Good Evening, Seneca Valley!!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.  As we look forward to a full week of school, so please to check the newsletter and website as we have great events coming up including open house on Tuesday, November 11th and parent teacher conferences on Monday, November 24th.  More details are available in the newsletter.  On Wednesday, November 12th we will have an adjusted bell schedule for report card distribution.  

With the new grading policy, it is imperative that you know your student's grade percentage and what will be needed to ensure they pass the semester.  We have plenty of resources to support students. If you have any questions or concerns, please make sure to reach out to your student's counselor and administrator.  

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

Parent-Teacher Conferences - November 24

Seneca Valley will hold Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 24, at two different times of the day. 

Virtual conferences will be available from 12:30-3:30 pm, and caregivers may begin signing up on ParentVUE on November 15 until November 19.  Caregivers must schedule a virtual conference on ParentVUE to participate. Virtual conferences will last 10 minutes. While sign-up for virtual conferences will be on ParentVUE, the actual conferences will take place on Zoom. The Zoom information that teachers will use can be found in two ways. One way is through MyMCPS Classroom, at the top of the Modules page; the other way is by using the Meeting ID number that you will see in ParentVUE under “location” when you sign up for conferences.

In-person conferences will be available in designated classrooms on the first floor from 5:00-7:00 pm. No appointments are needed. If there is something specific you would like to discuss with your student's teacher, please reach out to them via email ahead of time.  If you have concerns that would require more than 10 minutes, please contact the appropriate counselor to schedule a conference.

For support with accessing ParentVUE, please call the main office or email your student’s counselor. For support with signing up for a conference, please access these support guides from MCPS:

• English

• Español

• 中文

• Français

• Tiếng Việt

• 한국어 

• አማርኛ

From MCPS:

Take the Survey; Help Improve Your School! 100% Important
MCPS invites parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district. We want to improve our teaching and make our schools and district a more welcoming place for all students, staff and families.
Surveys are now available in eight languages:
English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
To complete the survey, you will be asked for your child’s student ID number. You can find this in ParentVUE → Student Information.
Your responses are confidential—the student ID is used only to connect your input to the right school.
Your Input Matters!

Now You Know (Video Series): Parent-Teacher Conferences
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.
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

Report Cards Coming Nov. 7
Report cards for the first marking period will be available in ParentVue by 5 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Here are the step-by-step directions for accessing report cards and interim progress reports on ParentVue. Report cards are sent home via backpack with all students for the first three marking periods; the final report card of the year is mailed to students’ homes. For the first quarter, parents can expect report cards by Nov. 12. Read more.

On Our Way to Four or More by 2035
MCPS continues to demonstrate strong academic momentum, according to the 2024–2025 Maryland School Report Card released by the Maryland State Department of Education. Of the 200 MCPS schools included in the performance evaluation, 95.5% earned a rating of three stars or higher, significantly outpacing the statewide average of 86%. This year, 53.5% of schools obtained a 4-star or 5-star rating (the highest rating), marking a robust 3.5 percentage-point increase over the 2023–2024 school year results. Read more.
Read the news release.

Families: Know Your Rights
MCPS schools are and will always remain safe places where every child — regardless of immigration status — is welcomed, valued, affirmed, validated, respected and loved. MCPS has distributed guidance to school staff on protocol in the event immigration officers come to school. The district is now providing further guidance to assist staff and other adults who support extracurricular activities, such as clubs, childcare and athletics. Read more.

MCPS Cross-Functional Teams Supporting School Success
Every school community has its own strengths and challenges, and no single solution fits all. That’s why Superintendent Thomas Taylor launched MCPS Cross-Functional Teams: groups of school-focused subject specific experts who work directly with schools and clusters to provide coordinated, customized support to advance and strengthen teaching, learning and school operations.
These teams include specialists in leadership, equity, special education, multilingual learning, literacy and math, human resources and safety. Watch this short video to see how these collaborative teams are helping schools build stronger systems of support and drive continuous improvement across the district.

Celebrating the Greatness Across Our MCPS Community
We love to celebrate, and it shows. Over the past few months, we’ve lifted up the incredible work of our students, staff, schools, and partners. From hands-on learning and global exchange to community service, wellness, innovation, and high-profile visits, these moments highlight the best of who we are. Here’s a look back at some of the moments that inspired us to start the school year strong.

How Do the Changes to SNAP Affect School Meals?

Students directly certified for free meals under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue to receive meal benefits for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. Students newly eligible for SNAP benefits when their applications are processed will also qualify for free school meals this school year. Parents/guardians who are furloughed can apply for Free and Reduced-price Meals for their children here. Read more.

Board Accepting Public Feedback on Capital Improvements Plan through Nov. 10
The Board of Education is inviting community members to share feedback on the superintendent’s recommended Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Comments received by noon on Monday, Nov. 10, will be posted on BoardDocs and distributed to all Board members and leadership staff. Read more about how to submit video or written comments.

Job Fair: Know someone interested in being a bus driver or bus attendant? Come see us from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. The fair will be held at the Division of Transportation Services (DOTS), 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. For more information, call 240-740-6080.

Smith Center Community Service Day: This event is happening from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. There will be a variety of tasks available, including painting/staining, splitting firewood, and expanding recreational opportunities for students. RSVP.

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 families, 

Thank you to those who attended the PTSA meeting this past Tuesday. Thank you for your questions and concerns. Know that the PTSA is always here to assist with addressing any concerns by working with the school. Let us all continue to be strong and be there for each other as a community. 

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.

Acting SVHS PTSA President (2025-2026)

Chantal 

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

Applying to College - Please read! (Seniors)

PLEASE READ

If you are applying to four-year colleges and universities, PLEASE READ the following information carefully...  

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

• When you have completed a college application and you are ready to submit, submit!!!  You DO NOT need to wait for the following:

  • Teacher letters of recommendation - they will submit asap

  • Counselor letters of recommendation -  they will submit asap

• Student transcripts are sent when your counselor submits their documentation!  It all goes together as a package. 

  • Your college portals may reflect that they have not received a transcript.  It takes a few business days from when they receive to when they update your portal information.

• The FAFSA has a completely different deadline from colleges!  You DO NOT have to submit your FAFSA before you submit your college applications.  Prioritize your college applications first, then work on the FAFSA if you have yet to complete.  

• Additional note - if you are applying to additional colleges and applying via the Common App, don’t forget to log into Naviance and request teacher recommendations for these new schools!

  • You can request the same teachers you used before.

USE the SVHS College Application Guide as a resource! 

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 in the College & Career Center

This Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

• Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania - Mon November 10 @ 12:05 PM 

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• November 17 - National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar Application - invitation to speak at the Goddard Memorial Dinner and a $20,000 scholarship; senior; U.S. Citizen; must have the intention of pursuing a career in the STEM fields and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university to follow a course of study to pursue a career in the STEM field, with a preference for those with space related interests; unofficial transcript; at least 2 letters of recommendation; statement of Intent: A brief statement of 150 words or less on your study/career plans with an emphasis on STEM; video audition; see link for full guidelines and details.

• November 24 - National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship* - (*deadline is 5pm on 11/24) 600 awards ranging from $3,200 - $25,000; senior; active NHS member in good standing; currently enrolled at a school with an affiliated NHS chapter; planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university; student membership must be verified by an active NHS adviser at an affiliated NHS chapter. 

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.

George B. Thomas, Sr.  Learning Academy - Saturday School SAT/ACT Prep Courses

Are you ready for high scores on your SAT/ACT testing? The Learning Academy Online has the tools for success. Any high school student in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) may attend as many classes per registration as needed to accomplish their standardized testing goals.

Click here for the flyer with more information

Other Opportunities

Montgomery College Paying for College Series

Are you wondering how to afford college or career training? We've got you covered!

Join us for Montgomery College's Paying for College Series, a free, informative set of Zoom sessions designed to help students, families, and supporters navigate the financial aid side of higher education. From understanding costs to applying for aid and scholarships, we'll walk you through it all.

All Sessions are at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Upcoming sessions:

• Wednesday, January 21 - Scholarships

• Wednesday, March 11 - You've Applied for Aid, Now What?

• Monday, May 4 - Understanding Your Costs & Bill

Click here register  |  Click here for the flyer

College & Career Center Newsletter

2025-26 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 3, November

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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