Good afternoon, Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.  The warmer temperatures seem to be on the horizon after this weekend.  Tomorrow Monday the 31st is a teacher work day.  Fourth quarter begins on Tuesday April 1st.  Make sure you are connected to Parent Vue to keep track of your students grades. 

The month of March is National Athletic Training Month.  I want to acknowledge our trainer Nate Grimm.  He takes great care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students athletes before, during, and their seasons.  From mentoring future health care professional to getting involved in the community, Seneca Valley and our students are in good hands with Nate.  Make sure you acknowledge him next time you see him.

Please make sure you read updates from our PTSA, Boosters, and Athletics.

I wish you all a evening day.  

Have a great Monday and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

SAT Make-up Testing – April 24th & April 25th

On April 24th and 25th, we will host our SAT Make-up Testing. All eligible 11th grade students who did not complete the SAT assessment on March 19th are encouraged to participate. For planning purposes, each potential tester and their caregivers received an email last week that includes a link to sign up for the assessment, free of charge. We ask that all students provide a response by April 7, 2025. Once we confirm the number of testers, we will share the full testing instructions prior to the assessment. This information will include each student’s scheduled date for the assessment, testing room number, and other logistical information. Testers are asked to arrive by 7:30am.

Please note. We will operate under our normal school hours on both testing days and will not utilize a modified bell schedule. All other students should arrive on time for first period.  For questions, you can contact Mr. Stancell at eric_stancell@mcpsmd.org.

Dear SENECA VALLEY HS Friends and Families, 

SENECA VALLEY HOSA is having a fundraiser at Jersey Mike's on FRIDAY,APRIL 4TH.  Please come out and help support our club. 

You may order online, by phone, OR in the store with dine in or carry out. You can order online the day of or even the day before the fundraiser and give them your pick-up time and date of pick up. If you call the order in, make sure to let them know it’s for the “SENECA VALLEY FUNDRAISER”. 

 You may also use the APP and have it delivered. https://www.jerseymikes.com/app 

Just make sure when using the APP to put “SENECA VALLEY FUNDRAISER” IN THE NOTES.   

 The fund raiser runs all day on FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH from 10am-9pm- so take a break from cooking dinner or go for lunch.  Our team appreciates all your support.  

Instructions on how to order online are below. 

1) Go to GERMANTOWN Jersey Mike's website:  

https://www.jerseymikes.com/order/28001     

2) Order on FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH.  

3) In the Checkout section of your order: 

• Please put PICK UP DATE/TIME AND YOUR NAME 

• Under 'Notes' please put: “SENECA VALLEY HS FUNDRAISER” 

• Gift cards also count towards the fundraiser.  Please consider picking one or two up.  They make great thank you and/or birthday gifts. 

Thank you for all your support!   

****PLEASE SHOW THIS FLYER OR MENTION THE FUNDRAISER AT CHECK OUT SO THAT WE GET CREDIT.  THANK YOU. 

Spring Game Changer Conference

Unity Christian Fellowship, Inc. will host its semi-annual Game Changer Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m.–noon at the Montgomery College––Germantown Campus. The conference theme is "Achievement to Thrive in 2025 is a Game Changer! What are your goals for winning your future?” The goal is to allow students to succeed as a game changer. The target audience is Black or African American and Hispanic male students of color in Grades 4–12. There will be separate sessions for elementary, middle, and high school students. In addition, parent workshops will be held every half hour (beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the last session ending at noon). A continental breakfast will be provided. Although there is no charge for registration, all participants are asked to register in advance here. Transportation will not be provided. There will be an essay writing competition for students to improve their writing skills and better prepare them for school and college essay writing. Students are encouraged to write and submit a 300-word essay based on the theme, "Achievement to Thrive in 2025 is a Game Changer! What are your goals for winning your future?” Submissions are due by Monday, March 24.  Please see the parent letter for complete details. 

From the Counseling department:

Summer School Registration Opens 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. 

Senior Graduation Status 

Attention seniors and families of seniors; Graduation Day is coming soon! The start of Marking Period 4 means that there are 33 days of school left for seniors before your last day on May 23rd. It's amazing how time flies!

Seniors and families of seniors, if you are at all unsure about your current graduation status, or have questions about any remaining graduation requirements, please touch base with your School Counselor. 

Seniors, we are looking forward to seeing you walk across the stage at UMBC...but you must make sure to do the work to get there!

Contact your Counselor with any questions or concerns. 

NACAC Montgomery County (MD) National College Fair Field Trip for Juniors: 

Permission Slips are due back this week!

On Wednesday, April 9th, SVHS students will have the opportunity to attend the NACAC Montgomery County (MD) National College Fair as part of a school-wide field trip. This year’s event will take place at the Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse (formerly the Maryland SoccerPlex) in Boyds, MD, and host over 275 Universities and Colleges. Admission representatives will be there to answer your questions about Admission Requirements, College Essays, Financial Aid, Scholarships and more.

Field Trip Details:

§   Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

§   Location: Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse (formerly the Maryland SoccerPlex), 18031 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841

§   Time: Students will depart SVHS at 9:40am and return to school at 11:30am

§   Cost: $5.00 (bus transportation)

In order to participate in this field trip, students will need to pay the $5 field trip cost using their SchoolCash Online account and bring a signed permission slip to Mr. Nalda in the College/Career Center, Room 2408.

Signed permission slip and payment are due by Tuesday, April 1.

Click here for more information 

Audition - Symphonic Orchestra or Jazz Band

Audition information is now available for any students interested in either symphonic orchestra or jazz band for the 2025-2026 school year:

• Auditions are only required for advanced ensembles (symphonic orchestra and jazz band).  You do not need to audition for concert band or concert orchestra

• Note that on the registration card, symphonic orchestra may be called "advanced band/orchestra"

• Click here to view the google folder containing audition information, sign ups, and music.

• Symphonic orchestra is open to string players, percussionists, and wind players (except alto/tenor saxophone).  Bari sax players may audition on bassoon but must read from the bassoon part

• Jazz band is open to people who play alto/tenor/bari sax, trombone, trumpet, drums, bass, guitar, and piano

• Auditions will take place between 4/22 and 4/24.  Please complete an audition sign up form if interested

• You may audition for more than one group

Please email Mr. Stephens, SVHS instrumental music director, at adam_r_stephens@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions. 

Visit the SVHS instrumental music website by clicking here 

Dual Enrollment

Registration for Dual Enrollment/Jump Start to College will open in mid-April. This program is open to all qualifying students in all grades.  Students simultaneously earn college credits from MC while fulfilling high school graduation requirements. 500approved courses are available for students to choose from with options of in-person and online learning. SVHS offers three MC courses a semester located at the high school. MCPS will cover the cost of two MC courses per fall and spring semester. Students who are interested should apply now so they will have their required college ID needed to register for classes in April! Please contact Stacey Blaine with any questions stacey_j_blaine@mcpsmd.org

IB Diploma and Career-related Spotlight

IB Career-related Program:

The IB Career-Related Program at SVHS has been nominated by IB leaders as a model of success!   

Juniors there is still time to be a part of the IB CP or IB DP at SVHS.  It increases your chances of getting into your dream school and best prepares you to be successful in college or your future career!  IB CP/DP seniors in the class of 2025 had a 3-4x greater chance of getting admitted to UMD compared to students not an IB candidate. Contact Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org or stop by Room 3510 for more information. 

IB Mock Exams:

On SAT Day over 100 Mock IB Exams were taken during the SAT session or during afternoon classes!  It was wonderful to see so many students take advantage of this opportunity to begin their preparation for their IB exams.

IB Language and Literature SL Seniors:

During their art analysis unit, IB Language and Literature SL students analyzed multiple artworks by conceptual artist and collagist Barbara Kruger. They concluded the unit by creating artwork of their own, using both image and text to present an idea to their audience. You can check out their artwork in Room 3506!

Library Media Center News:             

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.

The Library Media Center commemorates Women's History Month with "That's What She Said" a challenging game that asks players to match the celebrated woman with her famous words. This game is a hard one-- so just for stopping in and giving it a try, everyone can both learn something new and win a sweet treat. Staff are welcome to participate, too! HINT: Check some of the books on display for clues!

The SVHS Book Club's March selection is another Black-Eyed Susan nominee, the award-winning graphic novel The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Copies are available in the LMC and on the SORA app.

And speaking of books, a reminder to please return your overdue books!  While all students with overdue materials need to return them to the LMC, Juniors and Seniors who plan to attend Prom should make sure they have no outstanding library obligations. Unreturned books could keep them from purchasing Prom tickets, so please return books or arrange to pay for or replace them if they have been lost.

Did you know.....

SVHS Library is open Monday- Thursday from 7AM to 4:30PM and 7AM to 3:30PM on Friday?  We're here when you are -- so come by and check out something new! 

Sustainability Poster Contest

All MCPS students and staff members are invited to participate in the Division of Sustainability and Compliance's (DSC) 2025 Sustainability Poster Contest. The contest seeks to increase awareness and demonstrate the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible recycling.  All art must be a student or staff member's original work and not contain copyrighted elements. Posters should be no smaller than 8.5 inches by 11 inches and must not exceed 18 inches by 24 inches in size.

Please submit posters to DSC, 45 W. Gude Drive, Suite 4000, Rockville, by Friday, April 4, 2025. For more information, email or call 240-740-3210.

 More information:  Contest Flyer

To enter, complete the Contest Entry Form

Read about Contest Guidelines 

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. 

Seneca Valley PTSA

Greetings from SVHS PTSA,

We would like to thank you for attending our meeting in person and via zoom on 3/18/25.  Here is a preview of the meeting via our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18XyypfAoD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We will not have a meeting for the month of April due to Spring break (enjoy your time off with (family/friends).  We are planning another double good popcorn fundraiser for April 7th-10th.  We are looking for your interest as top sellers or buyers to help us raise more funds for After-prom.  If you are interested in being a participant here are the ways to support :

1. Download the DG (Double Good App) As soon as possible and enter event code CLCSAO.  You will see the prompts to create your profile.  We will guide you with further detail.

2. Visit our FB page event to learn more at https://www.facebook.com/share/19i6Ww3E4t/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

3. Mark your calendar to start ordering the best Gourmet popcorn on April 7-11th (start time 5 p.m) using this main PTSA  ordering link.  https://s.dgpopup.com/6v4c00hw 

Call for volunteers 

2025-2026 PTSA Executive Board volunteers needed 

The PTSA is looking for nominations for all Executive Board positions for the 2025-2026 school year. See list below. The PTSA plays a vital role in keeping parents, the community and the school connected and we want this to continue. Continuing work benefits the students and the school community as a whole. However, to make this possible, we need dedicated and passionate parents to take the reins and continue this much needed work. You will not be alone, you will have lots of help you transition and learn should you choose to take on one of these amazing roles. We ask that you give whatever time you can. If you are interested, please send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

• President (Oversee the overall PTSA activities)

• 1st Vice President (Community Outreach)

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

• Treasurer (Financial activities)

• Secretary (Administrative Support)

If being on the executive board is not your thing, we also need help to lead/chair some of our committees as well. If you would like to learn more about any of the committees below, please email svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

• Membership Committee (Involvement - beginning of the school year through early January) 

• Staff Appreciation Committee (Involvement - Several times throughout the school year)

• Fundraising Committee (Involvement - Ongoing throughout the school year)

• AfterProm Committee (Involvement - late fall through event date)

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. 

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)  

Financial Aid - Important Reminders

Planning on going to college?  Did you fill out the FAFSA or MHEC One/MSFAA App?

It is important to check your FAFSA account, specifically the ‘FAFSA Submission Summary’ to check on any potential grants and/or loans.  If you are planning to attend a Maryland school, you should check and monitor your MDCAPS account awards as well to see if you qualify.  This is especially true if you are considering Montgomery College.  Some students may not qualify for a Pell Grant via the FAFSA, but could still be eligible for the Community College Promise Scholarship.

You should also keep track of financial aid packages from each of the schools you have been accepted to.  You may want to consider using a spreadsheet to stay organized.  Review the estimated cost of attendance after all offered aid for each school.  If you qualify for any aid from the FAFSA or MDCAPS, be sure to review this carefully to make sure these amounts are reflected correctly on these financial aid packages from each school.  If you need assistance reading and understanding the letters, feel free to reach out to me or your counselor.

For schools you have been admitted to, you should also be on the lookout for any required forms in your school’s portal accounts or on their websites.  Make sure you are completing all required documents, especially for the school you plan on attending.  We do not want you to miss any deadlines!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

NACAC Montgomery County (MD) National College Fair Field Trip for Juniors

Attention Class of 2026! It’s time to begin your college search! On Wednesday, April 9th, SVHS students will have the opportunity to attend the NACAC Montgomery County (MD) National College Fair as part of a school-wide field trip. This year’s event will take place at the Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse (formerly the Maryland SoccerPlex) in Boyds, MD, and host over 275 Universities and Colleges. Admission representatives will be there to answer your questions about Admission Requirements, College Essays, Financial Aid, Scholarships and more.

Field Trip Details:

• Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

• Location: Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse (formerly the Maryland SoccerPlex), 18031 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841

• Time: Students will depart SVHS at 9:40am and return to school at 11:30am

• Cost: $5.00 (bus transportation)

In order to participate in this field trip, students will need to pay the $5 field trip cost using their SchoolCash Online account and bring a signed permission slip to Mr. Nalda in the College/Career Center, Room 2408.

Signed permission slip and payment are due by Tuesday, April 1.

Click here for more information

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! 

Attention Current Juniors - Are you interested in an Internship or Apprenticeship during your senior year?

Are interested in an internship for this summer or next school year? 

Please stop by and see Mrs. Skufca, Internship & Apprenticeship Teacher, in room 1410 or email (Kimberly_K_Skufca@mcpsmd.org). 

Upcoming Scholarships 

• April 01 -  Esperanza Scholarship Fund - $4,000 scholarships for associate degree-seeking applicants (for example, Montgomery College); 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.

• April 01 - League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) Scholarship - $3,000 awards; seniors who identify as Asian AND plan to major in the field of education; applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in the field of education and show experience supporting the community and/or an organization; personal statement; two recommendations; click here for the flyer.

• April 01 - The Generation Hope Scholar Program - wraparound support for teen or young parents working towards their college degrees; parents accepted into Generation Hope's program receive up to $2,400/year in scholarship funding, one-on-one mentoring, case management, free mental health support, career coaching, tutoring, and emergency funding as needed, and access to additional parenting support including free books, home visiting, and childcare assistance; to be eligible, applicants must have been pregnant or expecting at 19 or younger, currently be 25 or younger, live within 50 miles of DC, and be attending/planning to attend a nonprofit college seeking an associate's and/or a bachelor's degree; see link for all details and guidelines.

• April 01 - Navy Family Scholarships by NOSCDC - senior; applicant must be a dependent child of an active duty, activated reservist, retired from active duty, or deceased United States Navy (USN) service member; attend a two- or four- year undergraduate college, a visual or performing arts school, or a vocational/technical school; awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, school involvement, and community engagement; essays; letter of recommendation; official transcript; the applicant must be a U.S. citizen and, if applicable, possess a valid military dependent identification card.

• April 01 - Masonic Charities of Maryland Scholarship Program - 100 awards of $500; 6 regional finalists will receive an additional $1500, one regional finalist will receive an additional $2500, and one regional finalist will receive an additional $5000; senior; United States citizen or U.S. permanent resident; letter from a school official detailing student attributes, abilities, talents, interests, scholarship, study habits, and probability of success in college or vocational school, need for financial assistance, and any pertinent or unusual factors which should be considered by the scholarship selection committee (PDF); 300-500 word essay; additional optional documentation; click here for the flyer/

  • When applying online, the applicants will be asked to provide the name and number of the sponsoring Lodge - for Seneca Valley High, they should choose “Pentalpha Lodge” from the pull down menu and select Lodge Number 194. 

• April 04 - The Sherry S. Hintz Scholarship Fund (pdf version) - up to $20,000 per year for as many as four years of undergraduate education;  high school senior, or a high school junior graduating this year; have lost a parent or primary guardian to breast or ovarian cancer; are a resident of Montgomery County, Maryland; are a member of a family with a demonstrated financial need; achieved at least a 3.0 GPA; involved in a school, community, or athletic activity, ideally in a leadership position; desire to attend college; statement of Goals essay sheet; FAFSA Student Aid Report; transcript; Academic Recommendation Form; Leadership Recommendation Form; flyer.

• April 06 - DC Area Phi Beta Kappa Association Scholarship - four awards of $1,000; graduating high school seniors living in the Washington, D.C. area; must have a 3.5 unweighted GPA; show a commitment to the values and mission of Phi Beta Kappa, including academic achievement, community involvement, and a dedication to the liberal arts and sciences; essay; transcript; flyer.

• April 10 - The Charles B. Walker Culture Club Academic Achievement Scholarship - 1-$1,500 award; senior; MUST be a member of Zion Baptist Church; resident of the Washington DC Metropolitan area; accepted at an accredited college or university;  a Letter of Acceptance from an accredited college or university; a Letter of Recommendation (signed and dated); an official copy of your latest high school transcript; ESSAY (not to exceed 700 words) (See the List of Acceptable Essay Topics on the application); recent small photo; signed CERTIFICATION Form.

• April 10 - The Charles B. Walker Culture Club Outreach Scholarship -  1-$1,500 award; senior; resident of the Washington DC Metropolitan area; accepted at an accredited college or university;  a Letter of Acceptance from an accredited college or university; a Letter of Recommendation (signed and dated); an official copy of your latest high school transcript; ESSAY (not to exceed 700 words) (See the List of Acceptable Essay Topics on the application); recent small photo; signed CERTIFICATION Form.

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

Other Opportunities

Deciphering Award Letters and Winning Appeals

Tuesday, April 1st | 6:30 p.m.

Now that many students are receiving financial aid award letters from various schools, it's time to figure out how to compare them and understand what all the jargon means. Join this session to hear from an expert in the field to get the tools you need to make a smart decision about college cost.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy

Calling all young men interested in energy and sustainability! Embark on a free electrifying week of energy, climate change, and leadership at the Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy. Unleash your curiosity through hands-on projects, a weeklong energy challenge, and immersive experiences that blend STEM with essential leadership skills. Explore sustainable energy solutions and become part of a community shaping the future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore, learn, and lead towards a sustainable future!

The Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy is a free week-long, residential leadership program for young men at the University of Maryland, College Park. The program runs July 27th to August 1st, 2025.

Who should apply?  Current 10th and 11th grade boys

All applications are due by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Learn more and apply, go to:  www.exelonstemacademy.org  |  Questions? Contact Tyler Cvitkovic at tcvitkovic@need.org. 

Exelon Foundation STEM Academy

Come participate in a free program designed for young women interested in energy & sustainability! Ready to dive into an exciting field and make a difference in the world? Join us for the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy, a free, week-long, residential leadership program at the University of Maryland, College Park! Designed just for young women curious about energy and sustainability, this program offers hands-on workshops, interactive field trips, and small group discussions with inspiring women leaders from across the region. You’ll build leadership skills, collaborate on real-world energy projects, and even compete for prizes in an exciting energy challenge! Plus, each participant will receive an iPad for program activities—yours to keep after the Academy wraps up.

Come participate in a free program designed for young women interested in energy & sustainability! The program runs July 27th to August 1st, 2025.

Who should apply?  Young women currently in 10th or 11th grade

All applications are due by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Learn more and apply, go to:  www.exelonstemacademy.org  |  Questions? Please contact Evelina Juarez at ejuarez@need.org.

Open House Hiring Event at Rockville Swim and Fitness Center

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center is hosting a hiring event for potential part-time summer staff on Thursday, April 3 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Anyone interested in a summer job at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center can attend any time and no appointment is needed.

This event will be a “one stop shop” for potential employees to come in and speak with a management staff member about positions available, fill out an application on-site, participate in a skills evaluation for their preferred position, and schedule a time to return for a verbal interview. Certifications or prior work experience are not required to participate in this event and training opportunities are available for prospective employees. Swim and Fitness Center management staff members will be on-site to help walk potential employees through the application process, and to answer questions and help facilitate applying for summer work. See the printable event flyer for more details. 

The center will provide selected applicants with American Red Cross training in CPR/AED, First Aid, and/or Lifeguarding at a significant discount. Candidates that cannot make the hiring event on April 3 should go to www.rockvillemd.gov/careers to apply for a position. I have also provided our schedule for Lifeguard Training.

Questions? Contact Swim and Fitness Facility Supervisor Michael Capotosto at mcapotosto@rockvillemd.gov.

NextGen Life Sciences Scholarship Opportunity

The deadline for submission is Friday, April 4, 2025 by 11:59pm

NextGen Life Sciences Scholarship program is a 6-week training initiative aimed at advancing Maryland's biomanufacturing sector through training. After completing this training, participants will have the skills required for entry-level roles in biomanufacturing. 

This program offers a combination of lecture and hands-on practical training at the BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County, where experienced industry trainers will provide instruction at our state-of-art training facilities. This program is designed to assist Maryland high school graduates in recognizing their transferable skills, acquiring new knowledge, and exploring career opportunities in Maryland's rapidly growing biomanufacturing sector. 

• Scholarships are offered to 8 students in the amount of $5,000 to be applied to a 6-week training initiative provided by BioHub Maryland.

• Applicants must have graduated from a Maryland high school in Spring 2025 with no plans to attend a college or university.

• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 upon graduation with submission of transcripts.

• Applicants must have an interest in life sciences and/or biomanufacturing.

• Applicants must plan to attend a 6-week training course at the BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County. Scholarship is nontransferable.

• Recipients must be able to accept the scholarship in person at Maryland Tech Council’s Industry Awards Celebration on May 21, 2025, at 6:30PM at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

• Essay, transcript, and letter of recommendation are required as part of the application (see link below for all details and requirements.

Click here for more information and to apply

GSK Apprenticeship Opportunity

GSK is currently recruiting students to work as apprentices in their biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Rockville.  Successful candidates will study towards an A.A.S. in Biotechnology at Montgomery College.  The application typically closes at the end of April.  Selected apprentices will start in August 2025.

GSK Apprenticeships are full-time entry level opportunities that offer high school graduates and first year college students the opportunity to begin their career while working towards their Associate’s degree. This Associate’s degree is fully funded by GSK, which yes, means NO COLLEGE DEBT!

GSK Apprenticeships are unique because they lead to:

• Building technical skills through a tailored entry-level development program, working with industry professionals

• Earning an Associate’s degree at GSK’s partnering community college, DEBT FREE

• Receiving an industry-recognized “Certificate of Completion” training credential from the U.S. Department of Labor upon completion of GSK’s Apprentice Program - a portable certificate of competency

• Participating in unique personal development program, connecting with apprentices across the US and the world

• Being part of an inclusive organization that fosters individual empowerment and builds trust

Please review the information provided on this link carefully which includes the job description, requirements, application, and more.

Click here to see the flyer.

College & Career Center Newsletter

2024-25 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 6, March

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/

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