Good Morning, Seneca Valley!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!  We had a great first week of school that culminated with a pep rally on Friday.  Grade level assemblies were held to review SVHS expectations, changes to: the grading and reporting policy, cell phone policy, and safety and security policy, the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).  On Tuesday we had to SECURE because of an incident in the community.  As I shared in my community letter, the safety and security of our students and staff is one of my top priorities in order to provide for a  productive educational environment.  In this first incident, students and staff demonstrated the ability adhere to the new SRP procedures.  In the upcoming weeks we will conduct other drills to ensure that students and staff are aware of safety protocols.

Student pictures will be taken this week during English classes.  Once students receive their new ID they will be given a ID pouch and lanyard so that they can wear their ID as prescribed in our ID policy.  ID's will be required at all MCPS sponsored events, whether it is at Seneca Valley or another school.  Again this measure 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.

Wednesday will be our first Eagle time schedule of the year.  In Eagle Time this week students will take part in MCPS's mandatory Student Expectations lessons.  Students will need their chrome books and will be provided instructions and guidance from their 3rd period teachers.

I also want to remind everyone that we are a closed campus.  Students are not permitted to leave campus during lunch unless they are leaving for the day.  Students who do leave and return to school will meet with an administrator.  Again this is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff throughout the day.

I wish you all a great evening and have a great year.  

Have a great Labor Day, and week on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

From Montgomery County Public Schools:

Are School Immunizations Required to Attend Schools? Answer: Yes! 

The Now You Know video series explains everything you need to know, including the deadline.

Watch here: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ (remaining languages will be posted in the Google Sheet, Friday, Aug. 29)

Preparing for Emergencies—What’s New?

MCPS is now using an enhanced security protocol to effectively and efficiently respond to emergency and crisis situations that may impact students, families and staff. Here’s what you need to know:

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) includes five directives: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. 

Learn more about what’s new. 

Refrigerator Curriculum’s First Quarter Documents Now Available

MCPS has introduced the Refrigerator Curriculum—a one-page overview of what students will learn each marking period. Designed to post on the fridge, these guides help families stay informed about key themes and texts, stay engaged in their student’s education, and, if needed, request alternative assignments if a text conflicts with religious views. See the documents for the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year.

More Opportunities for Every Student: Secondary Program Updates

As MCPS continues to consider changes to secondary programs, the district realizes that families and students may have questions. MCPS is considering changes to make programming more abundant, accessible and equitable across the county. The move would allow every student the same opportunities to engage in high-quality programs, no matter where they live.

Read Frequently Asked Questions and learn more. 

Be Aware of Safety Updates Ahead of Fall Sports Opening Night on Sept. 3

MCPS is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and our communities. Opening night for the fall sports season is Wednesday, Sept. 3. The MCPS Athletics Safety Plan drives operations and procedures for athletic events. The fall season will open in Tier 1 status of the safety plan for all varsity football games and other large events. Learn more.

Bus Routes

2025-26 school bus routes are now available on the MCPS website and on the Seneca Valley High School website under School Information on the left side of the main page. 

Visit the MCPS Department of Transportation website for transportation news and the latest updates!

Students and families should also review the important Ride by the Rules safety guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation.

Ride by the Rules - Bus Safety and Guidelines for Students & Parents

BTSN was a great event! In case you were not able to attend, feel free to check out our department resources and websites  shared with families and students that evening. Also, please make sure you provide us feedback if you did attend using the links are below. Let us know how we're doing!

Please see pictures from BTSN below!

Meet Our New SSL Coordinator!

Hi Seneca Valley! Many of you know me as a school counselor here at The Valley. This year, I am starting an additional role as our Student Service Learning (SSL) Hour Coordinator. I am excited to support our students as they complete their SSL hours and fulfill their 75 SSL hour graduation requirement.

For all things SSL at SVHS, please visit the Seneca Valley Counseling Services website and navigate to the SSL tab on the left side. There you’ll find lots of information including:

• Translated 2025–2026 SSL Messages for Students and Families 

• Student Service Learning HUB for MCPS Students and Families

• Steps to ensure your SSL activity is pre-approved

• A video on how to fill out your SSL form (MCPS form 560-51) (make sure it's fully completed and signed!)

• ⭐️ NEW ⭐️ the Google form to submit your SSL form (MCPS form 560-51) SVHS SSL Submission Form 

If you’re having trouble with the Google form, you can drop off completed paperwork at the Counseling Office or email it to me, Mrs. Duffy at Paulina_M_Duffy@mcpsmd.org 

Be sure to include: your student ID and "SSL Form" in the subject line.

Please note: SSL hours are updated regularly and should appear in your student account by the end of each grading period.

Let’s make those hours count!

Thank you! 

Mrs. Duffy

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 

Dear Seneca Valley HS (SVHS) Families,

Welcome all new and returning families to the 2025-2026 school year, what an amazing community SVHS has. I am proud to be serving as your Acting PTSA President as we begin the new school year. 

The PTSA would  like to officially establish a new Executive Board for this school year, but it cannot be accomplished without your help. We need dedicated and enthusiastic parents/guardians to take the lead to continue this great work. You will not be alone, prior board members will be there to assist. Send an email to svhsptsapres@gmail.com for more information. 

To have an official PTSA board, there must be at least a President and Treasurer. Please consider joining to continue keeping Seneca Valley HS  

• President (Oversee overall PTSA activities)

• 1st Vice President (Community Outreach)

• 2nd Vice President (Fundraising)

• Treasurer (Financial activities)

• Secretary (Administrative Support) 

Join the SVHS PTSA! Visit the SVHS PTSA Store. 

Want to stay connected with what’s going on in the SVHS community? Join the PTSA Facebook page where you can ask and have your questions answered: SVHS PTSA Facebook Page

Not on Facebook, SVHS also has a WhatsApp chat group: WhatsApp chat  

SAVE THE DATES! 

Tuesday, September 9th, 5:00pm-9:00pm: Restaurant Night Fundraiser: Please come support the Seneca Valley HS PTSA for our first fundraiser of the new school year. Order in-store showing the flyer or order online using code F79J67H (see flyer below)

September 16th: Our first PTSA member meeting will be held in the Media Center at 6:30. Please join us to hear more about our upcoming school year and to vote on this year’s budget. We hope to see you there.

Chantal Falade

SVHS, 2005-2026 Acting PTSA President

#SVPROUD

SVHS Boosters

Boosters is very excited for the upcoming school year!!!!

We are happy to support the student Clubs & Athletics of Seneca! 

This summer we proudly helped the class of 2026 paint the mural on Great Seneca Highway. We look forward to seeing this mural change for years & years to come!

The first way you can help your student is by becoming a member:

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLCJWY57F025E/checkout/44IJRHCURX7CHLARJ3TXTIVX

The second way to help the boosters club is working 1 concessions game this year, sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0445A5AF23A31-50452613-fall#/

Any questions or suggestions, please send to boosterssenecavalley@gmail.com.

Best,

Tisha Chrobak

Seneca Valley High School Booster President 2024-2027

Not a member yet?  Join here: https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq

Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy

Schools provide directory information for public listings such as honor roll, awards, and other notices in the newspaper or on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) website. A student’s name, address, and telephone number may also be released to organizations of any combination of parents, teachers, and students of a school. Unless you tell them not to, schools can release the information without your prior consent.

Directory Information includes the following items: student’s and/or parent’s name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number; student’s date of birth; major field of study; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; degrees and awards received (including honor roll); most recent school attended; dates of attendance; photograph, or other likeness; the weight and height of members of athletic teams; and other similar information.  If you do not want your school to release your directory information, complete the form linked below and return this notice to your school by September 10, 2024.

FORM: Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy

Additional copies of this notice can be found on the MCPS website, and are available in Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, and Portuguese. This form must be completed every year.

Your school will assume you agree to the release of the directory information, unless this form is returned by September 10, 2024. If you need to change your decision at a later date, just contact your school directly.

If you enroll after September 10, 2024, you can complete this form at the time of enrollment.

Student Emergency Information and Military Recruiting 

Student Emergency Information

Student Emergency Information should be updated through ParentVUE. Each year parents/guardians are required to complete the Annual Verification of Information through the Online Registration portal (in the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). We highly recommend that you complete this as soon as possible. It is critically important that we have accurate parent contact information on file with the school and system as soon as possible.

Here are links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.

A Note on Military Recruiting 

If a parent does not wish to have his/her child’s name made available to military recruiters and/or does not wish to have their child’s directory information included in the student directory, they should complete the “Directory Information Withholding” portion of the ParentVUE annual verification of information online registration. You may also complete MCPS form 281-13 - Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy. The form must be returned to the school by September 10, 2024.

Extracurricular Activities Information

We welcome you to engage with Seneca Valley in a new way this school year!  

Check out our non-athletic Extra Curricular Clubs and Activities!  From study groups to competitive dance to cultural celebrations to Dungeons and Dragons and beyond - there's something here for everyone!  

Reach out to sponsors of clubs you're interested in or fill out the interest form to be included in back-to-school messages about clubs. Check out our current offerings. SVHS ECA OFFERINGS

Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center

We are very excited to welcome students back for the 2025-26 School Year!  This section of the newsletter will contain important information from the SVHS College & Career Center including college visits, upcoming events, scholarships, and more!  Looking forward to working with you all and wishing everyone a great start to the new school year!

• Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Navigator  |  *The College & Career Center is located on the 2nd floor in Room 2408.

Applying to Four-Year Colleges (Seniors)

College applications are now open!  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!  You should bookmark or save the link to this document.  

As students are starting their applications, we are noticing some of you are not completing all of the steps in order.  For example, matching your Naviance account to your Common Application account.  Also, signing and agreeing to the FERPA waiver.  These important first steps need to be completed before being able to proceed with many of the other steps, including requesting letters of recommendation.     

• SVHS College Application Packet - Seniors Click Here!!!

Feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda if you have any questions.

College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center

College Representative Visits

Juniors & Seniors are invited to participate in college rep visits to SVHS to learn more about colleges and universities.  Representatives come to SVHS to talk about their schools and answer questions.  Advantages of participating in college visits:

• Meeting the contact from a college or university.  Many times, these are the same people reviewing your application!

• Learning in-depth information about the school, their program offerings, and financial aid.

• In some cases, colleges may offer insight on how to receive a fee waiver.

To attend a college visit, students must register in Naviance (click to learn how) and have permission from their teacher in order to attend.  It is the responsibility of each student to make-up any work they may miss.  Unless noted, visits will take place in the College & Career Center, Room #2408.

Before signing up, think about the following:  Does the college have your major?  Can you afford to miss class that day to attend?  How many visits have you already made this week?

Career Visits

Mr. Nalda also schedules local organizations, employers, and military branches who are looking to hire or offer opportunities to Seneca Valley students.  Many times, these visits will take place in the SVHS Cafeteria during lunch and students can stop by anytime to learn more. 

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

Upcoming Scholarships 

• September 10 - California Freethought Day Video Scholarship - 2-$750 awards; currently attend a middle school (grades 7-8), high school (grades 9-12), college (any level), or trade school; be a resident of the United States; plan to pursue (or currently pursuing) postsecondary education at a community college, four-year college, trade school, or vocational school; create a public post that responds to the above prompt and share it on either Threads, X (Twitter), Instagram, or TikTok, tagging us (@FreethoughtDay) and using the hashtag #ScholarshipPSA; the entry must be in the form of a video (live-action or animated) between 30-60 seconds in length.

• September 15 - The Gates Scholarship - scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid; senior; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; min 3.3 GPA; for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households; financial need; pell-eligible; must enroll full-time in a four-year degree program; outstanding academic record; demonstrated leadership; personal success skills.

• September 15 - Breakthrough Junior Challenge - winner will receive a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, $50,000 for a math or science teacher that has inspired them, and $100,000 for their school's renovation or addition of a science lab; available to students 13-18 years old; students must create a short, two-minute maximum video explaining a big idea in one of the following fields: physics, mathematics, or life sciences; additionally, you must perform a peer-to-peer review of five other student submissions; film entry can take any form you like: animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, etc.; see link full rules and details.

• September 15 - The Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship - $1,500 award; high school seniors and undergraduate students; must be a U.S citizen who is at least 16 years old; min 3.0 GPA; planning to enroll full-time at an accredited college, university, or vocational-technical school within the United States; must submit an essay or video on the topic provided by the sponsor.

Full-Ride Scholarships to Note

• September 30 - QuestBridge National College Match - recipients granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship (worth over $200,000); any high school senior, regardless of citizenship, is eligible (review Additional Citizenship Requirements); earned primarily A's in the most challenging courses available (Honors, AP, and/or IB); financial need as finalists typically come from households earning less than $65,000/year (household of 4). 

• 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. 

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

Other Opportunities

How to Make your Common App Strong

Need tips or guidance with completing your Common Application?  On Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30pm, Jordan Kanarek from CollegeWise will be presenting on Zoom.

Zoom Link:  https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/84920481448?pwd=SgEskL9Ubqk9htPiMdqCNuLwpK5VPV.1

• Meeting ID: 849 2048 1448

• Passcode: 388540

SVHS Class of 2026 College Information Night

Save the Date!

Tuesday, September 9th 6:30-7:30

Attention Seneca Valley Seniors and families,

Please join the Seneca Valley Counseling Services team for our annual College Information Night on Tuesday, September 9 from 6:30-7:30 PM .  This will be an in-person meeting in the SVHS Auditorium.

Important information will be shared about the college application process, using Naviance and the Common App, requesting letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, service academies, financial aide, scholarships, and more.

Please plan to attend this important meeting! We're looking forward to seeing you there! 

Click here for the flyer

College & Career Center Newsletter

• 2025-26 SVHS College & Career Newsletter - Issue 1, September

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 News:

We're excited to announce that the Library Media Center (LMC) is now open for the school year! Here's what you need to know about what the LMC has to offer:

A Safe & Accessible Space

The LMC is more than just a place for tech support. Our goal is to be a warm, welcoming, and safe space where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Hours: We are open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Students can also eat lunch in designated areas.

Book Club: Join our book group! We participate in three different reading programs:

• Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Program 🌻; Project LIT Community; One Maryland One Book

To learn more, visit the Book Clubs Canvas course or contact Ms. Hickman.