Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

Hope you had a great weekend! Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A man who put himself above others in the pursuit of equality.  "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.” Dr. King spoke those words understanding the importance of education and character.  These are words that guide my work, ensuring that our students are prepared to be productive citizens in today's society.  

Recently, symbols of hate and inappropriate language have been displayed on school furniture.  These symbols and language are not what we stand for,  or who we are at Seneca Valley.  Dr. King's message of equality continues and so will ours, ensuring that the diversity and individuality that makes Seneca Valley special are valued and honored.   

Please see messages from the PTSA and Boosters regarding upcoming meetings.

On this national day of service, have a great day and week, on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Acting Principal

Attention Students and Caregivers!!

Summer RISE registration opens on January 22nd!  Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) is an initiative led by the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Department of Partnerships to provide rising high school juniors and seniors with enriching summer career-based learning experiences.

Click the link below for more information about Summer RISE:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/partnerships/summer-rise/for-students

Want to learn more?  An information session will be hosted at SVHS:

Monday, February 5, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Seneca Valley High School | 19401 Crystal Rock Dr, Germantown, MD 20874

Click here to register

Message from the PTSA

Join us on Tuesday, January 16th from 6:30pm-to-8:00pm in the SVHS media center. We value your voice and hope to see you there! Come meet the Principal Mr. Hernandez. 

We still need YOUR HELP! Please reach out if you can participate in meeting an immediate need for an SVHS After-PROM committee. We thank you in advance! We hope to have a committee formed by mid February.

The Purpose of After-PROM (AP)

After-PROM has become a treasured tradition of all high schools and Seneca Valley HS is no exception. The After-PROM theme is driven by students in collaboration with parent volunteers. Its purpose is maintaining a nostalgic theme of students’ last night together. Doing so in a safe, equitable and entertaining environment for all our students! Again, the theme of the event is student driven, while the PTSA and the AP committee work diligently behind the scenes to make this memorable event successful!

How You Can Contribute to the Success of After-PROM Activities

The AP committee works closely with the senior class sponsor, the senior Prom committee and the Student Government Association (SGA) representatives to ensure students' preferences are promoted and highlighted. Student feedback is obtained via surveys so that their wishes are made known and presented to the AP committee. The AP committee, PTSA Executive Board, and SVHS administrative staff work collaboratively in an effort to ensure students’ wishes are granted so that the event is most memorable and super fun for all!

We are in need of an AP committee leader/chair along with 5-to-8 volunteers to work with the senior class sponsor and SGA to gather entertainment ideas in preparation for this event. The PTSA Executive Board oversees all AP planning meetings, works with the treasurer to manage the budget, and advertises the big event. The PTSA/AP committee members meet at an all-county After-PROM event to gather details/support for keeping events safe based on venue.  

The AP representative attends meetings hosted by the Montgomery County Project Prom (MCPP) throughout the year leading up to the event.

For more information, please reach out to Join the SVHS PTSA! Go to http://svhsptsa.atwebpages.com and click on “Join Today.”

Join the PTSA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/954316351262170/

Seneca Valley High School PTSA | Facebook

Welcome to the OFFICIAL SVHS PTSA Facebook Page! Please like and follow us here for news and information related...

Have a great week 💚💛

SVHS PTSA 

#SVPROUD 

DUAL ENROLLMENT!!

There is still time to register for the Spring Semester of Dual Enrollment! The classes offered in the building for Spring 2024 will be AOSC 100 (Weather & Climate) and BSAD 101 (Introduction to Business). These classes will be offered during 7th & 8th periods and are open to qualified students in all grades. Students are also able to take classes on campus at Montgomery College as well as virtually.  Tuition and books are at NO COST to students and families. This is a fantastic opportunity to start earning free college credit! Please email Stacey Blaine with any questions at stacey_j_blaine@mcpsmd.org

Stacey Blaine

Part-time Dual Enrollment Program Assistant

Seneca Valley High School

Room 2107B

Sustainability Contests

Students, please consider entering these exciting sustainability contests!

Electric Vehicle Wrap Design Contest:

All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate in the Division of Sustainability and Compliance's (DSC) 2024 EV Wrap Design Art Contest! The focus of this contest is to increase awareness and demonstrate our school district's commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable actions.  All entries must be received by Friday, February 2, 2024.  For more information, visit:  EV wrap contest | Montgomery County Public Schools | Rockville, MD (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)Links to an external site.

2024 Sustainability Poster Contest:   

All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate in the Division of Sustainability and Compliance's Sustainability Poster Contest.  The focus of this annual contest is to increase awareness and demonstrate your school's commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable actions related to energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible recycling. Posters must be submitted to DSC by Friday, April 5, 2024.  For more information, visit:  poster contest | Montgomery County Public Schools | Rockville, MD (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)Links to an external site.

Support the class of 2025!

What are you doing on February 10th? Well, here's an excellent idea. At 7 pm on February 10, the Class of 2025 will be hosting a Seneca Valley Friends and Family Night at Capital One Area when the Washington Wizards take on the 76ers. A portion of each ticket sold through our exclusive link will benefit the Class of 2025.  Anyone with the link can help us raise funds for prom and for our senior year, so please feel free to share the link. 

See Ms. Wolfe or Mrs. Wolfe for more information or to get the QR code or you can find it on the Class of 2025s  Instagram.

The link is below     

LINK

https://fevo-enterprise.com/wiz-senecavalley24

See a Washington Wizards game and support the Class of 2025   - This is the flyer that we are putting up around the school.

Thank you,

Lee Ann Wolfe 

Notes From the SVHS College and Career Center

2024–25 FAFSA Update:  Soft Launch Details and Timelines

What to Expect During the Soft Launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA Form

During the soft launch period, the Department will be monitoring site performance, conducting planned pauses for maintenance, and making updates to improve the user experience for students and families.

Students and families will have ample time to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA, and do not need to rush to fill out the form immediately when the soft launch period opens, as FSA will not transmit results to schools until later in January.

• Click here to learn more

• 2024–25 FAFSA Issue Alerts

Upcoming Scholarships 

• January 15 - Ida F. Haimovicz Visual Arts Award - one winner will receive $1,500, a mentorship with a visual arts professional, and a solo exhibition presented in conjunction with an award ceremony & two runner-up awardees will receive $750 each and a one-on-one meeting with the mentor; junior; resides in Montgomery County, MD; for students who intend to pursue the study of, and/or career in, the visual arts; able to provide Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); high school transcript; 1-10 samples of original work created within the past two years; samples should include at least 5 pieces that the applicant would feel comfortable exhibiting publicly.

• January 15 - Fran Abrams Creative Writing Award - one winner will receive $1,500, a mentorship with a professional writer, and the opportunity for the awardee to read their own work during an award ceremony & two runner-up awardees will receive $750 each and a one-on-one meeting with the mentor; junior; resides in Montgomery County, MD; for students who intend to pursue the study of, and/or career in, creative writing; able to provide Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); high school transcript; Upload 1-10 samples of original work created within the past two years; samples should include pieces that the applicant would feel comfortable reading out loud. 

• January 19 - HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church Scholarship Awards - multiple scholarships, awards, and criteria (see application for details); completed application(s) per each listed Scholarship Award; 2 letters of recommendation; transcript; HBCU Focused Essay; students are encouraged to apply for scholarship awards if you plan to attend or have been accepted to a Historically Black College or University (Public/Private); scholarship page link. 

• January 31 - The Sparkling Ice® Flavorful Futures Scholarship* - (*6pm deadline on 1/31) $5,000 award; senior; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; enter a 2-year, 4-year, college, university, trade or vocational school in the fall.  

• January 31 - The Sparkling Ice® Flavorful Futures Go Green Scholarship* - (*6pm deadline on 1/31) $5,000 award; senior; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; pursue a degree related to environmental studies; involvement in sustainable initiatives and projects (volunteering work, job, etc.); enter a 2-year, 4-year, college, university, trade or vocational school in the fall.  

• January 31 - Girls in Technology Scholarship Program - $500 STEM Experience Awards for 6-11th Grade Girls & $2,000 Higher Education Scholarships for 12th Graders; resident of the DC Metro Area; see link for full rules and details.

• January 31 - Navy NROTC Scholarship - $180,000 towards a four-year institution's tuition and expenses; please read all application instructions and checklist carefully to determine eligibility and requirements of the scholarship; long application, start early!! 

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

Montgomery College Special Program & Scholarship Opportunities

January 31 - Macklin Business Institute (MBI) Honors Program at Montgomery College - senior; min 3.0 GPA; provides a collegiate experience that parallels that of the best business schools in the country, bringing together highly talented students with an interest in business; the two-year program is designed for incoming MC freshmen, while the one-year program is for second-year college students; upon completion of the program, students will have had unique opportunities which will expand your transfer options; click on the link for more details. 

January 31- Montgomery Scholars Program at Montgomery College - senior; min 3.0 GPA; the Montgomery Scholars Program is a selective-admission two-year interdisciplinary honors program designed for high school graduates as the first step in completing a four-year degree; each student admitted into the Scholars program is awarded merit scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and fees for two years of study at Montgomery College (30 credits per year at the in-county resident tuition rate); essay; 2 letters of rec; personal creative work; click link for more information and details. 

Please note: students must have already applied to MC and received their M Number before they can begin the application for either of these opportunities!  Apply ASAP as it typically takes a few weeks to receive your M Number! (click here for the link to apply)

ASVAB Testing at SVHS - Monday, January 22, 2024

Each year Seneca Valley High School offers students the opportunity to take the ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. What is the ASVAB? It is a multi-aptitude test battery that helps in identifying different skills and competencies. The ASVAB test results provide a snapshot of current knowledge and skills. These scores can be compared with educational or job requirements for occupations and careers of interest, making it a useful career exploration assessment.

Although I recommend students interested in the military to take this test as a practice, taking the ASVAB is in no way a commitment to join the military. Your test scores will not be shared with any recruiters without your express permission, meaning that the test results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. We use the ASVAB as a career exploration tool.

The ASVAB will be administered at SVHS on Monday, January 22, 2024, starting at 7:45am, in Room 1601.  The test takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.  The ASVAB is only administered to students in grades 10, 11 and 12. If you are interested, please register using the link below by January 18. 

• Click here to register to take the ASVAB Test

U.S. Service Academies - Summer Programs

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen would like to share information on an exciting opportunity that may be of interest to your students.

Juniors (students in the Class of 2025) who have an interest in learning about opportunities to attend a U.S. Service Academy for college are encouraged to apply to participate in a summer program. Each Academy’s summer program provides a week-long immersion into the academic, military, and social life of that Academy.  The Academies are ranked among the top undergraduate public universities in the country. 

Participation in a summer program is considered a student’s first step in navigating their future to becoming one of our nation’s next generation of leaders. Summer programs introduce one to life at an Academy, where they will experience first-class academic, athletic, and professional training at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country

Click here for a letter from Senator Van Hollen’s office with more information, program dates, and application deadlines

Highly Selective College Admissions Webinar (Recording)

On Tuesday, January 9th, Jordan Kanarek hosted a webinar about the secrets of what it takes to get accepted to an elite, highly selective university.

For those who may have missed this and were interested, here is a link to the recording of the webinar:  click here 

Other Info & Opportunities

SVHS Summer RISE Information Session - Tuesday, January 16, 2024, during Period 6 (12pm - 12:45pm)

Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) is an initiative led by the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Department of Partnerships to provide rising high school juniors and seniors with enriching summer career-based learning experiences.

• Click here for the flyer with more information

• Click here to register for the info session

Upcoming College/Career Rep Visits to SVHS

MD Army National Guard, Lunch Visit - Thu January 18 @ 11:12 AM-11:54am

*No registration in Naviance needed. Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the MD Army National Guard or the military.

There is a College for Everyone: Tips for Finding the "Right Fit"...Even When Grades are Average (Webinar)

Thursday, January 18th, 7:00 p.m. 

With over 2,000 four-year colleges in the US, a “right fit” school is waiting to welcome your student. Topics will include: how recent changes in college admission impact students with “average” grades and test scores; the strategy your student needs to highlight their interests and accomplishments in essays and applications to really set themselves apart from the competition; why GPAs and test scores hold greater weight at certain schools and the meaning behind acceptance rates; and how to find less competitive colleges that have the exact environment (including services for students with IEPs and 504s) and areas of study your teen needs to be happy and successful.

Click here for more information and to register

Bezos Scholars Program

Applications to the Bezos Scholars Program will open on November 30, 2023 and will close on January 25, 2024. Candidates are notified of their status by early March and Scholars are officially selected by April, starting the program in May.

Bezos Scholars Program - juniors; U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have received DACA status; enrolled in or have taken one or more advanced course during their high school career (his includes Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and college-level courses); available to fully participate in the year-long program and attend all dates for the Aspen Ideas Festival trip in Aspen, Colorado, slated for June 22 - June 28, 2024; nominate an educator, a willing and supportive adult from their school to serve as a mentor, who will fully participate in the program and go on the trip to Aspen with them.

Though we do not offer financial scholarships for higher education, Scholars:

Form Lasting Friendships Across the Globe  |  Attend the Aspen Ideas Festival  |  Receive Leadership Training  |  Experience Personal Coaching and Support  |  Access College Advising  |  Community Change Project Funding

Click here for more information and to apply

Junior Day - Prepare for the Journey Ahead + College Fair

Monday, January 29, 2024, 9:30 AM - 1:15 PM  |  Wheaton High School

Junior Day is an Out of School Time Day sponsored by the NAACP Parent Council and Johns Hopkins.  For rising seniors who are underrepresented minority students.

• For High School Juniors

• College Fair, Break out sessions about college, and Lunch

• Learn from experts about: scholarships and financial aid, tips on researching colleges, interviews and campus visits, the college admissions process for student athletes.

• Meet college admissions officers!

Click here to register  |  Click here for the flyer with more information 

Save the Date!  FAFSA Completion Event @ SVHS

Wednesday, January 31st, 6pm- 8pm  |  Seneca Valley High School Cafeteria

Students and families can get assistance completing the FAFSA & MSFAA!

• Workshops facilitated by the Educational Opportunity Center.

• Registration and completion of intake form (included in registration link below) required to participate.

• Other dates and school locations available. See link for details.

Click here for more information and to register

SVHS College & Career Monthly Newsletter - December/January, 2023-24

Library Media News: Word of the Week ⇨ Genrefication

• Genrefication is the process of organizing items by genre.  Bookstores use this approach for patrons who like to browse, and libraries are adopting it in an effort to promote reading.  At Seneca, we are preparing to genrefy our fiction section and have launched this initiative with book promotions featuring science fiction, romance, thrillers, and fantasy books.  Come check it out!

• Book Club readers met last Monday and set our upcoming schedule - please add these book discussions to your calendar: 

  • • Thursday, February 8 - Mamo by Sas Milledge

    • Thursday, March 7 - All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

We selected Black-Eyed Susan Nominees to encourage more students to participate in the statewide reading program.  To participate, students must read three of ten nominated books by April, 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.

• The MCPS Parent Academy, in Collaboration with Common Sense Media, is hosting an Online Safety Tips for Kids and Teens Workshop on Wednesday, January 24th, from 6:00-7:00 pm.  Visit the parent academy website for a full schedule and to register.