Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

Hope you had a great weekend! Last week we were fortunate to have the opportunity to highlight the great programs we offer at Seneca Valley.  More importantly we highlighted the hard work of our students and staff focusing on Dual Enrollment, AP/IB course work, and our CTE programs.  Seneca Valley truly is a comprehensive high school, offering students a myriad of programs and experiential learning opportunities.  Here is the WTOP article.

We continue to convey our attendance expectations with students.  In class, not in the halls, on time, all day everyday, and staying on campus for lunch.  Please know that DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, etc.. are not permitted.  If you have any questions please let me know, ricardo_hernandez@mcpsmd.org.

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

I look forward to another outstanding week ahead. 

Ricardo Hernandez, Acting Principal

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

Message from the PTSA

Hello to our SVHS community! We hope everyone is off to a wonderful start of the new year! 

SAVE THE DATE!  Please join us for our first PTSA meeting of 2024, Tuesday, Jan. 16th from 6:30pm-to-8:00pm in the SVHS media center. We value your voice and hope to see you there!

Don’t forget to have your voices heard by completing the survey as a response to what you would like to see in our next SVHS Principal. The links to the survey are provided below. 

Guardian English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H7YDBQ7

Guardian Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNZ83QR

Student English version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W6TR6FK

Student Spanish version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5BJF78G

The PTSA is busy working on ways to support our students, staff, and community. However, we need YOUR HELP! Please reach out if you can participate in meeting an immediate need for a SVHS After-PROM committee. We thank you in advance!

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 anyone on the PTSA Board or email the PTSA president at svhsptsapres@gmail.com for more information. 

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/

Have a great week 

SVHS PTSA 

#SVPROUD

*****************************

Thanks,

Chantal

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 

PERUVIAN DANCE

Do you love to dance? Are you interested in learning more on Peruvian dance?

Mark your date for January 9th, 2024

Stay on the lookout for more info!

Follow us on ig: @svhswellnesscenter_

A Message from the Boosters

Winter Meeting- will occur at the school on January 11th, 2024  Make plans to attend- in person at the Media Center or by Zoom.

Our agenda will include a discussion with our athletic department and boosters leadership about what happens to the money- how money is collected and dispersed.

In person meeting (media center) will start at 6:30 PM.  Zoom for public will start at 7:00 PM

PLEASE NOTE THE ZOOM LINK HAS BEEN UPDATED- PREVIOUS LINK IS INACTIVE

Robduda@verizon.net is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Robduda@verizon.net's Zoom Meeting

        Time: Jan 11, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

        Join Zoom Meeting

        https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73878045897?pwd=F7U7AyPkaybhbALbh2SwizzySiHk0E.1

        Meeting ID: 738 7804 5897

        Passcode: L5Bfxx 

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.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE BOOSTERS:

VOLUNTEER. We are currently trying to fill volunteer positions for the 27-winter sports home activities.  Parents and kids (SSL hours given) are encouraged to volunteer.  With a little help we will have concession and spirit wear sales open at each event.  As you know, the money we make goes back to the kids.

PLEASE contact Rob Duda at 301-523-2781, robduda@verizon.net, boosterssenecavalley@gmail,com or use the sign up link below.

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

Rob Duda  

SVHS Boosters

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/

Notes From the SVHS College and Career Center

MCPS Regional On-The-Spot Admissions Event @ SVHS

Attention Seniors!  Still looking to apply to college?  Want to receive an immediate admissions decision without having to wait weeks or months?  Participate in this regional on-the-spot admissions event!  Students interview with college representatives and receive an on-the-spot admissions decision!  Students may also find out if they are eligible for scholarships.

Seniors from all MCPS high schools are welcome to attend.  For planning purposes, please register ahead of time if you plan to participate.

Seneca Valley High School  |  January 11th  |  6pm - 8pm

Click here to register  |  Click here for the flyer

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 09 - APIA (Asian and Pacific Islander Americans) Scholars - (application due @ 5pm on Jan 9); $2,500 one-year awards to $20,000 multi-year awards; senior; U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident; min 2.7 GPA (unweighted); able to describe your ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry in relation to the countries, territories, or lands in Asia or the Pacific Islands; enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in a U.S. accredited college or university in Fall 2024; must apply for FASFA by early April 2024; essay questions.

• January 10 - Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship* - (*deadline 5pm EST on 1/10) 60 awards of up to $7,500; minority high school senior; U.S. citizen; financial need; demonstrated record of academic excellence; leadership potential and a dedication to community service; plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within or affiliated with a school in the United States; letter of recommendation; transcript; four essays.

• January 12 - JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest - 1-$10,000, 1-$3,000, and 5-$1,000, and 10-$100 awards; grades 9-12; write a 700-1,000 word essay describing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1917; must use five sources and include a bibliography. 

• 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 - Damascus Post 171 High School Oratorical Contest - awards ranging from $300 - $1,000 (local contest) to $30,500 at the National contest; U.S. citizen or a permanent resident; 9-12 grade; registration form for the Post 171 contest needs to be completed by January 19th, 2024; the Post 171 contest will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Damascus American Legion Post 171 in Damascus, Maryland; click here for rules. 

• 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 - 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)

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

Other Info & Opportunities

Highly Selective College Admissions Webinar

Join on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:30 PM EST to hear from Jordan Kanarek, Director of Counseling, and get the secrets of what it takes to get accepted to an elite, highly selective university.

In this event, you’ll discover:

• Admissions rates and how that impacts applicants

• What top college admissions officers look for

• How students can stand out in the application process

Families interested in applying to America’s top colleges, you won’t want to miss this!

Continental Pools, Lunch Visit (Lifeguarding/Summer Jobs) - Wed January 10 @ 11:24 AM

*Stop by the SVHS cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn about summer job opportunities (lifeguarding and more) from Continental Pools.

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: Fire & Ice 🔥❄️

• Book Club updates: On Monday this week, SV Book Club readers will meet to discuss Eat Your Heart Out by Kate DeVos and make selections for the coming months.  Membership in Book Club is fluid and all are always welcome -- please stop by the Library Media Center to learn more.

• Book promotion:  Inspired by weather in Germantown, our latest book promo is centered around the theme Fire and Ice.  Stop by to peruse titles that will warm you up on cold winter nights and help conjure visions of snowy winters when actually we’re stuck with temps in the 50s and lots of rain!

• Upcoming lunch closures: With apologies for the inconvenience, the LMC will be closed on Monday during lunch due to our monthly book club meeting and on Wednesday as we are hosting the IB Extended Essay kick-off event.