Welcome Back Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone had a great summer.  This summer, the administration, Instructional Leadership Team, and staff have worked hard for the year ahead.  We look forward to welcoming nearly 2500 students to the Valley.  I want to make sure everyone has the welcome back letter and is ready for the upcoming year. 

MCPS Welcome Back Message

Tomorrow, Monday August 25th will be a Transition Day for new registered 9th grade and new students to Seneca Valley.  Here is the Transition Day packet, and schedule below:

Tuesday August 26th will be the first day for ALL students in grades 9-12.

New year, new beginnings.  By now you have seen and heard that MCPS is implementing a new grading policy, system wide cell phone policy, and new safety protocols.  This week in grade alike meetings students will have this information gone over with them.   Students will also be provided with Seneca Valley specific information.  Please see below for more information provided from Montgomery County Public Schools.

I am sure you have all seen your schedules.  Counselors worked hard this summer to ensure that everyone's scheduling needs were met.  The priority has been to complete schedules and that students do not have missing classes or are in the incorrect classes.  If you have an error, follow your schedule.  For any errors or questions please make sure to contact your counselor and make an appointment.  

Student pictures will be taken the second week of school during English classes.  Once students receive their new ID they will be given a ID pouch and lanyard so that they can wear their ID as prescribed in our ID policy.  ID's will be required at all MCPS sponsored events, whether it is at Seneca Valley or another school.  Again this measure is to continue our efforts  on the safety and well being of students and staff, not just during our instructional day but at school events as well.

I also want to remind everyone that we are a closed campus.  Students are not permitted to leave campus during lunch unless they are leaving for the day.  Students who do leave and return to school will meet with an administrator.  Again this is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff throughout the day.

I wish you all a great evening and have a great year.  

Have a great Monday (Transition Day), Tuesday (First Day), and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

Save the Date!

SVHS Class of 2026 College Information Night: Tuesday, September 9th 6:30-7:30

Attention Seneca Valley Seniors and families,

Please join members of the Seneca Valley Counseling Services team for our annual College Information Night on Tuesday, September 9 from 6:30-7:30 PM .  This will be an in-person meeting in the SVHS Auditorium.

Important information will be shared about the college application process, using Naviance and the Common App, requesting letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, service academies, financial aide, scholarships, and more.

Please plan to attend this important meeting! We're looking forward to seeing you there! 

Registration Now Open for Saturday School

Registration for the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc., also known as Saturday School, is open for the 2025–2026 school year. Saturday School provides K–12 academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts. There are in-person and virtual options.

Saturday School’s opening session is Sept. 20; the first tutoring session is Sept. 27. The curriculum is aligned with MCPS and is taught by certified teachers.

The annual cost is $85 and $40 for families eligible for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS). 

Registration and more information

Answering Your Questions About Remind, ParentSquare, ParentVUE

We know that you may still have questions about the different platforms for school communication. We’ve created this resource to help clarify the difference and answer your questions. Additional resources and guides can be found on the Technology Information and Support for Parents webpage. 

From Montgomery County Public Schools:

Remind, ParentSquare, ParentVUE—What’s the Difference? Here’s What You Need to Know

Families often hear about different platforms for school communication, and it can get confusing. Here’s a quick guide:

• Remind & ParentSquare
  Both are messaging platforms used by MCPS schools, teachers, students, and parents. Over the next few months, schools will transition from Remind to ParentSquare (by January 2026) because ParentSquare has acquired Remind. Here at Seneca Valley we are currently using Synergy and Remind.

• ParentVUE
  ParentVUE is the parent portal for MCPS. It’s your secure window into important information about your child’s education—attendance, class schedules, grades, report cards, enrollment, athletic registration, and more. ParentVUE also links to MyMCPSClassroom, where you can see class materials. Available online and as a mobile app, ParentVUE is the Parent Portal that serves as the primary home-to-school communication vehicle. 

Remind Quick Guides

·      English

·      Spanish

·      French

·      Korean

·      Chinese

·      Vietnamese

·      Portuguese

·      Amharic

ParentSquare Quick Guides

·      English

·      Spanish

·      French 

·      Chinese

·      Vietnamese

·      Portuguese

·      Amharic

·      Korean

ParentVUE Quick Guides

·      English

·      Spanish

·      Korean

·      Chinese

·      Amharic

·      Portuguese

·      French

·      Vietnamese

What’s New This Year and Why It’s Important

NEW–MCPS “Now You Know” Video Series
Quick, vertical videos with “just-in-time” info for our community—perfect for social media and on the go and recorded in multiple languages.

• First up: How to Find Your Bus Route

• Next week: School Immunization Information

To Do:  Take a look at the videos, share with your friends, and stay tuned—because now you know!
Links to the Videos: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Ensuring Students Feel Safe, Included and Supported at School
The MCPS Student Code of Conduct has been revised for the 2025–2026 school year. Changes include making behavior rules easier to understand and establishing a standard process across the district to investigate incidents. This document outlines expectations for student behavior and the consequences for violating various policies, regulations, and rules. The focus is on helping students learn from mistakes, repair harm and rebuild trust. Learn more.

2025–2026 Code of Conduct One Pager

 
Changes Coming to Grade Calculations
Important revisions to grading and reporting at the secondary level take effect this school year. Final grades for students in grades 6 through 12 will be calculated using the average of the four marking period grades. This change, among others, is designed to increase consistency, strengthen expectations for student learning and truly measure actual student learning in school.

Learn more.

Less Phone Time = More Learning Time
For the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS will limit how personal mobile devices can be used during the school day. Limiting phone use during class helps students stay focused, engaged and better able to retain information. Away All Day flyer

Learn more. 

Student Safety Is Our Top Priority: Here’s What We Are Doing

Recent findings from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General identified areas for improvement in how background checks are processed and monitored for school-based employees, contractors and volunteers. Your children are safe at school, and we are taking immediate and sustained action to make sure it stays that way.

Read more. 

Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Environment in Schools
Vaping devices, tobacco products and illegal drugs are prohibited on school grounds. Students found in possession of or using these items may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. MCPS has installed vape detection systems in all high school student bathrooms. The sensors provide school administrators with an important tool to address the issue of vape device use in schools and to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for students, staff and visitors. These sensors detect vape emissions, including those from nicotine and THC (the active ingredient in marijuana).

VAPE Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Your Child Learning in the Classroom? Here’s What to Know
MCPS is rolling out a new initiative to make the curriculum more transparent and family-friendly. Starting this school year, families will receive a simple, one-page overview of the main themes and texts students will study each marking period—nicknamed the “Refrigerator Curriculum” because it’s designed to be easy to post on the fridge at home. Learn more. 

All You Need to Know for Lunch
The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for the 2025–2026 school year. A new FARMS application must be completed every school year. Meals are free for students who qualify for the program. Only one application is needed for all students in a household. Learn more. 

Visit the Department of Food and Nutrition and Services webpage for information on breakfast and lunch menus and how to add money to your child’s account through MySchoolBucks.

Don’t Forget Your Immunizations!
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering free back-to-school vaccinations for Montgomery County school-aged children at county locations through September.

More information

Bus Routes

2025-26 school bus routes are now available on the MCPS website and on the Seneca Valley High School website under School Information on the left side of the main page. 

Visit the MCPS Department of Transportation website for transportation news and the latest updates!

Students and families should also review the important Ride by the Rules safety guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation.

Ride by the Rules - Bus Safety and Guidelines for Students & Parents

We Want to Hear From You!

Last call for Back to School Night feedback. Please make sure you provide us feedback using the links below to let us know how we're doing! In case you were not able to attend, feel free to check out our department resources and websites shared with families and students that evening.

Please see pictures from BTSN below!

Meet Our New SSL Coordinator!

Hi Seneca Valley! Many of you know me as a school counselor here at The Valley. This year, I am starting an additional role as our Student Service Learning (SSL) Hour Coordinator. I am excited to support our students as they complete their SSL hours and fulfill their 75 SSL hour graduation requirement.

For all things SSL at SVHS, please visit the Seneca Valley Counseling Services website and navigate to the SSL tab on the left side. There you’ll find lots of information including:

• Translated 2025–2026 SSL Messages for Students and Families 

• Student Service Learning HUB for MCPS Students and Families

• Steps to ensure your SSL activity is pre-approved

• A video on how to fill out your SSL form (MCPS form 560-51) (make sure it's fully completed and signed!)

• ⭐️ NEW ⭐️ the Google form to submit your SSL form (MCPS form 560-51) SVHS SSL Submission Form 

If you’re having trouble with the Google form, you can drop off completed paperwork at the Counseling Office or email it to me, Mrs. Duffy at Paulina_M_Duffy@mcpsmd.org 

Be sure to include: your student ID and "SSL Form" in the subject line.

Please note: SSL hours are updated regularly and should appear in your student account by the end of each grading period.

Let’s make those hours count!

Thank you! 

Mrs. Duffy

Meritorious Service Award for SSL Hours
SENIORS, earn special recognition for your dedication to service! To receive the Certificate of Meritorious Service from MSDE and MCPS and a purple tassel to wear at graduation, you must have 240 documented SSL hours submitted by March 27, 2026.

There’s no application—just make sure your SSL forms are turned in early so there's time to get everything entered. Don’t delay! Please submit your hours early to be recognized for your impact!

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,

Welcome all new and returning families to the 2025-2026 school year, what an amazing community SVHS has. I am proud to be serving as your Acting PTSA President as we begin the new school year. 

The PTSA would  like to officially establish a new Executive Board for this school year, but it cannot be accomplished without your help. We need dedicated and enthusiastic parents/guardians to take the lead to continue this great work. You will not be alone, prior board members will be there to assist. Send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com for more information. 

Please consider joining the PTSA Board:

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

• Treasurer (Financial activities)

• Secretary (Administrative Support) 

Join the SVHS PTSA! Visit the SVHS PTSA Store. 

Want to stay connected with what’s going on in the SVHS community? Join the PTSA Facebook page where you can ask and have your questions answered: SVHS PTSA Facebook Page

Not on Facebook, SVHS also has a WhatsApp chat group: WhatsApp chat  

SAVE THE DATES! 

Tuesday, September 9th, 5:00pm-9:00pm: Restaurant Night Fundraiser: Please come support the Seneca Valley HS PTSA for our first fundraiser of the new school year. Order in-store showing the flyer or order online using code F79J67H (see flyer below)

September 16th: Our first PTSA member meeting will be held in the Media Center at 6:30. Please join us to hear more about our upcoming school year and to vote on this year’s budget. We hope to see you there.

Chantal Falade

SVHS, 2005-2026 Acting PTSA President

#SVPROUD

SVHS Boosters

Boosters is very excited for the upcoming school year!!!!

We are happy to support the student Clubs & Athletics of Seneca! 

This summer we proudly helped the class of 2026 paint the mural on Great Seneca Highway. We look forward to seeing this mural change for years & years to come!

The first way you can help your student is by becoming a member:

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLCJWY57F025E/checkout/44IJRHCURX7CHLARJ3TXTIVX

The second way to help the boosters club is working 1 concessions game this year, sign up here:

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

Any questions or suggestions, please send to boosterssenecavally@gmail.com

Best,

Tisha Chrobak

Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2027

Not a member yet?  Join here: https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq

Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy

Schools provide directory information for public listings such as honor roll, awards, and other notices in the newspaper or on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) website. A student’s name, address, and telephone number may also be released to organizations of any combination of parents, teachers, and students of a school. Unless you tell them not to, schools can release the information without your prior consent.

Directory Information includes the following items: student’s and/or parent’s name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number; student’s date of birth; major field of study; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; degrees and awards received (including honor roll); most recent school attended; dates of attendance; photograph, or other likeness; the weight and height of members of athletic teams; and other similar information.  If you do not want your school to release your directory information, complete the form linked below and return this notice to your school by September 10, 2024.

FORM: Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy

Additional copies of this notice can be found on the MCPS website, and are available in Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, and Portuguese. This form must be completed every year.

Your school will assume you agree to the release of the directory information, unless this form is returned by September 10, 2024. If you need to change your decision at a later date, just contact your school directly.

If you enroll after September 10, 2024, you can complete this form at the time of enrollment.

Student Emergency Information and Military Recruiting 

Student Emergency Information

Student Emergency Information should be updated through ParentVUE. Each year parents/guardians are required to complete the Annual Verification of Information through the Online Registration portal (in the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). We highly recommend that you complete this as soon as possible. It is critically important that we have accurate parent contact information on file with the school and system as soon as possible.

Here are links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.

A Note on Military Recruiting 

If a parent does not wish to have his/her child’s name made available to military recruiters and/or does not wish to have their child’s directory information included in the student directory, they should complete the “Directory Information Withholding” portion of the ParentVUE annual verification of information online registration. You may also complete MCPS form 281-13 - Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy. The form must be returned to the school by September 10, 2024.

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

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

We are very excited to welcome students back for the 2025-26 School Year!  This section of the newsletter will contain important information from the SVHS College & Career Center including college visits, upcoming events, scholarships, and more!  Looking forward to working with you all and wishing everyone a great start to the new school year!

• Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Navigator  |  *The College & Career Center is located on the 2nd floor in Room 2408.

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.  

Depending on the college or university, you may apply via the Common Application for some and directly on college websites for others.  See college application sites below for more information.  I would strongly suggest that as you make a list of institutions you would like to apply to, organize them by application deadline.  Complete the earlier deadlines first! 

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

• 2025-26 Financial Aid Guide for Seniors - Seniors Click Here!!!

College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center

College Representative Visits

Juniors & Seniors are invited to participate in college rep visits to SVHS to learn more about colleges and universities.  Representatives come to SVHS to talk about their schools and answer questions.  Advantages of participating in college visits:

• Meeting the contact from a college or university.  Many times, these are the same people reviewing your application!

• Learning in-depth information about the school, their program offerings, and financial aid.

• In some cases, colleges may offer insight on how to receive a fee waiver.

To attend a college visit, students must register in Naviance (click to learn how) and have permission from their teacher in order to attend.  It is the responsibility of each student to make-up any work they may miss.  Unless noted, visits will take place in the College & Career Center, Room #2408.

Before signing up, think about the following:  Does the college have your major?  Can you afford to miss class that day to attend?  How many visits have you already made this week?

Career Visits

Mr. Nalda also schedules local organizations, employers, and military branches who are looking to hire or offer opportunities to Seneca Valley students.  Many times, these visits will take place in the SVHS Cafeteria during lunch and students can stop by anytime to learn more. 

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• August 25 - New York Life Financial Empowerment Scholarship - $10,000 or $20,000 award; have parent or guardian sign you up (if under 18); children aged 13+ can participate in the personal finance education game, and high school juniors and seniors are eligible for the scholarship by completing modules; there is a Referred By spot where students can list former SVHS Student, Kevona Walker.

• August 31 - Be A Friend Project Scholarship - $500 award; grades 9-12; write a two - to four - page script of a lunchroom conversation between friends that is related to bullying; must be following at least one of the sponsor's social media handles to be eligible for this award.

• August 31 - California Freethought Day Limerick Scholarship - 5-$100 awards; grades 9-12 or college students of any level; resident of the United States; plan to pursue (or currently pursuing) postsecondary education at a community college, four-year college, trade school, or vocational school; create a public post that reflects on the above theme and share it on either Threads, X (Twitter), Instagram, or TikTok, tagging us (@FreethoughtDay) and using the hashtag #ScholarshipLimerick; the entry must be in the form of a traditional limerick.

• August 31 - Workamajig Creative Impact Scholarship - $5,000; open to U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents who are 14 years old or older; must show proof of enrollment in design certificate programs, and/or courses; complete one of three design projects; must also submit a 500-word essay; see link for full rules and details. 

Full-Ride Scholarships to Note

• September 15 - The Gates Scholarship - scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid; senior; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; min 3.3 GPA; for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households; financial need; pell-eligible; must enroll full-time in a four-year degree program; outstanding academic record; demonstrated leadership; personal success skills.

• September 30 - 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). 

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

Other Opportunities

SVHS Class of 2026 College Information Night

Save the Date!

Tuesday, September 9th 6:30-7:30

Attention Seneca Valley Seniors and families,

Please join the Seneca Valley Counseling Services team for our annual College Information Night on Tuesday, September 9 from 6:30-7:30 PM .  This will be an in-person meeting in the SVHS Auditorium.

Important information will be shared about the college application process, using Naviance and the Common App, requesting letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, service academies, financial aide, scholarships, and more.

Please plan to attend this important meeting! We're looking forward to seeing you there! 

Click here for the flyer

News from the Business and Finance Offices 

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/