Good Evening Seneca Valley Community,

I hope everyone had a good weekend!  Friday night made for a great prom.  The students looked great and danced the night away.  

AP and IB exams continue this week.  We wish all students testing well.  

We will continue our state testing next week.

Our Test days are the following…

•                     5/16 - ALGEBRA

•                     5/21 – ELA10 (English) (DAY 1)

•                     5/22 – ELA10 (DAY 2)

•                     5/28 – MAP - MATH

•                     5/30 – MAP - READING

We will have a modified test bell schedule to accommodate for testing.

BELL SCHEDULES

Please see messages from the Boosters regarding officers, and the PTSA regarding Prom and after Prom.

Have a great day and week, on purpose!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal

Announcement about FHRM Golf Invitational

On Monday, April 30th, students from the Hospitality and Tourism program here at Seneca Valley High School participated in the first annual FHRM (Foundation for Hospitality and Restaurant Management) Golf Invitational at The Crossvines’ in Poolesville, Maryland. Staff members Melissa North and Kim Skufca, accompanied 20 students from SVHS who worked side by side with students in hospitality and restaurant programs from Walter Johnson and Paint Branch high schools along with leaders in the restaurant and hotel industries. Together they executed a full day event to raise money for scholarships to be awarded to students in these programs throughout Montgomery County Public Schools. MCPS students did all of the registration, prepared the meals, and ran the silent auction. The event grossed over $52,000! 

Principal, Ricardo Hernandez, got the chance to join our students as they were given a tour of the winery attached to the event center. Everyone learned about viniculture (the science or study of making wines) and the research being done at the winery in partnership with The University of Maryland. 

This was the first year that FHRM was able to offer scholarships to MCPS students looking to continue their education in the area of hospitality management. Of the five scholarships presented, three were awarded to students from Seneca Valley High School! Joshua Lee, Syntia Nkongolo, and Javier Rodriguez were the deserving recipients from SVHS. 

The FHRM Golf Invitational was a priceless activity that our students will be putting on their resumes and will never forget.  

2024-25 Course Requests Review

It is hard to believe that this school year is almost over, and School Counselors are already working hard to prepare for a fantastic year at SV next year! In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, students and families are encouraged to review their student course requests by visiting the “Course Request” tab on StudentVUE or ParentVUE. A reminder that at this point, these are course requests, and not actual schedules. If you have any questions about your course requests, please reach out to your student’s Counselor and they will be happy to assist. 

Summer School Information

Registration for Session 1 of MCPS Summer School is going on now! Students have multiple options for taking summer classes this year, including in-person classes at Seneca Valley (Regional Summer School) and virtual/online classes (Central Summer School). Students may take up to 2 classes per session (either one in-person and one online class, or two online classes). Session 1 runs from June 26-July 16.

Who is eligible? Any MCPS high school student in need of replacing or taking original credit for graduation required courses. Course requests will be approved by each student’s counselor to ensure proper course enrollment.

How do I register? Parent & guardians will register their student through ParentVUE.

When is the deadline to register? The registration deadline for Session 1 is May 31. 

Where can I find more information? Comprehensive information can be found here:https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/extendedhours/summerschool/

If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's Counselor. 

Ian Yarmus

Resource Counselor

Seneca Valley High School

240-740-6428

FREE SAFETY DAY EVENT – For the entire family!

Event Attractions: Moon Bounce, G0-Carts, Bikes & Scooter Rides, Face Paint, Balloon Twist, Games, Prizes and SO MUCH MORE!!

Website- Pedestrian Safety Day (montgomerycountymd.gov)

Safety Day 2024

Date: Saturday, May 11th

Time: 11:00am-3:00pm

Location: 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville (Parking Lot)

FREE SHUTTLES  

There will be free shuttle buses (school buses) picking up attendees from the following high schools:

• John F Kennedy High School

• Seneca Valley High School

• Walter Johnson High School

Pick-ups start at 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The last drop off is 1:30 pm. These buses will run approximately every 30 minutes during the event.

Seneca Valley Caregivers of Seniors:

Your Senior is less than a month 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

Dual Enrollment/Jump Start to College

Registration for Fall 2024 is now open! If your child is interested in taking Dual Enrollment/ Jump Start to College classes next year and has not filled out an application yet, now is the time. Please email Stacey Blaine for more information at stacey_j_blaine@mcpsmd.org or see Mrs. Blaine in Room 2107B. 

Dual enrollment is open to students in all grades and is completely free!  Seneca Valley will be holding 3 college classes during the 7th & 8th periods and in addition, there are more than 500 classes to choose from on campus and online. 

Stacey Blaine

Part-time Dual Enrollment Program Assistant

Seneca Valley High School

Room 2107B

Message from the PTSA

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

Dear Seneca Valley High School Community,

Are you passionate about supporting our school's athletic and extracurricular programs? Do you have leadership skills and a desire to make a positive impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The Seneca Valley High School Boosters is currently seeking individuals to fill the roles of President and Secretary on our Board. As key members of our organization, the President and Secretary play vital roles in shaping the direction of our efforts to support our student athletes and school community.

As President, you will have the opportunity to lead the Boosters in strategic planning, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts. You will work closely with fellow board members, athletic directors, coaches, and volunteers to ensure the success of our programs.

As Secretary, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of meetings, managing communications, and assisting with administrative tasks. Your attention to detail and organizational skills will be invaluable in helping the Boosters achieve our goals.

No prior experience is necessary for these positions, as training will be provided to support you in your role. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our school and support our students in their extracurricular endeavors.

The deadline to apply for these positions is May 15, 2024. To express your interest or learn more about the responsibilities and expectations associated with these roles, please contact boosterssenecavalley@gmail.com

We look forward to welcoming individuals who are eager to join us in our mission to enhance the Seneca Valley High School experience for all students. Together, we can make a difference!

Message from the Boosters

WE NEED YOUR HELP  

The Boosters have two board positions open.  Our secretary position will be elected by our membership in May and our president position will be appointed by our board members in June. Please consider serving on our board - email boosterssenecavalley@gmail  or robduda@verizon.net

The entire Boosters organization thanks you for supporting our mulch sale. It was a tremendous success, and we look forward to next year.

This week's events:   

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.

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/ 

Notes From the SVHS College and Career Center

Financial Aid - Next Steps

Many students are asking what the next steps may be for financial aid or what they should be doing as they prepare to commit to a college or weigh their college options.

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) / Federal Aid - Monitor your FAFSA account, and check on any potential aid you have been awarded (Pell Grant) via the FAFSA Submission Summary.

• MHEC (Maryland Higher Education Commission) / State Aid - Monitor your MDCAPS account if you are considering any schools in Maryland, including Montgomery College.

  • See if your FAFSA has been received by MHEC, which happens automatically via your social security number.  You will know this by looking at the bottom of the main menu in your MDCAPS account.  It will turn green and say received for 2024-25.  

  • If you are given an award from the state, you will receive an email from MHEC, and be able to follow-up on additional steps via your MDCAPS account if required.

• School-based forms - Once you have committed to a college or university, fill out any necessary forms for that school.  Monitor your email or online portal/account to check what may need to be completed and what the deadline(s) may be.

• Scholarships - Continue to look for and apply to scholarships!  

If students have yet to fill out their FAFSA, I would strongly encourage them to complete ASAP!  This includes students planning to attend Montgomery College or a trade/vocational school.

Review the 2023-24 SV Financial Aid Guide for Seniors for more information and instructions. 

College Admissions & Merit Scholarship Offers - Please Update in Naviance!

Many seniors have already received college admissions decisions.  If you plan to attend a college or university in the fall, 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 which school you plan to attend, please also indicate that in Naviance!  This is important as we use this information to know where to send your final transcript!  

Adding/updating admission decisions in Naviance  |  Adding scholarships to Naviance 

Upcoming Scholarships 

• May 06 - Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association Scholarship (deadline is 5pm on 5/6!) - two (2) $1,000 awards; senior; Vietnamese American; residing in Maryland; will be enrolled as a first-year student at a university, college, or vocational school in the Fall of 2024; scholarship recipients will be required to participate in at least one MVMA community activity or outreach event in the upcoming academic year; copy of Financial Aid form (FAFSA); copy of financial aid award letter from college/vocational school; copy of SAT scores if available; personal essay (2 pages maximum); official high school transcript; acceptance letter from college/vocational school (if any); 2 letters of recommendation (from teachers/counselors, community leaders, employers). 

• May 10 - National Association of University Women College Alumnae Club Scholarship - two $1000.00 awards; African American/Black female; senior; resident of Montgomery County, MD; accepted at an accredited 4-year or accredited 2-year academic institution of higher education; minimum 2.5 GPA; good leadership skills as evidenced by a strong community service record; participated in extracurricular activities; copy of ACT or SAT scores unless waived; official transcript; copy of your college/university acceptance letter; copy of your decision letter/note indicating your college/university choice; personal essay; two reference letters.

• May 15 - The Lillie Scott Grooms Fund For Excellence in the Sciences, Black Physicians and Healthcare Network (BPHN) Scholarship - awards of up to $2,000; Black high school seniors and residents of Montgomery County who have been accepted to a college, university, or vocational school; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or a certification in a healthcare related field; seniors who will be the first in their family to pursue a degree or certification in a healthcare related field are strongly encouraged to apply; proof of residency; transcript; one letter of recommendation.

• May 17 - Rural Women’s Republican Club (RWRC) Scholarship - $3,500 award; senior; attend Poolesville, Damascus, Clarksburg, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley High, or Northwest High School; interested in pursuing a vocational, trade school, or certification program, including a certification from a community college during the 2024-2025 academic year; student will need to complete an essay question as part of the application process; see linked application for all details and instructions.

• May 21 - B.Davis Scholarship - $1,000 award; available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution; write an essay of less than 1000 words on leadership; see link for specific prompt. 

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

SAT Results

Results from SAT Day should be available to students in their College Board account.  Students will need to sign in order to access.  If students are having issues accessing their account, they should reach out to College Board for assistance.   

• View your SAT scores and score report from your College Board account

• College Board Student Account Help

• https://about.collegeboard.org/contact-us

Other Info & Opportunities

Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Annual Open House - May 17

May 17th | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM  |  8510 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 20772

Students, adult cohorts, and workforce development partners are invited to attend and watch the best-trained, highly-skilled union carpenter apprentices compete in an all-day construction competition. 

Join the Mid-Atlantic Carpenters’ Training Centers, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Carpenter Contractor Trust for a day filled with activities, vendor booths, food, and the opportunity to learn more about joining the Carpenters Union as an apprentice.

Click here for the flyer  |  Click here for more information and the link to register 

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: Much to Celebrate in May!

• May Celebrations: Please stop by to borrow books from promotions that acknowledge and celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans, Jewish Americans, Mental Health Awareness, and Military Appreciation.  In addition, supplies to make Mother’s Day cards are currently available in our makerspace.

• Please join the SV Book Club (SVBC) on Wednesday, May 15th (date changed due to testing) to discuss the fast-paced thriller, Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis.  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.  🌻

• Save the date!  Be sure to mark the Gaithersburg Book Festival on your calendar - this year it will be held on Saturday, May 18th at Bohrer Park.  See details HERE. 📚

• Upcoming Events in the LMC:

  • • Though May 9th - Art Show on Display

    • Though May 10th - Make a Mother’s Day Card, supplies provided 

    • Wednesday, May 15th - SVBC Thieves’ Gambit discussion during lunch

    • Thursday, May 23rd - SVBC End-of-Year Luncheon

    • May 21st-24th: Senior Chromebook Collection though English classes