SVHS Green and Gold
Community Edition - January 29, 2023
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SVHS CUSTOMER SERVICE FEEDBACK
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! We'd love to get feedback from you regarding your experience in our school. We aim to please you 100% of the time. However, if we fall short, we'd like to know so that we can improve. We will use the feedback you provide to celebrate the successes of our staff and/or identify areas of growth. Please consider completing a brief survey to provide us with your valuable feedback.
Click here to complete our brief survey.
Celebrating our Students
United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day
This past Friday, MCPS commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Below is the message school system superintendent, Dr. Monifa McKnight sent to students, staff, and families.
Dear MCPS Community:
Today, on United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I ask you to join me in solemn reflection and in our commitment to strengthening educational programs that teach our students about the genocide of the six million Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Amid a tide of rising antisemitism in our country and our local community, we remind ourselves that education is a large part of the answer. In MCPS, our curriculum teaches students about the seeds of antisemitism, the history of state-sponsored violence and ethnic cleansing, and the varied responses from international governments, including the United States.
Read the full message here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2022-2023/Community-Message-20230127.html
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6–10, 2023
National School Counseling Week 2023, “School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 6–10, 2023, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Our school counselors are commended for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
Testing Updates
Hello Seneca Valley High School Staff and Community,
Here are some updates for testing. MCAP and Seal of Biliteracy testing are complete.
Our Emergent Multi-lingual Learners (EMLs) will be taking the ACCESS WIDA tests beginning January 31st in room 1601. The proctors for this test administration will be the staff from the ELD/CREA department with assistance from the School Testing Coordinating (STC) team. For activities and meetings already scheduled in room 1601, we will test around the reserved times.
The ACCESS WIDA testing schedule is as follows:
- 1/31 – 2/3 Listening
- 2/7 – 2/10 Reading
- 2/14 – 2/17 Writing
- 2/21 – 2/24 Speaking
- 2/28 – 3/3 Speaking and Make-Ups (all Grades) will be assigned to specific testing locations within ELD classrooms.
***CREA students will test in their classrooms.
***Please note: In the event of emergency closings or delays, we will move testing to the next school day. This information will be communicated as soon as possible.
Counseling Services Update: Registration for 2023-24
Over the past few weeks, the SVHS Counselors have been meeting with students during registration to discuss their future plans and review their course requests for the 2023-24 school year. Students and parents are able to see their course requests in StudentVUE and ParentVUE under the "Course Requests" tab. Should you have any questions or concerns about next year's courses please don't hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor. The SVHS Counseling Services team is excited for our students as they embark on the next step in their high school journey!
LIBRARY MEDIA NEWS: BOOKS AND BASKETBALL!
MCPL’s Winter Reading Challenge
Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) and the Washington Wizards have partnered to promote reading! Through March 31st, students can participate in a reading challenge for the chance to win 2 tickets to the April 9, 2023 Wizards game. To participate, sign up HERE and track your reading, or print and complete THIS GAME BOARD and turn it into any of the MCPL branches.
Reading Promotions
Keep your eyes out for our Black History Month and Blind Date with a Book promotions, which will debut later this week!
Book Club Updates (Repeat)
In celebration of Black History Month and in alignment with Valentine’s Day, on Monday, February 13th our book club will meet to discuss Blackout, a collection of intertwined romantic stories by a team of critically-acclaimed young adult authors. On Tuesday, February 28th, we’ll end the month with a conversation about the book Kindred by Octavia Butler, a sci-fi classic. ✊🏾
It’s never too late to join our book club! Students may access books in ebook and audiobook format in Sora, our online reading app/platform. Directions for accessing Sora are available in the myMCPS Classroom Virtual LMC. A few print copies are also available to borrow. Please stop by the LMC or email Ms. Little for more information.
Register now for the 15th annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) fair
The 15th annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) fair will be held at the Universities at Shady Grove on February 17th. This will be a free in-person event for students in grades 8-12. This is an opportunity to meet representatives from over 50 HBCUs. Please use the button below to register. Registration will open on January 9, 2023, for the HBCU Fair.
All students and parents/guardians must register to attend.
Students may earn 3 SSL hours for attending at least 2 workshop sessions during the fair and completing an SSL Google Form that will be provided to participants after the event.
Students and parents, use the blue registration button below:
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center
Financial Aid
If you plan to attend college or are thinking about it, please fill out your financial aid forms! The deadline for the state of Maryland is March 1. It is better to have financial aid and decide not to use it, rather than not apply. There is nothing that can be done if you miss these important deadlines! This includes financial aid to attend Montgomery College!
If you have not already completed, students should fill out the FAFSA (Federal Aid) and MDCAPS (Maryland State Aid). The MDCAPS form should also be filled out if you have applied to schools in the state of Maryland, including Montgomery College.
Students who are not eligible to fill out the FAFSA may be able to fill out the MSFAA (more information in the link below).
More information and instructions
Maryland State Delegate Scholarships
The Maryland Delegate Scholarship is offered to Maryland residents who plan to attend (full-time or part-time) a two-year or four-year Maryland college, university or private career school. Eligible students must complete the FAFSA or the MSFAA in order to apply. They must also create an account on MDCAPS. See 'Financial Aid' note above for how to apply for financial aid.
Students should contact their local delegates for instructions on how to apply. To find your delegate and their contact information, please visit http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District or mdelect.net.
Montgomery College - Need Money Sessions
Get help with all things related to financial aid & scholarships at MC! Need help with the FAFSA & MSFAA completion? MSFAA (for undocumented students)? Have you turned in your 23-24 financial aid requirements on your MY MC account? We can even assist in applying for MC's Foundation Scholarships, the Herb Block scholarship, & DC Scholarships. Let us help you get the most grant money available for college.
Virtual sessions begin February 1, 2023, then every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of February.
Register here for your one-on-one virtual session so you can be prepared financially for next year!
Mount St. Mary’s University - Live Significantly Opportunity Grant!
Were you awarded a Pell Grant and the MD Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant? See the important information below from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland!
The new Live Significantly Opportunity Grant demonstrates the Mount’s commitment to making college more affordable – for students who receive PELL and the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant, the Mount will provide a matching institutional commitment to fully cover tuition, on-campus housing, meals and even books! This allows you to attend the Mount, one of the top-rated liberal arts colleges in Maryland, with no out of pocket costs and no loans so that you can focus fully on our promise to help students Live Significantly.
Eligible students should apply to the Mount and submit their FAFSA in time for our Feb. 1 Priority Financial Aid deadline. Students who apply by the deadline will receive their admissions decision and financial aid package by Feb. 15. For students receiving the Live Significantly Opportunity Grant, this could be life-changing news. More information.
Attention Seniors! HBCU College Fair - Virtual On-The-Spot Admissions
Interested in applying to an HBCU?
As part of the HBCU College Fair, many schools will hold virtual interviews with 12th grade students. During the interviews, students can potentially receive application fee waivers, scholarship awards and on-site admission. Qualified seniors (min 2.0 cumulative GPA) will be able to interview with HBCU admissions representatives on February 13-16, 2023, from 8:30am to 4:00pm via Zoom. Interested Seniors should click the link below for more information.
School Counselors and College & Career Information Coordinators will work with students to ensure they have the necessary digital documents for their virtual interviews and will help students prepare for their interview(s). Students can prepare for interviews by reviewing common interview questions and what questions they should ask the HBCU representatives to help maximize their chances of acceptance.
Next Week’s College/Career Visits to SVHS
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (Los Angeles) - Wed February 1 @ 11:00 AM
U.S. Air Force (AFROTC Presentation)* - Wed February 1 @ 12:25 PM
*Join this presentation to learn more about Air Force ROTC. Flyer & Scholarship
Moving Forward College & Career Readiness Series for Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the following workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school!
All virtual workshops are during lunch, from 11:25 am - 11:50 am. Feel free to bring your lunch to the College & Career Center (Room 2408) to watch these presentations! Get tips and information that can help you prepare for Senior Year and beyond!
Tuesday, January 31 - Declaring Your Major vs Undecided
Tuesday, February 7 - Narrow Down Your College List
Tuesday, February 14 - Military Recruitment Information Session
Tuesday, February 28 - Explore Application Types and Deadlines
Tuesday, March 14 - Resume/Interview Skills
Tuesday, March 21 - Tips on Common Application
Thursday, March 28 - College Essay Writing
Tuesday, April 25 - Introduction to Financial Aid
Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you before the workshop.
Click to register: bit.ly/4forward2023 | Click here for the flyer
Upcoming Scholarships
January 30 - Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; 9-12 grade; U.S. citizen or legal resident; write a 140-character personal statement answering the following: Instead of spending time with technology, I'd rather...; top 10 applications will be selected as finalists and asked to write a 500- to 1,000-word essay about technology addiction.
January 31 - Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition - multiple prizes up to $10,000, trips, and science-related gifts; grades K-12; U.S. or Canadian Citizens; work in a group of two, three or four students; see link for this year's project theme; see link for full rules and guidelines.
January 31 - Macklin Business Institute (MBI) Honors Program at Montgomery College - senior; min 3.0 GPA; provides a collegiate experience that parallels that of the best business schools in the country, bringing together highly talented students with an interest in business; the two-year program is designed for incoming MC freshmen, while the one-year program is for second-year college students; upon completion of the program, students will have had unique opportunities which will expand your transfer options; click on the link for more details.
January 31- Montgomery Scholars Program at Montgomery College - senior; min 3.0 GPA; the Montgomery Scholars Program is a selective-admission two-year interdisciplinary honors program designed for high school graduates as the first step in completing a four-year degree; each student admitted into the Scholars program is awarded merit scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and fees for two years of study at Montgomery College (30 credits per year at the in-county resident tuition rate); click link for more information and details.
February 06 - McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship - 30 awards, amounts of $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, and $100,000; senior; legal U.S. resident or a DREAMer/DACA recipient; have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage; younger than 21 years old; minimum 2.8 GPA; eligible and plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university with a full-time course of study; transcript; personal statement; letter of recommendation; list of community service projects; FAFSA report and/or 1040s.
February 07 - The Links, Inc. (Silver Spring, MD) High School Scholarships - senior; Montgomery County resident; min. 3.5 GPA by the end of Junior year; accepted into a four-year college or university as a full-time student; transcript; signed letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher; personal essay; color photograph; resume.
February 07 - The Links, Inc. (Silver Spring, MD) Vocational/Technical School/Community College Scholarship - senior; accepted/enrolled in a vocational/technical school or two-year
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Rockville Gap Year Fair
Join us in person at this year’s gap year fair for a Gap Year 101 presentation (and more!) to get the most up-to-date information about planning a gap year. Whether you're dreaming of Spanish language immersion in Costa Rica, rock climbing in the American Southwest, or pursuing a virtual internship from the comfort of your living room, there are so many gap year options to choose from!
Learn the ins and outs of gap year planning from an expert gap year counselor, then speak directly to gap year program representatives, counselors, and gap year alumni at the fair. Both gap year counselors and gap year program providers will be available to speak with you directly and answer any questions you might have.
Richard Montgomery High School | January 31, 2023 | 6:30pm - 9pm
Click HERE for more information and to register.
College Financing 101 - Webinar for Parents & Students
College-bound high schoolers and their parents are invited to join us for “College Financing 101” on Wednesday, February 8th at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT. This virtual discussion panel will bring together experts to help families navigate their financial aid options, maximize their merit aid awards, and make savvy decisions to lower their tuition bills. A recording of the webinar will be sent to all registrants, so families who cannot attend live should still sign up.
To learn more and register for the webinar, click here.
MCPS HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) College Fair - Registration Open!
This free in-person event at The Universities at Shady Grove will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. Representatives will share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors and much more. The event will also feature a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information and more. HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. This event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Friday, February 17, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Flyer
For more information and to register
SVHS College & Career Monthly Newsletter - December-January, 2022-23
IB Spotlight
IB Chillin' Session
The IB DP and IB CP students engaged in an event led by Ms. Watkins from the Wellness Center to learn various methods to address the stress they have been experiencing. Thank you to Mrs. Reyes who played a key role in organizing this lunch session.
B CP/DP
Have a rising junior taking one IB class next year and part of a career program - they would be perfect for the IB Career-related Program. Have a rising junior that is taking several IB classes, they can be part of the IB Diploma Program next year. Please encourage your students to see Natasha Ezerski in Room 3510 and email her at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org with questions.
IB Exams:
IB exam fees are past due and need to be paid, ASAP on https://www.schoolcashonline.com/ If you have any questions, please contact Natasha Ezerski at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org or visit her in Room 3510.
Click the image below for this week's athletics updates.
Supporting BIRDS OF PLAY
Program Advertisements
The Seneca Valley High School Theatre Program, the Birds of Play, seeks your support and offers you the opportunity to share your brand with the Seneca Valley Community.
Purchasing an advertisement in our program demonstrates your support for the students, staff, and parents of Seneca Valley High School. Over 600 people will see your ad, providing you with a low-cost option to increase your customer base. Revenue from ad sales enables the Birds of Play to produce high-quality educational experiences for our students, such as play production, guest artists, and field trips.
Ad Sales for the Spring Musical, The Addams Family, are open until February 14. The performance will run March 17 - 26. Prices range from $5 to $125 - there is a price point for every business. Check out our Ad Form, email joanna_c_Fellows@mcpsmd.org with any questions!
ADDAMS FAMILY T SHIRTS Rock your spooky spirit with our show shirt featuring our student-created artwork on the front and a list of cast, crew, and pit on the back. Shirt orders close on February 1st. Shirts will be delivered in early March.
The cost is $20 plus the processing fee, bringing the total to $21. You can pay cash, check or credit card. Order Link for Credit Card Purchases. If you prefer to pay by cash or check please send your money in with this form. Make checks out to SVHS Theatre and put in an envelope addressed to Ms Chilcoat Fellows.
Academic Support Opportunities
Academic Support Center
The Academic Support Center is open during lunch Monday through Friday in room 2109. Students can receive academic support with their regularly scheduled classes and their Project GRAD (credit recovery) courses. Students can also get support with organization, time management, and planning.
CARES Tutoring
Our CARES Tutoring program is intended to provide students with ongoing high-dosage tutoring in order to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in their classes. Students that sign up for CARES must commit to attending weekly tutoring sessions.
Our first session of CARES tutoring will end on January 26th, 2023. Our second session will start on February 6th, 2023. Tutoring schedules will be sent by January 31st.
All returning and new students should click HERE to sign up for tutoring for second semester. Space is limited.
Virtual Tutoring Opportunities
All MCPS students have access to free, virtual tutoring services through FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education.
FEV Tutor
No camera for tutor or student
FEV Tutor Flyer (English)
FEV Tutor Flyer (Spanish)
To set up tutoring sessions:
Contact mcps@fevtutor.com
Tutor Me
Camera for tutor and student
Tutor Me Education Flyer (English)
Tutor Me Education Flyer (Spanish)
To set up tutoring sessions:
Fill out this request form.
You can also contact mcps@tutormeeducation.com or
Contact Elizabeth_Maxey@mcpsmd.org if you have questions about which opportunity is best for your student.
SVHS Student and Family Resources Page
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community. SVHS Student and Family Resources Page
Seneca Valley High School
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS
Instagram: @SenecaValleyHSWebsite: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6400