Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

Hope you had a great weekend.  The weather could not have been better.  As we draw near to the spring break, please make sure you are checking your students grades.  After spring break the quarter ends quickly.

Tuesday is SAT day, the regular day will start 12:27pm.  Juniors will be test in the morning, all other students can arrive at 11:45am for lunch or at 12:27pm for class.

This week is spirit week too.  Tomorrow Monday is Beach day!  The weather will cooperate! Please see below for the rest of the weeks themes.

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 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.  

# # # 

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Message from the PTSA

PTSA Meeting: We look forward to seeing you at our PTSA meeting on Tuesday, March 19th from 6:30pm-to-8:00pm via zoom only. Your voice is valuable and it matters! 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! Below you will find Tuesday’s meeting link:

SVHS PTSA Meeting

Time: Mar 19, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7913918394?omn=85196868409 <--click here

Please SUPPORT the PTSA: The PTSA depends on your support for continued help in providing enrichment to our students, staff, and community. Did you know that 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. Make a General Donation at any time click here→ Support SVHS We thank you in advance!

MCCPTA and 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 MCCPTA & West Area BOE visit on Wednesday, March 20th at Clarksburg HS from 5:00pm-to-8:00pm. 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! Click below to check this out: https://bit.ly/MCCPTA-BOEMeetingMarch20Volunteers

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: The PTSA will be having a fundraiser at Chick- Fil-A on Wednesday, April 10th from 5:00pm-to-8:00pm. Please note that this is a NO SCHOOL day for students. All funds raised will support the SVHS-PTSA sponsored events. 

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

Got Questions for the PTSA? Please feel free to email us at svhsptsapres@gmail.com 

Have a great week! 

SVHS PTSA 💚💛

We’re #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: Developing Studying Skills on March 21 and 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 read 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.

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

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!

Upcoming Scholarships 

• 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.

• March 22 - WISER Scholarship for Higher Education - two awards of $1,000; senior pursuing post-secondary education; must have documented need for accommodation (see application for details); must demonstrate engagement in their community (including, but not limited to, volunteering, caring for a sibling or elder, working for a local business, etc.); letter of documentation; application form, including short answer responses and signed certification statements (responses can be typed or recorded); application in word format; flyer.

• March 25 - Montgomery County Chapter of the Project Management Institute Scholarship (postmark date) - $1500.00 scholarship drawing; open to all high school seniors currently enrolled in MCPS; plan to attend an accredited U.S. college starting in the 2024 school year; must have a minimum 2.75 GPA (or equivalent) and be in good standing, as well as take and pass a quiz about the Project Management profession (these applicants will be considered for the “Open” Scholarship).

• March 25 - Joseph W. McPherson Memorial Poetry Contest - awards ranging from $100 - $1,000; open to students enrolled in grades 9–12 in public, private, or home schools in Washington, DC, and in Montgomery County and PG County; submit one or two original poems, each with a maximum of 25 lines; ten finalists will recite their poems from memory at the competition on May 4, 2024; this year's theme: Play; see link for details and guidelines.

• March 29 - The Long Nguyen & Kimmy Duong Scholarship Program* - 130 awards of $3,000, $2,000 & $1,000 for Vietnamese American and Non Vietnamese American students; senior; U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident; min 3.0 GPA; must enroll in the University of Maryland, George Mason University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Northern Virginia Community College, or Montgomery College; outstanding academic achievement; strong leadership potential; demonstrated active community service; pride in culture and heritage; financial need; able to accept scholarship at awards ceremony; resume; transcript; essay; letters of recommendation; flyer; *only the first 250 applications will be accepted.

• March 29 - Gamma Alpha Eta Zeta's DreamerZ Scholarship - 1-$3,000 and 1-$500 book award; senior; identify as female; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); accepted at a (2) or (4)  year College or University; Currently living in or attending school in one of Gamma Alpha Eta Zeta Chapters service areas: Bethesda, Poolesville, Potomac, Montgomery Village, or Germantown; essay; two letters of recommendation; official transcript. 

• March 29 - Becca's Closet Spirit of Generosity - award amounts vary; senior; min 2.0 GPA (unweighted); U.S. citizen or legal resident; attend a regionally-accredited 2- or 4-year college/university or technical/vocational institution in fall of 2024; demonstrated financial need – all pages of 2024-2025 FAFSA Submission Summary with SAI; outstanding, documented contribution to his/her local community through volunteer service of any kind; two (2) letters of recommendation; sealed official high school transcript; essay; PLEASE NOTE: 3/29 is postmarked-by date, ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE MAILED, no email submissions will be accepted. 

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

Other Info & Opportunities

Upcoming College/Career Rep Visits to SVHS

University of Massachusetts, Amherst - Thu March 21 @ 9:40 AM

Rollins College - Thu March 21 @ 10:30 AM

Allegany College of Maryland - Thu March 21 @ 12:05 PM

United States Military Academy - Fri March 22 @ 11:12 AM - 11:54 AM

*No registration in Naviance needed. Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the U.S. Military Academy West Point.

Learn how to register for college visits via Naviance.  

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

If you have signed up for this field trip, be on the lookout for an email on Monday with specific details and instructions! 

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

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

April 10, 9am - 12pm  |  Northwood 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 

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

Library Media News: Help Select This Year's Best Book for HS Readers!

• Spring Break is a great opportunity to read!  For inspiration, check out the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award state-wide reading program that encourages students to find joy in reading by promoting contemporary, engaging literature.  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.  Voting this year will take place before school on Tuesday, April 23rd.  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. 🌻

• Book Club Updates: Readers selected The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow, another Black-Eyed Susan nominee, for our next Book Club discussion, which will take place on Tuesday, April 16th.  It is a mystery/thriller that is sure to provide entertainment over Spring Break!  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. 📚

• The drawing for our Women’s History Month trivia contest, in which students match quotes by influential women to their photographs, will take place at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 21st.  There is still time to enter!  All correct and mostly correct entries will have the chance to win a Wonder Woman bust that speaks motivational truths.🦸

• Last week during SEL, teachers delivered the second of four digital well-being lessons that are part of MCPS’s commitment to teaching digital citizenship.  The lesson was built around the video How Your Brain Tricks You Into Negative Thinking so that students will be equipped to identify thinking traps and avoid them when using tech.  A related family activity from Common Sense Education is available in both English and Spanish.  Additional ideas for family discussion topics may be accessed through articles on the Common Sense Media Blog for Parents and Caregivers. 📱

Creativity Contests 🎥

• 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.