Good evening, Seneca Valley!!

Hope everyone had a good weekend and enjoyed some snow!  We have an exciting full week of school ahead with themed spirit days each day. We will also welcome our cluster schools with choral and instrumental music concerts in the evenings. We close out the week with our winter sports prep rally on Friday with a modified bell schedule. 

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:

BOE Approves 2026–2027 School Calendar
The Montgomery County Board of Education approved the traditional and innovative school year calendars for the 2026-2027 school year at yesterday’s  (Dec. 11) meeting.
Traditional Calendar Overview:

●   Includes a total of 181 instructional days, including four contingency days.

●   Student Transition Day, a non-instructional day: Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

●   First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

●   Last day of school: Wednesday, June 16, 2027.

●   Winter break is Dec. 23, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027. Spring break is March 26, 2027–April 4, 2027.

●   Key holidays and breaks align with state requirements, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and other observances.

Middle and High School Student Grading: An Update for Families
All first marking period report cards are now available in ParentVue. Please check ParentVue to review grades and check for updates to your child’s current second marking period progress. The second marking period ends Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Interim grades for the second marking period will be available on ParentVue on Friday, Dec. 19. Read more.

Debunking Myths about the Regional Programs
MCPS remains committed to ensuring that every student in every community has access to high-quality academic programs that match their interests and ambitions, without barriers of distance or opportunity. The work the district is doing is an important step toward a more equitable system.
We know that families may still have questions about this work. Here are three myths we have been hearing, and the truth. Read more.

Check Out Additional Boundary Study Options and Share Your Feedback
A reminder that families should check out the additional options on the Woodward/Northwood and Crown/Damascus boundary studies. These options (added on Dec. 1, 2025) are in addition to the current options A–D available on the boundary study webpages, so please take a look and share your feedback on a survey by Friday, Jan. 9.

●   Options on Woodward/Northwood

●   Woodward/Northwood Boundary Study Survey

●   Options on Crown/Damascus

●   Crown/Damascus Boundary Study Survey

Boundary Study Webpage

Turn In SSL Hours by Jan. 9
Students who have completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours since June 1, 2025, should submit the required SSL Activity Verification Form to their school’s SSL coordinator by the recommended due date of Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school; earning at least five SSL hours outside of class every year will help students stay on track to meeting this requirement. Winter break is a great time to participate in SSL opportunities outside of school! Learn more. Translated information can be found here. In-person and virtual opportunities, reminders and updates are available on the SSL Hub.

Annual HBCU Fair Scheduled for Feb. 13
Registration for the 18th annual HBCU Fair opens on Friday, Dec. 12. This free in-person event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. The fair will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 30 historically Black colleges and universities. This year’s event will include on-the-spot admissions, workshops on financial aid and FAFSA; and a separate workshop and activities for middle school students.

Parent Academy Workshops Jan. 6 and Jan. 14
Parents are encouraged to check out two virtual Parent Academy To Go workshops coming in January. Parent Academy TO GO informs and empowers families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Upcoming sessions are:

●   Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6-7 p.m., Saturday School Spotlight: Boosting Skills, Building Confidence

●   Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6-7 p.m., Nature as Classroom: Inside the Smith Environmental Experience

If you are unable to join a Parent Academy workshop, visit the MCPS YouTube channel for recorded sessions. Learn more.

A Reminder of the New Safety Protocols
Safety is a priority in MCPS, and we all share responsibility for knowing and communicating what to do during a serious incident. Since the start of this school year, MCPS has been using a new Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency situations. You’ve probably seen the new posters in classrooms, offices and throughout all MCPS buildings. The new posters clearly communicate the five SRP actions: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE and SHELTER. Read more about these actions.

Save the Date: FY27 Operating Budget Presentation Dec. 17
Superintendent Thomas Taylor will deliver his Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Join us virtually by watching online and on MCPS TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 88). The superintendent has heard from staff, parents and community members during listening sessions. Attendees have raised important questions and shared honest feedback. Read more.

Student Opportunities

●   What Does the SMOB Do?: Virtual meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Come learn about the election process for the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) and what the SMOB does.

●   Montgomery County Science Fair: offers middle and high school scientists and engineers an opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash prizes. Learn more.

●   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, Jan. 4, 2026.

●   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.

●   Black History Oratory Contest: This essay content is open to 9th–12th grade students. Twenty finalists will be invited to read their essays in front of a live audience for prize money. Deadline: Sunday Jan. 25, 2025.

●   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.

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.

Montgomery College Courses at SV - Spring 2026

🎓 Montgomery College Courses at Seneca Valley – Spring 2026

Spring 2026 (beginning on January 26, 2026) registration for Montgomery College (MC) is underway! In addition, courses offered at Seneca Valley High School are live and open for registration in DualEnroll. We are offering the following two elective classes:

📚SOCY105 – Social Problems and Issues

🕑Monday & Wednesday | 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Course Description: An analysis of social problems such as social inequality, urbanization, crime, demographic change, terrorism, and environmental issues. Sociological theory and research are used to examine the impact of globalization, culture, institutions, ideology, social policy, and social movements on various societal issues.

📚BSAD 101 – Introduction to Business

🕑Mon & Wed | 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Course Description: An introductory course designed to survey the field of business and its environment in order to give the student a broad overview of the principles, practices, institutions, and functions of business. 

✅ Registration is now open in DualEnroll.com!

Seats are limited and students interested in taking MC classes should complete the Dual Enrollment process early to secure their spot. As a reminder there is NO COST for classes or materials.

📝Students who wish to earn high school credit for their Montgomery College courses must complete the Dual Credit form.

Please contact Mrs. Blaine at stacey_j_blaine@mcpsmd.org to obtain the form.

🏢Office: Room 2710B 

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,

PTSA MEETING: Join us on Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30pm via zoom (link will be provided soon). Mr. Hernlandez, our school Principal will be presenting SVHS School Improvement Plan (SIP). 

Thank you to those who were able to go out and support our fundraiser at Tortacos. We hope you enjoyed the menu item ordered. To those who weren’t able to make it, don’t worry we’ll do this again soon. We appreciate all of you however you support SVHS. 

2025-2026 and 2026-2027 PTSA Executive Board volunteers needed 

The PTSA is looking for nominations for all Executive Board positions for the current and next school year. See list below. If you are interested, please send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

• President (Oversee the overall PTSA activities)

• 1st Vice President (Community Outreach)

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

• Treasurer (Financial activities)

• Secretary (Administrative Support)

If being on the executive board is not your thing, we also need help to lead/chair some of our committees as well. If you would like to learn more about any of the committees below, please email svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

• Membership Committee (Involvement - beginning of the school year through early January) 

• Staff Appreciation Committee (Involvement - Several times throughout the school year)

• Fundraising Committee (Involvement - Ongoing throughout the school year)

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:

• Yale University (Student Ambassador) - Thu December 18 @ 12:55 PM 

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• 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.

• December 31 - Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship - $1,000; 9-12 grade; legal U.S. resident; submit a 250 word essay; feel free to use something you have already written! Easy!!! 

• December 31 - Around the Corner from College Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; open to current high school students (9-12 grade); US citizen, permanent resident, or with DACA status; must be planning to attend a college or university in the US;  create a personalized checklist that you can use (max 10 items) to help you best prepare for college. 

• December 31 - Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship - $2,500 award; legal resident of the United States or the District of Columbia; must be currently enrolled in 8th - 12th grade in a school; create a FREE account and portfolio and earn as many points as you can; see link for rules and guidelines. 

• January 05 - GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program - (*deadline is 1pm on 1/6) up to $40,000; senior; U.S. Citizen; Display strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent); plan to enroll in a full‑time undergraduate course of study at an accredited 4‑year college or university in the U.S. for the entire 2026-2027 academic school year; demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces.

• January 06 - Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship - (*deadline is 8pm on 1/6) up to $14.5 million in scholarship funding for 2026; senior;  legal U.S. resident or the dependent child of an active duty member of the U.S. military; submit a video (between 30 seconds to 2 minutes or less in length) or essay (250-500 words) about your passion and your future. 

• January 07 - Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship* - (*deadline is 5pm on 1/7) 60 awards of up to $7,500; minority high school senior; U.S. citizen; financial need; demonstrated of academic excellence; leadership potential and dedication to community service; plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within or affiliated with a school in the U.S.; Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college; letter of recommendation; transcript; four essays. 

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.

College & Career Center Newsletter

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

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/

Library Media Center