SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
October 10, 2021 Edition
Newsletter Summary from Dr. Cohen
Are you #SVPROUD?
- Tweet, Snap, IB, FB, etc., a pic of you repping "The Valley" by wearing your Seneca gear.
- And don't forget to use #svproud. Go Eagles!
A few pictures from the first ever pep rally at the new SVHS
NEW: Boosters Concessions - The Outback Way!
NEW: Testing Update - PSAT/SAT
Parent Community Letter:
The following information is about PSAT/SAT School Day. We will have a delayed opening on Wednesday, October 13th for PSAT/SAT School Day. All students in grades 10 and 11 will participate in the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) at Seneca Valley High School on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, juniors enter competitions for scholarship programs conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and other organizations that use PSAT/NMSQT scores.
All sophomores and juniors are required to report to school at the regular scheduled time and will test in their original homeroom classes.
Seniors who registered for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) will also test on October 13th and are required to arrive at the regular scheduled time. Registration information has been shared in the September newsletter, on the SVHS website and through an email to all seniors. Seniors have until Monday, October 11th at 5pm to register for the SAT by completing this information: SAT Registration Form (Click Link)
Any students who are not required to participate in the PSAT/SAT administration should follow the delayed opening schedule. The school buses will arrive at the regular scheduled times, therefore, if students rely on bus transportation, please plan to come to school and participate in various activities during the time of testing.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kisheena Wanzer at Kisheena_J_Wanzer@mcpsmd.org or Dr. Mike Kim at Michael_T_Kim@mcpsmd.org. Thank you.
NEW: Library Media News: LMC Orientation & Book Club Updates
LMC Orientation: On Tuesday, October 12th, during Advisory, students will participate in a Library Media Center (LMC) Orientation in which they will learn about LMC operations and resources. A portion of this orientation will also address Chromebook care, and will include troubleshooting tips and a review of student responsibilities. A copy of the slides used in this orientation will be available in the Virtual SVLMC (the LMC Canvas course).
Book Club Updates: In an attempt to recruit more readers, the Project LIT discussion scheduled for 10/11 will be postponed to a later date. A new date will be announced shortly.
NEW: The Student Recognition Committee would like to celebrate Girls of Color Alliance for their work at unity and equity within the school
New: Join the Socio-Linguistic Justice League!
We meet on Fridays at 11:25
REMINDER: Virtual Coffee/Tea Break with Dr. Cohen
Seneca Valley High School Parents:
I would like to invite you to a virtual coffee/tea break. It is a wonderful opportunity to discuss important issues that pertain to high school life. These meetings will take place on a regular basis, initially in a virtual environment, and eventually live and in person. I hope that you will consider joining me as we continue to strengthen the bond between Seneca Valley and our school community! More dates and times will follow.
Our second coffee/tea break of the year is on October 12 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Please RSVP using the link below.
Dr. Cohen
Yearbooks for Sale!
The SVHS yearbook is on sale for the lowest price of the year! Receive up to 4 icons free ($16.00) value if you add personalization to your book. Order today at Jostens.com or by clicking the link below. Order by 10/22/21 to take advantage of the savings.
https://www.jostens.com/.../202108260417119.../CATALOG_SHOP/
NEW: Seneca Valley High School Booster / PTSA Yard sale
Seneca Valley High School Booster / PTSA Yard sale
More details to come and Volunteers wanted and needed.
Also a reminder that our next Booster Meeting will be held on 10/21 at 6:30 p.m.
NEW: IB Spotlight
IB Spotlight: This month we are focused on the ATL category THINKING, specifically of the MYP cluster of CRITICAL THINKING. Our Learner Profile attribute will be RISK-TAKER. We can see thinking skills as critical thinking, creative thinking, and transfer.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS focus on analyzing and evaluating issues and ideas whereas creative thinking focuses on generating ideas and considering new perspectives. As students learn transfer skills they are able to use their skills and knowledge in multiple contexts. These skills enhance students’ inquiry skills and allow them to look at information objectively as they evaluate it.
When we help students look at ideas with ‘critical eyes,’ we help them observe beyond logic and employ broad criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, and depth. By helping students do this, they will be able to see the real significance of information and help them evaluate the information.
As RISK -TAKER individuals, we “approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change” (The Learner Profile. International Baccalaureate Organization, 2013). As we help students become RISK-TAKERS we encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and become courageous in their choices and actions.
Students are RISK-TAKERS when they challenge themselves to use CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS to evaluate their own assumptions and bias to objectively craft a claim and conclusion from evidence. OPEN-MINDED RISK-TAKERS actively listen to the perspectives of others to revise their understanding and to propose solutions.
Think Big Program for 10th grade students: We are proud to present a new opportunity for our SVHS 10th grade students! This program will combine the student’s work on the IB MYP Personal Project with experiences with the Strathmore Center Concert hall, Glenstone Museum, and Watkins Mills HS!
What is the MYP Personal Project?
As we work to implement MYP at SVHS, this is our first year completing the MYP Personal Project. The MYP Personal Project serves as the capstone project for the MYP and is a chance to explore a topic of student choice with support from SVHS staff. It is completed through Advisory in 10th grade. This special program will support the MYP Personal Project through additional experiences.
Overview of the Think Big Program:
Students will participate in….
- In-school and off-site field trips to amazing exhibitions, like Glenstone Museum
- Artists performances and an opportunity to engage with the professional artists
- Meet and greets with fellow program participants from Watkins Mill High School
How does this program connect to the MYP Personal Project?
As a part of this program, students will experience activities that include access to prestigious artists and experts, field trips, performances, and teacher support. Students do not need to be passionate about art to participate, although they may be after the program! Our goal is for students to use the arts experiences gained through the program to help develop the skills needed for success on the MYP Personal Project. This is also a great opportunity to build students’ skills to prepare for the IB Diploma-Program, IB Career-Related Program, or individual IB courses in 11th and 12th grade.
How do students sign up?
Please discuss this program with your student. If they would like to participate in this amazing opportunity, please complete THIS Google Form as soon as possible!
IB Exam Registration: IB Registration is upon us!! SVHS encourages all students to take an IB exam for each class they are enrolled. The benefits are immense and we believe that all our Screaming Eagles can achieve. We understand the pandemic has been especially challenging for many, so please know finances should never be a burden for taking an IB exam.
The following documents provide all essential information for the May 2022 IB exams.
The IB Registration Form (#4) must be completed by 10/20 and IB payments are due no later than 1/5. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Ezerski at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmdorg with any questions and or concerns.
IB Study Group has STARTED!! We will meet Monday and Wednesday at lunch in Room 1107 and afterschool on Friday in the cafeteria. This is a perfect opportunity for students to get support from their peers!
NEW: Visit our Virtual College and Career Center
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center:
Applying to Colleges & Universities
Students applying to any four-year schools should be referring to the SVHS College Application Packet document as a resource. If you have not started working on this yet, I advise that you start ASAP!!
- Don’t forget to sign the FERPA Waiver on your Common Application! You must do this for teachers to be able to submit your letters of recommendation.
For students interested in applying to Montgomery College, the process is a bit different. Montgomery College has their own online application. Students can start filling this out and submitting in mid-October and do not need a letter of recommendation. If you are in Dual Enrollment and/or have taken courses at MC and already have an M Number, you will NOT need to submit a new application to Montgomery College. You will just need to reach out to Raptor Central and explain to them that you are interested in registering for classes in the fall.
ATTENTION SENIORS! SAT Day, October 13
Here is a great opportunity for you to participate in the in-school Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) on October 13th. It is FREE to any senior who did not take it last Spring at school. Please complete the Google form (link below) and register for the SAT. We have extended the deadline to Monday, October 11, 2021.
The application for the Montgomery Scholars Program Fall 2022 is now live!
The application for the Montgomery Scholars Program Fall 2022 is now live! The deadline for applying to the program is Thursday, January 6, 2022. Interested students must also submit a general Montgomery College application by December 1, 2021!
The Montgomery Scholars Program is a selective-admission two-year honors program designed for high school graduates as the first step in completing a four-year degree. The College will award merit scholarships to each student admitted into the Scholars program. These Montgomery Scholars scholarships cover the cost of full-tuition and fees, for two years of study at Montgomery College (30 credits per year at the in-county resident tuition rate).
Click here for more information
FARMS - Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application
Even though MCPS will offer meals at no charge to all students for school year 2021–22, we strongly encourage Seniors to apply for FARMS status if they qualify. Why? FARMS status provides the opportunity for students to qualify for college applicaiton fee waivers.
Questions? Reach out to your counselor or Mr. Nalda for more information.
College Application Fee Update
Bowie State University has eliminated the undergraduate application fee for this school year for all prospective students.
Stevenson University does not have an application fee.
Goucher College does not have an application fee.
Mount St. Mary’s University does not have an application fee AND is offering a $1,000 Visit Grant.
- High School Seniors – If you attend a qualifying admissions event and apply to the Mount prior to the December 1 Early Action II Deadline, you will be eligible. https://msmary.edu/admissions/visit-campus/index.html
The FAFSA Application is now Open!
The FAFSA is now open for eligible seniors to start filling out! The FAFSA is the financial aid form to request financial aid to go to college. Please see the SVHS College & Career Financial Aid Page to for more information about the FAFSA:
- SVHS Financial Aid Information
- Access the FAFSA Here
- ALL Eligible Seniors should complete the FAFSA, regardless of income
- Class of 2022 Seniors will fill out the “The 2022–23 FAFSA form” as that is the school year in which they will start college.
A Reference Sheet to Filling out the FAFSA for the 2022-23 School Year (first year you will be in college) - Checklist
Creating an FSA ID - Steps to creating an FSA ID
MDCAPS
This is the application for financial aid from the State of Maryland. If you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, you should create an account and fill out this application. MDCAPS uses your financial information from the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for aid. If you qualify for a Pell Grant on the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for state aid. More information below.
§ Click on “Create a Student Login”
- Once you have created a login, send Mr. Nalda your MHEC ID in order for him to upload your transcript/GPA Information
- DO NOT submit or request to submit a transcript as an attachment
For those not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you may be able to complete the MSFAA:
College Representative Visits at SVHS
Students interested in participating in college visits should register in Naviance and clear their absence with their teacher ahead of time. The list of college visits is available in Naviance or on the link below.
§ Unless noted, visits will take place in the College & Career Center, Room #2113.
Next Week's College Visits
Hollins University Chelsea DeTorres Mon October 11, 2021 8:36 AM
Rutgers University-New Brunswick Brenda Snyder Mon October 11, 2021 12:02 PM
College Testing
Anyone interested in taking the ACT or SAT this year, please visit our ‘College Testing’ page on College & Career Center website for more information:
If you qualify and need a waiver to test for free, reach out to Mr. Nalda. Unsure if you qualify for a waiver? Reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor for assistance.
Upcoming Scholarships
- October 15 - NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship - $1,000 awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA; desire to major in or pursue a degree from a list of (or closely related) STEM disciplines (see link for list); personal statement about STEM (500 words or less); list of STEM Activities; headshot; transcript; resume; 1-2 educator recommendations.
- October 17 - College JumpStart Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; grades 10-12; U.S. cit. or legal res.; attend 2-year, 4-year or trade school; committed to using education to better your life & that of your family and/or community; answer 1 of 4 questions in 250 words or less.
- October 19 - Heisman High School Scholarship - (deadline is 6pm on 10/19) $1,000, $2,000, and $10,000 awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA; participate or have participated in grades 9, 10, or 11 in at least one of the sports listed on the site (click here to see list); proven leader and role model within their school and community.
- October 31 - Voice of Democracy Scholarship - 1-$30,000 top prize, other awards ranging from $1,000-$16,000; grades 9-12; although U.S. citizenship is not required, must be lawful U.S. permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. cit. at the earliest opportunity allowed by law; write & record a 3-5 min. essay on the theme: America: Where Do We Go From Here?
- October 31 - Coca-Cola Scholars Program - (deadline is 5pm on 10/31) 150-$20,000 awards; senior; U.S. Citizen, legal resident, refugee (see link for full eligibility list); min 3.0 GPA; achievement based scholarship; involved in school and community activities; transcript.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Infinite Scholars Program - FREE Scholarship Fair
Infinite Scholars Program is honored to invite High School Seniors, Graduates, and Families to the Annual Scholarship Fair where they will meet representatives from national and local Colleges/Universities, Scholarship Organizations along with the U.S. Army ROTC. Families are strongly encouraged to attend the Scholarship Fair with their students to explore available scholarship funds, grants, programs, opportunities and Scholarships being awarded on the spot during the fair. For best results, Students should bring several copies of their unofficial SAT/ACT scores, High School Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, and a personal essay statement entitled “Why I Want To Attend College”. Please note that strict COVID protocols are in place, and we have planned accordingly.
§ Sunday, October 10, 2021, from 2 pm-5 pm at First Baptist Church of Highland Park 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785.
§ Click here for more information and to register at www.infinitescholar.org / Click here for the flyer
Maryland College Night (Virtual) - October 12
Students and families are invited to join us for Maryland College Night! During this virtual event, you will hear short presentations from college representatives and learn more about each of these Maryland universities. Representatives will also be available to answer questions from the audience.
Participating Schools: University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, Salisbury University, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
§ Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Majors, Minors, and More: The Academic Experience at a Liberal Arts College Workshop
In the spirit of cooperation, six of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges—Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams—are leaving our rivalries on the sidelines to help answer your questions about college search. We know that we can help more students by teaming up instead of competing against each other.
§ Monday, October 18 at 08:00 PM - Beyond the Classroom: Real Talk with Students and Campus Advisors
§ Monday, November 8 at 07:00 PM - Navigating & Belonging: A Special Session for First-Generation and Low-Income Students
SVHS Financial Aid Night Workshop in Spanish (en Español) - Taller sobre Ayuda Financiera
Deseamos invitarles a una presentación sobre Ayuda Financiera. En esta reunión hablaremos también sobre los pasos a tomar para aplicar a la universidad.
§ Martes, 19 de octubre, 2021, 7:00pm
§ Haga clic para acceder el seminario
SVHS Financial Aid Night Workshop
Information about financial aid, FAFSA, and paying for college with Rob Maddox, Director of Financial Aid at St. Mary’s College
§ Tuesday, October 26th - 6:30pm
§ Zoom Meeting ID: 896 3217 3119
§ Passcode: 285656 or Click Here for the Link to Join
NEW: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT NOTICE 2021–2022 School Year
For more information, click here.
NEW: MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AVAILABILITY OF ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN 2021-2022 School Year
These regulations require most schools to inspect for friable and non-friable asbestos, develop Asbestos Management Plans that address asbestos hazards in school buildings, and implement response actions in a timely manner. These regulations assign schools many responsibilities. Our program for fulfilling these responsibilities is outlined in our Asbestos Management Plan. This plan contains information on the designated person, architect’s or engineer’s letter, notification process, assurances, and dated copies of the annual notification.
For new buildings, those completed after October 12, 1988, our “management plan” consists of the exclusion documentation including this notification. This documentation means that, to our knowledge, no asbestos-containing building materials were used or specified for use in this building.
You can review this plan during normal business hours without cost or restriction. If you have questions, please contact Mr. John Conaway, environmental health specialist, Environmental Services/Indoor Air Quality Unit, Division of Sustainability and Compliance, at 240- 740-2331 or John_D_Conaway@mcpsmd.org
REPEAT: Activities at SVHS
If not, make sure you visit the ExtraCurricular Activities spreadsheet to find out about all the great clubs and activities SVHS has to offer!
You'll also find a meetings calendar, activity bus routes, and the required ECA and Covid 19 forms you'll need to participate.
Reach out to Ms Chilcoat Fellows at joanna_c_fellows@mcpsmd.org if you want more information about our extracurricular activities!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14x2SuorOXyA70BLCagtlLlklkVkUPOb0hJR36_EQmhk/edit?usp=sharing
REPEAT: Seneca Valley HS African American Parents Council Join our online group TODAY!
OUR PURPOSE 1. To ADVOCATE for students and staff in the SVHS school community 2. To OFFER parents and students opportunities to get more involved in school activities 3. To PARTNER with internal and external organizations for added support that could potentially benefit SVHS students and their parents.
OUR GOALS
- To encourage and support regular and frequent celebrations that honor the achievements of students in the African American community
- To recognize that Black History should not be relegated solely to the 28 days of February. We support the notion that black history is American history. The Council will therefore encourage and support the integration of black history activities throughout the school year
- To explore partnerships with school organizations like IB and Minority Scholars as well as external groups like fraternities/sororities and minority-owned businesses
- To develop mentoring opportunities for students in the African American community and their parents, including providing information and support for local competitions, like ACT-SO; inviting guest speakers; providing support for the college application process, and providing scholarship support
- To encourage and support monthly/quarterly activities that promote equity, access, and opportunity in the school. Examples include tutoring, study circles, social gatherings, special recognitions, etc.
HOW TO CONTACT US
- Online Group: https://groups.io/g/SenecaValleyHS-AAPC
- Send Direct Emails to: SenecaValleyHS-AAPC@groups.io
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SVHS_AAPC
OUR SCHEDULED MEETINGS
WHEN: BI-MONTHLY, 2nd WEDNESDAY of the month (6:30pm – 8pm)
TYPE: Virtual Zoom Meetings Meetings
Wellness Resources
The safety and wellness of our students remains a top priority. Below are resources to support the physical, social and psychological well-being of our community. If you believe your child is in crisis, please contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. Students can also reach out to their counselor and school psychologist to set up a confidential appointment.
Waymaking Video Series
- Suicide Awareness
- Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
- Managing Stress and Anxiety during Social Distancing
Tips on Addressing Student Grief
Tips for Preventing Youth Suicide
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6400
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS