SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
Community Newsletter
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
● Crown/Damascus Boundary Study Survey
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.
● 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
Let's celebrate the last full week before Winter Break with unique spirit each day!
We will have a modified bell schedule on Friday, December 19 for the winter pep rally.
No worries! Scan the QR card for all the information!
Seneca Valley students outside of St. Mary's Hall at UMD
Wednesday, December 10th, 50 students from all French classes went on a field trip to visit the University of Maryland French department with Mme Ashe and Mme Hanford. We learned about course selection and credit hours, the various language programs UMD offers, and how useful French is for a variety of careers following college graduation.
UMD offers tutoring for language students, a language house to immerse oneself in the language and francophone culture, cultural activities throughout the year, and study abroad programs. We took a tour of the campus and enjoyed lunch in the multipurpose room of the Language House. Our presenters emphasized the importance of language classes in high school and how IB French can earn college credits and advance students to the higher levels of language learning at the university. We are very grateful for this wonderful opportunity to take our students to visit the University of Maryland.
Join us for real conversations on the substance abuse crisis facing our children with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Thrive Behavioral Health, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and more.
This Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 pm in the
Roberte Clemente Middle School Cafeteria.
Cozy Cups are on sale online and in person. Send a hot chocolate kit to a student, complete with cup, hot chocolate mix, and mini candy cane. Purchase online by Tuesday, December 16th at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/106903/354/False/True . Include the student's name in to "who are you purchasing this for" box. Students will receive their cozy cup in class on Thursday, December 18th. Have a Cozy Holiday!
We are excited to announce the upcoming auditions for senior solo performances at the 2026 commencement ceremony! If you are interested in auditioning, please read this entire message to make sure that you understand how auditions will be done this year. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to either Mr. Stephens or Ms. Walker (instrumental and choral teachers at SV). Auditions will be taking place on Wednesday, January 28th, at lunch.
We will be holding auditions for senior soloists and for someone to perform the National Anthem. You may audition for either one or both.
Auditions will take place on Wednesday, January 28th, in room 753 during lunch (choir room).
You may perform a capella (unaccompanied) or with a backing track/instrumentals.
You must be a senior to audition.
Students auditioning for senior soloists: Please give careful consideration to your song choice for the audition! The music that you audition with is the music that you intend to perform at graduation, so please make sure that it is graduation-appropriate (inspirational/uplifting/motivational/etc).
Auditions may be instrumental or vocal.
For the senior solo, you may audition as a solo or as a small group/band. If you are performing as a small group, the featured musician(s) must be seniors.
Your audition should reflect the level of quality that you intend to perform with during graduation. As a result, reading lyrics from a phone and/or incomplete performances of your piece are discouraged.
If you are interested in auditioning, please complete this Google form so that we know who to expect.
Email address if you have any questions:
Mr. Stephens (instrumental music): adam_r_stephens@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Walker-Sifuentes (choral music): tessa_walker@mcpsmd.org
The SVHS Literary Magazine is selling clay masks! Get yours today!
Students are not permitted to order from food delivery services (DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, etc.) during the school day at Seneca Valley High School. All deliveries will be declined at the door and students are not to meet drivers at exterior doors in the building.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly environment.
The 2025-2026 traditional calendar includes six (6) built-in emergency closure days, and we'll be using the color-coded status system so families always know where things stand. For more information about each color status, visit the website or use the QR code. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/closings/
Email, Text, and the MCPS Website
Alert MCPS
Staff Email
Media Partners
Social Media
MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88)
Your School's Homepage
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.
Key information about IB Exam Registration:
MCPS will continue to pay for IB exams for students enrolled in the IB course by Nov. 15.
Students enrolled in an IB course for the 2025–2026 school year are expected to participate in the corresponding IB exam.
Students registering late, dropping the course*, not completing the IB Internal Assessment, or not present to take the IB exams will be responsible for the IB exam fee of $124.
Please see below for the important IB Exam dates.
Additional Resources
IB Exam Registration flyer: includes IB Exams 101 & 5 Things to Know
IB Exam Registration Student Presentation: Presentation from assembly attended by all IB DP CP students to review IB exams and exam registrations
🎓 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
SVHS and MCPS Attendance policy:
Once the late bell rings, students without a pass will be marked late.
High school students with excessive absences, both lawful and unlawful, may be referred for appropriate intervention. The school counselor will consult with the student and the parents/guardians, verify the reasons for the absences, and determine the appropriate interventions.
At the discretion of the principal/designee, students who demonstrate a pattern of absences may be referred to appropriate staff and/or outside agencies for intensive interventions designed to increase regular attendance.
School counselors/administrative teams may use an Attendance Intervention Plan (AIP) as a form of intervention to improve student attendance.
An AIP is developed for each of the student’s courses that have been identified for intervention.
SSL Opportunities!
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:
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, please email me a photo or pdf of your form 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
Greetings! Every Friday, counselors and administrators will be distributing a weekend snack bag to students. We will write a pass to your child’s 8th-period class. Students who receive the pass should report to the 1400 hallway.
If you would like your child to receive the weekend snack bags, please complete the form at the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Sally Ruiz Miller at 240-447-8963 or the Counseling Office at 240-740-6420.
Weekend snack bags permission form: https://forms.gle/3qc5SxS5aZg7k4ZG7
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community.
SENIORS & SENIOR PARENTS!!!! Please make sure you save and/or favorite our Class of 2026 website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/senecavalleyhs/activities/seniors/
This is where we will house ALL of our important information, reminders, Grad Package info, event calendar, officer and sponsor names, and more. We will keep the most pressing announcements on the homepage for easy access.
Action: Complete the Google, YouTube, and Online Digital Consent Form
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.
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
SVHS has over 80 clubs! From Dance to Robotics to Dungeons and Dragons, there is something for everyone!
Check out our Clubs Website: https://bit.ly/svhsECA to find clubs, schedules, and registration!
Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center
Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Navigator | Room 2408 | 240-740-6418 | Email
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.)
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!
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:
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.
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!
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
Student Athletes, Families, and Screaming Eagle Fans!
Please see link for this week’s Weekly update from the athletic department.
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
Spotlight on Digital Citizenship
AI in Education:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping our children's world, from the videos they watch to the tools they use in school. Please review the AI Literacy Toolkit for Families, co-created by Common Sense Media and Day of AI, A Parent’s Guide to AI, Advocacy in Education, or watch @evolvingAI video (also on the QR Code).
ONLINE FARMS APPS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!
www.MySchoolApps.com is NOW OPEN for parents to complete and submit the 2024-2025 Online application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!
FAMILIES CAN APPLY NOW & AVOID LONGER PROCESSING TIMES IN THE FALL!
The MCPS Code of Conduct and A Student's Guide to Rights & Responsibilities will be distributed to all students in September.
They are also online at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights.
Safety Tips for Walkers
To ensure pedestrian safety, please use these safety tips:
Cross the street at marked crosswalks whenever possible.
Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with "right turn on red."
Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
Begin crossing the street on "Walk" signals-never on a solid or flashing "Don't Walk."
Use pedestrian pushbuttons to activate/extend the walk signal.
Use sidewalks. If none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles, and drivers see you.
Make eye contact with drivers so they see you. Never assume they do.
Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing.
Welcome to Safe Schools Maryland
An ANONYMOUS and FREE reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents, and the general public to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns.
Safe Schools Maryland is Maryland’s only official anonymous reporting system.
Safe Schools Maryland operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Your anonymous report can be submitted by calling the tip line (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233), completing an online form (below), or downloading the free Safe Schools Maryland app from the App Store or Google Play.