SVHS Green and Gold
Community Edition - September 18, 2022
How to Translate this Newsletter/Cómo traducir este boletín
Brief Newsletter Summary Video from Dr. Cohen
ATTENTION ALL SENIORS AND FAMILIES OF SENIORS
As a student or parent of a student in the current Class of 2023, please respond to this survey related to commencement venue selection for 2023 MCPS Graduation ceremonies. Your input is important as we explore a variety of considerations for these important events celebrating our graduating seniors. Ceremonies held outdoors will have identified inclement weather back-up dates established in advance. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and input with us.
Click here to complete the survey.
Announcement from the PTSA
SENECA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PTSA: EVERY CHILD. ONE VOICE
First General PTSA Meeting
09/20/22 6:30pm-7:30pmMarc Cohen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/85251929845?pwd=UTJzSTRJbCswWWo1ZGcxc0pEK2FwQT09
Meeting ID: 852 5192 9845
Passcode: 132440
Agenda
Board Members:
Introductions: (10 Minutes)
- Shelby Bidwell – Former President
- Silvia Ramirez- President
- Revonne Johnson - VP
- Porsha Jones-Pena – VP (not present)
- Tamisha Sampson – Treasurer
- Fedrica Moise – Secretary
Our budget for the school year 2022-2023 – Tamisha Sampson (1O Minutes)
Suggested budget for this year: $3000 for after prom
- $2500 for Staff Appreciation
- $1000 each for the African American Parent Council, Latino Parent Council, and the Special education committee.
Dr. Marc Cohen, Principal – (15 Minutes)
Special Guest: SVHS Dad’s on duty – Mr. Juan Parrau – (10 Minutes)
Special Guest: SVHS ROTC Program - Juan Araujo – (10 Minutes)
Please keep supporting our PTSA by signing up for our events volunteers.
Please Don’t forget to become a member of the PTSA, you can sign up for membership in our PTSA website
https://svhs-ptsa.new.memberhub.store/store
-Open for any questions, suggestions, or comments. (5 Minutes)
See you at our next general PTSA meeting 10/18/22 6:30pm
You don’t need to be a member to participate!
Understand Positive COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines
LIBRARY MEDIA NEWS: CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE!
National Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Promotion
Help us celebrate LatinX history and culture — come “check out” our book promotion celebrating authors and stories from 21 Spanish speaking countries! Books featured include biographies, histories, anthologies of poetry and short stories, and fabulous works of fiction.
Book Club Discussion October 4, 2022
We had a fantastic turnout for the book club interest meeting; we recruited nearly 30 readers to participate in the One Maryland One Book statewide reading program. We still have copies of the book What’s Mine and Yours by Naima Coster for additional participants. Please stop by the LMC or email Ms. Little or Ms. Rossman for more information.
Gaithersburg Book Festival Announces Poetry Contest
High school students from across the Washington Metropolitan Area are invited to submit poems to the Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest. Entries must be no longer than one page, single spaced, 12-point Times New Roman and are due by February 23, 2023. Download contest rules HERE.
September is Deaf Awareness Month
Parents - Please Complete your Annual Verification in ParentVue
What is Annual Verification and how do I do this in ParentVue?
In the past, yellow emergency cards and a variety of other forms were sent home with students on the first day of school so that families could communicate updates about contact information, health, directory withholdings, emergency contacts, and more. This process will now take place in ParentVUE using Online Registration.
NEW Academic Support Website and Resources
At Seneca Valley High School we have many great opportunities and resources for students to get academic support.
Check out our NEW Academic Support Website, which can also be found on our Seneca Valley High School website under Quick Links: Academic Support.
Here you can find information on:
- CARES Tutoring - our FREE after school tutoring program
- Project GRAD - our credit recovery program
- Opportunities for support during the school day
- MCPS Opportunities
- And more!
AP and IB Test Registration
Advanced Placement Test Registration
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are administered through College Board. The expectation at SVHS is that all students will take the AP exams for the AP classes in which they are enrolled. To register to take an AP exam, you must submit payment no later than November 15, 2022. Registration after November 15th will incur an additional $40. If you have a financial hardship, please do not purchase at this time. Contact Chris_Grindley@mcpsmd.org and complete the required paperwork. The cost of an AP exam is $101. Make sure to record the date and time for your exam. There are NO REFUNDS for incorrect AP exam selections or missed exams.
Here is the link to register to pay for the exam: https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
International Baccalaureate Test Registration
IB registration is open Friday, October 7th through Wednesday, November 2nd. The expectation at SVHS is that all students will take the IB exams for the IB classes in which they are enrolled. Taking the exam is an important component of all IB courses. Studies consistently show that participating in an IB course leads to greater student engagement in high school, higher college acceptance rates and increased college preparedness. On October 7th, teachers will bring their IB classes to an IB Exam Registration presentation in the auditorium. During the presentation students will begin the registration Google form, receive information about financial aid, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Please do not hesitate to contact Natasha Ezerski at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org with any questions you may have about the process.
Revised Personal Mobile Device Policy in Place for MCPS Students
Learn more
GUN EDUCATION ASSEMBLIES AT MCPS HIGH SCHOOLS
Dear MCPS High School Families,
We want to bring to your attention the concern we all share around the impact of guns on our communities, youth and schools and they present an increasing and significant danger nationwide. As a result, Montgomery County Public Schools in collaboration with Montgomery County State’s Attorney's Office and the Montgomery County Police Department are partnering to educate our high school students about how to keep schools and students safe. This important partnership importantly rests on awareness, knowledge, and education as key ingredients in doing so.
Here are the facts:
National data from the Gun Violence Archive reports that the number of teenagers killed or injured by guns has nearly doubled since 2014 and the number of teenagers involved in unintentional shootings has risen by 44 percent. There are alarming numbers in Montgomery County, too; 790 illegal guns have been seized this year as of Aug. 14, up nearly 75 percent since 2020, when there were 452 guns seized. In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone to possess a firearm until 21 years of age. In fact, anyone 16 or older found in possession of a gun will be charged as an adult.
What students will learn:
Through scheduled high school assemblies throughout the fall of 2022, students will be provided with information on the law and consequences if broken, strategies for youth to solve problems without weapons or violence, and the importance of vigilance and a “see something, say something” approach. The assemblies will also offer information on how to recognize signs that someone may choose violence to harm themselves or others, the anonymous Maryland Tip Line and the importance of a violence-free community.
What you need to know:
These assemblies will begin in the coming days and weeks. Schools will share specific information about when they are scheduled at your child’s high school. We appreciate your continued partnership with MCPS and as parents, guardians and caregivers, we ask that you echo these messages at home. Students must seek a trusted adult for support rather than choosing violence. Families can choose to opt-out their child from these lessons by simply contacting their school administrator.
As a reminder: there is a longstanding policy and discipline established concerning weapons brought to school. Essentially weapons of any kind may not be brought to any MCPS school. Any student found in possession of a gun or other weapon may also be subject to serious disciplinary actions in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct and potentially in violation of local, state and federal law.
We thank the State’s Attorney’s Office for its commitment and partnership; together, we can work for a safer, vibrant, thriving community.
Dr. Monifa B. McKnight
MCPS Superintendent of Schools
John McCarthy
State’s Attorney, Montgomery County
Important Resources:
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233), online at safeschoolsmd.org
In an emergency, call 911
Montgomery County Public Schools BeWell365
Join the ACES program!
Eligible 10th graders who want to go to college after high school are invited to apply to
join the ACES program! ACES stands for Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success.
Students admitted to ACES work with an ACES Coach during 11th and 12th grade to receive
the following services for FREE:
- One-on-one college application support
- Financial aid and scholarship assistance
- Preparation for college entrance exams
- Career Coaching
- Field trips to visit colleges
- Leadership development
- MUCH MORE
Students eligible for ACES, identify with at least ONE of the following:
- Will be first generation college students (first in their family to graduate from college in the U.S.)
- Live in a single-parent household
- Live in a low-income household
- Receive or qualify for free or reduced lunch (FARMS)
- Have an IEP or 504 plan
- An English language learner (if a current ESOL student, must be in at least level 3)
The application deadline for ACES is January 13, 2023. Students can use the following link
to complete the application and be sure to submit the consent form:
http://www.acesmontgomery.org/apply (scroll to the bottom of this page and click "Apply
to ACES").
For questions about ACES, contact Mrs. Tahrea Flemming Mensah, ACES Coach at
Seneca Valley High School:
Office: Room 2107A
MXLab coming to SVHS!
During the weeks of 9/26 and 10/3, SVHS will be hosting the Learning Undefeated MXLab. Several hundred Health Professions, International Baccalaureate and English for Speakers of Other Languages students will have the opportunity to perform state of the art scientific techniques right in the school parking lot. Learning Undefeated is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing science awareness, education, and workforce development in Maryland, Washington, DC, Texas, and beyond. To learn more about Learning Undefeated please visit their website at https://www.learning undefeated.org/. If you have any questions, please contact at Elaine_Elaine Shute M_Shute@mcpsmd.org.
You are invited...Coffee/Tea Break with Dr. Cohen and Guests - September 23 (Note the Date Change)
You are invited to attend a virtual coffee/tea break. Each month, Dr. Cohen and members of his administrative team will be joined by special guests to answer any questions you may have about topics of interest to students and families.
This month's special guests are Ian Yarmus - Resource Counselor, and Carlos Nalda - College and Career Information Coordinator. This is a great chance to hear from and speak to the experts about the college visit, application, and scholarship process, which we know is hot on the minds of our junior and senior parents. Time will also be provided for Q and A on any other topic related to your child's SVHS experience so far this year.
Whether you have a pressing question or just want to join us to listen or chat, we would love to have you. Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many to expect. These coffee/tea breaks are being held via Zoom to facilitate your participation.
Mindfulness Room is available to students during lunch!
Students looking for a peaceful and calming place to enjoy their lunches are invited to visit the Mindfulness Room, located in Room 3312.
The Mindfulness Room is open and available to all students looking for a mindful pause from the hustle and bustle of lunchtime...stop by!
IB Spotlight
It was great to see the community in-person on Back to School Night! We really enjoyed presenting and discussing our IB Programs with the parents and guardians who were able to join us at the IB information session. If you were not able to make it, you can find our presentation, along with information about our IB Programs, by visiting our SVHS IB Programs website.
Calling all 10th graders! Please complete THIS form if your student is interested in a unique opportunity, our Think Big Program, which supports them with the MYP personal project through experiences with the Strathmore Concert hall, Glenstone Museum, and Watkins Mills HS. The Think Big program includes free field trips, opportunities to engage and receive feedback from professional artists, as well as see live performances.
- Students do not need to be artistic! Students will use the artistic process and professional artists to inspire their work on their own MYP Personal Project.
- The program is not additional work! At SVHS, we expect all 10th graders at SVHS to complete a personal project. This program provides extra support!
IB in the Classroom: Informed by the IB mission to develop active, compassionate, life-long learners, an IB education works to foster 10 Learner Profile attributes. At SVHS, we focus on educating the whole student by modeling, discussing, and reflecting on the IB Learner Profile attributes both in and outside the classroom. We love how Ms. Gardner in the Individuals & Societies department integrated the Learner Profile in her class! Shown in the picture, each student in Ms. Gardner’s class chose a Learner Profile attribute that they exemplified and explained why on a puzzle piece. They then added their piece to the board to show how they were each a “piece of the puzzle” that makes up their class. We love Ms. Gardner’s creating thinking and efforts to make all students feel part of her classroom!
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center
Applying to Colleges (Seniors)
Planning on applying to a four-year college or university? Have you started the process? Have you completed your brag sheet and sent it to your counselor and recommending teacher(s)? If not, we strongly suggest you get started ASAP!
You should start familiarizing yourself with Naviance and the SVHS College Application Packet document. This document is a step-by-step guide to applying to colleges.
SVHS College Information Night Recording - Presentation by SVHS Staff Explaining the college application process at SVHS.
Please reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor if you have any questions.
College Representative Visits in the College & Career Center (Room 2408)
College Rep visits to campus begin next week! Juniors & Seniors are encouraged to participate in visits to learn more about colleges and universities. Students interested in participating in visits are asked to register in Naviance (Instructions).
Next week’s visits:
Towson University - Mon September 19 @ 8:45 AM
University of Toledo - Mon September 19 @ 10:30 AM
Washington College - Tue September 20 @ 8:45 AM
Stony Brook University - Tue September 20 @ 12:05 PM
University of Maryland-College Park - Thu September 22 @ 12:55 PM
Roanoke College - Fri September 23 @ 8:45 AM
Saint Joseph's University - Fri September 23 @ 9:40 AM
George Washington University - Fri September 23 @ 10:30 AM
Click here to learn more about rep visits to campus and see the full list of schools scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!
Upcoming Scholarships
Sep 20 - Pepsi Stronger Together Scholarship Contest - 4-$25,000 grand prizes and 4-$500 gift card prizes; senior; open to legal U.S. residents; interested in pursuing a career in the arts; submit a 100 - word essay or a two - minute video on the following topic: "Why you deserve $25,000 to help further your education in the arts and music?"
Sep 27 - QuestBridge National College Match - recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000; any high school senior, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S. is eligible for the National College Match (should review the Additional Citizenship Requirements); have earned primarily A's in the most challenging courses available (usually including Honors, AP, and/or IB level courses); financial need as finalists typically come from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a typical household of four and have minimal assets; click link for more information.
Sep 30 - Niche Back To School “No Essay” Scholarship - 1-$50,000 award selected by random drawing; 9-12 grade; legal resident of the United States; see link for full rules and details.
Sep 30 - Notorious RBG Scholarship - 10-$1,000 awards; rising high school students graduating in 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026, and recently graduated 2022 seniors (female-identified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, however applicants of any gender are eligible!); 500-800 word essay; pictures/videos/media showing your leadership in action; color headshot; academic resume; current transcript (can be official or unofficial); educator recommendation.
Sep 30 - Don't Text and Drive Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; 9-12 grade; U.S. Citizen; 140-character message about texting while driving; top 10 selected as finalists; finalists asked to write a 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving; one winner chosen from 10 finalists' essays.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Financial Aid Presentation in Spanish // Presentación sobre Ayuda Financiera en Español - Sep 20
For Parents and Students // Para padres y estudiantes.
Bienvenidos estudiantes y padres. Deseamos invitarles a una presentación en Español sobre Ayuda Financiera para la universidad. Los estudiantes interesados pueden venir al College & Career Center (salón 2408) para ver esta presentación de zoom. Los padres interesados pueden ver a través de zoom.
- Tuesday, September 20, 2022 // Martes, 20 de septiembre, 2022
- (Virtually Fourth Period) 10:30am - 11:15am
MCPS Alumni College Advice Panel - Sep 20
MoCo EmpowHER will be hosting a College Advice Alumni Panel on September 20th from 6-7:30 pm over Zoom. This event is ideal for anyone interested in learning about what it's like to attend college or university and anyone interested in learning more about college applications. The meeting will feature a panel of EmpowHER alumni who currently attend higher education institutions. They will provide insight on campus life and the inner workings of the college application process!
The event is open to all middle and high school students of all gender identities!
- Tuesday, September 20th @ 6pm - 7:30pm
- Click here to RSVP | Click here for the flyer
Looking for a Job???
Copper Canyon Grill (Gaithersburg) - looking for high energy, fun and hard working people to work in one of Gaithersburg's premier restaurants; looking to hire food runners, bussers, and hosts; must be at least 16 years old; click on link for more information.
SVHS College & Career Monthly Newsletter - September, 2022-23
Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence to be Launched in October
Learn more.
Update from Athletics
Includes
- Winter sports registration update
- volunteers needed-booster club
- Fall season operation plans
- Digital ticket information
- much much more.
Service Opportunity: Gibbs Elementary School is looking for a student DJ for an upcoming event
Let's help Gibbs find a student DJ!
When: October 14th, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Gibbs Elementary school in the Milestone neighborhood
Contact Mr. Chai at 240-351-5462 text/call or pta.president.gibbs@gmail.com
Is Your Child Looking for a Career Completer? Consider Navy JROTC at Seneca Valley
NJROTC is a jointly sponsored Navy and secondary school citizenship and leadership program for students in grades 9 through 12, which teaches self-discipline, self-confidence and leadership skills to help students successfully meet life's challenges.
A very unique program, NJROTC enrolls students from 4 local high schools in addition to Seneca Valley. In addition to daily classes (academic, drill/marching, physical fitness) NJROTC offers many after school co-curricular activities such as many community service events and the following teams; Drill, Color Guard, Academic, Athletic, Marksmanship and Orienteering. Teams compete with other NJROTC units from Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.
NJROTC is now a Careers Program completer course within the CTE Department. Cadets earn 10 Student Service Learning hours each year of NJROTC (40 SSL hours for 4 years).
Cadets are provided uniforms, books, training aids and other types of equipment paid for by the Navy.
There is no requirement for students who participate in NJROTC to join the military.
Taught by retired Navy officer & enlisted, instructors provide helpful information to cadets interested in military enlisted or officer accession programs.
Please contact your counselor to enroll in NJROTC. If you have any questions about NJROTC call 240-740-6434 (LCDR Hernandez or CSCS Hill).
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