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.
The first entrance (also the largest entrance) is directly next to the sign that says "Seneca Valley High School." THIS IS THE BUS LOOP. Parents MAY NOT use this loop immediately before or after school. When possible, security will be at the top of the loop to guide you to the appropriate drop off/pick up entrance.
The second entrance (Nearest to the intersection of Crystal Rock Drive and Wisteria Drive) is the drop off/pick up loop. This is a very long loop that can accommodate many cars at one time.
Parents are asked to pull as far up as they can. Please do not drop your students off in the middle of the parking lot and definitely do not try to pass other vehicles to exit the loop faster. During the Thursday morning 9th Grade and New Student Orientation, we will practice this process with parents. Drop off will only go smoothly when everyone cooperates and demonstrates patience. When cars try to cut the line or to drive past the line to exit sooner, significant slow downs occur. If we all work together, we will be able to get you in and out very quickly.
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:
Charge your Chromebook for the entire weekend leading up to the first day of school.
Pack up other school supplies: All you need on Monday is a binder or folder with some lined paper and a pen/pencil. Your teachers in each class will let you know what other materials you will need.
Highly Recommended: Pack a water bottle to bring to school- there are water filling stations throughout the building.
Set your alarm clock, get a good night’s sleep...school starts early on Monday!
Monday Morning:
Don’t forget your MCPS chromebook and charger! Incoming 9th graders and new students to SVHS will receive their chromebook and charger in Science class.
Bus Route Schedules are available on our website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Students may enter either through the Cafeteria/Stadium entrance (on Wisteria Drive) or the front lobby entrance (on Crystal Rock Drive) starting at 7:20am. On Monday, August 28, 2023, everyone will report to their Homeroom locations before first period.
All students should be in Homeroom by 7:40 AM. Homeroom will begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. Start the school year strong by showing up, on-time, ready to learn.
There will be signs posted throughout the first floor with homeroom assignments and room numbers.
You also have a copy of the school map in your packet, but HERE it is again if you need it.
There will be staff members posted in all the hallways to help you find your way.
Students will receive their class schedule, bell schedule, and another copy of the map in homeroom.
IF YOU HAVE AN MCPS ISSUED CHROMEBOOK, PLEASE BRING IT WITH YOU ON MONDAY.
After Homeroom, students will attend periods 1-8 (lunch is period 5).
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
8/21: Mandatory Fall Athlete Meeting - All Fall Athletes MUST Attend - 2:30 pm in the gym
8/24: New Student Orientation - 7:30 am - 12 pm
8/28: First Day of School
8/30-31: Underclassman Portraits, 9th - 11th grades through English classes
8/31: Back to School Night
September - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks
9/1: Underclassman Portraits, 9th - 11th grades through English classes
9/4: Labor Day - Schools & Offices Closed
9/11-12: Senior Portraits
9/15: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month
9/19: 1st PTSA Meeting - 6:30 pm in the Media Center
9/22: Early Release Day
9/25: Non-Instructional Day—No School For Students And Teachers
TBD: Club Fair (During Lunch)
TBD: 1st Booster Club Meeting
9/28: 1st African American Parent Council (AAPC) Meeting
October - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks
10/9 -10/13 - Homecoming Week - Stay tuned for information on Homecoming events and Spirit Week
10/14: Homecoming Dance
10/9: No School for Students - Professional Day for Staff
10/11: PSAT Day
10/17: PTSA Meeting - 6:30 pm in the Media Center
10/26: African American Parent Council (AAPC) Meeting
TBD: Booster Club Meeting
TBD: SV Choral Cluster Event
*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:
An opportunity to meet school staff and classmates
A chance to become familiar with the school building (finding classrooms and offices)
An overview of the academic program
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:
Senior Portraits - September 11-12, 2023; January 8-9, 2024
Senior Panoramic Portrait - TBD
Underclassmen Picture Days - 9th - 11th grades through English classes August 30-31, September 1
LFI/SCB Classes - August 29
Picture Make-up Day - October 11
Last Day Seniors may pay with check - May 1, 2024
Finance Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The window is closed daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Students may visit the finance office before school, during lunch, and after school.
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.
Students must attend all scheduled classes and must report directly to class when they arrive to school. First period begins at 7:45 am daily.
Students requesting an early dismissal must turn in their note to the Attendance Office before school. Every student with an authorized early departure must sign out at the Attendance Office when leaving the building and sign in upon returning.
A note from a parent/caregiver/guardian is required to excuse any absence. A physician’s note is required for any absence of five (5) or more days due to illness.
Absences of fewer than five consecutive days, but which occur on a frequent basis such as one or two absences every week or two will require medical documentation so that the school may support both the wellness and the academic progress of the student.
NEW for FY24 - Unexcused Absences of greater than ten (10) consecutive days will result in withdrawal due to non-attendance
In order to be in line with MSDE guidelines and other school districts in Maryland, MCPS will be reducing the number of days from 15 to 10 for students to be withdrawn for non-attendance.
Notes regarding absences must be presented to the Attendance Office within three (3) days of returning to school.
Students who anticipate being absent should bring a note to the attendance office 48 hours prior to the day of their absence, i.e. college visits, school-related activities, religious observance, etc. College visits are limited to 11th and 12th grade students and may not exceed three (3) days per year.
Students who participate in sports and extracurricular activities must attend school all day on any day they participate in an event. Furthermore, participation in an athletic event is not a reason to be absent or tardy the following day.
Reasons for excused absences and tardies are established by the Maryland State Department of Education, and not by MCPS or SVHS.
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):
Before or after the student instructional day.
During lunch.
Between classes and during transitional time.
Riding to or from school or school-sponsored activities on MCPS or chartered buses students may use personal mobile devices as long as use does not impact the safe operation of the bus and complies with MCPS regulations.
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:
Teachers allow the use of PMDs for instructional purposes.
Teachers include PMD use in their classroom agreements.
Teachers will create and post PMD agreements and consequences with their students in a collaborative and restorative manner.
If a student breaks school or class PMD agreements, the following steps should be taken to address behavior:
Conversation with student
Phone call to parent/guardian
Teacher level consequence
If distracting PMD behavior continues, teacher writes a referral to the student’s grade level administrator
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:
School immunizations - The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2023-2024 school year. Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year. For students whose required vaccines are incomplete, updated vaccine records must be submitted by the first day of school; proof of exemption or a vaccination visit must be submitted within 20 days. School staff are reviewing records and contacting families of students with incomplete vaccination records. Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.
School Health Forms - Returning students may need certain forms if they have a health condition that requires medication, other health support or accommodations, or an emergency health plan at school (for example, asthma, food allergies or a seizure disorder). Common forms include:
Form 525-13 (for medications to be given or available at school): Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication / Autorización para Suministro de Medicamento Recetado
Form 525-14 (emergency plan for severe allergic reactions): Emergency Care for the Management of a Student with a Diagnosis of Anaphylaxis / Atención de Emergencia para Estudiantes con Diagnóstico de Anafilaxia
Form 240-23 (for food services to be aware of special diets due to an allergy or another health condition): Special Dietary Needs Form / Formulario de Necesidades Alimentarias Especiales
Other health forms or forms in other languages are on our website
Athletics - Sports team tryouts start on Aug. 9 for high school, and Sept. 12 for middle school. Student-athletes will need a sports physical if they are registering for the first time, or if it has been 13 months (high school) or two years (middle school) since the date of their last exam. Parents/guardians must submit their student’s physical form as part of the online registration process. For more information on registration, required forms or other resources for sports physicals, visit the MCPS Athletics website.
For more information about school health services, see the program information on the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website. For an overview of mental health services and supports, download the MCPS Stronger Student App or click on “Mental Health Support” on the MCPS website.
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
One-time volunteers who will never be alone with students at the MCPS school do NOT need to complete the compliance measures.
They WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver's license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS). Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.
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)
These volunteers must complete BOTH the online child abuse and neglect training and the COVID attestation process.
Volunteers can pull their grade sheet showing a total of 183.3%. This grade shows completion of both processes.
They WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver's license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS).
Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.
Volunteers who will be attending field trips or supporting the school as a frequent volunteer AND will be alone with students.
In addition to the online child abuse and neglect training and the COVID attestation compliance measures, the volunteer must have completed the finger printing process.
Fingerprinting/Background check (only if they are working alone with students without supervision of an MCPS staff member or other type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation and FAQ )
Fingerprinting Webpage
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
Cross the street at marked crosswalks whenever possible.
Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with "right turn on red."
Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
Begin crossing the street on "Walk" signals-never on a solid or flashing "Don't Walk."
Use pedestrian pushbuttons to activate/extend the walk signal.
Use sidewalks. If none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles, and drivers see you.
Make eye contact with drivers so they see you. Never assume they do.
Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing.
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.