Good Evening Seneca Valley!!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.  I hope everyone made sure to change your clocks back an hour and enjoyed an extra hour of sleep.  Tomorrow is a non-school day for students.  Classes will resume on Tuesday.

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.  If you have any questions or concerns please make sure to reach out to your students counselor and administrator.

This Thursday November 6th marks the start of our fall play, Monty Python's Educational Show with show times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Please look below for more details.

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:

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!

Don’t Miss Upcoming Boundary & Secondary Programs Analysis Engagement Sessions
In the next few weeks, MCPS is inviting the community to participate in a series of Q&A engagement sessions on the boundary studies and academic programs analysis efforts. Learn more here. 

• Nov. 4: Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg (Region 5)

• Nov. 10: Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring (Region 1)

• Nov. 13: Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac (Region 4)

• Nov. 17: Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville (Region 2)

• Nov. 18: Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg (Region 6)

In addition, be sure to join MCPS for a virtual “Pregúntale a MCPS” live on Facebook for Spanish-speaking families at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The session will focus on the boundary study options and new academic programs in secondary schools.
Why It Matters
Academic Programs Analysis Webpage

Clocks Fall Back Sunday—Safety First as Days Get Darker

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, Nov. 2, as we return to Standard Time. With shorter days and darker evenings, it’s important to stay alert and safe.

Safety reminders:

• Stay alert on the roads and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Make sure your headlights are working properly.

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries if needed.

For more tips on staying safe during the time change, visit:

• MCPS Safe Routes

• Montgomery County Vision Zero

Capital Budget Public Hearings and Work Sessions Set
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) requests $2.7 billion over six years. However, it represents only about half of what district facilities actually need. Join us for the upcoming public hearings and work sessions.

Now You Know (Video Series): Drug Prevention
Sometimes parents need to have difficult conversations…
Making the choice to live free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco is one of the best decisions a young person can make. These substances can …

·         damage your health.

·         cloud your judgment.

·         hold you back from reaching your full potential.

Parents, keep the conversations going, set clear expectations and be the support your child needs.
Read more.
Watch in Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

Don’t Miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 8!
MCPS is participating in 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Nov. 3-8. Don’t miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Open to staff, students and families, this free event will include workshops, community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, a student forum and line dancing, Zumba and yoga. RSVP to attend.

Winter Coat Drive Underway
The Prekindergarten and Head Start offices are requesting donations of new coats for students in need. Hats, gloves and boots for young children are also welcome. Donations of boys’ and girls’ coats in sizes 4, 5 and 6 are most needed. Suggested items may be found on the Head Start/Pre-K Amazon wish list.

Items can be dropped off at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141 in Rockville. Items may be dropped off in person from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or may be ordered online and delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center, to the attention of Lisa Conlon.

On-the-Spot Admissions Event and Financial Aid Workshops
High school seniors are invited to an on-the-spot college admissions event with several Maryland independent colleges and universities on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and Thursday, Nov. 6. Students are asked to contact their school’s College and Career Navigator or counselor to register. Learn more.
In addition, high schools are hosting financial aid workshops for families to learn about the options available to help students pay for college. Parents can attend any financial workshop at any school. Learn more. 

Other News from MCPS

• Cybersafety Webinars: Learn more about keeping your family safe online from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6.

• Middle School Winter Athletics: Registration is now open and available in English and Spanish through ParentVue. Middle school sports include boys’ and girls’ basketball. 

• Help Outdoor Education!: Outdoor Ed is looking for high school students to help with the sixth grade program. More information

• 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 and must be 50-70 seconds in length. Top prize is $1,000. Deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

• 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. 

• Stronger Through Self-Defense: Hosted by MoCo EmpowHER, this event is focused on safety, confidence and self-awareness. Register.

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 SY24-25 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.  

USE the SVHS College Application Guide as a resource! 

MICUA MCPS Senior Admissions Night 

We are excited to offer on-the-spot Admissions opportunities with Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities for MCPS 12th-grade students.  

The on-the-spot admissions interviews will take place on November 5th and 6th from 9am - 3pm virtually.  

Participating institutions:

Capitol Technology University  |  Goucher College  |  Hood College  |  Maryland Institute College of Art  |  Mount St. Mary's University  |  St. John's College  |  Washington Adventist University  |  McDaniel College

Students interested in participating in this event should register below.

If you have any questions or need a copy of your transcript to upload for this event, please reach out to Mr. Nalda in the College & Career Center.

Click here to register  |  Click here for the flyer 

FAFSA Officially Opens on October 1

Eligible students planning to attend a college, university, or trade school can begin to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on October 1.  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:

• Montgomery College (Scholars Program Presentation) - Wed November 5 @ 10:45 AM

  • Attend this presentation to learn more about MC's Montgomery Scholars Program.

• U.S. Air Force Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Wed November 5 @ 11:24 AM

  • No registration in Naviance needed. Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the U.S. Air Force

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

MICUA Private College Application Days

Apply to Maryland’s private colleges with no application fees!  

Save the remaining dates!

• November 10, 2025

Ready to explore your future at one of Maryland’s private colleges or universities? In partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), join us for Private College Application Days and apply to MICUA institutions with no application fees!

This is your chance to take the next step without the usual costs—don’t miss out! Students can apply through the Common App or directly on each school’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Upcoming Scholarships 

• November 06 - Regeneron Science Talent Search - win up to $250,000; senior; students will be given the challenge of conducting independent science, math, or engineering research; to be considered, you must submit a maximum 20 - page research report explaining your experiments and conclusions; research must be the work of a single individual, group and team projects are not eligible; see link for full details and guidelines. 

• November 10 - The Rescue One AED “Tree of Life” Art Contest & Scholarship - Grand Prize: $2,500 Scholarship, Runners-Up: Art supply gift cards, museum passes, mentorship, online and in-person gallery features for selected artwork; MCPS high school students in grades 9-12; legal U.S. resident at time of entry; if under 18 years old, entrant must have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian; submit a painting, drawing, or digital art that shows how AEDs impact lives in real-world emergencies; include a short artist statement; see link for full rules and guidelines.

• November 12 - The Cooke College Scholarship Program - multiple awards of up to $55,000/year to attend a four-year school; senior; min. 3.75 GPA (un-weighted); judged on persistence, service to others, and leadership; essays, letters of recommendation; financial need (will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000); students can apply via Common App. 

• November 12 - Elks Most Valuable Student Award - 500 awards ranging from $1,000-$30,000 per year for four years; senior; U.S. Citizen; judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need; top 20 national finalists traditionally win a leadership trip to interview for up to $30,000. 

• 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

FAFSA Completion Night @ Northwest HS

Date:  Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time:  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:  Northwest High School, in the Media Center*

*SVHS students and families are welcome to attend!

Montgomery College's Financial Aid office will be at NWHS to help families: 

• Create your FSA ID

• Complete your FAFSA application

• Provide Montgomery College information

• Answer any questions you may have about FAFSA/Financial Aid

Even if your student does not plan to attend Montgomery College, you are still able to attend to receive help completing your application. 

Click here to register  |  Click here for the flyer 

College & Career Center Newsletter

• 2025-26 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 2, October

News from the Business and Finance Offices 

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

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm; Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Library Media Staff Technical support.  

Whereas this is not our primary directive, the LMC is where students should come to report issues with their Chromebooks and school accounts. Students can try THESE strategies for chromebook issues at home.

Spotlight on Digital Citizenship

FALL Digital Citizenship: 

This year, Seneca Valley joined the annual Digital Citizenship Week campaign, October 20–24, 2025. The goal is to encourage the safe, ethical, and responsible use of technology by students and families.

This past week, students will engage with the first of four lessons focusing on AI literacy—understanding and using artificial intelligence tools responsibly.  

Related family activities (English | Spanish) and tip sheets (English | Spanish | Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese ) from Common Sense Education help parents and caregivers engage in this learning with their children.  In addition, the Common Sense Education YouTube Channel, Parenting in a Digital Age, and the webpage Digital Citizenship Resources for Family Engagement, provide additional resources for families.

Please contact Ms. Hickman our School Library Media Specialist with any questions or concerns.