SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
Embedded Files
Good evening Seneca Valley!!
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Tomorrow Monday the 11th is our open house. We look forward to welcoming those caregivers that responded.
Tomorrow we also celebrate Veterans Day. We want to acknowledge our caregivers who have served and 15 staff members you have served this country with distinction. As the son of two veterans I know that sacrifices our veterans make for our country and the impact it has on their families. One day is not enough to recognize their impact!
Please make sure you are looking at the athletic updates for sporting events this week. Football will travel to Northwest Thursday night at 6:30pm after defeating Gaithersburg Friday night.
I wish you all a great evening.
Have a great Monday and week on purpose!
Ricardo Hernandez, Principal
SVHS Open House
The schedule is below for the open house. Those caregivers that responded please make sure you check in the main office for further information. At 9:50 AM, caregivers are invited to join our Restorative Approaches team in the Media Center to share your thoughts and ideas about your and your child's experience at Seneca Valley. We will provide the same opportunity to our Spanish speaking caregivers at 10:30 AM in the Media Center.
We look forward to hosting you and letting you see the great things that are happening in the Valley.
SAVE THE DATE: IB Community Information Night!
When: Tues., Nov. 19th at 6:00pm
Where: SVHS Cafeteria
Who: current 8th - 11th grade students & caregivers
Featuring: Our IB Middle Years Program (MYP- 9th & 10th grade), our IB Diploma Program (DP- starts in 11th grade), & IB Career-related Program (CP- starts in 11th grade)
Format: We will have a short welcome and overview, before parents can circulate to different tables hosted by SVHS staff members that highlight parts of our SVHS IB Programs.
MYP Personal Project Updates: Students attended their 3rd lesson in Chemistry this week! They developed their research skills by learning how to research and refine their learning and product goals, as well as starting to consider possible success criteria. Success Criteria are the characteristics students would like their final product to have; similar to a student-developed rubric.
Questions to ask your student:
What are your learning and product goal?
What do you need to research in order to achieve your goals and develop success criteria?
Have you started working on your Research assignment?
Have you submitted your assignments (Project Proposal and Meeting #1 notes) in Canvas?
Looking ahead: Students should complete their Research assignment in Canvas by Fri., Nov. 15th.
Please let me know if you have any questions! My email is Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org.
Mrs. Becraft, SVHS IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Coordinator
Reminders from earlier newsletters:
What is the MYP Personal Project (MYP PP)? The MYP PP is a culminating project for 10th graders and an IB requirement for the IB Middle Years Program (MYP). The MYP Personal Project (MYP PP) uses student interest & choice to drive the development of IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills by setting goals, researching, action planning, & creating a unique product. Please click here for more information.
Please join us on Thursday December 19th!
Please join us on Thursday December 19th!
Por favor únete a nosotras el jueves 19 de diciembre!
Green Team News!
Seneca Valley High School is participating in the MCPS Food Recovery Program! We have set up three carts in the cafeteria where students can place any packaged, non-perishable food they don’t want from their school lunch. Additionally, there is a small refrigerator next to the microwave for students to place packaged perishable items, such as milk, juice, string cheese, fruits, vegetables, and more.
The recovered food will be available to students at dismissal. From 2:30 to 2:45 PM, the carts will be stationed in the cafeteria, offering all the food that was collected during lunch.
Please join us in reducing food waste and increasing student access to food. This is a Green Team initiative! See the following visual for more details:
The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy 2024-2025
Registration is open for the Seal of Biliteracy! We welcome all juniors and seniors who speak a language other than English at home and/or are enrolled in an upper-level Language Acquisition class to register. Please direct all questions to Ms. Rebecca Hanford at rebecca_s_hanford@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!
Library Media Center News:
The Library Media Center is excited to announce the winners of our 2nd Annual Two-Sentence Horror story competition! In 3rd place Juliana Aguero, 2nd place Cynthia Edeh and grand prize winner Fernanda Contreras! Thanks to all who participated. You gave us goosebumps!
Join us on Monday, November 11 at lunch for Origami Day. Make a tabletop turkey decoration, check out recipe books and explore Native American Heritage. Do you know what tribe’s land Seneca Valley is built on? The answer is in the LMC!
The SVHS book club’s next meeting is November 18 @ lunch and we will be discussing the novel Better Than the Movies. Ask about copies in the LMC or listen on YouTube!
Attention Seniors, Parents and Guardians
The Graduation Package has been set for the Class of 2025 at $55. This is the lowest Graduation Package in recent years. The price includes the cap and gown, senior t-shirt, senior picnic, venue, rehearsal breakfast and other costs related to graduation such as programs and tickets. It has been posted to SCO and should be paid as soon as possible.
Cap and gown orders will be taken soon. Keep up to date on the Senior Page of the SVHS website.
Lee Ann Wolfe
Class of 2025 Co-Sponsor
Seneca Valley High School
Leeann_wolfe@mcpsmd.org
SVHS Student and Family Resource Page
SVHS Student and Family Resource Page
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community.
SENIORS & SENIOR PARENTS!!!! Please make sure you save and/or favorite our Class of 2025 website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/senecavalleyhs/activities/seniors/
This is where we will house ALL of our important information, reminders, Grad Package info, event calendar, officer and sponsor names, and more. We will keep the most pressing announcements on the homepage for easy access.
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.
Attention Seneca Valley Community:
If you ordered a 50th Anniversary T-shirt, they are available for pick up in the main office.
Action: Complete the Google, YouTube, and Online Digital Consent Form
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
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
Greetings SVHS families,
Hope you had a great Veterans Day weekend.
You did it! We exceeded our first fundraising goal.
Thank you to all who helped sell Double Good popcorn for the after prom fundraiser. It is a huge help! The funds we receive from this fundraiser will go towards covering the expenses associated with after prom activities. We look forward to providing a safe and enjoyable event in May.
We appreciate you! Join the PTSA.
The PTSA wants to show our members some appreciation. All members who have joined since July this year and anyone who joins through the end of November will be entered into a drawing to win a prize. There will be two prizes. The prizes will be posted on our Facebook page soon.
Like Chipotle? We do too!
Support the PTSA while treating yourself and/or your family with some Chipotle on Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Location: 19881 Century Blvd. Germantown.
Chantal
SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025)
💚🦅💛
SVHS Boosters
This week please join us tomorrow, Monday November 11th @6:30pm in the cafeteria for our next meeting. We will discuss how the fall sports season went and how our yard sale went as well.
See you all tomorrow!
Best,
Tisha Chrobak
Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2025
Support our student clubs & athletics by becoming a member here:
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
The Holiday Giving Project
The Holiday Giving Project has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to qualifying households for over 30 years. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred for possible assistance for the holiday season, please complete this referral form provide the required information. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. Families can only be referred once; please do not complete a referral if you have already been referred from another school or agency. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. If you need help completing the form please contact Ms. Ruiz Miller at 240-447-8963.
El Holiday Giving Project ha brindado asistencia para el Día de Acción de Gracias y los días festivos de diciembre a los hogares que califican durante más de 30 años. Si usted y su familia están en necesidad y les gustaría ser referidos para una posible asistencia durante la temporada de festividades, complete este formulario de referencia para proporcionar la información requerida. Los recursos son limitados: solicite solo si usted y su familia realmente lo necesitan. Las familias solo pueden ser referidas una vez. Por favor no complete este referido si ya le han referido de otra escuela o agencia. Si bien una referencia no es una garantía de asistencia, el Proyecto ayuda a tantas familias necesitadas como lo permitan las donaciones. Si necesita ayuda para completar el formulario, comuníquese con la Sra. Ruiz Miller al 240-447-8963.
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)
Continue Working on College Applications!
The next big application deadline for colleges is November 15! Continue working on completing applications if needed!
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!
MCPS On-the-Spot Admissions Event @ SVHS on November 13!
MCPS On-the-Spot Admissions Event @ SVHS on November 13!
Attention Seniors! Looking to apply to college? Want to receive an immediate admissions decision without having to wait weeks or months? Participate in one of these regional on-the-spot admissions events! Students interview with college representatives and receive an on-the-spot admissions decision! Students may also find out if they are eligible for scholarships.
Montgomery College will also be on-site to answer questions and assist students with applying to MC.
Seniors from all MCPS high schools are welcome to attend. For planning purposes, please register below if you plan to participate. Once registered, students will receive updated information, including how to prepare, before the event. Remaining dates:
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 @ Seneca Valley HS-6pm-8pm: Deadline to register is Monday, November 11, 2024
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 @ Richard Montgomery-3pm-6pm: Deadline to register is Friday, November 29, 2024
Click here for the flyer | Click here to register (includes the latest list of participating schools)
2025–26 FAFSA® Form Coming Soon
The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available to the public on or before Dec. 1, 2024.
Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1, the 2025–26 FAFSA form will be available to individuals selected to participate in a limited beta release. Participation in the beta release is by invitation only.
Seniors should not go in early and complete the 2024-25 form! Doing so may cause unexpected delays and issues, especially with aid from the state of Maryland.
College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center
College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center
Next Week’s College & Career Center Visits:
MD Army National Guard, Lunch Visit - Tue November 12 @ 11:24 AM
Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the MD Army National Guard.
Lebanon Valley College - Fri November 15 @ 9:40 AM
Click here to learn more and see who is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!
Upcoming Scholarships
Upcoming Scholarships
November 12 - Elks Most Valuable Student Award - 500 awards ranging from $1,000-$30,000 per year for four years; senior; U.S. Citizen; judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need; top 20 national finalists traditionally win a leadership trip to interview for up to $30,000.
November 14 - Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship - multiple awards of up to $55,000/year to attend a four-year school; senior; min. 3.75 GPA (un-weighted); judged on persistence, service to others, and leadership; essays, letters of recommendation; financial need (will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000); students can apply via Common App.
November 26 - National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship - awards ranging from $3,200 - $25,000; senior; active NHS member in good standing; currently enrolled at a school with an affiliated NHS chapter; planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university; student membership must be verified by an active NHS adviser at an affiliated NHS chapter.
December 01 - Ron Brown Scholars - 20-25 awards of $40,000 ($10,000 per yr for 4 yrs); senior; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; Black/African American; attend a 4 year college or university in the Fall; academic achievement; character; financial need; leadership; seriousness of purpose; service to others.
December 01 - American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship - multiple winners ranging from $1,000 to $2,500; grades 9-12; must be United States Citizens or Eligible Non-Citizens; copy of most recent unofficial high school transcript; 500 word essay; entrants may be asked to participate in a qualification interview as part of the application process to assist the ACF in ultimately determining the winners.
December 01 - Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team - College Scholarship - 2-$1,000 awards; senior; min 3.5 GPA; submit a 500- to 750-word essay on how you are driven to innovate, how you plan to influence progress on any level in any space or how you have already affected positive change with creative thinking.
December 01 - Hagan Scholarship Foundation - $2,000 to purchase essential items for college plus up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters; senior; min 3.50 Cumulative Grade Point Average; enroll in an eligible four-year not-for-profit College or University the first semester following high school graduation; maintain a four year or less graduation schedule in college, or complete the equivalent of a four year degree if in a professional program; must work 240 hours from January 1, 2025 until September 1, 2025; applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2023 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $100,000; must apply for Federal and State grants if eligible; must not have a felony conviction; personal essay; four-year plan.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Other Opportunities
Other Opportunities
Get Set to Complete the FAFSA - Virtual Workshop
Get Set to Complete the FAFSA - Virtual Workshop
Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 PM
The 25-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid isn’t open yet, but you can prepare to complete it now. Students and their parents are invited to join us on Zoom so you can:
Create a Federal Student Aid account
Gather documents needed for the FAFSA
Learn more about the completing the FAFSA or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application
Hear answers to frequently asked questions
Click here for the flyer | Click here to register
Questions? Please contact Jill Semmens at jsemmens@collegiatedirections.org
Why Montgomery College? Virtual Information Session
Why Montgomery College? Virtual Information Session
Are you interested in finding out information on why Montgomery College may be the right fit for you? Attend this virtual information session offered in both English and Spanish.
Virtual English Session - Thursday, November 14, 6:30 PM to 7:30PM
Sesión virtual en español - Jueves 21 de noviembre, 6:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m.
FAFSA y ayuda financiera en español (FAFSA and Financial Aid in Spanish)
FAFSA y ayuda financiera en español (FAFSA and Financial Aid in Spanish)
Carmen Palacios-Aguirre de Ayuda Financiera en UNC Chapel Hill dirigirá una presentación sobre ayuda financiera y FAFSA el 19 de noviembre de 6:30 a 7:30. Los estudiantes y familias de SVHS pueden unirse a esta sesión.
Tema: FAFSA y ayuda financiera en español
Fecha: Nov 19, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Únase a la reunión de Zoom:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/87251880493?pwd=mGhUOit4OezF61K2toihb8FKnN4rqo.1
Meeting ID: 872 5188 0493
Passcode: 159550
Free SAT® and ACT® Virtual Practice Tests for Montgomery Co. Public School Students!
Provided by the Princeton Review, free practice tests are a great way to find out how you may score on the SAT or ACT without having the scores count.
Students will receive detailed instructions on how to complete the test.
All tests will be held online.
Multiple timing options are available for students with accommodations.
Test will be available to take anytime in your Princeton Review portal for 4 months.
Students receive a detailed score report highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
You can register for both and take one at a later convenient time.
Registration ends 11/30/24
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/.
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/
MCPS CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
MCPS CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
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