Good afternoon, Seneca Valley!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  We have just 4 days left in the year, Thursday is an early release day, students last class ends at 11:30, with lunch until 12:00, buses will leave at 12:07.  This will be the last newsletter of this school year.  I hope this and every newsletter has provided you valuable information regarding the "Valley".  

Next year will bring updated grading and reporting, and personal mobile device policies.  As we get more clarification we will make sure to keep you informed.

There are no more activity buses which means all students should go directly home at the end of the school day unless you with an activity sponsor.

Please also check the rest of the newsletter for more news from MCPS (Montgomery County Public Schools), PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association), Boosters, and other groups.

We hope that you have a great summer, rest, relax, recharge and get ready for a great SY26-27, on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

From MCPS

Free Summer Meals Begin June 23 at More Than 100 MCPS Sites
Thousands of Montgomery County children will receive nutritious meals as part of the MCPS Summer Food Service Program, which provides nutritious meals at no cost to children 18 years of age and under, and to people with disabilities who are over 18 years old. This summer, MCPS anticipates that over 12,000 students will receive meals at more than 100 sites. Read more.

Now You Know — Summer Reading

While everyone is looking forward to some rest and relaxation this summer, learning doesn't have to stop when the last bell rings. Want an easy way to keep learning all summer long? Pick up a good book.
MCPS is encouraging students to set a reading goal and explore new stories, ideas and interests along the way. Need ideas for what to read? The Booked for the Summer Guide has recommendations for every grade level, and Montgomery County Public Libraries offers even more books, activities and rewards. Happy reading!
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

Additional, but Good to Share

Fall Sports Registration Opens July 13 

Registration for fall sports tryouts opens at noon on Monday, July 13. Fall athletic teams may begin tryouts on Wednesday, Aug. 12. If students are registered for summer conditioning, they must still register for their fall sport. Contact your coach at your local school for specific information.

Your Unused Lunch Account Balance Can Help Another Student

Parents: did you know that you can donate money left over in your student’s lunch account to pay off outstanding student meal debt? To donate, parents can send an email here, stating that you would like to contribute the balance of your child’s account. Be sure to include your student’s name, birthdate, school they last attended and ID number (if you know it).

Turn Your Summer Into Service 

Summer is a wonderful time for middle and high school students to engage in Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities and earn SSL hours towards meeting the 75-hour state graduation requirement! Current fifth grade students can begin earning SSL hours starting Friday, June 19.

• June Opportunities

Reminders

• BOE Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement: Applications due noon on Friday, June 19.

• Drive for Supplies:  9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Friday, July 24 at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Families can pick up free gently used school supplies and food boxes. There will also be opportunities to sign up for SNAP benefits, free and reduced-price meals, and summer support programs. Students can earn Service Learning hours for volunteering before and during the event.

• ReachHIRE Summer Bridge program: The Universities at Shady Grove is hosting this free program on June 29–July 1, open to rising sophomores through seniors. Opportunities to connect with professionals to gain insight into future academic and career options. Register.

• My Future Fairs: Families of Grade 7 students are invited to attend information sessions to learn more about high school options. Beginning in fall 2027, MCPS will launch a new Regional High School Model, expanding access to specialized programs across the county. Students may choose to apply to regional programs based on their interests. For more information, visit the High School Regional Programs webpage. Next sessions coming up June 11 and 15 

• Upcoming Math Changes: Beginning next year, MCPS will implement a cluster model for mathematics instruction. Classes will be organized to reduce the broad range of instructional levels within a classroom, which will make it more manageable for teachers to plan instruction effectively, differentiate learning experiences, and provide timely support and enrichment for students. Upcoming meetings on June 16

• Discover Montgomery County History at Heritage Days Weekend: Explore local history and culture during the 27th Annual Heritage Days weekend from noon-4 p.m. on June 27-28. More than 30 museums, parks and historic sites will offer free admission, exhibits, live music, demonstrations and family‑friendly activities highlighting the people and places that shaped Montgomery County. Learn more.

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

2026-27 Student Course Requests Review

It is hard to believe that the year is quickly coming to an end, and your SVHS School Counselors have been hard at work preparing for the 2026-27 school year. In preparation for the new year, students and families are encouraged to review their course requests by visiting the “Course Request” tab on StudentVUE or ParentVUE. A reminder that at this point, these are still course requests, and not actual confirmed schedules. If you have any questions or concerns about your course requests, please reach out to your student’s Counselor and they will be happy to assist.

From Counseling:

The Seneca Valley Counseling Services team wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you and farewell to several members of the counseling team who have had a profound impact on our students and community. They will be deeply missed by staff, students, and family members alike, and we are grateful beyond words for their years of service to MCPS and Seneca Valley High School. Please join us in wishing them happiness, health, and success as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.

Mrs. Ellen Fellows, School Counselor

Mr. Chris Grindley, School Counselor

Ms. Sabrina Murray, Pupil Personnel Worker

Mr. John Robertson, School Social Worker

Mrs. Sally Ruiz Miller, Family Engagement Specialist

Mrs. Iris Cruz, Counseling Secretary

Dual Enrollment Update

Dual Enrollment Update:

Dual Enrollment/Jump Start to College registration for Fall 2026 is underway!  Students are encouraged to request courses in their Dual Enrollment account as soon as possible since classes fill up quickly. Dual Enrollment is open to qualifying students in all grades at NO cost. This is a great opportunity to start earning free college credits! Students can take college classes at Montgomery College or at Seneca Valley. This Fall we will be offering the following courses during 7th & 8th periods:

COMM 108: Introduction To Human Communication M/W

CCJS 110: Administration of Justice T/TH

HLTH 212: Controlling Stress & Tension T/TH

Please contact Stacey Blaine with any questions at Stacey_J_Blaine@mcpsmd.org/Room 2107B

SVHS Boosters

This week at our Boosters meeting (Wednesday 6pm, cafeteria) we will have a guest speaker. Mr Joe Vukovich is a Career Advising Coach at Seneca & he is coming to tell us about his role at Seneca & how he may be able to guide your student.

Sign up to help concessions at the above games here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0445A5AF23A31-50452613-fall#/

If you have any suggestions/ideas for our upcoming silent auction, please let us know!

See you Wednesday!

Best,

Tisha Chrobak

Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2027

Not a member yet?  Join here:

https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq 

Visit us on our social media sites: 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0e4fadaf2ca1fc1-svhs

SVHS PTSA

Hello SVHS community,

Hope all is doing well and you’re getting ready for summer.

I am still hoping we can move forward with a new 2026-2027 PTSA Executive Board volunteers needed 

The PTSA is still looking for nominations for all Executive Board positions for the next school year. Please consider becoming a volunteer for one of the roles below. The board works as a team, so you are not doing it alone. If you are interested in any of the roles below, please send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com. 

We are almost there. We can do this. We just need a President to officially have a board to get the PTSA for next year started.

We are so close!

• President (Oversee the overall PTSA activities) - Need a volunteer.

• 1st Vice President (Community Outreach – Parent has volunteered

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)- Need a volunteer.

• Treasurer (Financial activities) – Parent has volunteered.

• Secretary (Administrative Support) – Parent has volunteered 

Visit our PTSA website to learn more about the PTSA’s involvement. 

https://svhs-ptsa2.givebacks.com/w/Participate

• Follow our Facebook Page. A great place to post questions, get answers and keep up to date with what’s happening at SVHS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/954316351262170 

Thank you,

Chantal 

Acting SVHS PTSA President (2025-2026)

Summer School 2026

To be registered, students must complete the 2026 Summer School Registration Request Form. Once the form has been submitted, School Counselors will register students who request to participate. 

This year, most classes are only offered in-person at six school locations (Seneca Valley is not a host location). The closest sites are Clarksburg High School and Watkins Mill High School. Breakfast and lunch are provided. There are three classes that are offered virtually (Health, Foundations of Computer Science, and Foundations of Engineering Technology). 

Students may only take 1 class per session. Tuition is charged for original credit or grade improvement courses. Courses that are being retaken due to failure do not have a tuition fee. 

Summer School Session Dates:

• Session 1: July 7-21 (Monday-Thursday, 8am-2:30pm)

• Session 2: July 23 – August 6 (Monday-Thursday, 8am-2:30pm)

• Location: Clarksburg HS, Watkins Mill HS, Richard Montgomery HS, Einstein HS, Paint Branch HS, Wheaton HS

• Virtual options are available only for Health, Foundations of Computer Science, and Foundations of Engineering Technology

Summer School Registration Deadlines:

Students must complete the 2026 Summer School Registration Request Form by the following deadlines, late submissions will not be processed:

• Session 1: May 29

• Session 2: June 26

For questions about which class is most appropriate for your student to take, please contact their School Counselor. 

Summer school offers students the opportunity to stay on track academically or get ahead in their studies. If your student is behind on their credits, please consider making summer school a priority. For more information, visit the MCPS Summer School website.

Summer Resources

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

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

Juniors: Applying to Colleges - PLEASE READ

Juniors who are interested in applying to colleges next fall can start familiarizing themselves with the process so they know what to expect.  Although you cannot technically submit applications until after August 1, it would be good to review the steps to prepare for the process.  See the link to the SVHS College Application Guide below to get an idea of the steps involved and what needs to be completed.  This is your go-to document for applying to colleges at Seneca Valley High School.  It has all the steps and instructions involved with applying to college.  

Students should refrain from formally requesting letters of recommendation from teachers or matching their Common App account to Naviance until after August 1.  Once a student is officially listed as a senior in Naviance, after August 1, they can complete these steps.  Requesting letters of recommendation and/or matching your Common App before this change in Naviance can cause technical issues or glitches with your application.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor for assistance.

SVHS College Application Guide  |  In-Class Presentation for Juniors/Rising Seniors  

College & Career Navigators: Summer Workshops 2026

Check out the Summer workshops available to help students prepare for senior year.  From learning about college applications to financial aid, there are many topics and presentation options for you to explore this summer!

MCPS students/families are welcome to attend any workshop.  Please register in advance if requested.

• Click here to see the flyer with the list of summer workshops hosted by Mr. Nalda at SVHS

• Click here to see the full list of summer workshop offerings throughout MCPS*

*Many workshops are offered virtually via zoom.

Questions?  Reach out to Mr. Nalda in the College & Career Center.

Final Transcript Information

I have received many emails and messages regarding final transcripts over the last few days.  

Final transcripts will be released to schools and sent to colleges and universities by the end of June/early July.  If you filled out the Senior Exit Survey and plan to attend college this fall, you should have indicated where you plan to attend.  This is where we will send your final transcript.

If you did not fill out the Senior Exit Survey, or your plans have changed and you need a final transcript sent to a different school, reach out to Mr. Nalda for assistance.

Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony - Recording

Click on the following link to watch a recording of the Class of 2026 SVHS Graduation Ceremony from May 28 @ UMBC:

• Class of 2026 SVHS Graduation Ceremony

Accepting Awards in MDCAPS

Did you receive a state financial aid award from MDCAPS?  If so, you will need to login and ACCEPT your award.  If you do not accept your award, you will not receive this financial aid to help!

Click the link below for the steps to accept your award.

How to Accept Your Award in MDCAPS

Upcoming Scholarships 

• June 19 - BigSun Scholarship - $500 award; graduated senior; planning to attend a post secondary institute; all student athletes are eligible regardless of the sport they are engaged in or the capacity in which they participate; submit a short essay (500 - 1,000 words) about how participation in sports has influenced your life; see link for specific prompt. 

• June 30 - MoreWithUs Fall 2026 Scholarship Competition - $500 award; submit a one-page essay OR a short video (about 2 minutes) about a work or volunteer experience; create a free MoreWithUs profile.

• June 30 - Montgomery College Foundation Scholarships – senior; attending Montgomery College in the fall; the Montgomery College Foundation offers more than 400 Foundation scholarship opportunities, generously provided by businesses, organizations, and individuals; with your valid M number, you can apply for all scholarship opportunities by completing just one application; an online tool matches your application with relevant foundation scholarship opportunities at Montgomery College; you may click here to sign in with your MyMC user ID and password; then complete the general application that will allow you to qualify for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Montgomery College Foundation Scholarships. 

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

Other Opportunities

2026 ReachHire Summer Bridge Program

June 29 - July 1, 2026 | 9AM - 3PM, Daily

USG Campus - Building II  |  9630 Gudelsky Drive  |  Rockville, Maryland 20850

Join The Universities at Shady Grove for this multi-day summer program designed to help high school students “level up” their academic preparation and career readiness. Through interactive workshops and activities, participants build key skills like communication, professionalism, and critical thinking while exploring bachelor’s degree programs and career pathways. Students also have opportunities to connect with professionals and gain insight into future academic and career options.

This free event is open to rising high school sophomores through rising high school seniors who are eager to build skills and explore their academic and career goals.

Click here for more information and to register  |  Click here for the flyer 

College & Career Center Newsletter

2025-26 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 8, May/June

Action: Complete the Google, YouTube, and Online Digital Consent Form

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

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

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/