Good evening, Seneca Valley!!

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving break and weekend.  With the start of December we have a great opportunity for our 9th, 10th, and 11th graders tomorrow Monday the 1st, we have panel of college advisors who will discuss the importance of selecting challenging courses and what steps students can take to prepare for college applications.

Parents and students, your feedback matters!  Please find the links below to provide us and MCPS feedback.  Window closes on Tuesday December 2nd.  The survey takes 5 minutes. 

Please make sure you check out the rest of the newsletter for more updates from MCPS, PTSA, Boosters, etc.

Have a great Monday, and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

From MCPS:

Join Us for Operating Budget Listening Sessions in December
MCPS is hosting three community listening sessions to discuss the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Operating Budget. Join Superintendent Thomas Taylor and MCPS leadership to share your insights on what should be prioritized for next year. Parents, staff, students and community members are encouraged to ask questions and engage in the conversation. Read more about when and where.

Engagement Sessions Set for Dec. 1-4 for Additional Boundary Options
MCPS is hosting a new round of engagement sessions on the Woodward/Northwood and Crown/Damascus boundary studies during the first week of December. Four will be virtual; two will be in person. Additional boundary options will be shared for each of the current boundary studies. These additional boundary options do not replace the current boundary options (A–D) that have already been released. Read more.

Now You Know: Climate Survey

The 2025–2026 Districtwide Culture and Climate Survey is now available — and we need to hear from you! Your feedback helps to ensure that every student and family in every school feels included, supported and ready to thrive. The survey is confidential and takes just a few minutes. Read more.
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
Take the survey.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Coming Next Week
Parent-teacher conferences will be held Nov. 24-25 and are a great opportunity to talk with your child’s teacher about how your child is doing — academically and socially. For questions you can ask and tips to help you prepare, read more.

Save the Date: Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Dec. 6
Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Gaithersburg High School. The school is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Inventory will be posted in December. Read more.

Student Opportunities

●   Women Making History Award: High school seniors are eligible for the 2026 “Women Making History Award,” an honor that recognizes outstanding women in Montgomery County who make significant contributions to the community. Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.

●   Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is seeking high school students for this project-based learning program that teaches leadership skills, the importance of roadway design, law enforcement, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Up to 46 Student Service Learning hours are available. Deadline: Friday, Dec. 5.

●   Speak Up; Save a Life: Create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid/fentanyl abuse and overdose among teens. Deadline: Sunday, Dec. 7.

●       C-SPAN StudentCam Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to create a video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence.” Top prize is $5,000. Deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.

●       Choose Respect Video Contest: Open to secondary students, this contest challenges teens to create an original video promoting awareness of dating violence/abuse among teens. Videos can be in English or Spanish. Top prize is $1,000. Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

●       America’s Field Trip: This contest invites students in grades 3-12 to submit writing or artwork in sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at historic and cultural landmarks. Deadline: March 30, 2026.

●   Seeking High School Election Workers: This Montgomery County Board of Elections program provides students with an opportunity to serve voters during the 2026 Gubernatorial Elections in June 2026. Students registered to vote can submit an application. Students not registered to vote should download, complete and mail these three forms: Maryland Voter Registration, Election Worker Application and Permission Slip (for workers under 18 years old).

Stay Connected to MCPS

●  VISIT the MCPS homepage.

●  CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845). Visit the AskMCPS website.

●  READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

●  FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol

●  SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

●  WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

More MCPS Resources

●      School calendar

●      Parent resource page

●      News and Information page / Noticias en Español

●      Latest photo galleries

●      MCPS TV videos

●      MCPS TV español

School PMD and ID Policies

Thank you to all the students who have gotten their IDs and those who are following the PMD policy.  This will continue to be our focus this year.  As a reminder here are our policies for IDs and PMDs.

Personal Mobile Device (PMD) Policy

The PMD policy is that students may use their PMD before school, during transition, lunch, and after school.  PMDs, cannot be used during instruction time.  This includes cell phones, headphones, earbuds, and personal computers.  

Student ID's

All Seneca Valley students are required to have their school ID visible at all times during the school day. Students will receive reminders throughout the day.

Students are also required to show their physical ID to enter any school events. We will no longer accept IDs shown on phones through StudentVue. 

If you have not been issued a physical ID or have lost your ID, please see Ms. Boone at the security office.  Students can get one temporary ID if they leave their ID at home.  If a student loses their ID, lanyard, or ID holder, there is a charge to replace them.  

This 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. Please help us by reminding your student to carry and display their ID daily.

Dual Enrollment at Montgomery College

Registration for Dual Enrollment Spring 2026 begins on Monday, November 3rd!

This spring, SVHS will be offering the following classes:

SOCY 105 (Social Problems and Issues) Monday/Wednesday 1-2:30

BSAD 101 Monday/Wednesday (Introduction to Business) 1-2:30

HLTH 212 Tuesday/Thursday 1-2:30 (Controlling Stress and Tension) 1-2:30

Hundreds of other classes are available at MC and/or online!

Spring 2026 is the perfect time to explore college-level courses before graduation. Don’t miss this chance to challenge yourself, explore new subjects, and earn free college credit while still in high school!

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 SY25-26 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 community 

Hope everyone is doing well. There will be no PTSA meeting this month. The PTSA encourages all parents and/or guardians to take time if possible to visit with your child/children’s teachers on Monday, November 24 during parent teacher conference. 

The PTSA is also having a restaurant night on November 24th. So, if you don’t feel like cooking dinner Tortacos is the place to be! See attached flyer. Your support is appreciated! 

Stay connected! 

• Join the SVHS PTSA! Visit the SVHS PTSA Store. 

• The PTSA is on Facebook: SVHS PTSA Facebook Page

• SVHS PTSA also has a WhatsApp chat group: WhatsApp chat

• PTSA website: PTSA Website

Volunteers are still needed for the 2025-2026 Executive Board. Send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com for more information.

• President (Oversee overall PTSA activities)

• 1st Vice President (Community Outreach)

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

• Treasurer (Financial activities)

• Secretary (Administrative Support) 

Board Role Descriptions

President - is the presiding officer and the official representative of the association. The president presides at all meetings and plans the meeting agenda ahead of time with the PTSA secretary, utilizing input from others.

Treasurer - is the authorized custodian who manages the funds of the PTSA on behalf of the membership and the board of directors.

1st Vice-President (advocacy/communication) - shall perform the duties of president in the absence or inability of that officer to serve, and shall assist the president when called upon. In case of a vacancy in the office of president, the first vice president or the vice presidents in their order shall temporarily assume the duties until the vacancy is filled. This role involves working to enhance the communication between the PTSA, school, and families

2nd Vice-President (fundraising) - shall perform the duties of president in the absence or inability of that officer to serve, and shall assist the president when called upon. In case of a vacancy in the office of president, the first vice president or the vice presidents in their order shall temporarily assume the duties until the vacancy is filled. This role involves planning and organizing the fundraising activities to ensure that the revenue goals for the school year are met. Works closely with the fundraising committee.

Secretary - responsible for taking minutes and recording all business at every PTSA meeting.

Chantal 

Acting SVHS PTSA President (2025-2026)

SVHS Boosters

Join us Monday in the cafeteria at 6:00 pm for our next booster's meeting.

We will have concessions opened next week at our JV & Varsity football games - on Thursday & Friday evening. We can't make concessions possible without your help!

Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/ONC1i

We are currently planning our Fall Yard Sale & Vendor Event for November 1. If you are interested in participating, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/hMfziCYVZSShrc8d8

Here are the meeting notes from our most recent meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hcjZvrFw-vfZInd9slYy6GS6MyrgHDW7gfMG__mKbN8/edit?usp=sharing  

Have fresh produce delivered right to your door with the Seasonal Roots fundraiser: https://shorturl.at/yx9Vf

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Navigator  |  Room 2408  |  240-740-6418  |  Email

Tracking College Admissions & Merit Scholarship Offers in Naviance (Seniors)

Some seniors have already started receiving college admissions decisions.  Please keep track of ALL admissions results and merit scholarships for ALL colleges you applied to in Naviance.  This will help us celebrate SVHS seniors for our annual college acceptance wall!  

Once you hear back from colleges via email or letter, please record your results in Naviance:

• How to update admission decisions/results in Naviance:  video instructions

• If you were accepted and offered a merit scholarship, congratulations!  Here is how to add your offered scholarship in Naviance (video instructions)

  • Note:  Under $ Awarded, enter the amount.  If you see that your award is renewable, please multiply the amount by four (for four years of college).

  • If you have been offered multiple academic scholarships, you may title them by using the name of the college or the name of the scholarship.

    • For example:  “University of Florida - Merit Scholarship” OR “Trustee Scholarship - Purdue U.”  (etc.)

Continue Working on College Applications!

Reminder that the SVHS College Application Guide 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! 

FAFSA is Officially Open

Eligible students planning to attend a college, university, or trade school can begin to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  This includes students applying to Montgomery College.  Students need to complete the FAFSA form to be considered for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.  In addition, the state of Maryland and colleges use FAFSA information to determine a student’s eligibility for state and school aid. 

Mr. Nalda will be visiting Senior English classes throughout October and November to discuss the FAFSA and financial aid.  Here are a few resources related to the FAFSA to review:

• Top 10 FAFSA® Myths

• FAFSA® FAQ Worksheet

• Student Worksheet: FAFSA® Preparation Assignment

The SVHS Financial Aid Guide for Seniors is another important document for students to review.  It contains information about financial aid, how to apply, and other important resources to help you pay for college. 

College & Career Representative Visits

Upcoming College & Career Center Visits:

• American Pool, Lunch Visit (Lifeguarding/Summer Jobs) - Wed December 3 @ 11:24 AM

  • Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about job opportunities from American Pool.

• U.S. Army Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Wed December 10 @ 11:24 AM

  • Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the U.S. Army.

• Camp Sonshine, Lunch Visit (Summer Jobs) - Thu December 11 @ 11:12 AM

  • Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn about summer opportunities from Camp Sonshine.

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• December 01 - Ron Brown Scholars - 20-25 awards of $40,000 ($10,000 per yr for 4 yrs); senior;  U.S. citizen or permanent resident; Black/African American; attend a 4 year college or university in the Fall; academic achievement; character; financial need; leadership; seriousness of purpose; service to others. 

• December 01 - American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship - multiple winners ranging from $1,000 to $2,500; grades 9-12; must be United States Citizens or Eligible Non-Citizens; copy of most recent unofficial high school transcript; 500 word essay; entrants may be asked to participate in a qualification interview as part of the application process to assist the ACF in ultimately determining the winners. 

• December 01 - Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team - College Scholarship - 2-$1,000 awards; senior; min 3.5 GPA; submit a 500- to 750-word essay on how you are driven to innovate, how you plan to influence progress on any level in any space or how you have already affected positive change with creative thinking. 

• December 01 - Hagan Scholarship Foundation - $2,000 to purchase essential items for college plus up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters; senior; min 3.50 Cumulative Grade Point Average; enroll in an eligible four-year not-for-profit College or University the first semester following high school graduation; maintain a four year or less graduation schedule in college, or complete the equivalent of a four year degree if in a professional program; must work 240 hours from January 1, 2026 until September 1, 2026; applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2024 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $100,000; must apply for Federal and State grants if eligible; must not have a felony conviction; personal essay; four-year plan. 

• December 15 - MoreWithUs Spring 2026 Scholarship - 1-$500 award for high school students; senior; submit a one-page essay OR a short video (about 2 minutes) about a work or volunteer experience; create a MoreWithUs profile; see link for full details and guidelines. 

• December 16* - Burger King Scholars Program - multiple awards ranging from $1,000-$60,000; senior; min 2.0 GPA (unweighted); must enroll at a school full-time next Fall; recipients are selected based on their grade point average, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service. 

  • *Scholarship closes on December 16 or when 50,000 applications are submitted, whichever occurs first

• December 18* - Equitable Excellence Scholarship - up tp 100-$5,000 awards (renewable up to for four years); seniors in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two-or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); financial need; demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in your community by encouraging others to pursue higher education; willing to provide a release to publicize their identities and information about their achievements along with photographs for use in program promotion and information; essay; transcript. 

  • *Scholarship application closes at 4pm EST on December 18.

SVHS PTSA Scholarship

• March 30 -2026 JD Sowers Scholarship SVHS PTSA Award for Seniors - $800 award; senior; unweighted GPA of 2.8 or higher throughout each year of high school; fulfilled all Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours; demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact beyond the classroom; personal statement; 2 letters of recommendation from SVHS staff members.

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

Admissions 101 for Juniors

On Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30 on Zoom, Jordan Kanarek of Collegewise will be hosting an important event for Juniors and their parents “Admissions 101”.  Please join us for this important event.  

Hosted by BCC, but students and families from all MCPS high schools are welcome to join!

Zoom Meeting Link

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/89433416425?pwd=RSFpvkM2DRYXF2YiK7hjA5eHTggoCn.1

Meeting ID: 894 3341 6425  |  Passcode: 120321

College & Career Center Newsletter

2025-26 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 4, December

Business and Finance Offices News

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/

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