senior Page of the SVHS website.
Lee Ann Wolfe
Class of 2025 Co-Sponsor
Seneca Valley High School
Leeann_wolfe@mcpsmd.org
SVHS Student and Family Resource Page
SVHS Student and Family Resource Page
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community.
SENIORS & SENIOR PARENTS!!!! Please make sure you save and/or favorite our Class of 2025 website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/senecavalleyhs/activities/seniors/
This is where we will house ALL of our important information, reminders, Grad Package info, event calendar, officer and sponsor names, and more. We will keep the most pressing announcements on the homepage for easy access.
Chromebook Care
Families, many students are reporting damage to Chromebooks. Please know that each student is financially responsible for damage caused or loss of any Chromebook and charger that is checked out to the student. The device is loaned to the student to be used for instructional purposes only and in accordance with MCPS Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security. No cost is associated for a student to borrow, possess, or use an MCPS Chromebook. A family is only financially responsible when there is avoidable damage to the device. If the device is faulty, there is no charge to the family; however, if the damage is considered avoidable or the device or charger is lost, the family will be charged according to MCPS current parts and replacement costs.
*The chart above identifies the costs associated with fixing or replacing a Chromebook due to avoidable damage, theft, or loss, and was shared with students in Homeroom on the 1st day of school. For more information about student Chromebook responsibilities, please see the Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy, available in both English and Spanish.
Attention Seneca Valley Community:
If you ordered a 50th Anniversary T-shirt, they are available for pick up in the main office.
Parents and guardians - if your student is in grade 9, new to MCPS, or if you have not previously submitted the G-Suite for Education: Additional Services form, please give your student(s) permission to access and use technology resources as part of their learning experience. Access to the form is via ParentVUE, as part of the Annual Verification process.
From Technology Information and Support for Parents:
What is Annual Verification and how do I do this in ParentVue?
In the past, yellow emergency cards and a variety of other forms were sent home with students on the first day of school so that families could communicate updates about contact information, health, directory withholdings, emergency contacts, and more. This process will now take place in ParentVUE using Online Registration.
Failure to provide consent to Additional Services and Supplemental Online Digital Tools will not result in loss of access to the G-Suite Core Services, but will limit access to other technology resources used to facilitate teaching and learning. Consent remains valid for the entire time the student is enrolled in an MCPS high school and may be rescinded at any time.
PARENT VOLUNTEER TRAINING
PARENT VOLUNTEER TRAINING
The MCPS Volunteer webpage has been updated.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx
On that webpage, you will find updates for SY24-25 and a chart for “who needs what.” There is also a resource on the far right called: School Guidance for Volunteers. If there are any volunteers who did this process last year, then they are good for this year. Any new volunteers would need to complete the compliance measures listed below.
One-time volunteers who will ALWAYS be accompanied by MCPS staff
One-time volunteers who will never be alone with students at the MCPS school do NOT need to complete the compliance measures.
They WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver's license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS). Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.
Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a regular volunteer (This includes, but is not limited to Dads on Duty participants)
These volunteers must complete BOTH the online child abuse and neglect training and the COVID attestation process.
Volunteers can pull their grade sheet showing a total of 183.3%. This grade shows completion of both processes.
They WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver's license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS).
Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.
Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a frequent volunteer AND will be alone with students.
In addition to the online child abuse and neglect training and the COVID attestation compliance measures, the volunteer must have completed the finger printing process.
Fingerprinting/Background check (only if they are working alone with students without supervision of an MCPS staff member or other type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation and FAQ )
Fingerprinting Webpage
SVHS PTSA
Hello SVHS families,
Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Thank you to those that attended the PTSA meeting in Tuesday. There will be no PTSA meeting in December.
We appreciate you! Join the PTSA.
The PTSA wants to show our members some appreciation. All members who have joined since July this year and anyone who joins through the end of November will be entered into a drawing to win a prize. There will be two prizes. The first prize is posted on our Facebook page.
Like Chipotle? We do too!
Support the PTSA while treating yourself and/or your family with some Chipotle on Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Location: 19881 Century Blvd. Germantown.
Questions for the PTSA? Send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com.
Chantal
SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025)
💚🦅💛
SVHS Boosters
Happy Thursday Boosters Members!
Welcome to our newest members who signed up for boosters last night at Meet The Coaches!
Many hands make light work, sign up here:
Have fresh produce delivered right to your door with the Seasonal Roots fundraiser:
We are currently looking for 3 key individuals. Can you help out in any of these 3 areas? Boosters needs Committee Chairs for Fundraising, a Nominating Committee, and a Concessions Chair.
Do you own a truck? Would you like to help with the Mulch Fundraiser this year? Zap a message here: BoostersSenecaValley@gmail.com
Have an idea you’d like to share? Join us for our next meeting on December 9 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria!
Review the minutes from our most recent meeting here:
Best,
Tisha Chrobak
Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2025
Not a member yet? Join here:
https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq
Extracurricular Activities Information
We welcome you to engage with Seneca Valley in a new way this school year!
Check out our non-athletic Extra Curricular Clubs and Activities! From study groups to competitive dance to cultural celebrations to Dungeons and Dragons and beyond - there's something here for everyone!
Reach out to sponsors of clubs you're interested in or fill out the interest form to be included in back-to-school messages about clubs. Check out our current offerings. SVHS ECA OFFERINGS
The Holiday Giving Project
The Holiday Giving Project has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to qualifying households for over 30 years. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred for possible assistance for the holiday season, please complete this referral form provide the required information. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. Families can only be referred once; please do not complete a referral if you have already been referred from another school or agency. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. If you need help completing the form please contact Ms. Ruiz Miller at 240-447-8963.
El Holiday Giving Project ha brindado asistencia para el Día de Acción de Gracias y los días festivos de diciembre a los hogares que califican durante más de 30 años. Si usted y su familia están en necesidad y les gustaría ser referidos para una posible asistencia durante la temporada de festividades, complete este formulario de referencia para proporcionar la información requerida. Los recursos son limitados: solicite solo si usted y su familia realmente lo necesitan. Las familias solo pueden ser referidas una vez. Por favor no complete este referido si ya le han referido de otra escuela o agencia. Si bien una referencia no es una garantía de asistencia, el Proyecto ayuda a tantas familias necesitadas como lo permitan las donaciones. Si necesita ayuda para completar el formulario, comuníquese con la Sra. Ruiz Miller al 240-447-8963.
Dual Enrollment
Registration for the Spring semester of Dual Enrollment/Jump Start to College begins at the end of this month! The three classes offered at SVHS will be Introduction to Nutrition, Introduction to the Study of Ethics, and Introduction to Business. Students may also take classes at Montgomery College or virtually. Qualifying students may take up to 2 approved MC courses in the Fall and Spring semesters with MCPS/MC covering tuition, fees, and required textbooks and materials. Please contact Stacey Blaine at Stacey_J_Blaine@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions.
Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center
Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Information Coordinator (email)
Continue Working on College Applications!
Reminder that the SVHS College Application Packet is the go-to document for applying to colleges at SVHS. It is a step-by-step guide on how to apply and includes everything that you need to complete. Please use this document to get started on college applications and follow all of the steps!
2025–26 FAFSA® Form is Now Available!
The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available. You can complete the form to apply for financial aid for attendance at college or career school between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
FAFSA forms submitted online will typically be processed in one to three days. Once your form is processed, you’ll be able to review your FAFSA Submission Summary and your FAFSA information will be made available to your selected schools. You also can make updates or corrections (such as adding a school or a missing signature) to your FAFSA form.
Upcoming Scholarships
Upcoming Scholarships
December 02 - Kahlert Foundation Scholarship for Towson UTeach - $12,000 awards; senior; Maryland resident; enroll in Towson University in the Fall semester; min 3.25 GPA (unweighted) upon matriculation to Towson University (TU); enroll and maintain status as a full-time TU student (at least 12 credits); declare a major aligned with the Towson UTeach Program (the secondary education concentration of the mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth-space science, or physics major); two letters of recommendation; transcript; see linked document for all details and form to apply.
December 11 - The Coolidge Scholarship - multiple full-ride scholarship awards; juniors; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Legal resident; must enroll full time at a college or university in the fall of 2026; distinguished academic record; competitive candidates will have pursued and succeeded in the most rigorous course of study available to them; also exhibit an interest in policy.
*Scholarship application closes at 8pm EST on December 11.
December 15 - MoreWithUs Spring 2025 Scholarship - 1-$500 award for high school students; senior; submit a one-page essay OR a short video (about 2 minutes) about a work or volunteer experience; create a MoreWithUs profile; see link for full details and guidelines.
December 16* - BURGER KING Scholars Program - multiple awards ranging from $1,000-$60,000; senior; min 2.0 GPA (unweighted); must enroll at a school full-time next Fall; recipients are selected based on their grade point average, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service.
*Scholarship closes on December 16 or when 50,000 applications are submitted, whichever occurs first
December 18* - Equitable Excellence Scholarship - up tp 100-$5,000 awards (renewable up to for four years); seniors in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two-or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); financial need; demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in your community by encouraging others to pursue higher education; willing to provide a release to publicize their identities and information about their achievements along with photographs for use in program promotion and information; essay; transcript.
*Scholarship application closes at 4pm EST on December 18.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Other Opportunities
Other Opportunities
Paying for College: The Guide to Financial Aid
Paying for College: The Guide to Financial Aid
A free, interactive presentation for the Class of 2025. This presentation will be hosted at the Clarksburg High School auditorium, and is open to families from Clarksburg, Damascus, and Seneca Valley. The presentation will be covering Financial Aid and will include assistance in completing the FAFSA. It is highly recommended that you create your FSA ID (click link) before attending and bring a Chromebook or laptop with you.
Interested students are asked to register in advance as space is limited (registration link can be found below).
December 2 | 6pm | Clarksburg High School
Some of the topics we will cover are:
Strategies for ensuring you can afford the colleges you apply to
How Early Action / Early Decision can impact financial aid
What scholarships to prioritize
What to know before filing the FAFSA and CSS profile
Comparing financial aid offers and how to appeal for more
Questions YOU submit in advance!
Click here for the flyer | Click here for the link to register
MCPS On-the-Spot Admissions Event
MCPS On-the-Spot Admissions Event
Attention Seniors! Looking to apply to college? Want to receive an immediate admissions decision without having to wait weeks or months? Participate in one of these regional on-the-spot admissions events! Students interview with college representatives and receive an on-the-spot admissions decision! Students may also find out if they are eligible for scholarships.
Montgomery College will also be on-site to answer questions and assist students with applying to MC.
Seniors from all MCPS high schools are welcome to attend. For planning purposes, please register below if you plan to participate. Once registered, students will receive updated information, including how to prepare, before the event. Remaining date:
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 @ Richard Montgomery, 3pm-6pm: Deadline to register is Friday, November 29, 2024
Click here for the flyer | Click here to register (includes the latest list of participating schools)
Sandra Lee Heyman Foundation STEM Career Awareness Fellowships
Sandra Lee Heyman Foundation STEM Career Awareness Fellowships
This Fellowship is for high school sophomores who enjoy science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and are curious to learn more about exciting potential careers in these areas!
Over the course of 18 months, Fellows will meet with STEM leaders (think: tech leaders in start-ups, Nobel Prize winners, top computer scientists, astronauts), explore leading STEM institutions in the DC area, and access peers and mentors to support career exploration in STEM.
Applications are due December 3
Applicants are required to submit an online application that includes short answers, brief essays, and a video essay (optional), including a parental release form.
Applicants will be selected based on their interest in STEM subjects and in learning more about potential STEM careers. Applicants should demonstrate their interest in STEM by taking STEM classes in school, pursuing extracurriculars and hobbies in STEM subjects, and coming up with other creative ways to explore the world of STEM!
Click here for the flyer | Click here for more information and to apply
How to Pay for College Night Presented by Montgomery College
How to Pay for College Night Presented by Montgomery College
Join us for an informative event to learn how to finance your education or workforce training. You can learn about MC Scholarships, financial aid programs, Maryland 529, dual enrollment, and more.
Get assistance completing the financial aid application process.
On-the-spot giveaways and scholarships.
Delicious food for purchase from food trucks
Wednesday December 4, 5-8 p.m.
In-Person at the Germantown Campus
Registration is required.
Click here for the flyer | Click here for the link to register
Help Your Child Succeed…Build a Career | Financial Success | Bright Future
Help Your Child Succeed…Build a Career | Financial Success | Bright Future
Parent Guide to Construction Trades and Apprenticeships (webinar)
Parent Guide to Construction Trades and Apprenticeships (webinar)
ABC of Metro Washington, a construction industry trade association in the DC metro area, is hosting a free virtual event for parents of students interested in careers in the construction / built industry. The event, titled "Parent Guide to Construction Trades & Apprenticeships" will feature speakers and a panel presentation. The goal is to help parents learn about:
Construction training—the “other” four-year education program
What is an apprenticeship and how is it different than a tradesmen
Hear about real-world journeys and the personal excitement for bright futures
How to get started on an apprenticeship pathway and earn money at the same time
Event Details:
Online / Virtual Webinar
Free
Must register in advance
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Click here for the flyer | Click here for more information and to register
Student Athletes, Families, and Screaming Eagle Fans!
Please see link for this week’s Weekly update from the athletic department.
News from the Business and Finance Office
Business Office: Mrs. Monique Riddick, School Business Administrator, 240-740-6413
Finance Office: Ms. Lillian Burgos, School Financial Specialist, 240-740-6414
Finance Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The window is closed daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Students may visit the finance office before school, during lunch, and after school.
Payments may be made using School Cash Online or in cash, check, and money order at the finance window. All checks should be made payable to Seneca Valley High School or SVHS. Please include the student’s name and ID number on all checks. Returned check fees are $25.00 per check and are obligated toward the student’s account until paid. This includes checks collected as part of fundraisers.
Obligations: All outstanding obligations must be paid in order for students to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, Homecoming and Prom. Seniors with outstanding obligations will not be permitted to participate in senior activities including the graduation commencement ceremony. Outstanding obligations may be viewed and paid at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/.
Parking Permits: The Student Parking Application Form must be completed and submitted to the Business Office for approval. Please contact Monique_N_Riddick@mcpsmd.org with any questions or concerns. The Seneca Valley High School student parking information and regulations can be found here.
SchoolCash Online
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Montgomery County Public Schools has transitioned to a new online payment system called SchoolCash Online as its preferred method of payment for school-related fees such as fundraisers, field trips, obligations, etc. (Please note that the new payment system is NOT related to school cafeteria accounts)
SchoolCash Online helps parents/guardians and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. SchoolCash Online will help increase efficiency and security at schools by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. In addition, once registered, you will be immediately informed about school activities!
Powered by KEV Group, SchoolCash Online is the industry leader in the management of school fees. The new system puts all of the school-related fees online for purchase so users can make purchases online using a credit card or e-check. A processing fee will be included on all items available for purchase, regardless of the type of payment used on SchoolCash Online or at the school.
Parents/guardians can register now at - https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
MCPS CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
MCPS CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
The MCPS Code of Conduct and A Student's Guide to Rights & Responsibilities will be distributed to all students in September.
They are also online at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights.
Safety Tips for Walkers
Cross the street at marked crosswalks whenever possible.
Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with "right turn on red."
Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
Begin crossing the street on "Walk" signals-never on a solid or flashing "Don't Walk."
Use pedestrian pushbuttons to activate/extend the walk signal.
Use sidewalks. If none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles, and drivers see you.
Make eye contact with drivers so they see you. Never assume they do.
Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing.
Welcome to Safe Schools Maryland
An ANONYMOUS and FREE reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents, and the general public to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns.
Safe Schools Maryland is Maryland’s only official anonymous reporting system.
Safe Schools Maryland operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Your anonymous report can be submitted by calling the tip line (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233), completing an online form (below), or downloading the free Safe Schools Maryland app from the App Store or Google Play.
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