Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

Hope you had a great weekend.  The clocks have moved forward an hour make sure you adjust your schedule accordingly.

Seniors and Senior Caregivers please see important information regarding senior caregiver meeting and graduation packages.  We have senior meetings this Tuesday, March 12th in person and Thursday, March 14th online.

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

Please see messages from the Boosters, PTSA.

Have a great day and week, on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Acting 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 two important items in this message, so please take note of both:

• First, we will hold a meeting for all parents of Seniors on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30pm in the cafeteria. In this meeting, we will be sharing information regarding the graduation ceremony on June 5th. Please plan to attend this meeting. 

• Second, 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 and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30pm!

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

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:  

• Tuesday, March 12, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring 

• 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.  

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Message from the PTSA

SAVE THE DATE: We look forward to seeing you at our next PTSA Meeting on Tuesday, March 19th from 6:30pm-to-8:00pm in the SVHS media center and/or via zoom. Your voice is valuable! This is a great opportunity for parents, guardians and students to provide feedback, express concerns or just ask questions. We look forward to seeing you there! 

The PTSA depends on your support to help us continue providing enrichment to the students, staff and community. Did you know you can donate to the PTSA at any time? Yes you can! All support is greatly appreciated and helps us maintain our commitment to the SVHS community. Donate anytime by clicking here Support SVHS and make a General Donation. We thank you in advance. 

West Area BOE Visit (Additional details can be found on the PTSA’s Facebook page)

Please mark your calendars and spread the word about the upcoming West Area BOE visit on March 20th at Clarksburg HS from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. The West Area includes all schools in the Northwest, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, and Clarksburg High School Clusters. Students can receive SSL hours for volunteering and attending! https://bit.ly/MCCPTA-BOEMeetingMarch20Volunteers

Connect with the SVHS community by  joining the PTSA’s  Facebook page. 

Questions for the PTSA? Email svhsptsapres@gmail.com 

Have a great week! 

SVHS PTSA 💚💛

#SVPROUD 

Thanks,

Chantal

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 topics & dates: Time Management on March 7, Developing Studying Skills on March 21 & Effective Note-taking on April 11 

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

2024–25 FAFSA Info & Updates

Many students have come to my office asking about the FAFSA and the March 1 deadline.  March 1 is typically the annual deadline established by the state of Maryland for students to submit their FAFSA or MSFAA (Now, part of the MHEC One App) to be considered for state aid.  With all of the FAFSA delays, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has changed their deadline to May 15.  MHEC’s deadline to submit any required documents is now  June 15.

Please reach this important note from MHEC

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.

Important Message from Mrs. Ellen Fellows (SVHS SSL Coordinator)

Congratulations to our seniors who have gone above and beyond in obtaining their Student Service-Learning hours (SSL) for graduation!  We have many students who are set to earn the county SSL award of 240 hours or more completed.  Please turn in any unsubmitted hours to the tray in counseling services or to ellen_p_fellows@mcpsmd.org on Form 560-51 by Friday, April 5th at 3pm.   

As you know, students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate high school.  If you do not have these hours, you will not walk the stage and will not graduate high school on time.  We are asking all students to complete their hours by April 1st (if this is an issue, please see Mrs. Fellows as we always can find a way to complete them).  

Click here to learn more and explore SSL opportunities

Post-High School Commitment Wall - Tracking College Admissions & Merit Scholarship Offers in Naviance

Many seniors have already received college admissions decisions.  This is a reminder to keep track of ALL admissions results and merit scholarships for ALL colleges you applied to in Naviance.  Once you have decided what your plans are and where to attend, please indicate that in Naviance.

• How to update admission decisions/results in Naviance:  video instructions

• If you were accepted and offered a merit scholarship, congratulations!  Here is how to add your offered scholarship in Naviance (video instructions)

  • Note:  Under $ Awarded, enter the amount.  If you see that your award is renewable, please multiply the amount by four (for four years of college).

  • If you have been offered multiple academic scholarships, you may title them by using the name of the college or the name of the scholarship.

    • For example:  “University of Florida - Merit Scholarship” OR “Trustee Scholarship - Purdue U.”  (etc.)

Updating this will help us create our Post-High School Commitment Wall which is coming soon!!  

If you have plans other than college, please let us know!  Job, apprenticeship, gap year, military plans, etc.  We want to celebrate all SVHS Seniors!

We will also need this information for our Senior Exit Surveys, when those become available later this Spring.

Upcoming Scholarships 

• March 13 - HOLA at Microsoft Scholarships* - (*deadline is 4pm on 3/13!) three (3) $20,000 scholarships distributed over 4 years ($5,000 per year, renewable) and ten (10) $5,000 one-time awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); be of Hispanic and Latinx descent (for example, Mexican American, Cuban American, Brazilian, etc); U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or be an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA); enroll in full-time undergraduate study in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or one of the following Business programs- Business Administration, Finance or Marketing at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational school, in the U.S., for the entire upcoming academic year; flyer.

• March 13 - Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships - 5- $20,000 scholarships distributed over 4 years ($5,000 per year, renewable) & 45- $2,500 one-time only scholarships; senior; min 3.0 GPA; must be of African descent (African American or African); attend four-year school in the fall; major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (see link); passion for technology; leadership; financial need; 2 letters of rec.; resume; transcript; two essays; photo. 

• March 13 - Women at Microsoft Scholarships - seven one-time awards of $5,000; senior; self-identify as a woman; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); plan to enroll in full-time in a tech, engineering, math, or computer science related undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school, in the U.S., for the entire upcoming academic year; transcript; recipients selected on the basis of: academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of educational and career goals and objectives, unusual personal or family circumstances, an online recommendation. 

• March 13 - Microsoft Disability Scholarship - up to ten awards of $5,000 (renewable, see link for details); senior; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); living with a disability as defined by WHO, including visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, and/or speech disabilities or other disability; enroll in an undergraduate program at an accredited 2 or 4-year University/College or Vocational/Technical School, in the U.S., in the fall of the upcoming academic year; pursue a degree in the following eligible majors: engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field (e.g. paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing); demonstrate a passion for technology; demonstrate leadership at school and/or in the community; require financial assistance to attend college; enrollment status must be full-time or half-time; transcript; essay; letter of recommendation. 

• March 15 - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority MCAC County-Wide Scholarship - senior; apply to a two or four year university or college as a full-time student; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); completed application; two letters of recommendation; official transcript; two separate, 300-500 word essays; wallet size color photograph picture; scholarship link. 

• March 15 - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority MCAC Career/Vocational/Technical Scholarship - senior; apply to an accredited career/vocational/technical school as a full-time student; min 2.0 GPA (unweighted); completed application; two letters of recommendation; official transcript; two separate, 300-500 word essays; wallet size color photograph picture; scholarship link. 

• March 15 - Horatio Alger Association Scholarship* - *(deadline is 12pm on 3/15) 600+ college scholarships up to $25,000; junior; United States citizen; maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor's degree in the U.S. (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer); demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required); involved in co-curricular and community service activities; display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity; essay; Counselor Certification Form; transcript; income verification.

• March 15 - PAVE Essay Contest & Scholarship Program - First place – $2500, Second place – $1500, and Third place – $1000; open to high school juniors and seniors who live in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia; write a well-crafted essay (of up to 1,000 words) in which you imagine a future with autonomous vehicles, choosing one of three prompts.

• March 15 - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Eta Pi Zeta Chapter 2023-2024 Scholarship - awards of up to $1,000; senior; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); open to all Montgomery County students regardless of race, color, or creed; accepted at a (2) or (4) year Not for Profit College or University; proof of community service hours; essay; 2 letters of recommendation; official transcript; acceptance letter from the recipient's College or University; participation in an interview by the Eta Pi Zeta Scholarship Committee; signed photo release by parent or guardian; click here for the flyer.

• March 17 - AFCEA DC 2024 STEM Scholarship Program - senior; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; acceptance to a U.S. accredited college or university in a four-year, full-time STEM curriculum (see link for list of majors); winners of full tuition scholarships are not eligible; copy of student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from FAFSA; summary and statement from Guidance Counselor; 2 letters of recommendation; list of activities. 

• March 20 - QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program - full scholarship to a college summer program hosted by top colleges, $1,000 for a new laptop or other resources to help the student enhance their college application; for high school juniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges; selected students will have their application will automatically carry over for the National College Match when you’re a senior, giving you a head start on applying for a full four-year scholarship to our college partners; see link for more information including average income levels and GPAs of applicants; application resources for students. 

• March 22 - 2024 NAACP Scholarship Award - $1,000 awards; senior; resident of Montgomery County; min 3.0 GPA; extracurricular activities; must participate in faith-based, religious-based, or volunteer activities (or employment); 2 references; include name of your current state Congress member and/or delegate; 300-word essay; 3-4 paragraph narrative; an unofficial copy of your transcript; wallet-sized photograph; awards presented at the Annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, May 19; see information sheet for more details and instructions; applications and materials can be emailed to Rebecca_Gibson@mcpsmd.org.

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

Other Info & Opportunities

Upcoming College/Career Rep Visits to SVHS

Montgomery College - Wed March 13 @ 10:45 AM

Lawrence University (Appleton, Wisconsin) - Wed March 13 @ 1:00 PM

Suffolk University (Boston, Massachusetts) - Thu March 14 @ 8:45 AM

Register via Naviance.  

Pre-College Fair - March 14

March 14, 6-8pm  |  Wootton High School

Admissions Gambit's third annual Pre-college Fair will be hosted at Wootton HS on March 14 from 6-8pm (see flyer). This fair is completely free for MCPS families with current 9th, 10th, or 11th grade students. 

We have representatives from pre-college programs at Brown, Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, George Washington, Hopkins, and more coming to our backyard to connect with MCPS families. These colleges offer summer programs in medicine, sports management, business, law, engineering, and other areas of study. Some programs offer scholarships as well. 

Click the link below or scan the QR Code on the flyer to register.  Registration is required by March 11.

Click here to register

TU Teacher Scholars Summer Institute - Registration Due by March 15

MCPS, in partnership with Towson University, will offer a four day residential summer experiences to 25 MCPS rising 11th and 12th graders.  The program dates are Monday-Thursday, July 15-18, 2024.  

During the TU Teacher Scholars Summer Institute, participants will:

• Learn from TU faculty and earn 1 dual enrollment credit for the course, Exploring Careers in Education

• Reside in a TU dormitory with all meals included

• Participate in team building and recreational activities

• Tour the TU main campus

• Visit the TU student run on-campus preschool

• Be eligible for a $600 stipend for the 4 day experience

This summer program is well matched to students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in careers in education.  There is no cost to students or their families to participate.  Register by March 15, 2024. 

Click here for more information

SAT Day - March 19 (Juniors)

SAT School Day will be offered to all Grade 11 students at SVHS on March 19. More details and information will be shared soon. In the meantime, I strongly encourage students to take advantage of Khan Academy’s free SAT prep to prepare.  

• Click here to access Khan Academy

• Click here for more information about SAT Day from the MCPS page

NACAC College Fair Field Trip for Juniors - March 20

Attention Class of 2025! It’s time to begin your college search! On Wednesday, March 20th, SVHS students will have the opportunity to attend the NACAC Montgomery County (MD) National College Fair as part of a school-wide field trip. This year’s event will take place at the Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse (formerly the Maryland SoccerPlex) in Boyds, MD, and host over 275 Universities and Colleges. Admission representatives will be there to answer your questions about Admission Requirements, College Essays, Financial Aid, Scholarships and more. 

Click here for more information (Letter & Permission Slip)

To attend this field trip, the bus fee must be paid and a signed permission slip must be turned in to Mr. Nalda by March 13!

For any families interested in attending, the fair will be open to the public on the evening of March 19, from 6:30pm - 8pm (click here to register).  Workshop opportunities will be available to learn more about financial aid and the college application process.  See workshops flyer for more details and to register 

P.O.S.T. Expo - March 21

Thursday, March 21, 2024  6:30pm - 8:00pm  |  James Hubert Blake HS Cafeteria

Post-secondary Options: Services & Trades

Learn about different Pathways to Success!  All high school students and parents welcome!

Representatives will be here to help you!  Including: Trade & Technical Schools, State/Local Police and Fire Dept, EMT Trainers, Apprenticeship Opportunities, Military, and more!

Click here for the Flyer

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. 

U.S. Service Academies - Summer Programs for Juniors

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

Creativity Contests 🎥

• The National School Bus Safety Poster Contest is underway, and includes a category for K-12 Special Education students.  Submissions for the contest must be received by Gabriel Rose, Director of Pupil Transportation and Emergency Management for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) by Friday, March 15.  Click HERE for more information.

• The Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition invites teams of two or more students to create and submit 30-second videos on one of three topics related to the risks and dangers of underage drinking. Entries are due by March 31, 2024.  Click HERE for more information and contest rules.

• The Division of Sustainability and Compliance Poster Contest, open to all MCPS students and staff, presents a chance to help raise awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling, and showcase your creativity! Entries are due by Friday, April 5.