Good morning, Seneca Valley!!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.  This week we will have the winter sports meet the coaches event on Wednesday evening.  Please make sure you have signed up for parent teacher conferences more information below or contact your students teacher if you would like to have a discussion regarding your student.

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:

Don’t Delay; Take the Climate Survey Today!

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.
The survey will ask for your child’s student ID number. You can find this by going into ParentVue and clicking on Student Information. Responses are confidential; the student ID helps us make sure responses are linked to the right school.

Share Your Feedback on the 2026-2027 School Calendar

As MCPS continues to develop the 2026-2027 school calendar, the district is seeking more input from you!
Please complete this second survey to share input on the proposed draft traditional calendars for the 2026-2027 school year.
Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and alignment with assessment schedules.
Take the survey.

Programs Analysis and Regions Models — Why This Work Matters — and Why It Can’t Wait
MCPS is 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 ongoing Secondary Programs Analysis and proposed Regions Models are important steps toward a more equitable system. It’s a collaborative effort built with the input of students, staff and families through open conversations and community sessions. Read more.

Monitoring Progress Toward Graduation
Report cards for the first marking period have been mailed home; parents should be receiving them this week. A Student Grades and Graduation Credit Report, which will help parents monitor their high school student’s progress toward graduation, has been delivered to schools to send home. This report, sent to parents of 10th-12th graders, includes a Grade Point Average and Weighted Grade Point Average, course grades and credits, and summary of Student Service Learning hours. Read more.

Now You Know Video: Report Cards
Report cards are now available in ParentVUE. Take a few minutes to review your child’s progress so far. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate their successes and talk together about areas where they can keep growing.

Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

Thanksgiving Week Schedule and Attendance
A reminder that schools will release students early on Monday, Nov. 24, and Tuesday, Nov. 25. It is important for students to attend school on these days and complete their work to stay on track before the holiday break.
Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
For a full list of important dates and to stay up to date with the school calendar, visit the MCPS School Calendar.

Student Opportunities

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

• BOLT Leadership Academy: This program is open to high school freshmen and sophomores wanting to strengthen their leadership capacity through advocacy and management skills. 

• C-SPAN StudentCam Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to participate in C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary StudentCam competition. Students are asked 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 is Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.

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

•  America’s Field Trip: This contest invites students in grades 3-12 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 some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Deadline is March 30, 2026.

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

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade Is Looking for Volunteers!
Who doesn’t love a parade?
The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. The parade features marching bands, lively dance troupes, floats, fire trucks and fun inflatables. The route starts at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring, heads south on Georgia Avenue and ends at Silver Spring Avenue. The parade will be held rain or shine.
The parade is looking for volunteers, who will dress in costume, serve as unit leaders, and be inflatable and balloon handlers. The hours for volunteers are from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (volunteers need to be present the entire six hours). Students 13 years old and older can receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. Register as a parade volunteer here.

Stay Connected to MCPS

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

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

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

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

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

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

More MCPS Resources

• School calendar

• Parent resource page

• News and Information page / Noticias en Español

• Latest photo galleries

• MCPS TV videos

• MCPS TV español

School PMD and ID Policies

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

Personal Mobile Device (PMD) Policy

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

Student ID's

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

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

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

This is to continue our efforts on the safety and well-being of students and staff, not just during our instructional day, but at school events as well. Please help us by reminding your student to carry and display their ID daily.

Dual Enrollment at Montgomery College

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

This spring, SVHS will be offering the following classes:

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

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

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

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

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

Parents and guardians - if your student is in grade 9, new to MCPS, or if you have not previously submitted the G-Suite for Education: Additional Services form, please give your student(s) permission to access and use technology resources as part of their learning experience.  Access to the form is via ParentVUE, as part of the Annual Verification process.

From Technology Information and Support for Parents:
What is Annual Verification and how do I do this in ParentVue?

In the past, yellow emergency cards and a variety of other forms were sent home with students on the first day of school so that families could communicate updates about contact information, health, directory withholdings, emergency contacts, and more. This process will now take place in ParentVUE using Online Registration.

Failure to provide consent to Additional Services and Supplemental Online Digital Tools will not result in loss of access to the G-Suite Core Services, but will limit access to other technology resources used to facilitate teaching and learning. Consent remains valid for the entire time the student is enrolled in an MCPS high school and may be rescinded at any time. 

PARENT VOLUNTEER TRAINING

The MCPS Volunteer webpage has been updated.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx

On that webpage, you will find updates for SY25-26 and a chart for “who needs what.” There is also a resource on the far right called: School Guidance for Volunteers. If there are any volunteers who did this process last year, then they are good for this year. Any new volunteers would need to complete the compliance measures listed below.

One-time volunteers who will ALWAYS be accompanied by MCPS staff

• One-time volunteers who will never be alone with students at the MCPS school do NOT need to complete the compliance measures.

• They WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver's license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS). Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.

Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a regular volunteer (This includes, but is not limited to Dads on Duty participants)

• These volunteers must complete BOTH the online child abuse and neglect training and the COVID attestation process.

• Volunteers can pull their grade sheet showing a total of 183.3%. This grade shows completion of both processes.

• They WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver's license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS).

• Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.

Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a frequent volunteer AND will be alone with students.

• In addition to the online child abuse and neglect training and the COVID attestation compliance measures, the volunteer must have completed the finger printing process.

• Fingerprinting/Background check (only if they are working alone with students without supervision of an MCPS staff member or other type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation and FAQ )

• Fingerprinting Webpage

SVHS PTSA

Greetings SVHS community 

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

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

Stay connected! 

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

• The PTSA is on Facebook: SVHS PTSA Facebook Page

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

• PTSA website: PTSA Website

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

• President (Oversee overall PTSA activities)

• 1st Vice President (Community Outreach)

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

• Treasurer (Financial activities)

• Secretary (Administrative Support) 

Board Role Descriptions

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

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

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

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

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

Chantal 

Acting SVHS PTSA President (2025-2026)

SVHS Boosters

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Working on College Applications!

Continue working on completing applications if needed!  A few notes to keep in mind:

• 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.  

• USE the SVHS College Application Guide as a resource!

• If you are applying to additional colleges and applying via the Common App, don’t forget to log into Naviance and request teacher recommendations!

  • You can request the same teachers you used before.

Reminder that the SVHS College Application 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 in the College & Career Center

This Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

• U.S. Marines Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Mon November 17 @ 11:12 AM

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

• U.S. Army Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Wed November 19 @ 11:24 AM

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarships (for Pre-College or Summer Arts Programs)

The Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship Program was established to commemorate Anthony Quinn’s contribution to the arts and support his vision for an art-conscious-society. The Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to high school students who wish to attend a recognized pre-college, or summer intensive arts education program.

Applications for the 2026 Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship Program are now open, until January 4th 2026. In order to move onto the Application, the applicant must submit the Registration Form no later than midnight on November 30, 2025.

Click here for more information and application instructions

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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