SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
Community Newsletter
Good evening, Seneca Valley!!
I hope everyone had a good weekend! The class of 2025 celebrated a great graduation on Friday!
This week marks another short week as we do not have school on Friday June 6th for a teacher professional work day.
With just two an half short weeks left of school, student please make sure you are turning in your work, checking your grades and finishing the year strong.
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
Additional Boundary Study Engagement Sessions Soon
(Sessions will include maps with initial boundary options and a tool to use your home address to discover any changes to school assignments.)
In case you missed it, MCPS will be hosting additional boundary study engagement sessions.
We invite you to participate in the upcoming engagement sessions focused on the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School. These sessions will cover the initial options for each study and share how potential changes may affect families with middle and high school students beginning in the 2027 school year.
There are multiple dates and ways to engage in these sessions. For more information, dates and locations, visit the boundary study website at mcpsmd.info/BoundaryStudy.
Project staff will share the process and the data that explain the formulation of these initial options. Note: Elementary school assignments do not change as part of this study.
Spanish
Sesiones adicionales de participación sobre el estudio de límites escolares
(Las sesiones incluirán mapas con opciones iniciales de límites y una herramienta para usar su dirección y descubrir cualquier cambio en la asignación escolar).
En caso de que se lo haya perdido, MCPS llevará a cabo sesiones adicionales de participación sobre el estudio de límites escolares.
Lo invitamos a participar en las próximas sesiones enfocadas en la reapertura de la escuela secundaria Charles W. Woodward, la apertura de la escuela secundaria Crown y la expansión de la escuela secundaria Damascus. Estas sesiones presentarán las opciones iniciales para cada estudio y compartirán cómo los posibles cambios podrían afectar a las familias con estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria a partir del ciclo escolar 2027.
Hay múltiples fechas y formas de participar en estas sesiones. Para más información, fechas y ubicaciones, visite el sitio web del estudio de límites en mcpsmd.info/BoundaryStudy.
El personal del proyecto compartirá el proceso y los datos que explican la formulación de estas opciones iniciales. Nota: Las asignaciones para las escuelas elementales no cambian como parte de este estudio.
Academic Programs Analysis - Survey Extended
Your Input is Needed!
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is conducting a study to ensure that high school students have equitable access to high-quality academic programs that reflect the needs of our student community, enabling them to thrive in their futures and meet the demands of tomorrow’s workplace and industries. The changes made as part of this analysis will create a lasting foundation for many years, so we want to hear from all families, including those whose children are not yet in high school. Your feedback is very important to ensure that the needs of all students are considered. As part of this effort, we invite all families to complete this short survey. The survey will take no more than 5 minutes to complete and closes on May 31, 2025.
Spanish
Análisis de Programas Académicos – Encuesta Extendida
¡Necesitamos su opinión!
Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Montgomery (MCPS) están llevando a cabo un estudio para garantizar que los estudiantes de secundaria tengan acceso equitativo a programas académicos de alta calidad que reflejen las necesidades de nuestra comunidad estudiantil, permitiéndoles prosperar en su futuro y cumplir con las exigencias del lugar de trabajo y las industrias del mañana. Los cambios que se realicen como parte de este análisis establecerán una base duradera por muchos años, por lo que queremos escuchar a todas las familias, incluyendo aquellas cuyos hijos aún no están en la escuela secundaria. Su opinión es muy importante para asegurarnos de que se consideren las necesidades de todos los estudiantes. Como parte de este esfuerzo, invitamos a todas las familias a completar esta breve encuesta. La encuesta no tomará más de 5 minutos y estará abierta hasta el 31 de mayo de 2025.
The Birds Of Play, Seneca Valley's Theatre Company, is beyond excited to announce the 25-26 season!
Fall Play - November 6, 7, 8: Monty Python's Edukational Show
Monty Python’s Edukational Show is a fast-paced comedy revue featuring sketches and songs from the iconic Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Classic bits like “The Dead Parrot,” “The Cheese Shop,” “Galaxy Song,” “Ministry of Silly Walks,” and “Argument Clinic” are brought to life alongside other audience favorites. With its sharp satire, absurdist humor, and playful jabs at authority, the show celebrates creative rebellion. Designed for a large ensemble, it offers abundant opportunities for a broad cast and crew to shine.
Spring Musical - April 18, 19, 25, 26: Newsies
Newsies is a high-energy musical based on the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike in New York City, where young workers stood up to powerful publishers in a fight for justice. With themes of solidarity, courage, and speaking truth to power, the show delivers a powerful message of “union strong” and “raise your voice.” The production features rousing songs, bold choreography, and dynamic storytelling that bring the movement to life. Its large ensemble and rich visual world provide exciting opportunities for a broad cast and crew to collaborate and create.
We are currently recruiting students for all production roles; performers, musicians, technicians, designers, artists- everything from makeup application to set construction to house management! Whatever it is you are interested in, there's a role for you in theatre! Students can share their interest via: https://bit.ly/BOP25-26.
From the Counseling department:
Summer School Registration Opened April 3
Summer school registration opens on Thursday, April 3. This year, instead of online registration, school counselors will register students who request to participate in summer school.
Summer School Session Dates:
Session 1: June 30 – July 18
Session 2: July 22 – August 8
Location: Gaithersburg High School
Virtual options are available.
Summer school offers students the opportunity to stay on track academically or get ahead in their studies. For details about fees, other summer programs and credit recovery options, visit the MCPS Summer School website.
For initial registration, students must complete the MCPS 2025 Summer School Interest Form
For questions about summer school, please contact your student's School Counselor.
2025-26 Course Requests Review
It is hard to believe that this school year is almost over, and the SV School Counselors have already been hard at work to prepare for a fantastic year at SV next year! In preparation for the 2025-26 school year, students and families are encouraged to review their student course requests by visiting the “Course Request” tab on StudentVUE or ParentVUE. A reminder that at this point, these are course requests, and not actual schedules. If you have any questions about your course requests, please reach out to your student’s Counselor and they will be happy to assist.
Class of 2026 - Arising Senior
Senior portrait scheduling page is now active and open for seniors to select their Spring and Summer appointment dates and times. The link for seniors to schedule their appointments is below. Once these dates fill up, it will open the Fall dates. Or, if they don’t fill, it will open the Fall dates shortly after these have passed. Class of 2026 seniors are encourage to schedule, link will be posted on the school website where seniors can find it.
Just a few tips about scheduling:
This link will be the same for all senior portrait dates. Seniors looking to schedule an appointment for a later date can do so through this same link.
Seniors can access the scheduling site either through the customized link provided or by visiting the Legacy Studios website and searching by school.
Both the school customized link and a link to the Legacy Studios website are provided here:
Below is the contact information for our customer care service in case they require any assistance.
Call: 716-512-6336 Ext. 108
Email: customercare@legacystudios.com
50th Anniversary Yearbook Edition
As part of our 50th-anniversary yearbook edition, we are featuring a special story on trends from 1975 and how they compare to current trends. We would love to gather insights from staff members who lived through these trends to add a personal touch to our feature.
Specifically, we are looking for any memories or perspectives you might have on popular trends from that time, such as:
Bellbottoms and other fashion trends
Video games like Atari
Makeup and hair styles
Platform shoes
If you're able to share any stories or reflections on these topics, we would greatly appreciate your input. And for those of you who may be a little too young to speak on this (lucky you!), please feel free to share any fun observations you have about how trends from that time might look to you. Send insights to jessica_l_neetz@mcpsmd.org
Thank you so much for your time and for helping make our 50th edition extra special!
Don't forget to order your book today at yearbookforever.com
Dual Enrollment
Jump Start to College: Dual Enrollment Pathway
Are you interested in jumpstarting your college education while still in high school? The Dual Enrollment Program at Seneca Valley High School, in partnership with Montgomery College, offers you the opportunity to take college courses at no cost. This program allows you to earn college credits while still in high school and is open to students in all grades. Registration is underway so don't delay in registering before classes fill up!
Fall 2025 Courses Offered at SVHS!
📚 CCJA 110 – Administration of Justice (M/W | 1– 2:30 PM)
📚 COMM 108 – Foundations of Human Communication (T/TH | 1 – 2:30 PM)
📚 HLTH 121 – Nutrition for Fitness and Wellness (T/TH| 1:00 – 2:30 PM)
To learn more about these exciting opportunities and the eligibility requirements, visit Mrs. Blaine in Room 2107B or email at stacey_j_blaine@mcpsmd.org.
Library Media Center News:
A few reminders from the LMC this week!
On June 1, MCPS is hosting a Community Pride Day from 1pm-4pm at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. The event will feature games, story time, community resources and more!
Underclassmen should return books by June 2nd. Beginning on June 2nd, the library will close at 3:30PM every day through June 13th.
The annual Drive for Supplies is coming, and the Media Center will be a collection point for gently used school supplies. Details will be announced soon but keep the Drive for Supplies in mind as you begin to clean out your lockers for summer!
REMINDER: Although students are permitted to eat lunch in the LMC's classroom section, NO OUTSIDE FOOD is allowed in the LMC. This is a longstanding library rule that will be enforced more diligently because of multiple incidents in the past several months of students bringing outside food into the LMC and leaving a mess, especially after school. Students with outside food will be asked to eat it outside of the LMC.
SVHS PTSA
Greetings SVHS community,
A huge congratulations to all the 2025 graduates. The PTSA wishes you all the best in your future endeavors.
The PTSA is having its final fundraising event to close out our great school year. See flyer below. We hope you can join us to celebrate and meet the current PTSA staff. Come by and say hi.
The PTSA still needs volunteers for next school year. If you are interested email svhsptsapres@gmail.com.
President (Oversee the overall PTSA activities)
1st Vice President (Community Outreach)
2nd Vice President (Fundraising)
Treasurer (Financial activities)
Secretary (Administrative Support)
We hope to hear from you. Please let us know by May 20th if you are interested. You can send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com for more information.
Thank you,
Chantal Falade
2024-2025 SVHS PTSA President
SVHS Boosters
Happy Monday Boosters Members!
Have fresh produce delivered right to your door with the Seasonal Roots fundraiser:
Have fresh produce delivered right to your door with the Seasonal Roots fundraiser:
Review the minutes from our most recent meeting here:
Senior Parents! Pop on over to our Boosters website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/senecavalleyhs/activities/boosterclub/) to have your senior apply for our scholarship!
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
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community.
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.
Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center
Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Information Coordinator (email)
The SVHS College/Career Center is Open in the Summer!
If you need help or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda, even after the last day of school! He is a 12-month employee and works in the summer.
Important Note About the FAFSA from Montgomery College!
This important message from Montgomery College is for students who filled out the FAFSA and plan to attend MC this fall...
Montgomery College has observed a recurring issue where students are entering the incorrect school code on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This error significantly delays the processing of their financial aid applications and may impact their eligibility for various aid programs.
Correct School Code: 006911
Montgomery College's official FAFSA school code is 006911 Rockville Campus. Using any other code, such as the codes for Germantown or Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus — will result in us never receiving their FAFSA, causing unnecessary delays and complications.
If you selected Germantown's (or another) Campus, please log into your FAFSA to make the change ASAP! Use the following directions as a guide: https://studentaid.gov/help/how-add-college
If you have questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 240-567-5100 or FinancialAid@montgomerycollege.edu. Our team is available Monday through Friday for walk-ins, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
MDCAPS - Check Your Account for Awards and Accept If Offered!
Attention Seniors - If you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, including Montgomery College, this is a reminder to check your MDCAPS account for any potential awards offered by the state of Maryland. You will need to log into your account, confirm the school you plan to attend in the fall, and accept the award if you were offered. You should have also received an email with instructions.
Tip: To accept the GA Grant, you will need to edit your Enrollment and only select the school you plan to attend in the fall. You will then need to select which degree you plan to pursue. Once those steps have been completed, you should be able to accept your award.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
MDCAPS login page - https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/
June 02 - SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship - multiple awardees receive a $2,500 scholarship and monthly stipends of up to $100 throughout college, one-on-one support from SchoolHouse Connection staff, 3 all expenses paid trips, and more; currently residing in the U.S. (undocumented applicants are eligible); born on or after June 2, 2005; starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses); this applies to high school juniors, high school seniors planning to take a gap year, or students receiving a GED and planning to begin college for the first time in the 2026-2027; experienced homelessness in the last six years; eligibility, demographic, and education questions; transcript; 1,000 word essay; 1-3 letter(s) of recommendation.
June 10 - A&F Scholarships - $1,000 award; available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution; write a 500-1000 word essay describing your educational career and life goals (see link for specific prompt); your submission must be sent by email to the address provided on the linked site.
June 15 - Horatio Alger Association Career & Technical Education Scholarship - 300 awards of up to $2,500; for students who have overcome great obstacles in their lives and wish to pursue a career or technical degree/certificate/diploma at a not-for-profit trade/vocational school or community college; Have completed high school (or equivalency) by July 1; plan to attend a not-for-profit community college or trade/vocational school; enroll in an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma program by September that will lead to employment; may not be enrolled in pre-requisite courses; demonstrate financial need (applicants must show household income of $65,000 or less); under the age of 35; be a United States citizen.
June 19 - BigSun Scholarship - $500 award; senior; plan to attend a college or university in the fall; all student athletes are eligible regardless of the sport they are engaged in or the capacity in which they participate; short essay (500 - 1,000 words) about how your participation in sports has influenced you.
June 30 - Louella W. Norfleet Memorial Scholarship Fund - high school seniors entering into a two- or four-year accredited community college, college, or university, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, pursuing a degree in higher education; picture of the applicant; official high school or college transcript; two letters of recommendation; one official letter of acceptance from an accredited community college, college, or university (must be written on the community college, college, or university’s letterhead); essay.
June 30 - The Ernest D. Bryant Scholarship - high school seniors entering into a two- or four-year accredited community college, college, or university; must have completed high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and declared Engineering as their major; picture of the applicant; official high school or college transcript; two letters of recommendation; one official letter of acceptance from an accredited community college, college, or university (must be written on the community college, college, or university’s letterhead); proof of major declaration; essay.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Other Opportunities
UMBC is offering four dynamic courses this summer at the Universities at Shady Grove campus in Rockville, MD. These engaging, hands-on courses are open to high school students and include:
Arduino Robotics Bootcamp (7/28–8/1, 1–4 PM)
Food Deserts vs. Food Swamps (7/14–7/18, 1–4 PM)
Bioterrorism & Bio-Warfare (7/14–7/18, 9 AM–12 PM)
SAT Test Prep Course (7/28–8/1, 9 AM–12 PM)
About UMBC's Summer Enrichment Academy:
Our unique and challenging academic workshops are led by UMBC faculty, industry experts, and graduate students.
Students can register at sea.umbc.edu. Click here for the flyer
College & Career Center Newsletter
2024-25 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 8, May/June
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/
SchoolCash Online
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Montgomery County Public Schools has transitioned to a new online payment system called SchoolCash Online as its preferred method of payment for school-related fees such as fundraisers, field trips, obligations, etc. (Please note that the new payment system is NOT related to school cafeteria accounts)
SchoolCash Online helps parents/guardians and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. SchoolCash Online will help increase efficiency and security at schools by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. In addition, once registered, you will be immediately informed about school activities!
Powered by KEV Group, SchoolCash Online is the industry leader in the management of school fees. The new system puts all of the school-related fees online for purchase so users can make purchases online using a credit card or e-check. A processing fee will be included on all items available for purchase, regardless of the type of payment used on SchoolCash Online or at the school.
Parents/guardians can register now at - https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
The MCPS Code of Conduct and A Student's Guide to Rights & Responsibilities will be distributed to all students in September.
They are also online at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights.
Safety Tips for Walkers
Cross the street at marked crosswalks whenever possible.
Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with "right turn on red."
Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
Begin crossing the street on "Walk" signals-never on a solid or flashing "Don't Walk."
Use pedestrian pushbuttons to activate/extend the walk signal.
Use sidewalks. If none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles, and drivers see you.
Make eye contact with drivers so they see you. Never assume they do.
Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing.
Welcome to Safe Schools Maryland
An ANONYMOUS and FREE reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents, and the general public to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns.
Safe Schools Maryland is Maryland’s only official anonymous reporting system.
Safe Schools Maryland operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Your anonymous report can be submitted by calling the tip line (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233), completing an online form (below), or downloading the free Safe Schools Maryland app from the App Store or Google Play.