Good evening Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone had a good weekend.  Once again the weather has given us another snowy night.  We have a short week ahead with the quarter and semester ending Tuesday January 28th.  We have a week full of athletic events.   

Tomorrow we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marked as a day of service, Dr. King stated, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”   I challenge you to do for others tomorrow. Education was also important to Dr. King, “Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.”  Again I challenge you to think for yourselves and think critically.  Please take tomorrow to make a difference for yourself and others.

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

ATTENTION Seniors, Parents and Guardians

Important Information for Seniors

The last chance to have your Senior Portrait taken at Seneca Valley will be next week, 1/21/25, 1/22/25 and 1/23/25. You can schedule your appointment at Legacystudios.com for Jan 21, 22, or 23. Don't delay, do it today!

Cap and gown orders are being taken now.  If you did not order yours during our December Class meeting, please use the link below to order yours today.  The cost of the cap and gown is included in the Grad. Package, however, paying the Grad Package is NOT the same as ordering the Cap and Gown.  You need to do BOTH!

Use this link Seneca Valley Caps and Gowns

Parents, please check with your senior to see if this has been completed!

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. 

Thank you!

Lee Ann Wolfe

Class of 2025 Co-Sponsor

Seneca Valley High School

Leeann_wolfe@mcpsmd.org

🌟 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! 🎓

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:

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!! 

EXPLORE CAREER POSSIBILITIES!

For more information contact Adrian Charley, CTE Coordinator at Adrian_V_Charley@mcpsmd.org

New video by Anthony George

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4q72MycLRZLPM9Eu6

@SenecaVHSCTE

From The Media Center:

It's a new year! Have you made a resolution to thrive in 2025? Let the LMC help.  Whether you’re planning to get healthier, learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, get organized or quit a bad habit, we’ve got books to help! Check out our “Resolution 2025” display for ideas and inspiration.

The LMC has a newcomer! Please welcome Ms. Anita Hardy:

My name is Ms. Anita Hardy and I have joined the SVHS staff as media specialist for the month of January.  I retired from MCPS January 1 , 2020, after having been a media specialist for over 20 years.  After I retired, I filled in for other media specialists for the past 4 years.  I spent the last year as the media specialist for the MCPS Virtual Academy.  I have enjoyed being in the media center.  The space is lovely, the collection of books is excellent, and the media assistants are outstanding.  The staff and students are welcoming and kind.  I am happy to serve you!  Here's to a healthy, rewarding 2025.

Anita

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

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,

We hope you are all doing well. As always, the PTSA is here to support the SVHS community. Feel free to reach out to us as anytime if you have any feedback, concerns or questions. Email: svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

SAVE THE DATE!  Join us for our first PTSA meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, Jan. 21st from 6:30pm-to-8:00pm in the SVHS media center. We value your voice and support and hope to see you there!

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. 

Keep up to date with what’s all that’s  going on with our SVHS community. Join the PTSA Facebook Page

Chantal 

SVHS, PTSA 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

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)  

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 Now 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.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• 5 weeks | 50 hours | Monday-Friday | 7 a.m.– 6 p.m.

• Virtual, in-person and/or hybrid opportunities

• You are matched based on your desired industry and location

• Your schedule is determined by your host

• Attend a mandatory informational orientation prior to starting

• Free professional clothing, if needed

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Learn about a career and gain hands-on work experience

• Build a network of mentors to support your career path

• Develop professional skills that are needed for any job

• Inform college and career planning

• Receive a stipend and certificate of completion

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

ADDITIONAL INFO

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/partnerships/summer-rise/

College & Career Representative Visits

Next Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

• U.S. Air Force (ROTC) - Tue January 21 @ 9:30 AM

  • Attend this special presentation to learn more about the Air Force and ROTC.

• Continental Pools, Lunch Visit (Lifeguarding/Summer Jobs) - Fri January 24 @ 11:12 AM (lunch)

  • Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn about summer jobs and lifeguarding opportunities from Continental Pools.

ASVAB Testing @ SVHS - Jan 28 (Grade 10 - 12)

Each year Seneca Valley High School offers students the opportunity to take the ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. What is the ASVAB? It is a multi-aptitude test battery that helps in identifying different skills and competencies. It is a required test for anyone entering the military, regardless of branch. The ASVAB test results provide a snapshot of current knowledge and skills. These scores can be compared with educational or job requirements for occupations and careers of interest, making it a useful career exploration assessment.

Although I recommend students interested in the military to take this test as a practice, taking the ASVAB is in no way a commitment to join the military. Your test scores will not be shared with any recruiters without your express permission, meaning that the test results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. We use the ASVAB as a career exploration tool.

The ASVAB will be administered at SVHS on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, starting at 7:45am.  The test takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.  The ASVAB is only administered to students in grades 10, 11, and 12.

If you are interested, please fill out and complete this registration form by January 21.*  

*A signed permission slip by a parent or guardian is also required.  Please email or return the signed copy to Mr. Nalda in College & Career Center, Room 2408. 

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

• Attend an Internship Information Meeting during lunch in room 1410:

  • Thursday, January 23, 2025

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 

• January 24 - MCPS Educational Foundation Student Scholarships (translated flyer) - opportunities from $500 - $40,000; seniors; open the application, and take an eligibility quiz to see if you are eligible for any opportunities, or review the opportunities in the linked flyer; Key Application Components: Student information, Activities, Personal essay, Post-secondary education plans, Assessment of financial need; see flyer for all details.

• January 31 - FOSSI Scholarship - $40,000; 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; pursue studies in a pertinent chemical and engineering industry STEM field (see link for preferred majors); attend an HBCU for the entirety of their college education; have interest in pursuing a career in chemical manufacturing, engineering, environmental health and sustainability or other related chemical-industry fields; demonstrate financial need.

• January 31 - Navy NROTC Scholarship - $180,000 towards a four-year institution's tuition and expenses; please read all application instructions and checklist carefully to determine eligibility and requirements of the scholarship; long application, start early!! 

• January 31 - Macklin Business Institute (MBI) Honors Program at Montgomery College - senior; min 3.0 GPA; provides a collegiate experience that parallels that of the best business schools in the country, bringing together highly talented students with an interest in business; the two-year program is designed for incoming MC freshmen, while the one-year program is for second-year college students; upon completion of the program, students will have had unique opportunities which will expand your transfer options; click on the link for more details. 

  • Please note: students must have already applied to MC and received their M Number before they can begin the application!  Apply to MC ASAP! (click here for the link)

• January 31- Montgomery Scholars Program at Montgomery College - senior; min 3.0 GPA; the Montgomery Scholars Program is a selective-admission two-year interdisciplinary honors program designed for high school graduates as the first step in completing a four-year degree; each student admitted into the Scholars program is awarded merit scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and fees for two years of study at Montgomery College (30 credits per year at the in-county resident tuition rate); essay; 2 letters of rec; personal creative work; click link for more information and details. 

  • Please note: students must have already applied to MC and received their M Number before they can begin the application!  Apply to MC ASAP! (click here for the link) 

Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.

Other Opportunities

FAFSA Facts & Myths Workshop

Students and parents, join us together for one or more of these FREE events.

Education is expensive.  Plan wisely for your future.  Live, Virtual, Interactive.  Space is limited, Register Today! 

• Monday, January 20, 7-8 PM 

• Saturday, January 25, 10AM-12PM (with time to work on your own FAFSA and ask questions)

Who needs to fill out the FAFSA?

• Alternative financial aid applications

• Walk through the FAFSA

• Live Q&A

Click here for the flyer with more information  |  Click here to register  |  Questions?  dnuckols@umd.edu 

MC Montgomery Scholars Virtual Information Session

Wednesday, January 22  |  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

At the information session, you can learn about:

• Highly Selective Program: The Montgomery Scholars Program is a two-year honors program for high school graduates, offering a strong foundation to complete a four-year degree.

• Full Tuition Scholarships: Students accepted into the program receive scholarships covering two years of tuition and fees at Montgomery College, making it an affordable start to higher education.

• Proven Transfer Success: Scholars have successfully transferred to top universities like Yale, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and the University of Maryland.

• Unique Curriculum: The program features an interdisciplinary first-year core blending history, literature, and world music, followed by a capstone project and honors seminar in the second year.

• Tight-Knit Community: Scholars enjoy a close-knit community, with opportunities to connect through retreats, picnics, service learning, and the annual Scholars Colloquium.

• Expert Faculty and Support: Students work with accomplished faculty and dedicated counselors who provide academic guidance, personal support, and help with transferring to four-year schools.

For any question regarding the event, email David Ma.

For any questions regarding Montgomery Scholars, email Montgomery Scholars.

Join the virtual information session via zoom

College & Career Center Newsletter

2024-25 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 4, December/January

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/