SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
Embedded Files
Good evening Seneca Valley!!
I hope everyone had a good weekend. We have a busy week ahead. The start of the 3rd quarter has gone well. We appreciate all the students wearing their IDs. Soon we will begin to distribute new Chromebooks to selected grade levels. Students will need their ID's in order to check them out. Furthermore, IDs are required at all Seneca Valley events for student entrance. If you have any questions regarding IDs please touch base with your administrator.
As we mark the start of Black History Month, please see below for a calendar of events recognizing this month.
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
Seneca Valley Students and Community! This week we start Black History Month Recognition and Celebration at SVHS. Click the image below to go to the live SVHS Black History Month Calendar where you'll find events almost every day throughout the month. The last week of February we'll run a Black History Month Spirit Week. The days are on the calendar and the posters will be up in the main entrance soon! There's something for everyone this month - trivia, karaoke, bingo, informational campaigns, African Dance performances, movies, you name it! Let's celebrate OUR history by recognizing Black History Month together.
Please click the image to see a larger version of the calendar to see everything planned for this month!
Sincerely - The Girls of Color Alliance, The Minority Scholars Program, The African Student Association, and The African Dance Team
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.
🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Grade 9 Students! 🌟
Seneca Valley High School is thrilled to announce the Grade 9 College Tour Experience in partnership with the Montgomery County Career Advising Program (MoCoCAP)! On Monday, February 10, 2025, our 9th-grade students will have the unique chance to explore higher education with a visit to one of two renowned regional universities: Coppin State University or George Washington University.
For those who prefer a virtual option, students can participate in asynchronous Virtual College Tours via myMCPS Classroom. This is an incredible opportunity to get a head start on planning for the future, as early exposure to college empowers students to make informed decisions about their post-secondary paths and prepares them for college, career, and community success.
Don’t Miss Out!
● Space for in-person field trips is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
● Permission slips are available in the Main Office, with the College/Career Information Coordinator (CCIC), or
with MoCo Career Coach Joe Vukovich.
● Please register and complete permission slips as soon as possible.
● Permission forms are due by Monday, February 3, 2025, to the Main Office or the College/Career Information Coordinator (CCIC).
For more information, please reach out to:
Mr. Carlos Nalda: carlos_e_nalda@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Himilce (Vanessa) Arraez: himilce_v_arraez@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Joy Morgan: joy_r_morgan@mcpsmd.org
Let’s help our students dream big and explore their future possibilities! 🎓
Visual Arts Department News:
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a highly competitive and respected competition, and we are so excited to announce that two of our SVHS students received awards. Please see the linked document below.
Thank you,
Dana Mooney
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNYF-0dLPqxIeb_M9NmgmGvYmDzU6hYCa-ecFffthZ0/edit?usp=sharing
Dinner doesn't have to be a production - but it can support ours! Treat yourself to Chipotle on February 5th from 4pm - 8pm and Chipotle will share 25% of your dinner bill with Seneca Valley Birds of Play! Support the music, the lights, the costumes, the makeup, and the drama of it all and have a delicious (and easy) dinner in the meantime!
Online Order using code A69ECR7 or Show the Flyer when you order at the Century Blvd location on Feb 5th!
CTE News:
February is CTE Month! Throughout the month we will be highlighting the benefits of taking a CTE pathway in high school, career pathways, CTE competitions, students and fun. One of the most exciting events for many CTE students are the many competitions hosted by career and technology student organizations (CTSO). We have close to 40 health professions students who are taking assessments in the hope of earning qualifying scores so that they can advance to the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competitions at the state level, then go on to nationals. We also have carpentry, criminal justice, cybersecurity, electricity, HVAC, and IT teams who are preparing to compete in regional SkillsUSA competitions at Thomas Edison High School on February 5, 2025.
During CTE month students will be going on career exploration field trips to the Washington Auto Show and to the Bethesda Marriott. They will have the opportunity to network with industry experts and to find out what skills employers are currently seeking. Additionally, we have several guest speakers who will be coming to Seneca Valley to present information about nontraditional careers and to share information about internships and apprenticeships. Make sure to be on the lookout for information about our CTE month activities. You can visit our webpage or follow us on social media so that you don't miss a thing! Website, @SenecaVHSCTE (Twitter), SenecaValleyCTE@Facebook, www.instagram.com/senecavalleycte/
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, CTE Coordinator at Adrian_V_Charley@mcpsmd.org
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4q72MycLRZLPM9Eu6
Seal of Biliteracy Celebration, SVHS Cafeteria February 25, 2025, 6:30-7:30pm
We have had excellent results this year with the Seal of Biliteracy - testing is still continuing for a few students. A huge thank you to the families and friends as well as ALL staff who have supported each of the students who tested this year. Please join us on Tuesday, February 25th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the cafeteria as we celebrate all test takers this year and recognize the seniors who earned the Seal last year in their junior year. Light refreshments will be served.
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) encourages SVHS to participate in the 2024-2025 Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition Video Contest! This contest invites public and private Middle School and High School student teams to create a 30-second PSA from one of the following topics:
Topic 1: Standing Your Ground: Fighting Peer Pressure from Friends to Drink
Topic 2: How Does Social Media Affect Under-21 Alcohol Use
Topic 3: Dangers of Under-21 Alcohol Consumption
Student teams who submit a quality video entry to the contest will earn 5 SSL hours. Student teams will be awarded SSL hours in May 2025 if their submission meets all the contest requirements.
Video Entry Rules
All entries must be 30 seconds in length. Slates and credits cannot be overlaid onto the PSA or included in the 30 second message allotment. Entries over 30 seconds will be disqualified.
Entries should not include copyrighted images without permission. Copyright materials include, but are not limited to magazines, books, DVDs, websites, films, YouTube, and music.
Background music and/or sounds should not interfere with any spoken language
Submissions must reflect thoughtful planning, insight into material researched, and accurate coverage of the content.
Entries should use creative cinematography and be persuasive to encourage the audience to pay attention to the message and act on it.
Only one entry per student.
All entries must have a sponsoring teacher. No individual entries will be accepted.
Check out the following website for more information,
https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=754713
International Night, Friday, February 21, 2025, 6-8PM, in the Cafeteria - please sign up & come, it's a free event!!
Do you love to cook traditional food from your heritage culture? Do you love to wear traditional fashion that is representative of your culture? Do you play an instrument, love to sing, and/or dance? Do you love school spirit and learning about the diverse cultures represented at our school? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then you should mark your calendar to attend International Night and hopefully participate! See details below:
MYP Personal Project Updates: Students are working hard towards their product goals with a goal to finish by end of January! Students will draft their required final report in their Health classes during the first couple weeks of February. Students who are not enrolled in Health will attend a workshop with Mrs. Becraft to finish their final report.
Reminder of requirements to earn MYP Research Seminar credit: Students must submit a MYP Personal Project Final Report that meets to requirements of the SVHS Academic Honesty policy and includes evidence of their project completion.
Think Big Program updates: On January 16, we went to Glenstone Art Music for our 3rd field trip. Please congratulate Weerahennadige Jinasena and Rebeckah Vy for excellent presentations on their MYP PP progress as our highlighted student presenters! Students also created their own sculptures to represent an ATL skill using only 12 notecards and masking tape. Check out their creativity —and yes, that is a rotary phone!
Mrs. Becraft, SVHS IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Coordinator
Are you skilled in an area of leadership? Do you want experience creating your own leadership workshop? We have an opportunity for you! Do you want to enhance your presentation and public speaking skills? Do you want to inspire a group of future leaders? We have an opportunity for you! Apply to be a workshop creator or presenter for our Next Generation Leadership Day on March 22nd, 2025. For more details about participating in this event and being a workshop presenter or creator, check out the application info: https://bit.ly/NGLD2025application
The deadline to submit a workshop is Monday, January 20th and the deadline to apply to be a workshop presenter is Monday, February 3rd.
All workshop creator submissions can earn 10 SSL hours. Students who are chosen and participate as workshop presenters will earn 15 SSL hours.
Support the SVHS Birds Of Play and the spring musical, Once Upon A Mattress!
Show shirts: our purple short sleeve shirt has a full color show ogo on the front and a list of all cast and crew on the back! A great way to royal-ize your wardrobe. Shirts are $20 and orders must be placed by Feb 1. https://bit.ly/MattressShirtSV
Program Ads/ Space in the program:
Business Ads: Promote a local business and connect with our theatre community.
Personal Shoutouts: Send a special message to your favorite cast or crew member—celebrate their hard work and dedication!
Ads are due by March 1. https://bit.ly/MattressAdSV
Email Ms Fellows at joanna_c_fellows@mcpsmd.org if you have questions or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities!
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:
From The Media Center:
Are you looking to spend Valentine's Day with something special? Join the LMC's "Blind Date with a Book" game. Come in and meet your potential matches, swipe right with your student ID to check one out. Then read your choice and rate your "date" to be entered to win a special Valentine's prize. The competition runs through the month of February, so read more to better your chances! Visit the LMC for details, to see what you could win and to participate!
In celebration of Black History Month, the SVHS Book Club is reading PROMISE BOYS by Nick Brooks. The story takes place at the fictional "Urban Promise Prep School for Boys" set in the District of Columbia. When three Promise Prep students are accused of the murder of the school's principal, they team up to find the killer and clear their names. Book discussion will be held on Monday, February 24 and copies are available in the LMC and online through the Sora app.
Spotlight on Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship: This week, teachers will deliver the first of three lessons that are part of MCPS’s commitment to teaching digital citizenship. In acknowledgment of Digital Learning Day, students will be encouraged to take steps to protect privacy and security online. Related family activities (English | Spanish) and tip sheets (English | Spanish | Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese ) from Common Sense Education help parents and caregivers engage in this learning with their children. In addition, the Common Sense Education YouTube Channel, Parenting in a Digital Age, and the webpage Digital Citizenship Resources for Family Engagement, provide additional resources for families.
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.
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.
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.
SVHS PTSA
Hello SVHS families,
We hope everyone is doing well and taking care of themselves. Need a break from routine meal prep?
Go check out Hangry Joe’s in Germantown on Saturday, February 8th between 11am - 11pm and support our fundraiser. Enjoy one of their signature meals and/or milkshakes and 20% of the proceeds that day will support the SVHS PTSA. Mention the flyer below when ordering in person or if ordering online add a note saying “SENECA PTSA”.
Our next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, February 18th from 6:30-8pm. Find the invite on our Facebook page to save the date.
If you have not yet joined the PTSA, it’s not too late. Join Now! to become a PTSA member.
The PTSA will be planning an event soon to show our SVHS staff how much we appreciate them for all they do. If you would like to support, please consider making a Staff Appreciation Donation.
Stay connected with what’s going on in the SVHS community. Join the PTSA Facebook page: Facebook
Chantal
SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025)
💚🦅💛
Have questions or concerns. Email us at svhsptsapres@gmail.com.
SVHS Boosters
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.
Join us for one of our Upcoming events:
Upcoming events:
Saturday 2/1 - Wrestling vs Wheaton & Northwood 1:00
Monday 2/3 - Girls Basketball vs Walt Whitman 5:30
Boys Basketball vs Walt Whitman 7:15
Tuesday 2/4 - Boys Basketball vs Northwest 5:30
Girls Basketball vs Northwest 7:15
Friday 2/7 - JV boys basketball vs Quince Orchard 3:45
JV girls basketball vs Quince Orchard 5:30
Many hands make light work, sign up here:
Have fresh produce delivered right to your door with the Seasonal Roots fundraiser:
Do you own a truck? Would you like to help with the Mulch Fundraiser this year? Zap a message here: BoostersSenecaValley@gmail.com
Review the minutes from our most recent meeting here:
Not a member yet? Support your Seneca student by signing up here:
https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq
Best,
Tisha Chrobak
Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2025
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
Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center
Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Information Coordinator (email)
Tracking College Admissions & Merit Scholarship Offers in Naviance
Many seniors have already received college admissions decisions. Please keep track of ALL admissions results and merit scholarships for ALL colleges you applied to in Naviance. This will help us celebrate SVHS seniors for our annual college acceptance wall!
Once you hear back from colleges via email or letter, please record your results in Naviance:
How to update admission decisions/results in Naviance: video instructions
If you were accepted and offered a merit scholarship, congratulations! Here is how to add your offered scholarship in Naviance (video instructions)
Note: Under $ Awarded, enter the amount. If you see that your award is renewable, please multiply the amount by four (for four years of college).
If you have been offered multiple academic scholarships, you may title them by using the name of the college or the name of the scholarship.
For example: “University of Florida - Merit Scholarship” OR “Trustee Scholarship - Purdue U.” (etc.)
If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor. Thank you!
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.
Click to learn more | SVHS Financial Aid Guide for Seniors
MCPS Summer RISE Application is Open! (Sophomores & Juniors)
MCPS Summer RISE Application is Open! (Sophomores & Juniors)
The Summer RISE Application is now open and will close Tuesday, February 18 at 5 PM.
Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) is an initiative led by the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Department of Partnerships to provide rising high school juniors and seniors with enriching summer career-based learning experiences.
PROGRAM DATES
June 23 - July 25, 2025
WHO CAN APPLY?
Current sophomores and juniors, who will be rising MCPS juniors and seniors in the 2025-2026 school year
Click here for the flyer with more information
LINK TO APPLY*
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/partnerships/summer-rise/
*Note that students must be logged into their MCPS student account in order to access the form and register.
College & Career Representative Visits
Upcoming College & Career Center Visits:
MD Army National Guard, Lunch Visit - Tue February 11 @ 11:24 AM (lunch)
Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the MD Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Wed February 12 @ 11:12 AM (lunch)
Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the U.S. Army.
Coppin State University - Thu February 13 @ 10:45 AM
Montgomery Village Foundation, Lunch Visit - Thu February 13 @ 11:24 AM (lunch)
Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about summer jobs at Montgomery Village Foundation (Lifeguards, Camp Counselors, and Youth Corp).
Hood College -Thu February 13 @ 1:05 PM
Montgomery County Recreation, Lunch Visit - Fri February 14 @ 11:12 AM (lunch)
Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about Montgomery County Recreation and their summer programs, student employment opportunities, financial aid for programs, and much more!
Attention Current Juniors - Are you interested in an Internship or Apprenticeship during your senior year?
If you are interested in an internship for this summer or next school year? If so, please follow the steps below:
Complete the Internship Interest Google Form (link)
Check your school email for an email with a link to a slideshow all about internships and a link to join the Canvas Course to apply
Check out the SVHS Internship website (link) for general information, frequently asked questions, & an application timeline
If you are interested in an apprenticeship that begins this summer & continues next school year, please follow the steps below.
Work on creating a resume & cover letter. Use this resource to help you: Resume & Cover Letter Resource
Stop by & see Mrs. Skufca in room 1410 to review your resume & cover letter and discuss next steps.
Current opportunities available through MCPS:
IEC School to Electrical Apprenticeship Program - application opens in March; in person open house on February 4 & virtual open house on February 5. See flyer for IEC Open House Information (link) Must have a valid driver's license.
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician - will take a class at MC this spring & begin work over summer
Montgomery Recreation - will be looking for lifeguards & recreation assistants
Please stop by and see Mrs. Skufca, Internship & Apprenticeship Teacher, in room 1410 or email (Kimberly_K_Skufca@mcpsmd.org) with any questions.
Upcoming Scholarships
Upcoming Scholarships
February 07 - Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship - multiple awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year (renewable); senior; U.S. Citizen or perm. res.; min 3.0 GPA; exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement; activities, awards & honors; financial need; demonstrate desire and ability to overcome barriers and to achieve their goals; must certify to not participate as a student-athlete in college.
February 15 - HSF (Hispanic Scholarship Fund) Scholar Program - $500 - $5,000, based on relative need; senior; must be of Hispanic heritage; U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted) for high school students; plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the US, for the 2025-2026 academic year; submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable); scholars are selected based on merit.
February 15 - Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarships - awards of up to $2,500; senior with demonstrated academic success; self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer; participate actively in interscholastic athletics or a competitive sport (club sport, recreational league, etc.); enroll in a full-time, undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university; official transcript; personal essay, maximum of 1,500 words (see link for prompt); two (2) letters of support from individuals qualified to address the candidate’s suitability for this award; copy of the acceptance letter for their chosen college or university (when available).
February 17 - HBCU Week Scholarship - $40,000; senior; U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; complete or have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) and be entering their freshman year of college; attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the entirety of their college education; financial need; 1 Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, community member or employer; transcript; proof of acceptance at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU); acceptance letters can be submitted through 4/11/25.
February 17 - LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Group Scholarship - $10,000; senior; U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; complete or have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) and be entering their freshman year of college; attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the entirety of their college education; financial need; proof of acceptance at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU); acceptance letters can be submitted through 4/11/25.
February 17 - HBCU Week x NFL Scholarship - $10,000; senior; U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; complete or have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) and be entering their freshman year of college; attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the entirety of their college education; financial need; transcript; proof of acceptance at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU); acceptance letters can be submitted through 4/11/25.
February 17 - HBCU Week x AstraZeneca Scholarship - $25,000 – $132,000; senior; open to students entering an HBCU and majoring in any STEM or supply chain related majors working towards a bachelor’s degree; U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; complete or have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) and be entering their freshman year of college; attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the entirety of their college education; financial need; proof of acceptance at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU); acceptance letters can be submitted through 4/11/25.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Other Opportunities
Other Opportunities
17th Annual MCPS Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) College Fair
17th Annual MCPS Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) College Fair
This free in-person event is held at The Universities at Shady Grove will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. Representatives will share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors and much more. The event will also feature a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information and more. This event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Friday, February 14, 2025 | 6:00-8:30 p.m. In Person
UNIVERSITIES AT SHADY GROVE | 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
Click here for more information | Click here to register
MCPS FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event
Do you know about the MHEC one app?
Are you looking for scholarships to go to college?
Do you need help creating your MDCAPS account?
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Montgomery College Financial Aid Outreach, and the Educational Opportunities Center will share important information about the FAFSA and MHEC One App. Representatives will be on-site to provide individual support for students and parents.
Friday, February 14, 2025 | 6:00-8:30 p.m. In Person
UNIVERSITIES AT SHADY GROVE | 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
Click here for more information and to register | Click here for the flyer | Folleto con más información
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.
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
Page updated
Report abuse