Springbrook Weekly Digest
Week of Feb 18, 2024
A Message from Ms. Valentine, Principal
Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,
Welcome back to another edition of the Springbrook Weekly Digest! Let's dive in to see what's been happening in our vibrant school community.
SCHOOL CLOSED MONDAY
MCPS is closed on Mon, Feb 19, 2024 in observance of President's Day.
SPIRIT WEEK
The Black Student Union (BSU) is sponsoring Black History Month (BHM) Spirit Week. Be sure to read the BHM Spirit Week section to learn about the identified themes each day of the week.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
I'm proud to highlight the scholastic and athletic achievements of our Blue Devils' accomplishments.
ATHLETICS
We close out winter season with two final basketball games before playoffs
- Feb 20 - Girls Varsity Basketball v. Einstein at Springbrook, 6:00 PM
- Feb 20 - Boys Varsity Basketball v. Einstein at Einstein, 6:00 PM
- Spring sports are right around the corner; be sure to register your student in ParentVUE.
Be sure to check out all of the updates and announcements this week, and thank you for being an essential part of the Springbrook community!
In this issue:
- Schedule for the week
- Celebrating Black History Month
- BHM Spirit Week
- Apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships
- Athletics - Seniors recognized for participation in winter sports; SBHS competitive wrestler
- BHM door decoration contest winners
- Book of the Week (BOTW)
- Congressional Art Competition
- QuestBridge Scholarship Application Opens
- PTSA - Family Forum On Mental Health & Substance Use Prevention; Wendy's Fundraiser
- SBHS Tutoring
- See Something, Say Something
- SSL opportunities - Great with building, constructing, designing and painting? Create the set for the spring musical and earn SSL hours
Warm regards,
Stephanie Valentine
Principal
Springbrook High School
We Continue to Celebrate the Vast Contributions of Black Americans
Fourteenth Secretary of the Smithsonian
This week, we recognize Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian. As secretary, Bunch oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and numerous research centers and several education centers. Additionally, Bunch is developing two new museums, the National museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum.
Black Student Union Sponsors BHS Spirit Week - February 20 - 23, 2024
BSU is hosting BHM Spirit Week as a fantastic way to honor and recognize the contributions, achievements and culture of Black people. Planned themed days for the week are as follows:
Tuesday, Feb 20 - HBCU Gear
Wed, Feb 21 - Drip Down Day
Thurs, Feb 22 - TV & Movie
Fri, Feb 23 - Wear colors indicated below:
- Staff - Red
- Gr 9 and 10 - Yellow
- Gr 11 and 12 - Green
Let's Talk Scholarships
Parents, caregivers, and students are invited to the Virtual Scholarship Information Session
Virtual Scholarship Information Session
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Using Scholarships to Help Pay for College
This presentation will:
- Provide an overview of the scholarship process as part of the overall financial aid process
- Discuss strategy for applying to scholarships
- Review resources for applying to scholarships
Register here: https://bit.ly/42I1Bzu
Blue Devils Check Out How to Explore Post-High School Options
Internships, summer programs, and pre-college programs are a great way for student to explore post-high school options and gain valuable experience they can add to their resume. Many summer programs have spring application deadlines, so start searching soon if you may be interested! Explore the many options and opportunities from the list below:
§ Summer Programs & Internships - List of summer programs and internships created by MCPS College & Career Information Coordinators.
Work Based Learning Summer 2024 Registration is Open for Rising Gr 11 and 12
Interested in Technology or Business? Consider Applying to Genesys Works
Genesys Works applications are LIVE. Please apply before the March 24 deadline. It's one of THE BEST programs that we offer. You must be available for 8 weeks in the summer for training and then have room for a Triple Period internship during your school year.
What is Genesys Works?
Genesys Works provides opportunities for students to work in paid internships at major corporations, receive industry-recognized certifications, and help with college, scholarship,
and financial aid during their senior year of high school.
What are the benefits of participating?
• It's an opportunity to gain professional and business technology skills while earning college credit. Students learn skills like public speaking, Microsoft Office, business technology, teamwork, and more – all while having fun!
• It's a paid corporate internship in Information Technology or Business Operations.
Students will work for 12 months at a top company like AT&T, Accenture, and Apple FCU!
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking students interested in having a successful professional career and want to be exposed to a business environment before starting college. While our internships are technology and business-focused, we do not require any prior knowledge of technology or business.
To learn more about Genesys Works, please see Ms. Brown in G202. Nicole.B.Brown@mcpsmd.net
Recognizing our Seniors Participating in Winter Sports at Senior Night
John Weinshel, assistant principal, Seniors Varsity Girls Basketball - Ramla Gumel, Christel Emmanuel, and Naiya Woods, and Coach Ocien White
Sabrina Williams-Ridley, Captain, Poms and Asherah Forte, Manager, Poms.
Seniors Jennifer Linton and Morgan Brooks, Captain, Varsity Girls Cheerleaders.
Senior Varsity Boys Basketball Managers - Nathaniel Negash, Ibukunoluma Adeyemi, Rediet Mesganaw, and Blain Sahilu.
Blue Devil Acknowledged for Accomplishments as a Competitive Wrestler
Lincoln's career record of 106-15 has him three shy of his older brother's record, and within 18 of the school record of 124 set by Joseph Galeano.
The Black Student Union Sponsors Black History Month Door Decorating Contest
Springbrook's Black Student Union (BSU) encouraged staff to explore, identify, and decorate their doors based on the theme “African Americans and the Arts,” through the lens of film and movies. Movies have been an incredible tool used to share the American Black culture and experience. Review the various doors decorated which elevated the importance of saluting the impactful contributions of African Americans.
Congratulations to all participates but particularly to Mr. Kevin Franco (first place winner), Mr. James Fairrow, (second place winner) and Ms. Jennifer Earle (third place winner).
Springbrook's Library Media Center Highlights the Feb 18 - Feb 24, BOTW
Black Boy Joy
"Celebrate the joys of Black boyhood with stories from seventeen bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors—including Jason Reynolds, Jerry Craft, and Kwame Mbalia." - Penguin Random House
Seniors Learning About Scholarship Opportunities and College Acceptances
Senior Sabrina Williams-Ridley recently received an academic scholarship to attend Xavier University of Louisiana as a chemistry pre-pharmacy major in the fall. The scholarship is a tremendous recognition of Sabrina's hard work, dedication, academic achievements, and abilities. Scholarships such as this alleviate financial burdens and allow students to focus on their studies and future aspirations. Congratulations Sabrina, on this well-deserved honor.
Although Senior Anthony Lopez-Luna has his sights set on UMD, Lopez-Luna received a significant scholarship from the New Mexico University. Receiving a scholarship of this magnitude is quite a significant achievement and a testament to his hard work and academic abilities. Lopez-Luna plans to major in films studies and/or economics. Congratulations to Anthony and best of luck as he continues to make decisions about his future education.
Rep. Raskin's 2024 Congressional Art Competition
All high school students residing in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District are eligible and encouraged to enter.
- Entries must be submitted digitally via the portal here no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024.
- Each student can submit one 2-dimensional piece, no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches in depth when framed, along with their completed Student Information & Release Form.
Complete submission guidelines can be found on Congressmember Raskin’s website here.
If you would like more information on the Congressional Art Competition, please contact Nina Weisbroth at nina.weisbroth@mail.house.gov or Hailey Roh at hailey.roh@mail.house.gov or call 301-354-1000.
QuestBridge 2024 College Prep Scholars Program Application is Open
The application for the QuestBridge application is open until March 20, 2024. The QuestBridge National College Match can be your pathway to a top college. Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation's best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000.
The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the cost of attendance, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and food
- Books and supplies
- Travel and expenses
- Have NO parental contribution
- Have NO student loans
Family Forum On Mental Health & Substance Use Prevention at the Brook
A Family Forum at Springbrook High School will take place on Sat., Feb. 24, 2024 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM. The forum will focus on Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention. Light breakfast will be provided and SSL hours will be given for students that attend. There will be numerous vendors, presenters and FREE Narcan training and distribution. Please click the link to RSVP, so we can plan accordingly.
PTSA Meeting - Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Please join us at the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) meeting on Tuesday, February 20th at 6:30pm via Zoom.
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82021170633?pwd=VnN5ZDFMcDVCM3FudFZTN3ZhaWhWQT09
Meeting ID: 820 2117 0633
Passcode: PTSA
Ms. Catherine Thompson will present on the Climate Survey and provide an update on the shelter-in-place incident that occurred on February 6th. As always, please email us at springbrookptsa@gmail.com if you have any questions, suggestions or feedback. We look forward to seeing you there!
State of Maryland Emergency Drills
We prepare, practice and implement safety and security measures by conducting the State of Maryland emergency drills throughout the school year. Please review the drills below:
Tutoring Opportunities at the Brook
Blue Devils, Remember the SBHS See Something, Say Something Initiative.
Safety is extremely important to our Blue Devil Community!
Blue Devils if you've seen something concerning at school, please use this QR code to report the incident. Providing details, location, and timeframe is really helpful.Great with Constructing, Designing, and Painting? Build the Set for the Musical
Visit the Springbrook Webpage to Learn About Upcoming SSL Opportunities
Springbrook High School
Email: Stephanie_Z_Valentine@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/springbrookhs/
Location: 201 Valley Brook Drive, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-3800
Instagram: @springbrookprinc