SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
August 6, 2023
First Day of School for Students is August 28, 2023
We will continue to use this newsletter as a central communications space between school and home. Please check back every Sunday in August as we continue to roll out important information intended to make your student's transition back to school a smooth and successful one.
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.
STUDENTS AND PARENTS: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
We want to hear from you! As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2023-2024 school year, we want to hear from you.
Students: Please complete this brief, three-question Student Survey by August 11.
Parents: Please complete this brief, three-question Parent Survey by August 11.
Fall Calendar Dates to Remember
August - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks
8/7 -8/11: Band Camp
8/9: First Day of Fall Sports
8/15: Summer School Graduation 10:00 a.m. at Gaithersburg HS
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
8/31: Back to School Night
September - Keep visiting this newsletter for additional dates to be added over the next few weeks
9/4: Labor Day - Schools & Offices Closed
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: Underclassman Portraits
TBD: Club Fair (During Lunch)
TBD: 1st Booster Club Meeting
TBD: 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
TBD: Booster Club Meeting
TBD: SV Choral Cluster Event
*11/1 Marks the end of the 1st quarter
2023 SUMMER ENRICHMENT & ASSIGNMENTS
Click the links below for the latest information regarding SVHS 2023 Summer Enrichment and Assignments.
Student Service Learning Hours
Student Service Learning (SSL) is a Maryland state graduation requirement. Students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school and can start earning SSL hours the summer after grade 5. Students may continue to earn SSL hours throughout middle school and high school.
Introduction to SSL Handout:
English | Español | 中文 | Français | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ | Portuguêse
SSL Hours Earned
How to check your SSL hours on Student/Parent Vue
SSL Forms, Guidelines and Resources
MCPS SSL Hub for Students/Families -
SSL Opportunities
https://bit.ly/SSLOpportunities
https://bit.ly/VirtualSSL2020
SSL Coordinator
Ellen Fellows; Ellen_P_Fellows@mcpsmd.org
SSL Program Overview Slideshow
https://bit.ly/SSLOverview2020
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.
Soar Like an Eagle Period
Our students continued to learn valuable new things in our Soar Like and Eagle Period this past school year. This time was dedicated to social emotional learning and student/staff well-being. Over the summer our Instructional Leadership Team examined feedback on from students and staff on the impact of this period. We are currently finalizing plans for a more robust program that attends to these same needs while also allowing time for community building and academic support. Information will be updated and shared with students, staff, and families in the Sunday newsletter on August 20, 2023.
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.
Athletics Update - First Day of Fall Sports is August 9th - Must be cleared by August 7th
Please use this link to find our weekly SVHS athletics update and to see the most up-to-date information about our athletics program.
A Message from the Boosters
2023-2024 Booster Membership is now open to join!
Please use this 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.
Boosters is always looking for fun and new ways to raise money to give back to our students and we value your ideas.
Booster meeting schedule TBD so, stay tuned!
Sign up genius is LIVE for our fall 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
Rob Duda
SVHS Boosters
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:
● Causes a disruption to the school environment, including any school-sponsored activities
● 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
Students will be permitted to eat lunch in the following areas:
Cafeteria
First Floor Hallway Tables
Outside – Behind the building, by the stadium, weather permitting
Media Center
Hallways
Teacher Classrooms (with advanced permission from the teacher)
Students will be prohibited from eating or congregating in the following areas:
Stairs and Landings
Outside – Front or sides of the school
The Main Office Hallway
Conduct
Students must obey any reasonable instructions from staff without complaint.
Be respectful.
Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to: wrestling/fighting, screaming, harassment, obscene language, unacceptable public displays of affection, and any other behaviors prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct.
Recycling and trash receptacles are located throughout the school and all waste and recyclables should be disposed of accordingly. All eating areas will have a trashcan in or near them for use.
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.
Bus Routes
2023-24 school bus routes are expected to be released on this week. As soon as they are made available, they will be published in this newsletter and on our school website.
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
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.
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
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We cordially invite you to attend our Back to School Night on Thursday, August 31. 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 things 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 achieve academically. By participating in this evening, you will make a powerful statement that you support your child, the school, and education.
Please pay attention to this newsletter in the coming weeks for more information.
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.