SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
Community Newsletter
Good evening Seneca Valley!!
I hope everyone had a good weekend and a great break so far. We return to school on Thursday January 2nd. I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year.
We will focus on the use of ID's, students make sure you are displaying your ID when you enter the building and have it with you as we will electronically check you in the office, counseling, wellness center, health room and other places. If you are in need of a hard ID, see Ms. Boone in the security office on Tuesdays or Thursdays during Eagle time.
Please make sure you read updates from our PTSA, Boosters, and Athletics.
I wish you all a great evening.
Have a great Monday, week, and New Year on purpose!
Ricardo Hernandez, Principal
MYP Personal Project Updates: Students have submitted their action plan (due Dec. 13) in order to be prepared for their 2nd staff supervisor meeting on Tues., Dec 17 during Eagle Time. Here are the guiding questions students will discuss with their supervisor.
Questions to ask your student:
What do you need to research in order to achieve your goals and develop success criteria?
What characteristics (success criteria) have you developed for your final product? Have you submitted your success criteria assignment in Canvas?
Are you ready to meet with your supervisor on Tuesday, Dec. 17? Have you reviewed the guiding questions?
Think Big Program updates: On Friday, we went to Strathmore Music Hall for our 2nd field trip. Please congratulate Zion Johnson and Suhey Diaz-Flores for excellent presentations on their MYP PP progress as our highlighted student presenters! We also enjoyed two artist presenters who got an entire room of high school students to try square dancing, and it was magical! Check out our amazing students here! 😊
Mrs. Becraft, SVHS IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Coordinator
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!
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
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.
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.
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,
The PTSA wishes the SVHS community a wonderful holiday season.
Have questions or concerns. Email us at svhsptsapres@gmail.com.
Stay connected with what’s going on in the SVHS community. Join the PTSA Facebook page: Facebook
Chantal
SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025)
💚🦅💛
SVHS Boosters
We have a busy week ahead:
1/3/2025 - Varsity Basketball Double Header Girls at 5:30, Boys 7:15
Sign up to help with a friend! Many hands make light work, sign up here:
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 January13 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria!
Have fresh produce delivered right to your door with the Seasonal Roots fundraiser:
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:
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! (Seniors)
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! (Seniors)
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.
Click to learn more | SVHS Financial Aid Guide for Seniors
Juniors, Are You Interested in an Internship??
Attention Current Juniors - Are you interested in learning more about internships for this summer or next school year? If so, please follow the steps below:
Complete the Internship Interest Google Form
Check your school Gmail for an email with a link to a slideshow all about internships and a link to apply
Check out the SVHS Internship website at: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhs-internship/home
Attend an Internship Information Meeting during lunch in room 1410 on one of the following dates:
Friday, January 10
Please stop by and see Mrs. Skufca, Internship & Apprenticeship Teacher, in room 1410 with any questions.
College & Career Representative Visits
December 31 - Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship - $1,000; 9-12 grade; legal U.S. resident; submit a 250 word essay; feel free to use something you have already written! Easy!!!
December 31 - Going Merry Scholarship - seniors; must have a Going Merry account linked to your current high school and be a part of the Class of 2025; should only take a couple of minutes to complete; make sure your Going Merry profile is complete and accurate!
December 31 - Around the Corner from College Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; open to current high school students (9-12 grade); US citizen, permanent resident, or with DACA status; must be planning to attend a college or university in the US; create a personalized checklist that you can use (max 10 items) to help you best prepare for college.
January 03* - GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program - numerous awards of $10,000 with a possibility of up to $40,000 total (renewable, based on eligibility); senior; U.S. Citizen; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); enroll full time at a four-year school in the fall; demonstrate at school, the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship.
*Scholarship application closes at 3pm EST on January 3.
January 07 - Bethesda Magazine Short Story Writing Contest - 1st Place-$250 and work published in Bethesda Magazine, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$75, and $50 honorable mention awards; 9-12 grade; resident of Montgomery County; short stories must be limited between 1,500 and 2,500 words.
January 08 - Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship - (*deadline is 8pm on 1/8) 150 awards ranging from $5,000-$25,000; senior; legal U.S. resident or the dependent child of an active duty member of the U.S. military; submit a video (between 30 seconds to 2 minutes or less in length) about your passion and your future; see website for specific questions to address in your video and full details.
January 09 - Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship* - (*deadline 5pm EST on 1/9) 60 awards of up to $7,500; minority high school senior; U.S. citizen; financial need; demonstrated record of academic excellence; leadership potential and a dedication to community service; plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within or affiliated with a school in the United States; letter of recommendation; transcript; four essays.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
College & Career Center Newsletter
2024-25 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 4, December/January
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/
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.