Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

I hope everyone had a good weekend and is ready for spring break!  

When we come back, 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.

Please see messages from the Boosters, PTSA.

Have a great day and week, on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

From concept to reality, a huge thank you to parent and Community artist David Zambrano who created and amazing mural in the entrance of school.  There are plans for more throughout the building.  Stay tuned!

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

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!

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

Message from the Boosters

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

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 

• 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. 

• March 31 - 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 31 - 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 31 - Keeping it Safe (KIS) Video Contest - (deadline is 4pm on 3/31!); cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000; student teams who submit a quality video entry to the contest and meet all requirements will earn 5 SSL hours; open to student teams in middle and high school in Montgomery County; create a 30-second public service message from one of three topics about the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use; consent and release forms; see link for all details and guidelines.

• March 31 - Masonic Charities of Maryland Scholarship Program - 500 $100 awards, 6 $1500 awards, 1 $2500 award, and 1 $5000 award; senior; United States citizen or U.S. permanent resident; letter from a school official detailing student attributes, abilities, talents, interests, scholarship, study habits, and probability of success in college or vocational school, need for financial assistance, and any pertinent or unusual factors which should be considered by the scholarship selection committee (PDF); 300-500 word essay; additional optional documentation; click here for the flyer/

  • When applying online, the applicants will be asked to provide the name and number of the sponsoring Lodge - for Seneca Valley High, they should choose “Pentalpha Lodge” from the pull down and Lodge Number 194.

• April 01 - Damascus American Legion Post 171 General Scholarship Grant - four scholarship grants in the amount of $2,000 and two in the amount of $1,500; senior; citizen of the United States; min 3.0 GPA; plan to attend an accredited post-secondary academic institution, accredited vocational, trade, or business school full time in the fall; 350 word essay; activities; two letters of recommendation; flyer.

• April 01 - Zaching Against Cancer Foundation Spirit Award Scholarship - six $2,500 awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA; plan to attend a two or four-year university or trade school within the following calendar year of receipt of the scholarship; must have overcome some sort of significant hardship, medical challenge, and/or family issue relating to cancer during their life; complete the 5 sections of the nomination form, including 3 individual nomination forms; high school transcript; letter of recommendation (optional but encouraged); family members of a Zaching Against Cancer Foundation Board or Scholarship Selection Committee Member are not eligible.

• April 01 - Taiwanese American Community Scholarship Award - 10-$1,000 awards and a plaque; senior; open to all U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are college-bound; essay of no more than 500 words about community service; photocopy of your highest SAT/ACT score from the College Board; Activity List or Resume including extracurricular and volunteer/community service activities; letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher; official high school transcript; recipients are required to attend the TCC award ceremony held on May 25, 2024, at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College and receive the award in person; flyer. 

• April 01 - The Bernie Scholarship - multiple awards; seniors, including undocumented students who qualify as Dreamers; min 2.0 GPA; live in Montgomery County, MD, and receive housing assistance from Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC), the Scotland Community or from housing owned/managed by Rockville Housing Enterprises, Edgewood Management or Forest Park Apartments, and other students who can prove they have a Section 8 or Public Housing rental subsidy; transcript; community service; at least 2 references; statement of goals; see link for full details and guidelines; Bernie Flyer (Spanish, Amharic).

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: 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. 📚

• 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.