Good evening Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  As the weather turns cooler and the mornings stay dark longer please be aware of our traffic patterns, and walkers make sure you are visible and follow the appropriate traffic laws.

I also want to make sure that our student drivers are adhering motor vehicle laws and take their time to get to school.  We mourn with the Sherwood community as one of their seniors was in a fatal car accident on Wednesday morning on their way to school.  PLease keep the Sherwood community and the students family in your thoughts.

This weeks Football game versus QO is on Thursday night.  Again you will need your hard ID to enter.  On that note students attendance matters, school events are a privilege not a right.  We will be checking students attendance this week.  Be in school and on time to class.  

Please make sure you are looking at the athletic updates for sporting events this week.

Please find below information regarding testing this week and messages from our PTSA, Boosters, our Media Center and the Holiday Giving Project. 

I wish you all a great evening.  

Have a great Monday and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

Green Team news!

Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day!

When? Wednesday, October 9 

How? Walk or ride your bicycle to school

Where? Celebration will occur in front of the main entrance between 7:15-7:40 AM

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

Sponsor: Luz Laboy (luz_m_laboy@mcpsmd.org) 

**If you already walk to school, please register as well. We need to account for everyone: regular walkers and new walkers. 

PSAT Exam Day – Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, serves as a preliminary assessment that closely mirrors the format and content of the SAT, providing students with a simulation of the SAT testing experience. Administered to students predominantly in the 10th grade, the PSAT is a standardized examination with significant implications. Achieving a high score on the PSAT can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program, offering financial support for college. This assessment not only functions as a practice test but also delivers valuable feedback to aid students in their preparation for the SAT, which plays a pivotal role in the college admissions process. All 10th grade students are expected to take the exam and the cost is free. Although Grade 11 students must pay the $17 fee for the assessment, they are encouraged to participate to obtain additional SAT practice and participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Testing Date: October 16, 2024

• Registration Fee: 10th Grade (Free), 11th Grade ($17)

• 11th Grade Payment Process: 11th Graders can pay for the assessment via their school online cash account at the following website: https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/

• 11th Grade Payment Deadline: October 2, 2024

• Testing Schedule: Doors Open at 7:25am; Testing Start at 7:45am

 ***Please note, since the school will be billed for tests that are ordered, no refund will be provided for 11th Grade students who are absent during the testing session. ***

For questions, please contact the main office at (240) 740-6400. 

Eric Stancell

Assistant Principal

The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy 2024-2025

Registration is NOW open (below is the flyer link) for this year's testing for the MD Seal of Biliteracy. We welcome ALL seniors and juniors who speak a language other than English to register.   NEW this year is an EARLY testing date for SENIORS only on the morning of October 16th during the PSAT testing.  This is a great opportunity for seniors to get their scores before early decision with colleges. Please email Ms. Rebecca Hanford at rebecca_s_hanford@mcpsmd.org if interested.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16zkb9gyw10GdwOjJ9tQhTbYyuDftmuM5w5k4LvbNd9I/edit#slide=id.p

Library Media News: Sayonara, Seneca 🦅

Book Club Updates - Save the Discussion Date 10/28/2024! 🌻

Please save Monday, October 28th on your calendar as this is when we'll meet to discuss The Honeys by Ryan LaSala, a creepy book perfect for spooky season!  We have a limited number of print copies available, plus students can access the book in audiobook or eBook format in Sora, our online reading app.  To learn more, please click on the READ Online! flag in the Virtual SVLMC or stop by the LMC for assistance. Please remember that Book Club membership is fluid and students are welcome to join when they're interested in the selection and when time permits.  ALL are welcome, always! 

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

• 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 everyone is doing well. It was wonderful to see the SVHS marching band at the Oktoberfest on Saturday. Screaming Eagles always making our community proud! 💚🦅💛

PTSA MEETING: Tuesday, October 15th at 6:30pm in the school’s media center. Mr. Carlos Nalda, College/Career Information Coordinator will be doing a presentation at  our PTSA meeting. 

The PTSA is still looking for lead or general volunteers for two committees. 

The After-PROM (AP)

After-PROM has become a treasured tradition of all high schools and Seneca Valley HS is no exception. The After-PROM theme is driven by students in collaboration with parent volunteers. Its purpose is maintaining a nostalgic theme of students’ last night together. Doing so in a safe, equitable and entertaining environment for all our students! Again, the theme of the event is student driven, while the PTSA and the AP committee work diligently behind the scenes to make this memorable event successful!

African American Parent Council (AAPC)

The SVHS AAPC is a group of SVHS parents and students who want to advocate for equality and equity in education. AAPC will work with the school and community to encourage and support regular and frequent celebrations that honor the achievements of students in the African American community. The committee will also sponsor monthly/quarterly activities that promote equity, access, and opportunity for families. 

If you are interested in learning more about any of these committees email svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

Join the PTSA and show your support and help us continue showing we are a strong community. You canJoin Here.  

Stay connected with what’s going on in the SVHS community. Join the PTSA Facebook page: Facebook

Chantal 

SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025)

SVHS Boosters

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.

I am so grateful to see new faces coming out to help with concessions events so game supporters & student athletes have the opportunity to purchase a refreshing beverage or a snack during athletic events. 

We have a fun filled week of athletics events & the weather looks like it will be much nicer! Sign up to volunteer with a friend!  

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

10/7 - JV Football vs Quince Orchard 5:45pm

10/9 - Girls/Boys Soccer vs Damascus 5:15pm/7:15pm

         JV/Varsity Girls Volleyball vs Whitman 5:30pm/6:30pm

10/10 - Varsity Football vs Quince Orchard 6:30pm

Join us for our next meeting on October 14 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria!

Best,

Tisha Chrobak

Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2025

Not a member yet?  Join here:

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

Birds of Play

SVHS Birds of Play T shirts orders  close on October 1st!  Our Charlotte's Web T shirt features our adorable show logo on the front and our cast and crew on the back.  It's a great way to support our program and show your school spirit!

We are also selling space in our show program.  Get the word out about your side hustle, your family business, or just share your pride and support of a cast or crew member by purchasing Ad space in our program.  Ads are due November 1st - here's the form, ask me if you have any questions!

Thanks always for your unwavering support of our Birds of Play.  We work hard, we play hard, and we appreciate your applause and excitement! 

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

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention holds community walks across the country to support those affected by suicide, raise awareness and convey the message that suicide can be prevented. The Montgomery County Out of the Darkness Community Walk is on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown. Onsite registration is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Register.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911. The Montgomery County Crisis Center is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 240-777-4000 or in person at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville. 

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.

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)  

Applying to Four-Year Colleges - Transcript Requests and Confirming Application Deadlines in Naviance!

Hello Seniors!  We are noticing that many of you still have yet to request your transcript in Naviance for us to send along to colleges.  Also, many of you have yet to update your college application deadlines in Naviance.  Please see below.

Request an official transcript via Naviance. 

• In Naviance, Click on the “Colleges” tab at the top of the screen.  

• Click on “Manage Transcripts” 

• Click on the “+” button

• At this point, we are only requesting “Initial” and “Mid year” transcripts

  • **Make sure you add ALL COLLEGES you are applying to in your list on Naviance.

  • Final transcripts are only sent to the college you decide to attend once you have made that decision!  Requesting the Final Transcript typically happens by May 1, which is College Decision Day deadline for many schools.

• If your college does not accept Naviance, then the Counselor is provided with a school-specific link or email address for upload.  This typically occurs for non-Common App schools when the student fills out an online application.

Please review your Naviance and make sure all application deadlines are correct!  

• It is very important that your deadlines in Naviance match the deadline you plan to apply by!  If a deadline is incorrect in Naviance, a staff member may miss a deadline or think they have more time to complete a letter of recommendation for you.

  • For example, if you plan to apply to a school’s Early Action Deadline of November, but you have a January deadline listed in Naviance, that can cause a major issue or delay in a school receiving application materials.  Please review below.

• How to to check or change college application deadlines in Naviance:

  • Log into Naviance

  • Click on "College"

  • Click on "Colleges I'm Applying To"

  • Review each of your college's deadlines

  • If a date needs to be changed, click "Edit", make the change, and make sure you save!

Remember 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!  

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 Information Night - Recording, Slideshow, and Question Bin

SVHS College Information Night Recording - Click the link to see a recording from our college information night to learn more about the application process, financial aid, and more!

• Slideshow Presentation

• Question Bin

College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center

This Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

• Neumann University - Mon October 7 @ 9:40 AM

• University of Rhode Island - Mon October 7 @ 10:30 AM

• Bowie State University - Mon October 7 @ 12:05 PM

• University of Florida - Tue October 8 @ 8:40 AM

• MD Army National Guard, Lunch Visit - Tue October 8 @ 11:24 AM

• McDaniel College - Tue October 8 @ 1:05 PM

• Emory University - Wed October 9 @ 8:45 AM

• Dartmouth College - Wed October 9 @ 9:40 AM

• Salisbury University - Thu October 10 @ 10:45 AM

• Washington University in St Louis - Thu October 10 @ 12:15 PM

• Allegany College of Maryland - Thu October 10 @ 1:05 PM

• Haverford College - Fri October 11 @ 12:05 PM

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• October 08 - AES Scholarship - $500 award; senior; no gpa requirement; open to all students planning to attend a post secondary (after high school) educational facility (college or trade school); you are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible; submit a 500-1000 word essay answering the following: "When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?" 

• October 17 - College JumpStart Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; grades 10-12; U.S. cit. or legal res.; attend 2-year, 4-year or trade school; answer 1 of 3 questions in 250 words or less.

• October 20 -  Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Nu Chapter (Montgomery County, MD) Achievement Week Scholarship - all selected students will receive a certificate and a monetary award, the top 4 students will receive a $5000 scholarship; graduating high school African-American male seniors; minimum 3.5 weighted GPA and/or 3.0 unweighted GPA; leadership roles (in or out of school); community service experience (in or out of school); selected students will be invited to the Achievement Week Ceremony on November 13, 2024, at 7 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center; the application must be sent to wilkywilk615@hotmail.com by October 20.

• October 20 -  Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Nu Chapter (Montgomery County, MD) Achievement Week Essay Contest - local essay contest winner will receive $200 and will compete for a $5,000 national award; open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application through a Chapter of the Fraternity; essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright; the essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length; the essay must be sent to wilkywilk615@hotmail.com; see link for essay prompt and all details. 

• October 30 - Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program - twelve awards of up to $25,000 plus a scholars program; senior; min. 3.0 GPA (unweighted); involved in community service, extracurricular activities and/or a leadership role in the twelve (12) months prior to application deadline; willing to participate in Chick-fil-A’s Scholars Program (a one-year experience of mentoring, activities, and professional development), if selected; copy of first two pages of tax return (yours or parent). 

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

Other Opportunities

Hispanic Parent Night: Financing College Information Session

In conjunction with the Hispanic College Fair, a Hispanic Parent Night: Financing College Information Session will be held. The Parent Night will be held from 6–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 15 W. Gude Drive, Third Floor, Potomac Room (MCPS Professional Development Center).

The event will include presentations from Beverly Coleman, director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at Montgomery College (MC), and Rhonda McLaren-Scott, financial aid outreach counselor at MC, to discuss options for financing college. Attendees will learn about the Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID) number and have an opportunity to create one during the workshop. Spanish-speaking interpreters from MCPS and MC will be on site. 

• Hispanic Parent Night Financing College Registration

• Hispanic Parent Night—Financing College

• Noche de Padres Hispanos -  Cómo Pagar por Estudios Universitarios

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/

Apply for FARMS by Oct. 8

The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for this school year. Families must reapply every year to determine whether they are eligible for the FARMS program, even if their child qualified the previous year. Tuesday, Oct. 8 is the last day that student eligibility from last school year carries over into this year. After Oct. 8, students without a new eligibility will revert to a paid status and be charged for meals. Students/families can request a paper application at any school, but processing is faster online.