Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

I hope everyone had a good weekend and spring break!  

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.  This was shared with me from our Director, David Chia, Meet Sef Scott and see clips of his graduation address to his senior class at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuYzNtv5i5A. Sef is truly remarkable and inspiring in that every individual is special and valuable.  

Students should participate in the school climate survey.  Your voice matters and is important!  Make sure you complete it.

Tuesday April 2nd there will be an a public forum regarding the superintendent at Seneca Valley HS.  Please come out and have your voice be heard:

Participate in a Public Forum

Tuesday, April 02, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Location Seneca Valley High School (Cafeteria) 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD 20874
RSVP (please indicate language preference)

Please see messages from the Boosters regarding officers, and the PTSA regarding Prom and after Prom.

Have a great day and week, on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

Calling All Student Eagles!

We want to hear from you! Please share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication, and overall satisfaction with Seneca Valley High School. We want to improve our teaching and make our school a more welcoming place for all students, staff and families. Please complete the student survey below as soon as possible!

https://stud.mcpsmd.org/

Drew Hensley

Assistant Principal

Seneca Valley High School

Seneca Valley Caregivers of Seniors:

Good Evening! Your Senior is less than four months away from graduating from Seneca Valley High School. There are important items in this message;

• Your student's graduation package - the payment for the ceremony, venue, cap and gown, t-shirt, stole, picnic, and sundry other items - has been attached to your student's School Cash Online (SCO) account as an obligation.  

• The grad package is $80 this year - lowered from last year because of good fundraising efforts! Your student must pay their grad package fee or will be in jeopardy of not participating in the graduation ceremony and not attending prom. 

• If you have questions about how to pay the fee, please contact the finance office as soon as possible. All seniors should have provided the cap and gown size to Josten's by now. If not, please contact one of the senior sponsors. 

Thank you for your time and efforts in getting your student to walk across that stage!

How to pay on School Cash Online:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JU4Yo3vIhK2hiPasss8VmnTIFkTnf06k9gspCaXo0lo/edit?usp=sharing

Monique Riddick

School Business Administrator

Seneca Valley High School

Senior Graduation Status Letters

Over the last few weeks all families of seniors should have received a letter from Seneca Valley Counseling Services with a detailed description of your student's graduation status. The status update includes their remaining course credits needed (including the classes in which they are enrolled to earn those credits), remaining SSL hours needed, and any remaining state (MCAP) testing required.

If you have any questions about your senior's graduation status, or if you haven't received your letter, please reach out to their School Counselor and they will be happy to review with you. You can find Counselor caseloads and contact info here: SVHS Counseling Website

Ian Yarmus

Resource Counselor

Seneca Valley High School

240-740-6428

2nd Semester Student Parking Applications are now available!

SVHS STUDENT PARKING INFORMATION

Students interested in applying for a parking permit must read and review the following document carefully: 

• Student Parking Information

Please note that as part of the parking permit application process, the following forms must be completed and submitted for approval:

• Student Parking Application Form (online form)

• Parent/Guardian Request for Student Use of Private Vehicle Form (must be signed and uploaded into the online form above)

Monique Riddick

School Business Administrator

Seneca Valley High School

19401 Crystal Rock Drive

Germantown, MD 20874

240-740-6413

Montgomery County Recreation is Hiring for Summer; Job Fairs Scheduled in February, March and April 

Montgomery County Recreation is hiring part-time, seasonal employees to work during the 2024 summer season. Available positions include camp directors, assistant directors, camp counselors, lifeguards more.  

“Summer work in our Department of Recreation provides such a valuable and rewarding opportunity to create fun programming, exciting experiences and lifelong memories for youth in our community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage everyone to come learn more and apply to work with us at these upcoming job fairs.”  

Job fairs are scheduled at the following locations and dates:  

• Thursday, April 4, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Upper County Community Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg 

• Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville 

• Saturday, April 6, 3 – 5:30 p.m. at East County Community Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring 

Applicants should bring their resumes, come dressed for success and be prepared to discuss their experience. The department is looking for dedicated, hardworking and motivated individuals. Applicants should note these job fairs are not job or location specific. Applicants may attend any job fair regardless of where they are seeking to work in the County.  

The part-time/seasonal pay rate begins at $16.70 an hour and increases based on experience. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the start of camps (lifeguards must be at least 15). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 

As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a criminal background investigation. The investigation will include state, federal and sex offender background checks. 

If you are interested in working with Montgomery County Recreation you can also visit the website for additional information or to apply online. Explore both part-time and full-time opportunities.  

# # # 

Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442 or monika.hammer@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

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Message from the PTSA

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we prepare for the much-anticipated Junior and Senior Prom, we are excited to extend an invitation for you to participate in ensuring the success of this memorable event. The Prom Committee has been diligently coordinating an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and everlasting memories, and we are counting on your support to make it truly extraordinary.

We are delighted to announce that this year's After Prom will take place at Seneca Valley High School on May 3, 2024. From 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM, we have planned an array of exciting activities, including a moon bounce, video game truck, laser tag, live DJ, airbrush tattoo booth, and professional photographer to capture all the special moments. It promises to be an evening of old Hollywood elegance and enjoyment that you and your child won't want to miss.

If your child is interested in attending this event, please ensure that the After Prom Waiver is completed. This allows us to prioritize safety, and accurately budget for food, games, and prizes.  Tickets for After Prom are priced at $10.00 per student and can be conveniently purchased using the following link. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly contribute towards covering the costs of food and activities for the After Prom event.

In addition to ticket sales, we are organizing a fundraiser to enhance the After Prom experience for this year's attendees and to lay the groundwork for future events. We kindly request donations from our supportive community to help offset expenses such as decorations, entertainment, and other essential elements of this year's event. To contribute to the class of 2024 or participate in our raffle, please visit the fundraising link provided here.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will have a significant impact on creating an unforgettable experience for our students. Our fundraising goal is to raise $3,500, and we are grateful to report that we have currently raised $385.00. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and commitment to our students' well-being. Together, we can ensure that this year's After Prom is the best one yet!

Warm regards,

Seneca Valley High School PTSA and the SVHS After Prom Committee

Have a great week! 

SVHS PTSA 💚💛

We’re #SVPROUD!

Thanks,

Chantal

Message from the Boosters

WE NEED YOUR HELP  

The Boosters have two board positions open.  Our secretary position will be elected by our membership in May and our president position will be appointed by our board members in June. Please consider serving on our board - email boosterssenecavalley@gmail  or robduda@verizon.net

The entire Boosters organization thanks you for supporting our mulch sale. It was a tremendous success, and we look forward to next year.

This week's events:    

Tuesday 4/4/24            Softball 3:45 PM

                                     Varsity and JV LAX 5:30 PM/7:30 PM

Wednesday 4/5/24      Baseball 3:45 PM

                                     Coed VB 5:30/7:30 PM   

Thursday 4/4/24         Tennis   3:30 PM

                                     JV Baseball 5:00 PM

Friday 4/5/24              JV Softball 3:45 PM

                                     Girls JV and Varsity LAX 5:30/7:30

Saturday 4/6/24          Tennis 10:00 AM

                                     Baseball 2:00 PM

JOIN THE BOOSTERS:

2023-2024 Booster Membership is now open to join!

Please use this QR code or link to sign up and send your $15 membership fee

https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq

Membership gives you voting rights for decisions in Boosters, changes, and how to disperse money to clubs and athletics. You will also receive a Seneca Valley bumper sticker.

Sign up genius is LIVE for our winter season:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fadaf2ca1fc1-svhs#/

Please know that Boosters needs a ton of volunteerism and in turn, this allows our clubs and teams to achieve requested grants.

Visit us on social media!

IG: #seneca_boosters and #stormtheeagle

Facebook: Seneca Valley HS Boosters

Twitter: @svhsbooster

Thank you,

Rob Duda SVHS Booster President 2023-2024

Visit us on our social media sites: 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0e4fadaf2ca1fc1-svhs

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/senecavalleyhs/activities/boosterclub/ 

ATL Workshop Series 

As part of our EOS work, we will be hosting a series of ATL student workshops during lunch in room 1601 to support student skill development. These workshops are open to all students.

• Workshop topic & date: Effective Note-taking on April 11 

• Students should register using the QR code below or bitly (https://bit.ly/SVHSATLworkshop).

Notes From the SVHS College and Career Center

2024–25 FAFSA/MHEC Info & Updates

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is working with higher education institutions across Maryland to have a timeline in place for the awarding process of state funds to eligible applicants.

MHEC anticipates that the first round of awards will be completed by May 1 including all eligible applicants who have completed a FAFSA by April 15.  

Eligible applicants who have completed the FAFSA by May 1 are anticipated to be awarded by May 15.

Eligible applicants who complete the FAFSA by May 15 (i.e. priority deadline date) will be guaranteed to be awarded.

https://mhec.maryland.gov/Pages/MHEC-Update-on-FAFSA-Delay.aspx

https://mhec.maryland.gov/Pages/FAFSA-changes.aspx

Even though the deadline has been extended, I would still encourage students to submit their FAFSA or MSFAA (MHEC One) as soon as possible.  Review the 2023-24 SV Financial Aid Guide for Seniors for more information and instructions.

Upcoming Scholarships 

• April 05 - ARE Scholars Maryland STEM Scholarship Opportunity - eight (8) awards of $5,000 annually, for up to two years; senior; min 3.0 GPA; attend either a two- or four-year program at a Maryland-based community college or college/university of their choice to study in one of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields; transcript; letter of recommendation; essay; must be able to accept the scholarship in person at Maryland Tech Council’s Industry Awards Celebration on May 23, 2024, at 6:30PM at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

• April 05 - Sherry S. Hintz Scholarship Fund - up to $20,000 per year for as many as four years of undergraduate education; junior, senior, or a high school graduate under 22 years old; have lost a parent or primary guardian to breast or ovarian cancer; resident of Montgomery County, Maryland; member of a family with demonstrated financial need; min 3.0 GPA; involved in a school, community, or athletic activity, ideally in a leadership position; wish to attend college; Statement of Goals essay sheet; FAFSA Student Aid Index; transcript; Academic Recommendation Form; Leadership Recommendation Form; application in word format; flyer.

• April 05 - Minds in Motion Scholarship (Athletes) - (due by noon [12pm] on April 5!) multiple $1,000 awards; senior; min. 3.25 unweighted GPA; must have participated in interscholastic athletic activities, recognized by the MPSSAA, during their high school careers; ACT/SAT scores (if taken); transcript; two references.

• April 06 - D.C. Area Phi Beta Kappa Association Scholarship - four $1,000 awards; min 3.5 GPA (unweighted); must show a commitment to the values and mission of Phi Beta Kappa, including academic achievement, community involvement, and a dedication to the liberal arts and sciences; selected students will need to provide a letter of acceptance from their chosen college or university. 

• April 08 - Federal Water Quality Association Scholarship - three $2,000 awards; senior; accepted into a four-year school majoring in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, civil engineering, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, natural resource planning, or other areas of the environment; applicants judged on academic achievement and level of commitment to environmental protection; transcript; SAT or ACT scores; letter(s) of recommendation/reference; list of extra-curricular activities; copy of college acceptance; essay on one of three topics.

  • PLEASE NOTE:  Application MUST be mailed, and received by April 8!

• April 08 - Build A Better Future Scholarship - 5 winners to receive $10,000 tuition scholarships, with the top project receiving an additional $5,000 to continue funding their project and maximize impact; senior; attend a university, college, or trade school to continue your education; design & work on a community improvement project, using our checklist as a guide; fill out a strategy plan/ feedback form for additional guidance and suggestions (due March 1st, 2024); they will be requesting multimedia content throughout the application process; see link for all forms, guidelines, and details.

• April 14 - Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (above 3.0 GPA) - min. $1,000 award; senior; overall unweighted GPA above 3.0; community service; financial need; enrolled full-time in an accredited institution by Fall 2024, seeking an Associate or Bachelor’s degree; two reference letters; personal statement; official academic transcript mailed directly from the applicant’s school; FAFSA summary.

• April 14 - Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (2.5 - 3.0 GPA) - min. $1,000 award; senior; overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 – 3.0; community service; financial need; enrolled full-time in an accredited institution by Fall 2024, seeking an Associate or Bachelor’s degree; two reference letters; personal statement; official academic transcript mailed directly from the applicant’s school; FAFSA summary.

April 25 - Seneca Valley High School Boosters Scholarship (deadline is 12pm on 4/25!) - five (5) $1,000.00 scholarships; qualifying senior student athletes or club members who have demonstrated superior academic performance and athleticism or club participation in their senior year; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted) at the end of their first semester during senior year; must pursue post high school education; SVHS Booster Eligibility Criteria Page; transcript; 250-500 word essay; submit application to Mr. Nalda in the College & Career Center.

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

Other Info & Opportunities

MCPS Out of School Time Grow Your Own Career Fair - April 10

April 10, 9am - 12pm  |  Northwest HS

MCPS Out of School Time has partnered up with Grow Your Own to offer students an amazing opportunity on April 10th to attend a Grow Your Own Career Fair with community partners.  This is the perfect time for students to learn about job applications, interviewing, and possibly get an interview on the spot.  Students of all grades (9-12) are welcome.

The deadline to register is April 1st.

Click here to register  |  Click here for the flyer 

Montgomery College:  Sesión virtual para padres en español - 4 de Abril

Jueves 4 de Abril de 2024  |  6pm - 7pm  |  folleto informativo

Priscyla Aguilar-Villatoro de Montgomery College abordara los siguentes temas:

• Ayuda financiera; FAFSA y MSFAA

• Becas

• Como postularse en Montgomery College

• Talleres que se avecinan

• Responder a preguntas

Enlace de zoom:  https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82885740535?pwd=YkRxM3FpQXU3ZEpGcjJsaThnT1plQT09

ID de reunión:  828 8574 0535

Código de acceso:  003403

Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy @ UMD

July 28 - August 2, 2024  |  University of Maryland, College Park

Calling all young men currently in 10th or 11th grade (Class of 2025 or 2026) interested in energy and sustainability!  

Embark on a free electrifying week of energy, climate change, and leadership at the Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy. Unleash your curiosity through hands-on projects, a weeklong energy challenge, and immersive experiences that blend STEM with essential leadership skills. Explore sustainable energy solutions and become part of a community shaping the future. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore, learn, and lead towards a sustainable future! 

• All participants will receive an iPad to use during the Academy.

• All participants will receive t-shirts to wear during the Academy.

• All participants will stay on-campus at the University of Maryland, College Park for the week.

• All participants attending from outside Maryland/Washington, D.C., will be provided travel to the UMD campus, coordinated by The NEED Project.

Application deadline is April 4!

Click here for more information and to apply

Exelon Foundation STEM Academy @ UMD

July 28 - August 2, 2024  |  University of Maryland, College Park

Calling all young women currently in 10th or 11th grade (Class of 2025 or 2026) interested in energy and sustainability!  Looking for a fun and supportive environment to connect with other young women who are interested in energy & sustainability?  Considering a future career in science, technology, engineering, or math?  Want to know more about energy, sustainability, and climate change? Interested in improving your leadership skills?

The Exelon Foundation STEM Academy is a free, week-long in-person event. Learn from women working in STEM and business leaders. Visit energy facilities. Explore sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change. Connect with like-minded peers.

• All participants will receive an iPad to use during the Academy.

• All participants will receive t-shirts to wear during the Academy.

• All participants will stay on-campus at the University of Maryland, College Park for the week.

Application deadline is April 11!

Click here for more information and to apply

Internships, Summer Programs, and Pre-College Programs

Internships, summer programs, and pre-college programs are a great way for student to explore post-high school options and gain valuable experience they can add to their resume.  Many summer programs have spring application deadlines, so start searching soon if you may be interested!  Explore the many options and opportunities from the list below:

• Summer Programs & Internships - List of summer programs and internships created by MCPS College & Career Information Coordinators.

Do you have questions about internships or would you like to learn more?  Please reach out to the internship coordinator at SVHS, Ms. Kim Skufca. 

SVHS College & Career Monthly Newsletter - March, 2023-24

Library Media News: April Celebrations!🌷

• Welcome back!  Please stop by the LMC this month to borrow books celebrating Arab American Heritage Month, National Poetry Month, World Autism Awareness Day, and Earth Day.  In addition, help us celebrate National Poetry Month with book poetry - stop by to learn about and create spine poetry and blackout poetry with the opportunity to win our latest creativity contest. 📖 

• Book Club Updates: Please join us on Tuesday, April 16th to discuss Black-Eyed Susan Nominee The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow.  Limited print copies are available to borrow from the LMC.  Both the eBook and audiobook are also available in sorapp.com (log in using studentID@mcpsmd.net & your password), then search by title to access the book. 📚

• Voting for the  Black-Eyed Susan Book Award will take place before school on Tuesday, April 23rd.  To participate, students must read three of ten nominated books, and then vote to help select the best book for Maryland’s high school readers.  To see a complete list of this year’s nominees, with directions for online access, click HERE.  For more information, students should visit the LMC or click on the Book Clubs flag in the virtual SVLMC. 🌻