Good evening, Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone had a good weekend!  I think I can safely say that we have all had enough of the rain.  The sun this weekend certainly made a difference.

Seniors!!!  The countdown continues as you have 5 days left!  You have 5 days to have all your work turned in by Friday May 23rd, seniors last day in order for it to be graded and counted for your final grades.  Walking at graduation is a privilege, make sure in these last 5 days you act accordingly and complete all your requirements in order to participate in the graduation ceremonies.

On Friday May 9th MCPS sent the following community message regarding Personal Mobile Devices (PMD).  Please look at the highlighted portions below that will pertain to SVHS next school year.

Updated Personal Mobile Device Regulation for Next School Year

English  /  español  /  中文  /  français /  Português /  한국어 /  tiếng Việt /  አማርኛ

Dear MCPS Community,

We want to share an update on the revised Personal Mobile Devices regulation that outlines how students can use personal mobile devices—including mobile phones, e-readers, smart watches, tablets, wearable technology, video and audio recorders and gaming devices—while on school property and during MCPS-sponsored events. These regulations will go into effect starting the 2025–2026 school year.

Less Phone Time Means More Learning Time

Limiting phone use during class helps students stay focused, engaged and better able to retain information. Other benefits include:

• Fewer distractions = better learning and participation

• Teachers can teach without interruptions

• Research shows that less screen time promotes social-emotional well-being

• Classrooms run more smoothly

• Everyone benefits from a more respectful, focused environment

Bottom line: Less phone time means more learning time.

What families and students need to know:

• Before and After School: Students in all grade levels may use their personal mobile devices before the school day begins and after it ends.

• Elementary and Middle Schools: During the school day—including class time, lunch and transitions between periods—students will need to keep their personal devices turned off and stored away.

• High Schools: High school students may use their personal devices during lunch and between classes, but not during instructional time.

• On School Buses: Students are permitted to use their devices while riding MCPS buses.

• Student Responsibility: Students are expected to manage their devices responsibly, making sure they are turned off and out of sight when use is not permitted.

• Discipline and Expectations: If a student misuses their device, consequences will follow a progressive approach outlined in the updated Student Code of Conduct, which will be released in the summer, and focuses on education and accountability. Updates to the MCPS Student Code of Conduct will clarify and re-establish expectations for student behavior. Learn more. Principals have the authority to allow limited cell phone use during class time if the use supports instruction.

• Medical and Learning Accommodations: Students will continue to have access as documented in the 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that allows for personal mobile device use.

This revised regulation reflects MCPS’ continued commitment to creating a school experience where students can thrive—balancing the benefits of technology with the need to stay focused, respectful and connected in the classroom.

This is clearly a change not just for SVHS but for the entire system as MCPS aligns its expectation of all students and the PMD usage in schools.  We will ensure this consistency with MCPS as a SVHS community.

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

IB Exams

The IB Exam week kicked off Tuesday, April 29th with Physics and SEHS and ends on Wednesday, May 21st.

Below you will find useful information for the IB exams.  All exams will take place at SVHS - please note the meeting location on the IB calendar for each location, as it varies daily.

IB Exam Overview - reviews the exam types and other important exam information

IB Calendar - exam dates and locations

IB Exam Study Tips - general study tips

IB/AP Study Sessions - review sessions for IB/AP exams

Students have completed their IAs (Internal Assessments), so the last step is their IB exams that run over two days.  Please note, students must take all exams for their course(s) or they will be obligated an exam fee of $125.  

I look forward to seeing our students show all they have learned in their IB courses over the next several weeks.  A special thank you to all our IB teachers that have given endless hours to help prepare our students.  If you have any questions, please reach out to me at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org.

Natasha Ezerski

Seneca Valley High School

IB Coordinator

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.

Attention Senior Parents - Reminders for all Seniors and Senior Parents and Guardians About May 2025 Events 

The Senior Picnic will be held on May 23, 2025 at Bohrer Park from 4-7:30. Pizza and Carmen’s Italian Ice will be served.  There will be a DJ, Mini Golf, Volleyball and Basketball and more available.  Senior Sunset will happen directly after the picnic. 

Senior Parents - if you are able to donate water, sports drinks or canned sodas for the senior picnic, please Sign up HERE We do not provide drinks without your help. Students bring the drinks directly to Bohrer Park. 

Graduation Rehearsal is on May 29 at 7:45 at SVHS.  Students will be provided with a grab and go breakfast before the rehearsal.  After rehearsal students who have no obligations will receive their cap, gown and stole, a graduation pin, and 7 tickets to graduation. Students who have obligations must pay them before receiving their items.  Please check for obligations frequently on SCO and take care of them before rehearsal.

Graduation will be on May 30 at 2 pm at UMBC.  Students must be at UMBC/s Chesapeake Arena by 12:45 pm, and in line by 1 pm.

Guest Accommodations: If you have guests who need ASL or handicap accommodations for graduation, please complete the form linked HERE

The  Parent Presentation Slides  from the March meetings can be found HERE.

This presentation includes dress regulations, cap decorating guidelines and much more for graduates and parents

Lee Ann Wolfe

Class of 2025 Co-Sponsor

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. 

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. 

Student Service Learning Reminder

All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school, and spring break is a wonderful time for students to earn hours! Middle school and high school students can find virtual/remote and/or in-person SSL opportunities on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website. Students can also find SSL forms, guidelines, resources and more at the SSL Hub for Students/Families. For the High School Certificate of Meritorious Service (seniors who have 240 or more SSL hours) or the Middle School Superintendent’s SSL Award (middle schoolers who have completed the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement), students must submit MCPS Form 560-51 to their school’s SSL coordinator by Friday, April 4. All other SSL forms should be submitted on a rolling basis, but no later than the required deadline of Friday, May 30.

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:

SENIORS!  Have you returned your library books?  If not, please return them to the LMC ASAP in order to avoid an obligation that might affect graduation! Underclassmen should return books by June 2. Lost your book? Don't wait. Come to the LMC to discuss payment or/and replacement options. 

Seniors will also be scheduled to return their Chromebooks and chargers to the LMC during their English classes May 21-23.  Make sure to bring both with you to school to avoid an obligation!  

The Library Media Center is celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage month and Jewish American Heritage month by featuring books written by and about people in those communities.  It is also Military Appreciation month which culminates on May 26th with Memorial Day, but we are recognizing those who serve all month. Finally, it's Mental Health Awareness month and we have some fascinating new books featuring characters who face their challenges honestly and bravely.  Drop by to find out more! 

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! 

A final note:  The LMC's after-school hours will change on June 2.  The library will close at 3:30PM every day through June 17.  The day for after school activity buses is May 29, 2025.

If you haven't visited yet this month, remember the Library Media Center is celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage month and Jewish American Heritage month by featuring books written by and about people in those communities.  It is also Military Appreciation month which culminates on May 26th with Memorial Day, but we are recognizing those who serve all month. Finally, it's Mental Health Awareness month and we have some fascinating new books featuring characters who face their challenges honestly and bravely.  Drop by to find out more! 

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.

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! 

SVHS PTSA

Greetings SVHS families,

As we get ready for the end of the school year, the last thing many of you may be thinking about is joining or becoming part of the PTSA. The PTSA contributes a vital role to our students, parents/guardians, staff and community. There are many ways the PTSA supports students and families throughout the school year. Here are some highlights of the contributions to our SVHS families. 

v Being a liaison between the school, student, staff and community. 

v Holding monthly meetings, giving parents caregivers and the general community an opportunity to have a voice in matters that impact their child/children. 

v Partnering with guests’ speakers to provide pertinent educational or supportive assistance for our students, parents and staff. 

v Providing supplemental support where we can to students involved in various activities at school.  

v Showing our staff appreciation and behalf of the community by hosting events throughout the school year, such as staff appreciation, breakfast and lunch. 

v We provide a safe and fun environment for juniors and seniors by hosting an after prom each year. 

v Each year, the PTSA offers a scholarship award to a senior known as the J.D. Sowers Scholarship. 

v *New this year* This year the PTSA worked with the counseling department to select and sponsor two seniors’ graduation fees. (We hope to keep this trend going). 

We hope to welcome new board members before the beginning of the next school year. To have an official PTSA, there must be at least a President and Treasurer to officially have a board. Please consider joining to continue keeping Seneca Valley #SVPROUD. 

Reiterating what’s highlighted above. 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 or guardians to take the lead and continue this much needed work. You will not be alone, you will have lots of help in your transition should you choose to take on one of these amazing roles listed below.

1. President (Oversee the overall PTSA activities)

2. 1st Vice President (Community Outreach)

3. 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

4. Treasurer (Financial activities)

5. 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

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Information Coordinator (email)  

Mandatory Senior Exit Survey!

All MCPS seniors will be required to complete an exit survey before your last day, which is May 23.  This survey will ask about post-high school plans, college acceptances, enrollment, scholarships, and services utilized while at SVHS.  The survey can be found in Naviance, and is part of the senior check-out process as we prepare for graduation.

We are asking students to fill out this asap as it will also allow us to update our celebration board from college acceptances to post-high school plans for ALL SVHS seniors.  

Click here to learn more about the survey and how to access

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/

Upcoming Scholarships 

• May 23 - Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. Scholarship - eight $1,008.11 single-year scholarships; must be on track to graduate from a Maryland or Washington, D.C., high school in spring 2025 and intend to enroll in an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or technical school beginning in fall 2025; essay describing the importance of Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. and how it could relate to a future career path; transcript (can be unofficial). 

• June 01 - Herb Block Scholarship -  up to 100 last dollar awards that cover tuition, school fees, books and transportation; attend Montgomery College; DACA, MD Dreamers, and Virginia Dreamers are eligible to apply; no GPA cut off; need to have a high school diploma or a GED to apply.

• 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. 

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

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/