Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
November 27-December 1
Dear Silver Creek Families
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday filled with rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Some time away from our everyday tasks can be remarkably restorative. I am confident that we will all return with renewed enthusiasm and vigor.
As we approach the winter months, let's continue to support one another, fostering a positive and inclusive environment where each member of our community can thrive. The winter season presents a chance for us to engage in various winter-themed activities, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it's participating in winter sports, enjoying seasonal arts and crafts, or simply appreciating the beauty of the winter landscape, there is much to look forward to during the months ahead.
We have less than two weeks until interims for marking period 2, scheduled for Monday, December 11. As always, please encourage your child to take advantage of their advisory time to complete any missing assignments and/or to receive any extra support. Wishing you all a wonderful return from Thanksgiving break and a joyous entry into the winter season. Let's make the upcoming weeks memorable, filled with learning, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness- make it a great week, Huskies!
In the newsletter, the section with an * has been updated with new information OR is a new section in the newsletter. Please make sure to review. As always, thank you for your continued partnership.
Bell Schedule
*Silver Creek News (SCN) News
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Tuesday, November 21, 2023 to hear upcoming news & events:https://youtube.com/live/yry10kKaWFA?feature=share
You may also access the following document for the daily links to the Silver Creek News Show (SCN).
*Computer Science Education Week- Begins December 4
Compute Science Education Week starts on December 4. All students will participate in the Hour of Code through their science classes. You may learn more about the hour of code HERE.
In addition, students will learn about pioneers in computer science through the morning announcements and be able to read about different careers in computer science on the posters in the hallways throughout the building. All students will have access to the Hour of Code activities through their myMCPS science classrooms.
Student Behaviors
We had student town hall meetings a few weeks ago where we celebrated students' accomplishments from Quarter 1 and reviewed school-wide behavioral expectations. You may view the slide presentations from each grade level below. We ask that families partner with us to reinforce these expectations so we can continue the rest of 2023 strong!
- Respecting Differences: Encourage your child to appreciate and celebrate the diversity within our school community. Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness.
- Anti-Bullying: Discuss with your child the negative impact of bullying and the importance of standing up against it and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Empathy: Foster a sense of empathy by discussing the feelings and perspectives of others. Continue to encourage them to be understanding and supportive of their peers, creating a compassionate atmosphere within and beyond the school walls.
Yearbook Sales
We are excited to announce that SCMS Yearbooks are on Sale NOW. Mrs. Boyle, our Yearbook sponsor, and our Yearbook Club have been meeting after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to start designing the 2023-2024 yearbook. Yearbooks are $30 until January 31, 2024. See the flyers below for more details on how to order your Silver Creek Yearbook.
Questions? Please email our yearbook sponsor at Jennifer_K_Boyle@mcpsmd.org
Culture of Respect Student Module- Begins this week.
Students will complete the module during their Husky PAWS during the week of November 27. The training module should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is currently accessible to all students via their myMCPS Classroom homepage.
You may read more about the Culture of Respect HERE.
*Counseling Department News & Updates
Check out the December Newsletter. In this issue you will find information about:
- Mental health tips for the month of December
- Therapy dog day
- Social media tips for families https://www.smore.com/4e2tj
You may also check out resources about middle school children on the Counseling Website. If your family needs help with school supplies, food for the weekend, winter coats or other needs, we would like to help! Please fill out the following form below: https://forms.gle/gdTDMCSSgmU5pVQp9
If you have questions related to registration/enrollment or transcripts, please contact Latonya Abrom at Latonya_N_Abrom@mcpsmd.org
Library Media Center Update
Make-Up Picture Day- November 30
We will have make up pictures on Thursday, November 30, 2023. This photo day is for students who were absent, new to the school, or who were not happy with their original package (students are required to return their original package to the photographer).
Please see the list of criteria for makeup day to reference: vosphoto.com/retakes.
Husky Drama Ticket Sales
Performances for the fall play Still Life with Iris will be held on the following nights:
- 7th & 8th grade will perform on December 1st at 7 PM & December 2nd at 6 PM.
- 6th grade will perform on December 2nd at 12PM
Ticket Sales: Use the following link below:
https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/47665/354/False/True
More information: Please see Husky Drama Website
Student Government Association (SGA)
We are excited to announce that we have a teacher sponsor for SGA. As such we are inviting students to become a member of SGA and be a student leader within the school. The SGA is a student-led group representing the interest of all students in the decision-making process. Students help develop Silver Creek Middle School’s individuality through fundraisers, dances, spirit week events, and more! The group meets every Wednesday & Thursday from 3:15 - 4:20 in room 315.
If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Wolf-Hubbard at Rigel_J_Wolf-Hubbard@mcpsmd.org for more details. If interested in joining SGA, please fill out the following google form. https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/after-school-activities
Winter Athletics Registration: Basketball
Winter registration opened on October 30, 2023, at 12:00 noon. The ParentVUE online registration portal, available in English and Spanish, incorporates all required paper forms and documents into an internet-based platform that can be accessed using a secure ParentVUE Portal login. Parents/guardians are also able to scan and upload their child's physical, as part of the registration process. All students must be registered on ParentVue and have a valid SR-8.
You may find important Middle School Winter Athletics Information here: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/athletics/programs/default/564092/
The first basketball game will be held on January 9, 2024. Information related to tryouts will come out soon. Please email Sean Brennan at Sean_P_Brennan@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions.
Intramurals: Attention all 6th-8th grade students
Intramural sports are designed to promote participation in sports to all eligible middle school students of all grade levels. There are no try-outs, no paper work and students don’t need much experience to participate. Intramurals take place after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:05-4:30. Activity buses are available after every intramural session. Sample sports can include: basketball, football, soccer, badminton, tennis, volleyball, cross country, dance, weight training, track and field, kickball, capture the flag, etc.
Intramurals began last week, September 18. Currently, we have available 5 on 5 Basketball on Tuesdays for 7th & 8th graders & Wednesdays for 6th graders.
As new classes come available, your child's PE and Health teacher will make announcements to their classes. It will also be posted on our school’s website and the intramural bulletin board in the PE hallway.
After School Activities
After school Activities have started. We have a range of after school activities. Please click the link below to view our After School Activities Brochure which includes a description of each activity, the staff member who is sponsoring, the location, and the day of the week the activity begins.
Please note that some clubs will begin later in the school year. We do ask that students register for their activity so that sponsors are aware of the number of students attending. Scroll down further in the link to view the After School Activities Bus Schedule. Buses will depart Silver Creek at approximately 4:20 p.m. to take students home. Each bus will take students to their regular bus stop or to a stop nearby. You may also choose to pick your child up from their activity. Please pick your child up at the front of the school by 4:20 p.m.
We look forward to seeing your child at one of our great clubs!
PARENT RESOURCES
Principal Coffee
We are excited to have principal coffees once a month on Fridays from 8:30-9:10 am. We will not have a principal coffee in November due to the Thanksgiving Break. The next principal coffee is scheduled for Friday, December 15 over zoom (The topic will be shared soon). This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being.
Thank you to those who joined us last Friday, 10/20 for the principal coffee. Here, you may find a copy of the Slide deck and Recording.
Parent Handbook
Please locate the parent handbook on our website. All the information you need is located here for your convenience.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/home
Latest MCPS Updates from Thursday, November 16 ( No message on 11/23)
Here are things to know from Thursday Nov. 16. Get information about how to prepare for your student's parent-teacher conference, calendar feedback, an important message about attendance, the youth apprenticeship program, how schools are giving back and saying thanks ahead of the fall break, and more!
*Gratitude Corner
On behalf of the Silver Creek staff, I would like to say "thank you" to the PTSA for the delicious Thanksgiving Pies given last week. Thank you to Ms. Muller and Ms. Lerman for organizing this for the staff. We are so appreciative of your generosity and continue to feel incredibly grateful for such a supportive and generous PTSA and school community.
Free and Reduced Meals
The application is now open for parents and guardians to complete and submit for assistance with the cost of school meals. Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can apply for this service. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Beginning this year, students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for breakfast or lunch meals.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 30- Make up picture day
December 1 - Fall Play, 7 PM
December 5- Orchestra and Chorus Concerts, 6PM
December 6- Band Concert, 6PM
December 25- January 2- Winter Break. No school for students and teachers
Link to MCPS Calendar
Student Absence
If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 the morning of the absence. In your message, please include the information listed below:
1. Parent/Guardian name
2. Full name of your student (First & Last); student ID#
3. Date(s)of absence
4. Reason for absence
If you have any questions regarding attendance procedures, parents may email a note to Ms. Pamela Carroll-Sykes, attendance secretary, at Pamela_M_Carroll-Sykes@mcpsmd.org
Important Contacts
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Main Office: 240-740-2200
Registration & Counseling: 240-740-2211
Attendance Line: 240-740-2201
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/
Location: 3701 Saul Road, Kensington, MD, USA
Phone: 240 740 2200
Twitter: @SCMSDrAwkard