Good evening Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Homecoming week was amazing, the spirit was electric and it culminated with a great win and a fun, safe homecoming dance.  

Friday is a half day with school ending at 12pm.

Please find below information regarding testing this week and messages from our PTSA, Boosters, and Dads On Duty Meeting on Tuesday the 24th at 6:30pm.  

I wish you all a great evening.  

Have a great Monday and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

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

Library Media News: One Maryland One Book Discussion 9/30/24

Book Club Updates - 1MD1BK Discussion Monday, September 30 🌻

• Book Club kicked off this year's activities with an interest meeting last Thursday.  Leaders shared that our first book discussion will take place during lunch next Monday, September 30th.  Students and staff will meet to discuss this year’s One Maryland One Book, What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J.A. Chancy.  Most of our physical copies were distributed to interested students and staff in June and earlier this month, but students can still 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. 

• If you can't join us next Monday, 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!  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! 

National Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Promotion ☀️

Our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration expands this week with new posters that recognize and promote Latine authors, artists and musicians, brands and designers, politicians and local political organizations, and culture overall.  Help us celebrate Latine history and culture by continuing to borrow books from our display celebrating authors and stories from 21 Spanish speaking countries!  Books featured include biographies, histories, anthologies of poetry and short stories, and fabulous works of fiction.

Join Germantown Library's Teen Advisory Board! 📚 

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)'s Teen Advisory Board is a group of volunteers that help the library by providing feedback on programs and by implementing, promoting and advocating for youth services in MoCo.  Students can earn SSL hours for participation.  For more information and to apply, click HERE.  Information about other MCPL October opportunities for teens, including an upcoming graphic novel book club meeting and how to reserve study rooms, are presented HERE.

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 

Dear Seneca Valley HS (SVHS) Families,

Thank you to those who attended our first PTSA meeting last week. We were able to accomplish getting our budget approved and selecting our new secretary.  Please accept our apologies for not being able to offer the meeting virtually. Due to some technical difficulties we were unable to do so. 

You can still join the PTSA. Help us become a stronger community by showing your support and becoming a member. You can Join Here. 

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

Chantal Falade

SVHS, PTSA President (2024-2025) 

SVHS Boosters

Boosters update 9/23- 9/28:

Join here to support our Seneca Valley Student Clubs & Athletics:

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

Next week we have the following exciting athletic events taking place:

Monday 9/23 - Field Hockey vs Quince Orchard JV @ 5:30; Varsity @ 7

Tuesday 9/24 - Boys Soccer vs Quince Orchard JV @ 5:30; Varsity @ 7:15

Thursday 9/26 - Girls Volleyball vs Quince Orchard JV @ 5:30; Varsity @ 6:30

                       Girls Soccer vs Clarksburg JV @ 5:30; Varsity @ 7:15

Friday 9/27 - Field Hockey vs Clarksburg JV @ 5:30; Varsity @ 7

Volunteer here:

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

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 

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

SVHS Senior College Information Night

SVHS Seniors and families, please join the Seneca Valley Counseling Services team for our annual College Information Night on Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30-7:30 PM .  This will be a virtual meeting.

Important information will be shared about the college application process, transcripts, test scores, service academies, financial aide, scholarships, and more.

Please plan to attend this important meeting! 

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 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.

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

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

SVHS Senior College Information Night

SVHS Seniors and families, please join the Seneca Valley Counseling Services team for our annual College Information Night on Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30-7:30 PM. This will be a virtual meeting.

Important information will be shared about the college application process, transcripts, test scores, service academies, financial aid, scholarships, and more. 

Please plan to attend this important meeting!  Flyer

Zoom Meeting Link:

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/6556238529?pwd=ZzRxN3d1NVRSNXlWVHNFNGVoenpiUT09

Meeting ID: 655 623 8529

Passcode: 957673

PSAT Day - 10/16/24

As we prepare for our upcoming PSAT day on 10/16/24, we want to share a few updates. All 10th grade students are expected to take the exam and the cost is free. Additionally, we encourage our 11th grade students to participate as well to take advantage of the opportunity to practice for the SAT. There is a registration fee of $17 only for 11th grade students. The fee can be paid via the student’s school online cash account. 

11th Graders can pay for the assessment fee at the following website: https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/

11th Grade Payment Deadline:  October 2, 2024

Applying to Four-Year Colleges (Seniors)

College applications are now open!  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!  You should bookmark or save the link to this document.  

• SVHS College Application Packet - Seniors Click Here!!!

College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center

This Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

• Virginia Commonwealth University - Mon September 23 @ 10:30 AM

• Lynn University - Wed September 25 @ 9:40 AM

• Ithaca College - Wed September 25 @ 10:30 AM

• The George Washington University - Wed September 25 @ 12:55 PM 

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• September 26 - QuestBridge National College Match - recipients granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship (worth over $200,000); any high school senior, regardless of citizenship, is eligible (review Additional Citizenship Requirements); earned primarily A's in the most challenging courses available (Honors, AP, and/or IB); financial need as finalists typically come from households earning less than $65,000/year (household of 4).

• September 30 - Don't Text and Drive Scholarship - $1,000 award; 9-12 grade; U.S. Citizen; submit a 140-character personal statement that completes this sentence: "I pledge to not text and drive because...."

• September 30 - Coca-Cola Scholars Program* - (*deadline is 5pm on 9/30) 150-$20,000 awards; senior; U.S. Citizen, legal resident, refugee (see link for full eligibility list); min 3.0 GPA; achievement based scholarship; planning to pursue a college degree after high school; involved in school and community activities; transcript.

• October 01 - Golden Door Scholarship - funding for a four-year degree at Golden Door partner schools and access to mentors, fellowship, and career support; must have DACA, TPS or be undocumented (if you are a current US citizen or permanent resident, you are not eligible to apply); high financial need; transcript; leadership and extracurricular activities; essay; 2-minute video.

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

Other Opportunities

Hispanic College Fair Field Trip - Oct 4

We are excited to announce the Hispanic College Fair will take place at Universities at Shady Grove on Friday, October 4, 2024! Admission representatives will be there to answer your questions about Admission Requirements, College Essays, Financial Aid, Scholarships and more. This college fair opportunity is open to students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Students of all races and ethnicities are welcome to attend this fair. This will be a field trip during the school day.

Field Trip Details:

• Date:   Friday, October 4, 2024

• Location:  Universities at Shady Grove  (9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland) 

• Time:  Students will depart SVHS at 11:00am and return to school at 12:30pm

• Cost:  FREE (MCPS bus transportation provided)

In order to participate in this field trip, students need to return a Signed permission slip to Mr. Nalda in the College/Career Center, Room 2408. Click here or students can obtain a paper copy from the Career Center.

Signed permission slip is due to Mr. Nalda (Room 2408) by Friday, September 27, at 12pm.  

Click here for more information /  Haga clic aquí para más información

College & Career Center Newsletter

2024-25 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 1, September

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/