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Good afternoon, Seneca Valley!
November is a fast and exciting month with so much to celebrate across the Valley.
This month, we take time to honor Veterans Day. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the veterans and military families in our Seneca Valley community—thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country.
This week is also National School Psychology week! At SVHS, we are so thankful to have our wonderful School Psychologist, Mrs. Buckholz, who supports almost 3,000 students in MCPS.
A reminder that report cards go home this Wednesday, and we are thrilled to announce that over 1,000 students earned a spot on the Honor Roll! Congratulations to our hard-working Screaming Eagles. For students who didn't quite reach their goal this term, the start of the second quarter is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and finish the semester strong.
We also have some great opportunities to connect with our staff this month, including our Open House on November 11th, our fall production of Clue put on by our student group Birds of Play, an exciting fundraising event of our Teacher Lip Sync Battle.
Additionally, Parent/Caregiver & Teacher Conferences will take place on Monday, November 23rd.
Read our weekly newsletter to find out more on all of our upcoming events and how to participate and be sure to reach out with any questions.
Have a great week on purpose!
Ricardo Hernandez, Principal
Upcoming Important Dates:
Upcoming Important Dates:
11/11 Open House 7:50-11:00am
11/12 Report Card Distribution
11/12- 11/14 Clue
11/23 Parent Conferences
11/23-11/25 Early Release Days
11/26 & 11/27 Holiday, no school
Veteran's Day is Wednesday
Veteran's Day is Wednesday
As Veterans Day approaches, we want to pause and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the veterans within our staff and community. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and the dedicated leadership you bring to our community every day. We also honor the military families whose support makes that service possible.
To all who have worn the uniform: we salute and appreciate you, today and every day.
SV Updates & Week ahead
SV Updates & Week ahead
Open House at SV 11/11
Open House at SV 11/11
We are excited to open our doors on November 11th from 7:45- 11:10am and welcome any parents and caregivers who would like the opportunity to visit morning classes and participate in listening circles to give us feedback.
If you are planning to attend, please complete the Attendance Form so we can plan accordingly and please read the Memo to access all the details.
Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 23
Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 23
Parent/Caregiver and Teacher conferences will be held virtually and in person on Monday, November 23rd. The schedule is below:
12:30 - 3:30 pm - Virtual Conferences via Zoom by appointment only. Parents must sign up on Synergy. Sign up is available from Wednesday, November 11th - Wednesday, November 18th. Please see these directions for signing up through synergy. It will guide you through the process and allow you to schedule beginning November 11th.
Parent-Teacher Conference Guide for Signing Up: ParentVue Support Guide
5:00 - 7:00 pm - In person conferences at SVHS. No appointment necessary. You can stop by and sign up on the spot for an in-person conference for your student’s teacher.
SV Spotlight of the week
SV Spotlight of the week
National school psychology week
National school psychology week
November 9-13 is National School Psychology week!
At SVHS, we are so thankful to have our wonderful School Psychologist, Mrs. Buckholz, who supports almost 3,000 students between SVHS, Monocacy Elementary, and the up-county CCC / TTI programs.
Mrs. Buckholz shared that her favorite part of the job is working with students, families, and staff to provide ongoing mental health support and consultation.
School Psychologists are uniquely trained to provide counseling services, crisis response, engage in consultation, complete cognitive and social emotional / behavioral assessments, and support families, students, and staff through advocacy and connection to resources. While NASP recommends a ratio of 1 psychologist per 500 students, most psychologists' caseloads far exceed this. Thank you to Mrs. Buckholz and all School Psychologists for the invaluable work they do!
This week in Athletics
This week in Athletics
Use the link for this week’s Weekly update for Athletic Info
Get all the Athletics Info at: https://www.svhsathletics.org/
Be sure to follow for more SV Athletics Updates!
Upcoming SV Events
Upcoming SV Events
SV Teacher Lip Sync Battle
SV Teacher Lip Sync Battle
Mark your calendars- The choral program is putting on our Teacher v Teacher Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser!
Date: November 20th, 7:00pm.
$5 student tickets,
$10 adult tickets.
Tickets here: https://gofan.co/event/7040447?schoolId=MD24835
If you can't attend and still want to donate to our amazing choral students, you can use the link to support, our chamber ensembles and help them get to Virginia Beach in February for a chorus festival.
"Clue" Fall Play
From the table to the screen to the stage, CLUE has been entertaining audiences since 1943 and now promises chuckles, intrigue, and excitement on the Seneca Valley stage this fall.
This fast-paced, satirical whodunit will delight audiences ages 10 and up. Rated PG for mild innuendo and a bit of light murder.
November 12, 13, 14 @ 7pm and November 14 @ 2pm, 2026
Tickets online at www.svhsbop.com;
$10 Adult and $7 students.
Group discounts
Group of 5: $40
Group of 10: $75
Golden Ticket (one adult pass to all 4 shows): $32
Inviting all community members
The Division of Specialized Support Services and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will co-host the 2026 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Monday, November, 9, 2026 to Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Mental Health and Wellness Fair will be held on:
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Blake High School
The event is free and open to students, families, and staff and will include MCPS and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness; as well as a student-led forum and mental health workshops focusing on issues impacting Montgomery County families. Students may earn four Student Service Learning hours for participation in the Mental Health and Wellness Fair.
Mental health Awareness Week at SV
Mental health Awareness Week at SV
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), and SVHS will be celebrating in a variety of ways to help bring attention to this important topic.
Each year, MHAW provides an opportunity for schools to engage students, staff, and families in conversations around the importance of becoming mentally healthy, resiliency, and strategies on how to cope when struggles arise in our lives.
We have exciting activities planned at SVHS and hope all of our students can participate.
Happy Mental Health Awareness Week!
Reminders & UPdates From MCPS!
Reminders & UPdates From MCPS!
MCPS Invites Multilingual Families to Seneca Monday Nov 16th
MCPS Invites Multilingual Families to Seneca Monday Nov 16th
MCPS is bringing families together for a series of six Regional Family Engagement Events designed for Emerging Multilingual Learners (EMLs) and their families.
MCPS is bringing families together for a series of six Regional Family Engagement Events designed for Emerging Multilingual Learners (EMLs) and their families.
These free events are an opportunity for families to connect with school staff, learn about MCPS programs and community resources, ask questions and meet other families. Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, there's something for everyone!
These free events are an opportunity for families to connect with school staff, learn about MCPS programs and community resources, ask questions and meet other families. Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, there's something for everyone!
All families of Emerging Multilingual Learners are welcome! Each event celebrates the languages, cultures and experiences that make our school communities special.
All families of Emerging Multilingual Learners are welcome! Each event celebrates the languages, cultures and experiences that make our school communities special.
To make participation easier, materials will be available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Amharic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Free childcare will also be provided at every event.
To make participation easier, materials will be available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Amharic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Free childcare will also be provided at every event.
Families are welcome to attend one or more events, regardless of which school their children attend.
Come connect, learn and celebrate with us! We look forward to welcoming you and helping every family feel connected, supported and empowered to help their children thrive.
View Event Flyers and Details
MCPS Weather Message
MCPS Weather Message
It’s almost that time of year again! While we are still enjoying autumn leaves, winter weather will be knocking on our doors before we know it. From early morning snow assessments to midday adjustments, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect when winter weather hits our area.
We know you need information quickly when winter storms strike. We use a color code system to communicate weather-related information with students, families and staff.
Be sure to review the weather ONE PAGER & to learn what each color code means for you and your family, understand how decisions are made and prepare your plan for winter weather.
Stay up-to-date with the latest information through our official channels:
Web: Check the MCPS homepage and the top of every school’s webpage.
ParentSquare: Check for emails and text messages.
Text/Email: Sign up for Alert MCPS/Alerta Montgomery.
Social Media: Follow MCPS on X (ENG/SPAN), Facebook (ENG/SPAN) and Instagram (ENG/SPAN).
Phone: Call AskMCPS at 240-740-3000.
Complete the Google, YouTube, and Online Digital Consent Form in ParentVue
Parents and guardians of students new to Seneca Valley 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.
Student Service Learning (SSL)
Student Service Learning (SSL)
Students need 75 SSL hours for graduation
Find an opportunity: ➡️Check out this chart to get started
Complete the SSL form: MCPS Form 560-51 ➡️How to fill out the SSL form: Click here for a video
Upload a pdf or picture of your SSL form to the google form linked below: ➡️SVHS SSL Submission Google Form
If you are unable to attach your completed MCPS Form 560-51 Form to the Google form, please email it please email it to me at: Paulina_M_Duffy@mcpsmd.org (include your Student ID Number & "SSL Form" in the subject line).
Please note: Hours are updated regularly. Students should be able to view their updated number of hours by the end of each marking period.
Click here for November 2026 SSL Announcements for MCPS Students/Families
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade Is Looking for Volunteers
Who doesn’t love a parade?
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. 21. The parade features marching bands (including those from James Hubert Blake, Springbrook, Northwood, Clarksburg and John F. Kennedy high schools), lively dance troupes, floats 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. Volunteers need to be available from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Students 13 years old and older can receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. Register as a parade volunteer.
Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center
Notes From the SVHS College & Career Center
November College Career Newsletter
November College Career Newsletter
Read November's Newsletter for information about:
Help with Choices & Planning
Financial Aid - Class of 2027
MCPS & MICUA - On the Spot Admissions Event
Scholarships
Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Navigator | Room 2408 | 240-740-6418 | Email | SVHS College & Career Center Website
MCPS & MICUA - On the Spot Admissions Event
On November 20 and December 4, MCPS will be hosting an on-the-spot, instant decision event with several Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities. This is an event where prospective students can meet with an admissions rep via Zoom and receive an immediate decision, which will sometimes include a scholarship. Click here for more info
Maryland Private College Application Days - Application Fees Waived!
Apply to Maryland’s private colleges with no application fees! Last day is November 9! Click here for more info
College & Career Representative Visits in the College & Career Center
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.
Click here to learn more and see who is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!
Upcoming Scholarships
Upcoming Scholarships
November 12 - Elks Most Valuable Student Award
November 12 - The Cooke College Scholarship Program
November 20 - National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship
Other Opportunities
Montgomery College Paying for College Webinar Series - November 11 – Financial Aid Programs: Explore the types of aid available – grants, loans, work-study- and the steps to apply. Click here for more information and to register
24th Annual Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival - November 13-14 - The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs, and scholarship opportunities. Click here for more information and to register
Get College Decisions on the Spot with Maryland Independent Colleges
On Friday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Dec. 4, MCPS will be hosting an on-the-spot, instant decision event with several Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities. During this event, prospective students can meet with an admissions representative and receive an immediate decision, which may include a scholarship. Interviews will be held virtually on Zoom. Contact your child’s College & Career Navigator (CCN) with questions. Sign up for a time slot.
Nov. 20 — 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Capitol Technology University, Laurel
Goucher College, Baltimore
McDaniel College, Westminster
Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore
Dec. 4 — 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hood College, Frederick
Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg
Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore
Washington Adventist University, Takoma Park
St. John’s College, Annapolis (Due to the application review process, SJC does not do "on the spot" admissions, however they are happy to conduct interviews, but cannot disclose decisions on this date.)
Opportunities for Students
Opportunities for Students
NEW* MoCo EmpowHER Passion for Action: Middle and high school students are invited to this event from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. This interactive event will feature hands-on crafting, discussions on issues impacting female students today and a conflict resolution workshop. Register.
C-SPAN StudentCam Documentary Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to participate in C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary StudentCam competition, which encourages them to think critically about issues that affect our communities. This year, students are being asked to create a five-to-six-minute video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Mr. Speaker, I Rise To …”. Deadline: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027.
Speak Up, Save A Life Video Contest: Create an original video promoting awareness of the dangers of illicit opioids, overdose and fentanyl among teens. Secondary students can earn 10 SSL hours. Videos can be submitted in English or Spanish. First place wins $5,000, 2nd place, $3,000 and 3rd place, $1,000. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 30. Submit an entry.
Seeking Countywide Diving Coach: For the upcoming MCPS winter season (Nov. 14–Feb. 10, 2027). The role includes leading three 90-minute weekly practices at county aquatic facilities (Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center, Gaithersburg Aquatic Center and Germantown Indoor Swim Center). Interested candidates should apply through MCPS Careers. For questions, email Kathy Green.
Support SV Boosters
Support SV Boosters
Boosters will be meeting this Tuesday, Nov 10 from 6-8pm
Volunteer: Join us for fun in Concessions- Sign up Here!
Fundraiser: Join Seasonal Roots for just $30 and Seasonal Roots will make a $20 contribution to the SVHS Boosters!
Access the Boosters Site for all the Information here
Other Links & Resources
Other Links & Resources
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