SVHS GREEN AND GOLD

Community Newsletter

November 4, 2024

Good evening Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Tomorrow Monday the 4th is a non school day for students as teachers finalize grades.  Tuesday the 5th, election day is also a non instructional day.  Students will return on Wednesday the 6th, the start of the second quarterAs we start the 2nd quarter we want to remind everyone that student IDs will and are required to be worn while in the building.  Please help remind your child of this expectation as we continue our work in the building.

Please make sure you see the announcement regarding our school wide emergency preparedness drill day that will occur upon the students return on the 6th.  As was announced on Friday, our tentative graduation day is Friday May 30th at 2pm, at UMBC.  More details will be provided throughout the year regarding senior events.

Please make sure you are looking at the athletic updates for sporting events this week.  Football playoffs begin Friday night the 8th as we host Gaithersburg at 6:30pm.

I wish you all a great evening.  

Have a great Monday and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal


Seneca Valley High School Annual Safety Day - November 6, 2024


At Seneca Valley High School, the safety of our students and staff is a top priority. To keep our emergency procedures up to date, we routinely practice our processes throughout the school year. On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, we will hold our annual Safety Day. During this event, our staff will review and complete multiple emergency drills with our students in each class period. This format allows our students to learn, ask questions, and provide feedback as applicable. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Stancell at 240-740-6400.

 

Eric Stancell

Assistant Principal


SVHS Open House

On Monday, November 11th we will host our open house.  Caregivers are invited to visit our school and see their students from 7:50 AM to 11:10 AM.  During our open house you will have an opportunity to visit your child's classes and get a glimpse into a small part of their day.  

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.

To make sure we can inform our teachers of how many guests they can expect please complete the following form,m SVHS Open House Parent/Caregiver RSVP Form please complete the form by Thursday November 7th.  We will notify teachers that they should expect to see you in the morning. 
 

Thank you,

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

The schedule is below:

From the PTSA,

 

We are excited to share our first fundraiser of the year with our Seneca Valley community.  The fundraiser is called Double Good Popcorn, in support of planning for the class of 2025/2026 After-prom.  Thank you to all the parents and students who received our request to join as a seller for additional support.  Please purchase this delicious popcorn through our main PTSA link 

➡️. https://popup.doublegood.com/s/6v4c00hw

 

We earn 50% back from each purchase and it shops directly to your home for a nominal shipping fee.  If you do not eat popcorn there is also an option to donate $24.

 

Thank you for your support and enjoy November 4th and 5th off.  

 

Chantal 

SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025

 💚🦅💛


Please join us on Thursday December 19th!

Por favor únete a nosotras el jueves 19 de diciembre!


Green Team News!


The Green Team will have a trash cleanup at school next Wednesday, November 6. 

 

Get SSL Hours by cleaning our school!

When? Wednesday, November 6 after school 2:45-4:15 PM

Where? We'll be meeting in the media center at 2:30 PM

Registration: Click on this link to register for this event: https://bit.ly/SVHScleanup



Get SSL Hours by Joining the Green Team for our Next Park Cleanup.

Where: 12210 Stoney Bottom, Rd, Germantown, MD, 20874

When: Saturday, November 9 from 3:00-5:00 PM

Registration: Click on this link to register for this event: https://bit.ly/SVGreenTeamCleanup 


**All participants must complete a waiver form the day of the event. Physical copies will be provided at the cleanup site. 

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:

 

Parents & Guardians of 10th grade students: It was an exciting week as the students submitted their ✅Project Proposals and meet with their SVHS supervisors for the first time! Each MYP student meets with their staff supervisor who provides feedback and encouragement three times throughout the project. After each meeting, students submit their notes on the guiding questions in Canvas. 

You can support your student by asking them about their learning and product goal, and why they chose them. You can also check to see if they have submitted their assignments in Canvas. 

Looking ahead: Our next lesson on research is through Chemistry class starting the week of November 4th. Mrs. Becraft will reach out to the students in Physics. 

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. 

How do students earn the .5 MYP Research Seminar credit? 10th grade students should be enrolled in the MYP course for semester 2. This is a Credit/No Grade course that does not impact student GPA. If the student successfully completes the requirements of the MYP PP, then “Credit” is added to their transcript for the .5 elective course, as well as 15 SSL hours. This communicates to anyone viewing a student's transcript, including college and universities, that the student fulfilled the expectation that they complete a MYP PP. 

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!


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FvvnfVc3xF56SRo42G2P6zyebyhFcNC2or88n1fLUwI/edit#slide=id.g307bad1f747_0_307

Library Media Center News: 



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


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.

Birds of Play 

Charlotte's Web

SVHS Birds Of Play Present the Fall Play: Charlotte's Web

Adapted from E.B. White's beloved children's book, Charlotte's Web spins a tale of friendship, loyalty, imagination, and the power of language.  This production is built for all ages!

 

Visit our website at www.svhsbop.com for tickets.

 

Performances: 

Thursday November 7 @ 7pm

Friday November 8 @ 7pm

Saturday November 9 @ 11am and 3pm

 


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


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


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)


Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a frequent volunteer AND will be alone with students.

SVHS PTSA 

Greetings SVHS families, 

 

Thank you to all who attended our PTSA meeting last week. It was  wonderful so see such a great turnout including students. The PTSA continues to wish you all the best and looks forward to seeing you again at our next meeting. 

 

After-Prom (AP) needs your support! 

 

The PTSA will start its first fundraiser called “Double Good Popcorn” on November 4th- 8th.  This is a delicious and simple 4-day online fundraiser to support the planning of the 2025 junior/senior After Prom (AP). An event that has become an annual tradition for our Screaming Eagles. The date has not been set, but it is usually around April/May and it takes 3-4 months to plan. Let's make this happen for our Juniors and Seniors! 

How do we make this happen? With your help!  The more popcorn sold, the more financial support we have for our AP event. This is why we need your help. Become one of our top sellers and win a prize. Students, parents/guardians and family can join. This can help us make a big impact on our cause.  Imagine going above and beyond our goal to provide a safe and fun after-prom for the class of 2025, that can also carry over for class of 2026.  Wouldn't that be amazing. We guarantee, our students will appreciate you.   

Please fill out this Double Good Popcorn  interest form if you are interested in learning more. If you are ready to sign up download the Double Good app, Enter our event code PNQETF, then Create your Pop-Up Store.  You will be assigned a unique link to share with family and friends. 


On behalf of the fundraising committee, thank you in advance for your support. 

 

Chantal 

SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025

 💚🦅💛



SVHS Boosters

We have many exciting events this week, sign up here to help:

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0445A5AF23A31-50452613-fall#/ 

 

Clean those closets, sell your wares! Join us for our annual yard sale on November 2 - we still have spaces available! Check out the attached flyer for more information.


 

Best,

Tisha Chrobak

Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2025

 

Support our student clubs & athletics by becoming a member here:

 

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLCJWY57F025E/checkout/44IJRHCURX7CHLARJ3TXTIVX?src=sheet&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Y8R5eFeNCGsYQPQZofU4P0JvX_zJVgQZeyUhLHvbC83nA1Qv4Y2KqRNc_aem_G2g3MdZ_tdaOyNkYrtAzCg

 


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.


9th Grade Lessons with School Counselors


Last week our 9th grade students met with their SVHS School Counselors through Biology classes. Students had time to get to know their counselor a bit more and engage in learning about several important topics, such as; what School Counselors do and how they support our students, MCPS graduation requirements, special program opportunities available at SVHS and throughout MCPS, including IB, AP, CTE, and Dual Enrollment, the importance of getting involved, how to build an academic resume, and much more. The 9th graders were wonderful participants and we are excited to work with them throughout their time at Seneca Valley!

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

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

Note for College Applications - Submit When Ready!

Attention seniors applying to four-colleges!  I am hearing from many students that they are waiting for letters of recommendation, transcripts, or other supplemental documents to be completed before they submit their college applications.  If your application is done, and you are ready to submit, go ahead and submit!  There is no need to wait!  It is better for students to submit early than wait until close to the deadline if you have completed an application.  You never know when there could be technical or internet issues.  

 

Feel free to reach out to me or your counselor if you have any questions


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!

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:


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.


Click to learn more



College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center


This Week’s College & Career Center Visits:




Click here to learn more and see who else is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!


Upcoming Scholarships 

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


Other Opportunities

Fall 2024 College Admissions Series

Join us for a free College Admissions Series presented by the experts at The Princeton Review! We'll be hosting informative sessions for both parents and students on all things college readiness. Sessions will be held virtually. Open to all MCPS Families.


The Princeton Review List of Fall Sessions: 


SAT Strategy Session 

Tuesday, November 5 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm


Crafting Your Academic Essays

Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm


Registration closes two days prior to each event date. You will receive a link to join the event via email, so please make sure your non-MCPS email address is correct. (Please note: MCPS student email accounts are unable to receive reminder emails from outside institutions)

Click here to register  |  Click here for the flyer


Please reach out to Nacy Veach at Nacy.Veach@Review.com if you have questions. 


22nd Annual Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival

Friday, November 8  |  4pm - 8pm  |  Virtual

Saturday, November 9  |  10am - 2pm  |  Virtual & In-Person at the St. James in Springfield, VA

Alfred Street Baptist Church invites you to the country's most exciting and largest HBCU Festival!

Top 5 Reasons Students Should Attend The ASBC HBCU Festival:


Entry-into-Nursing Open House @ the Universities at Shady Grove

University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON) at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is hosting their Fall Open House on Saturday November 9th, 2024 at the USG campus. 


UMSON's BSN program at USG provides the same quality education and degree as UMSON in Baltimore, but it's closer to home, allowing students to easily commute and save money on their last two years of their bachelor's degree. Additionally, students benefit from small class sizes, a high-tech learning environment, and clinical placements at county and regional hospitals. Most students who come to the program offered at USG complete their first two years at a community college and focus on STEM coursework, such as General Studies - STEM at Montgomery College. 

Students can learn more about the open house and register to attend here: https://www.nursing.umaryland.edu/admissions/visit-us/open-house/. Students can also get more of an idea of what it's like to be a nursing student at USG by watching a quick video of a current student's story: Joseph Alminagor, a UMSON BSN student at USG


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.


Click here for the flyer with registration information



SVHS College & Career Center Monthly Newsletter

2024-25 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 2, October

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.


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

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


Welcome to Safe Schools Maryland 

PLease Join us on Thursday December 19th!