Good evening Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone had a good weekend.  We slowly start to see temperatures rise this week, a much needed break from the temperatures of last week.  We have a short week ahead with the quarter and semester ending Tuesday January 28th.  Students will not have school on the 29th.  Thursday the 30th marks the start of the 3rd quarter and second semester, we will have a homeroom schedule that day.  Please stayed tuned for an email detailing reminders for the 3rd quarter and start of the 2nd semester on Wednesday evening.

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

🌟 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:

Creativity Contests 🎥

• High school students from across the Washington Metropolitan Area are invited to submit poems to the Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest. This year’s theme is Civic Duty.  Entries must be no longer than one page, single spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, and are due by February 21, 2025. 

• MoComCon, a celebration of comics, graphic novels, and fandoms, is coming back to Germantown and will be held at Black Rock Center for the Arts and the Germantown Library on March 22-23rd.  Students are invited to enter MoComCon art and essay contests between now and February 24th, and a cosplay contest on the first day of the event.  For more information and contest entry forms, click HERE.  

• The Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition invites teams of two or more students to create and submit 30-second videos on one of three topics related to the risks and dangers of underage drinking. Entries are due by March 23, 2025.  Click HERE for more information and contest rules.

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 

Summer RISE Information Session @ SVHS - Jan 30

Attention 10th and 11th grade students and parents/guardians.

Curious about the Summer RISE program or already registered and have questions? Join the Summer RISE team at their next in person Information Session on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:30pm at Seneca Valley HS in the Cafeteria. Learn more about the program, what goes in to being a participant, what participation looks like, and get any questions you have answered.

Register to attend the meeting HERE and view other dates available to participate.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Partnerships at 240-740-5599 or summer-rise@mcpsmd.org.

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.

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.

• 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).

• 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 

• 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) 

• February 01 -  Esperanza Scholarship Fund (deadline for Bachelor Degree-seeking applicants) - $5,000 scholarships for bachelor degree-seeking applicants; senior; must have been born outside the U.S. OR have two parents who were born outside the U.S.; ​household income requirement (see link to see if you qualify); household financial information; family background; intended college or university; high school transcript or GED scores; SAT or ACT scores (optional); extracurricular activities; one essay; one letter of recommendation. 

• 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). 

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

Other Opportunities

Seminario web sobre ayuda financiera: FAFSA y ayuda financiera del estado de Maryland

CÓMO COMPLETAR LA SOLICITUD FAFSA  

Lo que debes saber para completar la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes.

Jueves, 30 de enero a las 6:30 PM

¡Invitamos a los estudiantes y sus padres a unirse a nosotros en Zoom para que puedan:

•  Crear una cuenta de ayuda federal para estudiantes.

•  Obtener más información sobre cómo completar la FAFSA.

•  Recopilar los documentos necesarios para la FAFSA.

• Escuchar las respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes.

Haga clic aquí para registrarse  |  Folleto con más información

¿Tienes preguntas? Envía un correo electrónico a Jill Semmens a jsemmens@collegiatedirections.org.

10th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) College Fair

Learn more about HBCUs directly from school representatives. Students and families can also learn about scholarships, special programs, financial aid, and more.

Saturday, February 1, 2025  |  10am - 2pm In Person

Tuscarora High School  |  801 N. King Street, Leesburg, VA 20176

Click here for the flyer

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 

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/