SVHS GREEN AND GOLD

Community Newsletter

August 20, 2023

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.


OPENING DAY - AUGUST 28

Please give yourself plenty of time in the morning. We have over 2400 students and 300 staff members in our building on a daily basis and most are arriving on campus at the exact same time. Couple this congestion with the newness of drop-off procedures for many of our families, and the first few weeks can become especially challenging.

Teachers begin instruction promptly at 7:45 a.m. We strongly suggest having your child arrive earlier than normal (by 7:30 a.m.) to accommodate for the slowdown we have come to expect during the first two weeks of a school year. With patience and cooperation, students and parents usually get the hang of drop-off/arrival procedures pretty quickly and the process speeds up dramatically.

SCHOOL DAY ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES/REMINDERS

The school will be open at 7:00 a.m. every morning and unless staying after school for an extracurricular activity, students are expected to exit by 2:45 p.m. daily.


There are two entrances to campus on Crystal Rock Drive that are available for student drop off.

Bus Routes

2023-24 school bus routes are now available on the MCPS website and on the Seneca Valley High School website under School Information on the left side of the main page. 


Visit the MCPS Department of Transportation website for transportation news and the latest updates!

Students and families should also review the important Ride by the Rules safety guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation.


Ride by the Rules - Bus Safety and Guidelines for Students & Parents

FIRST DAY REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS

Before Monday:

Monday Morning:

Fall Calendar Dates to Remember

Seneca Valley Athletics Calendar

August - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks


September - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks


October - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks

*11/1 Marks the end of the 1st quarter

ANNUAL NOTICE FOR DIRECTORY INFORMATION AND STUDENT PRIVACY

Schools provide directory information for public listings such as honor roll, awards, and other notices in the newspaper or on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) website. A student’s name, address, and telephone number may also be released to organizations of any combination of parents, teachers, and students of a school. Unless you tell them not to, schools can release the information without your prior consent.


Directory Information includes the following items: student’s and/or parent’s name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number; student’s date of birth; major field of study; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; degrees and awards received (including honor roll); most recent school attended; dates of attendance; photograph, or other likeness; the weight and height of members of athletic teams; and other similar information.

If you do not want your school to release your directory information, complete the form linked below and return this notice to your school by September 11, 2023.


FORM: Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy


Additional copies of this notice can be found on the MCPS website, and are available in Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, and Portuguese. This form must be completed every year.


Your school will assume you agree to the release of the directory information, unless this form is returned by September 11, 2023. If you need to change your decision at a later date, just contact your school directly.


If you enroll after September 12, 2023, you can complete this form at the time of enrollment.

STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND MILITARY RECRUITING/DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Student Emergency Information

Student Emergency Information should be updated through ParentVUE. Each year parents/guardians are required to complete the Annual Verification of Information through the Online Registration portal (in the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). We highly recommend that you complete this as soon as possible. It is critically important that we have accurate parent contact information on file with the school and system as soon as possible.


Here are links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.


A Note on Military Recruiting and Directory Information

If a parent does not wish to have his/her child’s name made available to military recruiters and/or does not wish to have their child’s directory information included in the student directory, they should complete the “Directory Information Withholding” portion of the ParentVUE annual verification of information online registration. You may also complete MCPS form 281-13 - Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy. The form must be returned to the school by Friday, September 8, 2023.

Annual SV T-Shirt Fundraiser is Here - Don't miss out!

Each year, students are given the opportunity to purchase their official class t-shirt.  This is a great chance for your child to sport their class color, show their school spirit, and support their class and school initiatives.  Please act now by clicking the image below.  You will be taken to an link to place your order. 

Extracurricular Activities Information

We welcome you to engage with Seneca Valley in a new way this school year!  


Check out our non-athletic Extra Curricular Clubs and Activities!  From study groups to competitive dance to cultural celebrations to Dungeons and Dragons and beyond - there's something here for everyone!  


Reach out to sponsors of clubs you're interested in or fill out the interest form to be included in back-to-school messages about clubs. Check out our current offerings. SVHS ECA OFFERINGS

Seneca Valley Birds of Play 

AUDITIONS & STAGE CREW APPLICATIONS

for the Fall Play

Radium Girls

Radium Girls is D.W. Gregory’s gripping drama based on the true story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory’s radium-based paint  Radium Girls fiercely examines the commercialization of science, the pursuit of both health and wealth, the power of the underdog, and the fierce injustice laborers in America have faced, and may even continue to face in the present.

AUDITIONS: Room 0901

Sept 5, 2:45 - 4:30 pm

Sept 6, 2:45 - 4:30 pm

 CALLBACKS: Stage

Sept 7, 2:45 - 5:00 pm


STAGE CREW: Room 0901

Sept 1: Lunch


Sign Up At https://bit.ly/svBOP


See Ms Fellows in room 0901 for more information!

joanna_c_Fellows@mcpsmd.org

PSAT Testing

Dear Parents/Guardians of 11th graders:


PSAT will be held on Wednesday Oct 11.  If you would like your student to participate in the PSAT, please submit a payment of $19 to the SchoolCash Online system.  Instruction on registering for SchoolCash Online.


If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Michael Kim (Michael_T_Kim@mcpsmd.org).


Thank you.

9th Grade and New Student Orientation

9th Grade and New Student Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. School bus schedules for orientation will follow a normal morning pick-up schedule and return students home on a three-hour early dismissal schedule. There is no flexibility on the dismissal time as school buses serve multiple schools. If your child is a walker, then he/she should walk to and from school or you may drop off/pick up students at the car-rider loop in front of the school building.


This program will give students:


Students will begin arriving at approximately 7:20 a.m. and should report directly to the auditorium by 7:45 a.m. There will be staff members and Eagle Ambassadors stationed at various points throughout the building to help students find their way.

Meet the 23-24 School Counseling Team 

As the Seneca Valley school community continues to grow, our team continues to grow as well. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Cole, Ms. Hughes, and Mrs. Ruiz-Quintanilla to our team this year. Please refer to the list for the counseling caseload breakdown and starting July 1 please email your student’s new school counselor. 


Updates from Counseling Services

From all of us in the Seneca Valley Counseling Services department, we hope you are having a happy, healthy, and rejuvenating summer and are getting excited for the new school year. The Counseling team has been hard at work throughout the summer and can't wait to see you again!


Important summer updates below:


Important Senior Form & College Application Information 

Seniors have been asked to complete the following online form regarding plans for after high school.  Please take a few minutes to fill it out. Even if you are undecided at this time, you can go in later and change your responses.  

For students planning to apply to 4 year colleges and universities, this is an important part of the college application process in order to help ensure all high school documents are submitted in a timely fashion.  Please refer to the SVHS College Application Process document as guide for applying to colleges.

 

Our College & Career Center is still open throughout the summer and Mr. Nalda is here to help students and families navigate the college application process. Please visit the College & Career Center site for detailed information. You can also reach out to Mr. Nalda at  Carlos_E_Nalda@mcpsmd.org

Seniors applying to 4 year colleges must send your Brag Sheet to your counselor ASAP! The more you can get done on college applications before summer ends, the better.


Message for Seniors

Seniors and families are still invited to schedule a Senior Meeting with their counselor before school is back in session. This is an opportunity to meet with your counselor (in-person or virtual) to discuss your senior year schedule, graduation requirements, and college and career planning, including the college application process. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact your child's counselor by email. Seniors who are interested in requesting an Adjusted Partial-Day Schedule must complete the Adjusted Partial-Day Schedule Request Form

 

Dual Enrollment

Students who are taking or interested in taking Montgomery College classes next through Dual Enrollment should contact Mrs. Blaine at stacey_j_blaine@mcpsmd.org

College and Career Center

The College & Career Center holds a wealth of information and resources for students as they ponder "life after high school." Parents and students can reach out or make an appointment with Mr. Nalda in the College & Career Center for assistance with college, career, or scholarship searches. The College & Career Center also has many resources and information regarding financial aid. This is especially important for eleventh and twelfth graders.

During the school year, the College & Career Center is open 7:00am - 3:00pm. Students can come in before school, after school, or during lunch. At any other time during the day, students may come down with a pass as long as a scheduled activity is not taking place. Parents & Guardians are also welcome to schedule an appointment via email. Zoom meetings are also available. 

Keep your eyes open each week in this newsletter for updates on what you should be thinking about (related to college and career planning) as a student or parent of a student in each grade at any given time in the school year. This section will include a weekly message to juniors and seniors, a list of upcoming college visits to our school, a list of upcoming scholarship applications, and links to college and career planning events.

Student Athletes, Families, and Screaming Eagle Fans!

Please see link for this week’s Weekly update from the athletic department. 

News & Updates from the Business and Finance Offices 2023-2024


Business Office: Monique Riddick, Business Administrator, 240-740-6413

Finance Office:  Tara Owens, Financial Specialist, 240-740-6414


Important Dates to Remember:


Finance Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.



Payments may be made using School Cash Online or in cash, check, and money order at the finance window.   All checks should be made payable to Seneca Valley High School or SVHS.  Please include the student’s name and ID number on all checks.  Returned check fees are $25.00 per check and are obligated toward the student’s account until paid. This includes checks collected as part of fundraisers. 


Obligations: All outstanding obligations must be paid in order for students to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, Homecoming and Prom.  Seniors with outstanding obligations will not be permitted to participate in senior activities including the graduation commencement ceremony.  Outstanding obligations may be viewed and paid at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/.


Parking Permits: The Student Parking Application Form must be completed and submitted to the Business Office for approval. The Seneca Valley High School student parking information and regulations can be found here

Face Masks

For the safety of our school environment, face coverings may be worn indoors only for health, religious and/or cultural purposes.  When used for health protection or to prevent disease transmission, acceptable and effective face coverings are well fitting surgical masks, KN95-style masks or N95 respirators. With the exception of face coverings worn for religious or cultural purposes, individuals will be asked to remove other types of face coverings (such as a ski mask, neck gaiter, or scarf over one’s face).  If the alternate face covering is worn for health purposes, SVHS will provide surgical masks for student, staff or visitor use.  If a face covering is needed at school for health purposes, SVHS will provide surgical masks for students, staff or visitors who do not already have access to one at school. 

Attendance and Tardy Policy

Regular attendance fosters a classroom community between teachers and children. Students who attend school are more likely to succeed academically. Students gain background knowledge from discussions while learning in school. Attending school also provides time for social interactions with peers. To create a culture of regular attendance we must have a shared commitment by students, families, and all school staff.


The high school diploma is issued by the State of Maryland, and high school attendance is governed by state regulatory law and reasons for lawful excused absences are limited at the high school level. Absences from school or individual classes, excused or unexcused, beyond five per quarter or ten per semester are considered excessive absences. It is important to be aware that absences reported on both report cards and transcripts do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences.

Dress Code Policy

Students have a responsibility to be dressed for school in ways that uphold the learning environment and avoid learning disruption.


Students will be counseled if their style of dress:

● Endangers or potentially threatens the health and/or safety of self or others

● Fails to meet a reasonable requirement of a course or activity

● Is associated with gangs

● Is or has the potential to become lewd, vulgar, obscene, see-through, or insensitive [note: undergarments may not function as outer garments]

● Promotes the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs


As long as the student's style of dress is consistent with these guidelines, they are permitted to wear religious garments and accessories that support and/or represent cultural identity.


Staff will equitably advise all students regardless of race, gender, and/or identity, about inappropriate dress while in the school building and/or school-sponsored practices, events, and functions and inform the student’s counselor for further advice. Staff will make every effort to avoid embarrassment of students to preserve their relationship with the student and avoid any potential negative impacts to any student’s mental health and well-being.

Cell Phone (PMD) Policy

SVHS Personal Mobile Device (PMD) Expectations

Students using a personal mobile device to access the Internet while attending an MCPS-sponsored activity must follow the MCPS Responsible Use Guidelines.


School Level

Students may use their Personal Mobile Device (PMD):


Note: If a student uses a PMD to access the Internet on MCPS property, but is not on the MCPS network, the student remains obligated to comply with the requirements of this regulation. MCPS monitors and reserves the right to investigate all PMDs and PMD activity on the MCPS network.


Classroom Level

Students may use their PMD if:


If a student breaks school or class PMD agreements, the following steps should be taken to address behavior:

Harassment, Hazing & Bullying

Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. We appreciate your support in stressing with your students the importance of refraining from and/or tolerating such behaviors and reporting them immediately when they occur. Please use the following links for information on preventing bullying, harassment & intimidation or to report an incident.


Identification Cards for Students

As we open our doors and welcome students back on campus for the 2023-2024 school year, we are continuing our commitment to student well-being, safety and security to ensure that our students feel welcomed, supported and safe.


To support this commitment, all students will be required to carry and show their Seneca Valley High School student ID. For the first two weeks of school, students can utilize their ID from the 2022-2023 school year. Once student pictures have been taken, they will be required to have a 2023-2024 ID. Students will need to have their student identification every day so Seneca Valley staff can ensure only students are accessing campus during the school day. Seneca Valley High School staff are already required to display their ID badge in schools.

Seneca Valley High School’s Closed Lunch Policy

Seneca Valley High School has a Closed Lunch policy for ALL students.


Students MAY purchase lunch in the cafeteria. Students who would like to apply for Free and Reduced Meal service can find the application form in the main office, guidance, or here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-payments/


By policy, students MAY NOT have off-campus food delivered to the school by businesses or local delivery services. Students who violate this policy may have their food confiscated. While we understand that some students don't like cafeteria-style food, we are obligated to comply with all regulated nutritional standards during the school day.  


A home-cooked meal or a delivery from a local restaurant may taste better or seem like no big deal to students and families, but these meals may not meet these required guidelines.  We also do not have staff available to collect the food when it is delivered, locate students to have them pick up the food, or control whether the food is being delivered to that student only or to friends as well, without these students' parents consenting.  


Parents and families are also asked to not deliver food to the school unless a student has accidentally forgotten their lunch.


Click this link to be taken to the full policy.

PSAT Information

The PSAT will be administered at SVHS on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. 10th graders will participate at no cost to students, 11th graders will have an option to participate for a fee. The PSAT and SAT assessments are used to measure students' College and Career Readiness, as well as qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. More information, including testing day schedule, will be shared closer to the testing date.

SUMMER HEALTH REMINDERS

AUGUST 2, 2023

Dear MCPS Community:

Fall is right around the corner! As families prepare to return to school, here are a few health care reminders from MCPS and School Health Services:

We are excited to see everyone at the 2023 MCPS Back-to-School Fair/Feria de Regreso a la Escuela para el Ciclo Escolar 2023-2024 at Westfield Wheaton Mall on Saturday, Aug. 26! The fair is a great opportunity to learn about school and county services, and will include a free immunization clinic.

Enjoy a safe and healthy summer!

Sincerely,

Patricia Kapunan, M.D., MPH
Medical Officer, MCPS

Mark Hodge, MS, B.S.N., RN
Sr. Administrator, School Health Services, DHHD

Back to School Night - August 31

We cordially invite you to attend our Back to School Night on Thursday, August 31, 2023. This activity is a time-honored tradition where parents and guardians meet with their children’s teachers, counselors, and administrators. It is also an opportunity for parents to see first-hand the exciting changes that are taking place at Seneca Valley High School (SVHS). You will learn about the expectations of the school and the ways you can help your children improve their academic achievement. By participating in this evening, you will make a powerful statement that you support your child, the school, and education.


Because we will have limited parking available during our construction project, shuttle buses will be running back and forth starting at 5:30 p.m. We will provide additional information on this shuttle service in our next newsletter.


Please plan to arrive early so that you can purchase spirit wear, and talk to PTSA, Boosters, and school officials. This is a special evening for the Seneca Valley High School family, and we sincerely hope you will join us for all the activities.


Please bring a copy of your child's schedule with you. These can be found in ParentVue or you can bring a paper copy. There will be maps and student guides available to assist with locating your child’s classes. We look forward to meeting you on August 31.

PARENT VOLUNTEER TRAINING

The MCPS Volunteer webpage has been updated.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx


On that webpage, you will find updates for SY23-34 and a chart for “who needs what.” There is also a resource on the far right called: School Guidance for Volunteers. If there are any volunteers who did this process last year, then they are good for this year. Any new volunteers would need to complete the compliance measures listed below.


One-time volunteers who will ALWAYS be accompanied by MCPS staff


Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a regular volunteer (This includes, but is not limited to Dads on Duty participants)


Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a frequent volunteer AND will be alone with students.

APPLY NOW FOR FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS!

ONLINE FARMS APPS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

www.MySchoolApps.com is NOW OPEN for parents to complete and submit the 2023–2024 Online application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!


FAMILIES CAN APPLY NOW & AVOID LONGER PROCESSING TIMES IN THE FALL!

PLEASE UPDATE - STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Student Emergency Information should be updated through ParentVUE. Each year parents/guardians are required to complete the Annual Verification of Information through the Online Registration portal (in the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). Please complete this information by August 19, 2023. It is critically important that we have accurate parent contact information on file with the school and system.


Here are links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.

REGISTER FOR SCHOOLCASH ONLINE TODAY

Dear Parent/Guardian,


Montgomery County Public Schools has transitioned to a new online payment system called SchoolCash Online as its preferred method of payment for school-related fees such as fundraisers, field trips, obligations, etc. (Please note that the new payment system is NOT related to school cafeteria accounts)


SchoolCash Online helps parents/guardians and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. SchoolCash Online will help increase efficiency and security at schools by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. In addition, once registered, you will be immediately informed about school activities!


Powered by KEV Group, SchoolCash Online is the industry leader in the management of school fees. The new system puts all of the school-related fees online for purchase so users can make purchases online using a credit card or e-check. A processing fee will be included on all items available for purchase, regardless of the type of payment used on SchoolCash Online or at the school.


Parents/guardians can register now at - https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/

2023-2024 Student Parking Application 

The Student Parking Application Form is open effective August 1, 2023. Once approved, a link to make payment will be sent via email to the recipient. Please review the Seneca Valley High School Parking Information for all rules and regulations. Please contact Monique_N_Riddick@mcpsmd.org with any questions or concerns. 


MCPS CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The MCPS Code of Conduct and A Student's Guide to Rights & Responsibilities will be distributed to all students in September. 


They are also online at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights.

Safety Tips for Walkers


Welcome to Safe Schools Maryland