SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
March 25, 2024
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
Concept
Tuesday night
Wednesday night
Thursday night
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!
Drew Hensley
Assistant Principal
Seneca Valley High School
Hello, Seneca Valley High School Community!
Seniors in search of Food!
Local Food Business Opportunity!
Every year the Seniors put on a celebratory picnic for themselves to mark the end of their high school career. This year the class officers would like to celebrate the community they are in with the food that is provided! They know that many Seneca Valley families are connected to restaurants and/or catering companies in the area. The Seniors would like to feature your food at the picnic either via your donation or a discounted price. They would advertise and hype up your food via social media.
If this is something you are interested in helping the Seniors out with – please contact Tessa Walker (tessa_walker@mcpsmd.org) and Juli Taylor (julianna_taylor@mcpsmd.org)
SENIOR COMMITMENTS!
Seniors, your Class Officers want to celebrate your achievements and commitments! Please DM them @sv24commits on Instagram with where you are committing next year. Or complete this form (https://bit.ly/sv24commits) with that information. You will be shared on the Commitments Instagram page.
Tessa Walker
Director of Choral Activities and Adaptive Music
Class of 2024 Sponsor
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
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:
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
SENIOR CLASS SWEATSHIRTS FOR SALE
The Class of 2024 is selling sweatshirts to raise a little bit more money for our end of the year activities and to spread the love of the Senior Class Spirit!
They are $27 and the profit will go directly to the Senior Class. You opt to either have them delivered to the school for pick up or have them shipped straight to your home.
It’s always great to have class merch towards the end of the year for all the fun adventures and activities that take place! Plus, a light sweatshirt is always a good closet staple.
You can purchase via this link: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/seneca-valley-2024-senior-class-sweatshirt-sale-1892?utm_campaign=desktop-campaign-page-share-v3&utm_content=seneca-valley-2024-senior-class-sweatshirt-sale-1892&utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link
If you have any questions, please reach out to Juli Taylor (julianna_taylor@mcpsmd.org) or Tessa Walker (Tessa_walker@mcpsmd.org)
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
Ceramics students have been creating bowls, plates, and pots in support of raising funds for the Montgomery County Humane Society. Artworks will be displayed to raise donations of $5 and up at the Mama Mia opening weekend on April 12th and 13th. Also in Mrs. Salvatierra-Sinn's Ceramics room 2328 from April 8th-12th in the morning, lunch, or after school. Come by to select your artwork to take home and donate to help the animals.
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/
The Birds of Play are already hard at work on the spring musical, Mamma Mia!
Want to support the Birds of Play while also reaching a large community audience? Purchase an ad in our program! We've got everything from $5 to $125 range. So say hey to your favorite student, promote your business, market your side hustle, and show your love. Ad Sales close on March 15.
Show dates are April 12, 13, 19, and 20! Save the date!
Email Joanna C Fellows at joanna_c_Fellows@mcpsmd.org with any questions!
Joanna C Fellows
she/her
SVHS Theatre Director & ECA Director
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.
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.
Student Athletes, Families, and Screaming Eagle Fans!
Please see our weekly update from the athletic department.
SVHS Student and Family Resource Page
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community.
Welcome to Safe Schools Maryland
An ANONYMOUS and FREE reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents, and the general public to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns.
Safe Schools Maryland is Maryland’s only official anonymous reporting system.
Safe Schools Maryland operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Your anonymous report can be submitted by calling the tip line (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233), completing an online form (below), or downloading the free Safe Schools Maryland app from the App Store or Google Play.