SVHS GREEN AND GOLD
Community Newsletter
September 3, 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.
Introducing Mr. Tyrell
We are happy to annoucne that Mr. Rudy Tyrell will join our administrative team as Acting Assistant Principal starting on September 19th. Mr. Tyrell will supervise the Language and Literature, Graduation Readiness, and Fine Arts Departments. He will serve as co-9th grade administrator and will support students with last names beginning with I through M.
A Note from Mr. Tyrell
I am grateful to MCPS and Dr. Cohen for allowing me to serve as the acting assistant principal at Seneca Valley High School. I started my career in 1990 as a physical educator at Francis Scott Key Middle School. I began teaching physical education at James Hubert Blake in 2001 and was promoted to assistant principal within Blake High School in 2007. I transferred to Gaithersburg High School in 2015 and I retired in 2020 after serving in MCPS for 30 years. I did NOT get bored in retirement, but realized I still have a passion to serve students, staff, and families. In the last 3 years I have worked as a second observer for elementary educators, a summer school coordinator for CTE, and have substituted as an assistant principal at Wheaton HS, Whitman HS, Westland MS, Briggs Chaney MS, Banneker MS, New Hampshire Estates ES and Sargent Shriver ES. I even subbed as a teacher at the elementary and middle school level between assistant principal jobs. The most important part of retirement though is spending more time with my wife of 25 years as well as my 19-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter. Between family, friends, and volunteering at church I never ever get bored. I have learned a great deal personally and professionally during my time substituting and am very thankful to continue my growth at Seneca Valley. I look forward to meeting everyone and sincerely hope I add value to the community.
IB Spotlight
We hope everyone had a great 1st week of school! In the IB Office are excited to continue our tradition of excellence as well as our growth as a wall-to-wall IB school offering IB-aligned teaching and learning to every student. In case you missed it, click here to read more about IB in action at SVHS in our IB Program Back to School letter!
IB Student Spotlight: As a part of their Creativity-Action-Service (CAS) project, Jude Hassan and Marie Hybl, senior IB Diploma Candidates, hosted a book drive for elementary students at Clopper Mill. They have collected over 530 books!!
CAS encourages students to be involved in activities as individuals and as part of a team that take place in local, national and international contexts. CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development as well as their social and civic development, through experiential learning, lending an important counterbalance to the academic pressures of the rest of the IB Diploma Programme. It should be both challenging and enjoyable - a personal journey of self-discovery that recognizes each student's individual starting point. (ibo.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.
How to order photos without a QR code:
Go to Legacystudios.com and scroll down to the FAQ's section at the bottom of the page
Select What do I do if I don't have my gallery code
You'll then see: Follow this link: FIND MY CODE
Click on the FIND MY CODE link - or simply click here: Legacy Studios Find My Code
Enter the required information for your student, (name and student id number) to access your images
If you do not know your child's student id number, please contact our Customer Care team for assistance at:
customercare@legacystudios.com
716-512-6336
A Message from the Boosters
SAVE THE DATES:
September 21st- Boosters Meeting- Open to the public. Zoom Link to follow.
November 4th- SVHS Boosters Community Yard Sale. Details to follow.
2023-2024 Booster Membership is now open to join!
Please use this QR code or link to sign up and send your $15 membership fee https://square.link/u/7qiWt8kq
Membership gives you voting rights for decisions in Boosters, changes, and how to disperse money to clubs and athletics. You will also receive a Seneca Valley bumper sticker.
Sign up genius is LIVE for our 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
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
Library Media News: 9th Grade and ESOL LMC Orientation Underway!
Library Media Center Orientation
From August 31th - September 13th, LMC staff are welcoming 9th grade and ESOL students to the library media center (LMC) for orientation. During this session, students learn about our physical and online spaces, and services and opportunities presented in the LMC. In addition, staff review basic Chromebook care and troubleshooting tips. If you would like to see the orientation slides, please click HERE.
Encourage Students to Explore the Virtual SVLMC!
The Library Media Center (LMC) has a virtual presence through which students may access research resources, information on citing sources, tools for reading online, opportunities to participate in reading programs, and more. Last week, students who are not already enrolled in the Virtual SVLMC should have received an invite in their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas accounts. If they did not, they simply need to click on this link to enroll. By clicking on the LMC Information tab, students can access LMC orientation slides. The last 10 slides provide a self-directed tour through our virtual space. If you have questions about this, or any other aspect of the library media program at SVHS, please contact our school librarian, Ms. Little.
Save the Date! Book Club Interest Meeting 9/12
The SVHS Book Club participates in three reading programs: the Black-Eyed Susan Book Club is a year-long reading club through which students read three of ten nominated books by April, and then vote to help select the best book for Maryland’s high school readers, Project LIT Community is a grassroots, nationwide literacy movement that aims to promote reading by providing access to books that help students feel seen and heard, and One Maryland One Book is a statewide reading program that takes place each fall. To learn more about each of these clubs, students may:
visit the Book Clubs flag in the Virtual SVLMC
plan to attend an interest meeting in the LMC on Tuesday, September 12th, at the beginning of lunch
or contact Ms. Little, our Library Media Specialist 🌻
ACTION: Complete the Google, YouTube, and Online Digital Tools Consent Form
Parents and guardians - if your student is in grade 9, new to MCPS, or if you have not previously submitted the G-Suite for Education: Additional Services form, please give your student(s) permission to access and use technology resources as part of their learning experience. Access to the form is via ParentVUE, as part of the Annual Verification process.
From Technology Information and Support for Parents:
What is Annual Verification and how do I do this in ParentVue?
In the past, yellow emergency cards and a variety of other forms were sent home with students on the first day of school so that families could communicate updates about contact information, health, directory withholdings, emergency contacts, and more. This process will now take place in ParentVUE using Online Registration.
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
Notes From the SVHS College and Career Center
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
Any Seniors interested in applying to college should start familiarizing themselves with the SVHS College Application Packet document. 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. If you plan on applying to any four-year schools, you should start working on this process ASAP! Feel free to reach out to your counselor or Mr. Nalda if you have any questions.
College Representative Visits in the College & Career Center
Juniors & Seniors are encouraged to participate in visits to learn more about colleges and universities. Students interested in participating in visits must register in Naviance.
Advantages of participating in college visits:
Meeting the contact from a college or university. Many times, these are the same people reviewing your application.
Learning in-depth information about the school, their program offerings, and financial aid.
In some cases, colleges may offer insight on how to receive a fee waiver.
To attend a college visit, students must have permission from their teacher in order to attend. It is the responsibility of each student to make-up any work they may miss. Click here to learn more and see who is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!
Next Week’s College & Career Center Visits:
New York University - Wed September 6 @ 12:15 PM
*U.S. Army Recruiter, Lunch Visit - Thu September 7 @ 11:12 AM - 11:54 AM
*No registration in Naviance needed. Stop by the cafeteria anytime during lunch to learn more about the U.S. Army.
Upcoming Scholarships
September 08 - Cameron Impact Scholarship* - (*deadline is 3pm EST) 10-15 four-year, full-tuition awards for exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics; senior; maintain a minimum, cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.7; full citizen of the United States of America; planning to enroll in a full-time course of study towards a degree at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university for the full academic year following high school graduation; two Letters of Recommendation; transcript; 75-100 Finalists to receive face-to-face interviews (typically at the Applicant’s high school).
September 15 - The Gates Scholarship - top 300 students receive funding for full cost of attendance; senior; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American; min 3.3 GPA; financial need; Pell-eligible; must enroll full-time in a four-year degree program; outstanding academic record; demonstrated leadership; personal success skills.
September 15 - Notorious RBG Women Of Tomorrow Scholarship - 10-$1,000 awards; grades 9-12 and recently graduated 2023 seniors (female-identified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, however applicants of any gender are eligible!); 500-800 word essay; pictures/videos/ media showing your leadership in action; color headshot; academic resume; current transcript (can be official or unofficial); educator recommendation.
September 17 - We The Future Contest - 1-$1,000 award for each project categories; grades 9-12; ages 14-19 at time of entry; U.S. Cit. or legal res.; submit an original work one of the following about the First Amendment: essay, song, STEM, short film, or PSA; see link for full rules and guidelines.
September 26 - QuestBridge National College Match - recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000; any high school senior, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S. is eligible for the National College Match (should review the Additional Citizenship Requirements); have earned primarily A's in the most challenging courses available (usually including Honors, AP, and/or IB level courses); financial need as finalists typically come from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a typical household of four and have minimal assets.
September 30 - Don't Text and Drive Scholarship - $1,000 award; 9-12 grade; U.S. Citizen; submit a 140-character personal statement that completes this sentence: "I pledge to not text and drive because...."
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Other Info & Opportunities
Keystone Club Interest Meeting
Keystone is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. It is TEEN LED and TEEN FOCUSED! Teens conduct activities in four areas: academic success, career exploration, community service, and teen outreach. All while having a great time and forming friendships with other members!
If teens are looking to gain SSL hours and/or leadership experience, the Keystone is the place for them! This club is open to all teens ages 13-18 (8th-12th grade)! Click here for the flyer
Interested? Click here to register and attend our virtual interest meeting on Thursday, September 7th @ 6pm. If you are unable to attend, please reach out to the contact listed below to get more information on how you can still participate.
Questions or want more information? Reach out to Ashley Miller (Program Director - Germantown Boys & Girls Club) at amiller@bgcgw.org.
Bowie Baysox College Fair
The Bowie Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are pleased to put together our 5th Annual College Fair on Thursday, September 7th starting at 5:30pm. It is a unique setting to talk to colleges and also enjoy a baseball game! The event will go from 5:30 – 8:30pm with first pitch set for 6:35pm.
Students can get one (1) free general admission ticket by showing their school ID at a table we will have setup near our front entrance. If parents attend with students they can purchase a ticket from our box office.
From there they can go in, meet and talk to school representatives and enjoy our game against the Blue Jays affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
This year, we will have 15 colleges and universities present. There is still a chance a few more could be added. (Click here to see the list)
Questions? Please reach out to Adam Pohl at apohl@baysox.com or call 301-805-6000.
How to Make your Common App Less Common - Webinar
Most students applying to college will come face-to-face with the Common App. Knowing the ins and outs of the application process can give students the competitive edge they need to navigate the platform successfully. Find out how to use your application to make yourself stand out. Jordan Kanarek from CollegeWise will be presenting to students on Zoom on Tuesday, September 12th at 7pm. Students and parents are welcome to join.
In this webinar, you’ll leave feeling more confident about:
Academic transcript requirements
Extracurricular planning
Essay writing and school selection
Incorporating personality in the application
And recent changes that will impact applicants
Interested? Click here to register and for more information.
Post High School: Planning for Accommodations in College - Webinar for Families
This webinar will be a session on planning for post secondary accommodations for your student with disabilities. Tuesday, September 19, at 7:00 pm. The session will cover:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protections and definitions
The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 protections and definitions
How to prepare before your student leaves high school
When to disclose and how to disclose a student’s disability and needs
Evaluations that may be needed
Parents role once a student enrolls in college
What types of accommodations are reasonable
Please complete this form to register for the event. The Zoom link for the webinar will be sent upon form submission. (Flyer)
SVHS College & Career Monthly Newsletter
Student Athletes, Families, and Screaming Eagle Fans!
Please see link for this week’s Weekly update from the athletic department.
News from the Business and 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 - September 11-12, 2023; 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.
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!
REGISTER FOR SCHOOLCASH ONLINE TODAY
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.