Good evening Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Thank you to all the 9th grade students who made MAP testing a success.  We will have make up testing coming up for those who missed it.  

There is no school on Thursday October 3rd.  

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

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: Sayonara, Seneca 🦅

Dear Seneca Family,

It's with a heavy heart but also a lot of excitement that I share that after 17+ incredible years as the school library media specialist here at Seneca, I'm moving into a Central Office position where I will support schools, students, and staff as the School Library Media Programs Coordinator for Evaluation and Selection in the Department of Pre-K-12 Curriculum.  I've had the privilege of working in five MCPS high schools, and Seneca is where I found my people and my place.  It has been such a pleasure to collaborate with an incredibly dedicated and talented staff in the service of students who inspired us every day.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community.  

Sincerely,

Nicole Little-Cook

Always an Eagle! 💚💛

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, 

The PTSA hopes everyone is doing well. Your students are probably now in the swing of things by now. We hope things are going well for you and your students. Know the PTSA is a resource should you have any concerns you would like to share with us. We continue to support our students, staff and school activities. 

Save the Date: Our next PTSA membership meeting will be on 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 looking for lead 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 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

Thank you so much to all who have helped Boosters in one way or another. It's been fun meeting new people & it seems like the volunteers are even having fun too!

Have you volunteered yet to help with concessions? It's fun & easy to do. Sign up with a friend here:

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

This week we have the following home events:

9/30 - 3:30 Pickleball vs Northwood 

         5:30 JV Field Hockey vs Einstein

         7:00 Varsity Field Hockey vs Paint Branch

10/1 - 5:30 JV Girls Soccer vs Gaithersburg

         7:15 Varsity Girls Soccer vs Gaithersburg

10/2 - 3:30 Girls Flag Football

10/5 - 10 am Boys Soccer vs Northwest

         10 am Girls Volleyball vs Clarksburg

         11 am JV Girls Volleyball vs Clarksburg

         11:30 JV Boys Soccer vs Northwest

Save the date for our October 14 meeting in the SV cafeteria at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you there!

Do you have items to sell????  Let's declutter your home!  Buy a spot at our Fall Yard Sale - November 2 & sell off all of your stuff. (see attached flyer)

Has it slipped your mind to join boosters? Please join here (your funds help clubs and athletics at Seneca & we appreciate your support)

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

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.

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

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

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

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:

• Stony Brook University - Mon September 30 @ 8:45 AM

• Towson University* - Mon September 30 @ 10:30 AM

  • *This presentation will take place in the SVHS Auditorium

• Juniata College - Tue October 1 @ 10:45 AM  

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• 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.

• 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.

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

Other Opportunities

Hispanic College Fair - Financial Aid Sessions (Virtual)

How financial aid works? How to complete your FAFSA?  Discuss process to complete MSFAA and CSS profile along with scholarship information.  Students and families from all MCPS high schools are welcome to join.  

Zoom links and information can be found via this flyer.

English Session #1

Financial Aid Presented by Rob Maddox  |  Hosted by Sherwood HS

October 1, 2024  |  6:30pm

————————————————

English Session #2

Financial Aid Presented by Rob Maddox  |  Hosted by Blake HS

October 2, 2024  |  6:30pm

————————————————

Spanish Session / Sesión en español

Conceptos básicos de ayuda financiera organizado por Collegiate Directions, Inc.  Presentación en español.

October 3, 2024  |  6:30pm

Haga clic aquí para registrarse

College Insider Insights: What Your 11th Grader Should Do Now to Stand Out in the Admissions Process (Free Virtual Workshop)

It’s go time for high school juniors! This is an important year ahead for boosting success with college admissions. And if you’ve ever wondered how college admissions offices decide who should move forward, you’re in luck!

Educational Connections College Consultant Kristin Landis, J.D., and Founder & President Ann Dolin. M.Ed. are here to help families with 11th graders feel more confident as they prepare for college admissions.

During this free workshop for students and parents, Kristin and Ann will share:

• The application strategy your student needs to set themselves apart from the crowded (and highly qualified!) applicant pool

• How juniors can maximize this school year by building a memorable narrative to share with colleges

• Common questions about the Common App, essays, and the pros and cons of applying early

• The changing role of the SAT and ACT in the admissions cycle (and important changes to both tests that your child needs to know about)

You must register in advance to attend. We will record the workshop and send the replay to everyone who registers.

October 1 @ 7pm  |  Click here for more information and to register 

Recruitment Open House at Cabin John Ice Rink - Oct 4

Part-Time Job Opportunities for Students

Montgomery Parks is going to be hosting a Recruitment Open House to share about part-time positions with their Ice Rinks next Friday, October 4th. These positions are part-time at Cabin John Ice Rink in Rockville and at Wheaton Ice Arena in Wheaton. The hours are flexible, and the facilities are open 7 days per week. Great part-time work opportunities for students that want to gain career experience or those that are looking for work in the evenings or on the weekend. 

• Friday, October 4, 2024  |  2pm - 7pm

• Cabin John Ice Rink (10610 Westlake Dr. Rockville, MD 20852)

Click here for the flyer  |  Click here to register

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

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/

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.