Thunderblast Weekly
February 7, 2021
Snow Falling
Spending a good amount of time outside last week during the storm had me thinking about the beauty of the falling snow. I decided on this theme because I knew it would dictate so much of our change in schedule last week. I had no idea by doing this I might be calling for another storm. My apologies.
I also wanted to divert my attention from the Super Bowl as I made a seemingly sure thing bet with my brother-in-law in August. He took Brady and I took the field. There was no way he was going to beat Brees and Rodgers without Belichick. Well, here he stands at the table again. I hope you have an enjoyable and warm Super Bowl Sunday with family as you have been treated to another winter storm.
Next week's theme- Preparation
In-Person Learning:
If you feel a strong need to change your original choice, please use this form. We are encouraging families to stay with their original choice, but if you feel the need to change, we will use this form to reach out for further discussion.
SOL Testing Information
Thank you over 100 families that have already shared their preference for the SOLs. Below is a breakdown of responses to the SOL Participation Form so far. We understand that this is not a decision that we have asked you to make before. Please refer to Mr. Seipt's email from February 1 for more details and answers to many frequently asked questions. We are asking all 8th grade parents to respond by the February 15 so that we can plan for the Writing SOL on March 1 and 8. Parents of 6th and 7th grade students can respond any time (but sooner is better!) If you have any questions, please email Mr. Seipt (mitchell.seipt@lcps.org)
UMHT Updates
Course Recommendations: This is the final week before all course recommendations and electives are uploaded into our system so we can make our 2021-22 master schedule. Although you can make changes up until May 1st, this is the time to go into StudentVUE and ParentVUE and discuss these choices as a family. Our administrative team is continuing our search for new candidates this weekend at the division job fair, so I can't emphasize how important knowing our numbers for each class now will be.
Book Club
Ms. Stewart's book club is open, and it is available to sixth and seventh graders. Meetings will be held virtually, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm.
If you are interested, please attend any of the scheduled meetings (2/10/21, 2/24/21, 3/10/21, 3/24/21, 4/7/21, 4/21/21, 5/5/21, 5/19/21, 6/2/21 (Last Meeting), using this meet link.
Any information about the novels or ongoing discussions can be found in our Schoology group: M2RC-RC6Z-VWWMH
Photos
Yearbook
Calling on Parents, Students, and Staff to help make the 20-21 yearbook a success! Please share with us the following by emailing to vbidegan@lcps.org.
yearbook picture if you didn't come in for photos
distance learning at home
sports/outdoor activities outside of school
music/cooking/building/creative activities outside of school
socially distant friend gatherings
student artwork and other projects created at home (send a picture of it)
a one paragraph reflection on what you feel you will have learned from your Covid experience
Thank you so much for helping our editorial staff create a book that students will always remember!
Black History Month Celebration
Our digital Black History Month Celebration will be on February 25th from 5:30-7:00 PM. We are looking for students who want to present about Black culture, music, history, food or famous individuals! Please fill out this survey if you are interested in participating.
We will also have a digital poster contest and you can enter to win some amazing prizes! First prize is a $50.00 Amazon gift card! Click here to find out more information and all posters are due on 2/15. Email Mrs. Zangara if you have any questions.
Science Olympiad Tournament Results
March 20- Bring on States!!!
Finishing Strong!
Awesome Participants!
PBIS Highlights
6th Grade- Omar Garcia
7th- Jennifer Calderon
8th- Samantha Crim
8th Grade- Alison Escobar Navarrete
THANK YOU, Alison Escobar Navarrete, for showing CONFIDENCE in class by participating in classroom discussions through the chat and by unmuting your microphone, even when you might be the only one.
Staff of the Week
PTO Corner
Something to Ponder: Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers. -- Kahlil Gibran
Spirit Night: Our February Spirit Night will be at Chik Fil A on Tuesday, Feb, 16, from 5 - 8 pm.The school will receive 10% back from all purchases that mention our school.
Celebration of the Arts: In honor of Black History month the Loudoun and Fairfax Public Libraries are hosting a virtual celebration of The Harlem Renaissance & Black Arts Movement on Wednesday, February 16 at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the Zoom meeting HERE.
Next PTO Meeting: February 24 at 6:00 pm. Go to meet.google.com/uek-nfni-inx. Or join by phone at +1 617-675-4444 with PIN: 835 053 291 7550#
PRS & SEAC: To sign up for PRS' newsletter on current resources and events visit their website. For more information on SEAC please visit their website, or email our SEAC Representative, Jill Pope.
Other ways to get involved:
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- Make a donation to the SRMS PTO and get your company to match it
- Download the Boxtops for Education app and scan your grocery receipts
- Link your Amazon account to Seneca and earn free money for the school
- Purchase Seneca Gear to show your school spirit!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am-
Friendly reminder, after 8:30am the system automatically denies the request because attendance has been taken by a teacher and you will be notified.
Click here (don’t forget to put your child’s first and last name)
Call our Attendance line- 571-434-4422 (least preferred option)
Reminders
Monday’s Schedule:
Advisory: 9:00-9:15AM
Office Hours:
1:00-2:00PM Math, SS, World Languages, FACS, Tech Ed, Art
2:00-3:00PM English, Science, Health & PE, Music
Technology Support
As we transition support to in our building (when possible) or at Dominion High School, the best way to reach out for support is to contact your grade level administrative assistant.
6th Grade- Jennifer.Ramos@lcps.org or 571-434-4426
7th Grade- kelly.dales@lcps.org 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
Check us out!
Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/30563
Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-4420
Twitter: @SRMS_Official