A Message from the PTSA

Dear SVHS community, the PTSA wants to hear from you. Please take a moment to complete the SVHS PTSA Feedback Poll to help us plan for our next PTSA meeting

If you have not done so yet, please join our Facebook - Seneca Valley High School PTSA | Facebook

Need to join the PTSA click here - Join Now

Save the dates! 

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Next PTSA meeting at 6:30 in the Media Center 

Monday, November 6, 2023 - Restaurant Night at Chipotle

Have questions, comments, feedback for the PTSA? Email us at svhsptsapres@gmail.com 

Have a great week 💚💛

SVHS PTSA 

ADHD Awareness Month

Did you know that October is ADHD Awareness Month? ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, affects millions, including many in our own community. It's more than just hyperactivity or distractibility; it impacts people's ability to focus and organize, which can be especially challenging in a school setting. Let's use this month to be supportive and understanding of all our peers.

Dyslexia Awareness Week (10/2-10/8)

In 2023, October 2nd through 8th is Dyslexia Awareness Week. Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects how the brain processes written language. It's important to know that dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. Dyslexia can often go unnoticed, so let's use this week to spread awareness and understanding. Thank you for listening, and let's support each other in making our school an inclusive environment for everyone.

World Blindness Awareness Month

October is World Blindness Awareness Month. This is a time to understand the challenges faced by those living without sight. Globally, nearly 285 million people are blind or visually impaired. Here in the U.S., about 4 million Americans are blind, and every minute, someone else loses their sight. Thank you for taking a moment to be informed and considerate, as awareness is the first step towards understanding and inclusivity.

The Holiday Giving Project 

Google form link: https://forms.gle/Q4VMJbJHqVuCwNsR6 

The Holiday Giving Project has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to qualifying households for over 30 years. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred for possible assistance for the holiday season, please complete this referral form provide the required information. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. Families can only be referred once; please do not complete a referral if you have already been referred from another school or agency. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. If you need help completing the form please contact Ms. Ruiz Miller at 240-447-8963.

El Holiday Giving Project ha brindado asistencia para el Día de Acción de Gracias y los días festivos de diciembre a los hogares que califican durante más de 30 años. Si usted y su familia están en necesidad y les gustaría ser referidos para una posible asistencia durante la temporada de festividades, complete este formulario de referencia para proporcionar la información requerida. Los recursos son limitados: solicite solo si usted y su familia realmente lo necesitan. Las familias solo pueden ser referidas una vez. Por favor no complete este referido si ya le han referido de otra escuela o agencia.  Si bien una referencia no es una garantía de asistencia, el Proyecto ayuda a tantas familias necesitadas como lo permitan las donaciones. Si necesita ayuda para completar el formulario, comuníquese con la Sra. Ruiz Miller al 240-447-8963.

Speak Up, Save a Life - Video Contest

What is Speak up, Save a Life?

The Opioid Epidemic is devastating families and communities nationwide. According to Maryland Department of Health, the number of drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths occurring in Maryland increased in 2020, reaching an all time high of 2, 799 deaths, an 8% increase over the number of deaths (2, 379) in 2019. Eighty-nine percent of all intoxication deaths that occurred in Maryland in 2020 were opioid-related. To tackle this epidemic and reduce the number of overdose deaths, the State's Attorney's Office for Montgomery County has initiated Speak up, Save a Life, an Opioid Overdose Education and Prevention Program. Our mission is to educate students, families, and the community about the opioid epidemic and provide knowledge of Maryland's Good Samaritan Law. 

The Video Contest challenges teenagers to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse, overdose and fentanyl among teens. The contest is open to all 6th - 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Top prize is $1,000

Learn More 

Notes From the SVHS College and Career Center

The FAFSA Will Not Be Available Until December!

Attention Seniors and Families! Important note that due to a redesign, this year’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application is not expected to be available until December of 2023. Completing the FAFSA form is the first step for students seeking financial aid to attend college.   

Once the FAFSA becomes available in December, all eligible Class of 2024 seniors should fill out the 2024-25 FAFSA as that will be their first year of attending college, university, or trade school. This includes students planning to attend Montgomery College. Accidentally filling out the wrong year’s FAFSA may lead to issues or delays in receiving financial aid! Mr. Nalda will provide details and updates as they become available. 

Click the following to learn more about the redesign: Implementing the 2024–25 FAFSA Process

Want to learn more about the FAFSA?  Attend the workshop at SVHS on October 11.  See the information below.

Need Money for College or Career School - Financial Aid FAFSA & MSFAA Workshop

NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE OR CAREER/TRADE SCHOOL?

Join us for a workshop to learn how to apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA for Undocumented Students).  There will be a session in English and one session in Spanish.  

Wednesday, October 11 |  6pm - 8pm  |  Seneca Valley High School

Click here for the flyer  |  Click here to register

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¿NECESITAS DINERO PARA LA UNIVERSIDAD O INSTITUTOS DE CARRERAS?

Les invitamos a un taller sobre la aplicación federal (FAFSA) y sobre la aplicación que brinda oportunidad de becas para estudiantes indocumentados (MSFAA).  Habrá una sesión en inglés y una sesión en español.

Miércoles, 11 de octubre  |  6pm - 8pm  |  Seneca Valley High School

haga clic aquí para ver el folleto  |  haga clic aquí para ver el folleto

SVHS Required Senior Post-Secondary Interest Form

If you have yet to do so, please fill out the SVHS Required Senior Post-Secondary Interest Form.

All SVHS Seniors are required to complete this form to indicate their post-high school plans.  This is an important part of the SV college application process in order to help ensure all high school documents are submitted in a timely fashion.  This information will also help us support you as you plan for life after high school.

Applying to College!

Students interested in applying to four-year colleges and universities should be working on applications now!  Students should refer to the SVHS College Application Packet document for specific instructions.  This document is a step-by-step guide to applying to colleges.  It has information and instructions on how to apply to college, including Montgomery College.  Feel free to reach out to your counselor or Mr. Nalda if you have any questions.

Staff Alma Maters

Curious or want to learn more about a particular college?  Click this link to see where some of our SVHS staff members attended college.  They have volunteered to speak with students about their school and college experience!

College Representative Visits in the College & Career Center

Juniors & Seniors are encouraged to participate in college rep visits to SVHS to learn more about colleges and universities.  Students interested in participating in rep visits must register in Naviance.  

Click here to learn more and see who is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!

Next Week’s College & Career Center Visits:

• Wake Forest University - Mon October 2 @ 8:45 AM

• Moravian University - Mon October 2 @ 10:30 AM

• American University - Mon October 2 @ 12:05 PM

• Washington Adventist University - Tue October 3 @ 12:05 PM

• Loyola University Maryland - Wed October 4 @ 8:35 AM

• Northwestern University - Wed October 4 @ 9:30 AM

• U.S. Air Force Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Wed October 4 @ 11:24 AM - 12:06 PM

  • No registration in Naviance is needed. Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the U.S. Air Force.

• Saint Vincent College - Wed October 4 @ 1:00 PM

• James Madison University - Thu October 5 @ 12:05 PM

• Virginia Tech - Thu October 5 @ 12:55 PM

Upcoming Scholarships 

• October 01 - Golden Door Scholarship - funding for a four-year degree at Golden Door partner schools and access to mentors, fellowship, and career support; must have DACA, TPS or be undocumented (if you are a current US citizen or permanent resident, you are not eligible to apply); high financial need; transcript; leadership and extracurricular activities; essay - you can use one written from one of your college applications or use one of the prompts from The Common Application.

• October 02 - Coca-Cola Scholars Program* - (*deadline is 5pm on 10/02) 150-$20,000 awards; senior; U.S. Citizen, legal resident, refugee (see link for full eligibility list); min 3.0 GPA; achievement based scholarship; planning to pursue a college degree after high school; involved in school and community activities; transcript.

• October 08 - AES Scholarship - $500 award; senior; no GPA requirement; open to all students planning to attend a post secondary (after high school) educational facility (college or trade school); you are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible; submit a 500-1000 word essay answering the following: "When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?"

• October 17 - Heisman High School Scholarship* - (*deadline is 3pm on 10/17) 100 awards, ranging from $1,000 - $10,000 awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA; participate or have participated in grades 9, 10, or 11 in at least one of the sports listed on the site (click here to see list); be a leader in school and in the community and serve as a role model for underclassman; students must ask a school official to review their application.

• October 17 - College JumpStart Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; grades 10-12; U.S. cit. or legal res.; attend 2-year, 4-year or trade school; answer 1 of 3 questions in 250 words or less.

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

Other Info & Opportunities

University of Rochester’s Multicultural Visitation Program (MVP)

Are you interested in a free trip to Rochester to learn more about our welcoming community?

University of Rochester’s Multicultural Visitation Program (MVP) offers a funded campus visit for prospective students from a wide range of backgrounds and allows them to experience Rochester on a more personal level. We invite current high school seniors attending school in the United States who otherwise financially might not be able to visit campus to apply for MVP.

As a participant in MVP, you will receive free transportation to and from campus, a one-night stay in a residence hall with a current student, and specialized programming on top of our Research Rochester Open House events. MVP will take place Thursday, November 9 -  Friday, November 10. 

Learn more about the program and application details at admissions.rochester.edu/visit/multicultural-visitation-program.

Space is limited, so apply by the deadline on Friday, October 6. The application requires two brief essay responses, a permission slip, and your unofficial transcript, so we recommend reviewing the application in advance.

If you have any questions, please contact mvp@rochester.edu or (585) 275-3221. 

Mentor Opportunity for High School Ladies (Stipend Available)

The STYLES girls mentoring program is looking to partner with local high school young ladies to be mentors to girls in middle school. They would meet with the middle school girls at their local school one day a week from 3:30pm-5:30pm. There are four local middle schools that are participating in this after school mentoring program. The schools are Roberto Clemente, Neelsville, Forest Oak, and Montgomery Village Middle School. The program runs from October 2, 2023- December 21, 2023. Each mentor will be given a stipend. 

STYLES has been operating in Montgomery County Public Schools and Community Centers for the past 10 years. 

Interested or have questions?  Please reach out to serenityinsis@gmail.com

November 4th- SVHS Boosters Community Yard Sale.  

Join ASIA Club - Interest Meeting 10/2

ASIA Club at Seneca Valley aims to foster appreciation for Asian cultures and celebrate people of Asian descent who have positively impacted the world.  The ASIA Club interest meeting for this year will take place on Monday, October 2nd, in room 3403 during lunch.  All are welcome!

Library Media News: Celebrate fREADom!

Banned Book Week, October 1-7 🔥

During Banned Book Week, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.  In 2022, OIF documented 1,269 demands to censor library books, nearly double the book challenges reported in 2021.  Majority of those titles were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or by and about Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color.  Many of the Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 will be featured in a reading promotion in the Library Media Center this week in a celebration of fREADom! 

Book Club Updates 🌻

Don’t forget that it’s never too late to join the book club!  Upcoming discussions include:

• Monday, October 16th: House of Hollows by Krystal Sutherland.

• Monday, November 20th: There There by Tommy Orange.  

Book discussions take place during lunch, even on the half day.  Membership is fluid and students are welcome to read with us when the selections are interesting and appealing and may skip books they are not motivated to read.  We have limited numbers of print copies of each book available, but students may also read the book in audiobook or eBook format.  For information about accessing books in Sora, our online reading app, please click on the READ Online! flag in the Virtual SVLMC or stop by the LMC for assistance. 

News from the Business & Finance Offices 

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

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

Important Dates to Remember:

• Senior Portraits - January 8-9, 2024

• Senior Panoramic Portrait - October 15, 2023

• 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.