Thunderblast 2023
Taking Risks by OWNING Our Learning- December 3, 2023
Time to Push Hard Before Winter Break
Another strong week at Seneca in the books. I didn't get back from Germany until Wednesday evening, but I keep noticing things seem to go really well without me. I'm not sure if that is the sign of strong leadership or really weak leadership. I do know that I missed Seneca dearly and although I loved being immersed in the Heinrich Von Kleist School in Eschborn, Germany, it only made me appreciate this community more (which I didn't think was possible). The picture to the right was our group of Dominion students at the Main Tower in Frankfurt.
- Thunderblast- I know there is a great deal of information in these weekly newsletters. I will try to highlight some things briefly at the opening if they are time sensitive or different from our normal flow.
- Mon, Nov 20: Bloom Science Event- It was great to host so many 6th grade students, local health and medical science workers, various middle schools, and our new Superintendent, Dr. Spence. This is the second year of us hosting and I love having the rest of the division witness Seneca's awesomeness! Picts below.
- Tues, Nov 21: PBIS Activity Day- It was a jam-packed two day week. Picts below.
- Fri, Dec 1: Winter Wonderland Dance- More than a third of our school came out to celebrate on Friday, and a good time was had by all- especially me! Picts below.
- Tues, Dec 5: Donut Sale- Our PTO will be raising money for the 8th grade celebration after school selling donuts at the front of the building. $1/ donut. We will also be selling candy at the Winter concerts.
- Wed, Dec 6: PTO Meeting- 9:00 AM in the Learning Lounge.
- Wed, Dec 6: Book Fair Opens! See below.
- Fri, Dec 8: Virtual Parent Coffee- Looking forward to seeing you at 11:00 AM. Info below.
- Also, our STEM Level Up Hour of Code and Evening Showcases take place this week in addition to our Winter Concert Series (schedule below). Looking forward to a busy couple weeks!
Activity Day
Bloom Health and Medical Science Event
Winter Wonderland Dance
Parent Coffee
Please post your questions in this Questions and Answer Form so we can generate responses. It is okay to post them right before or even during the meeting, but I can best prepare answers with actual data and visuals if they are in a few days in advance. I can't wait to see you at this GOOGLE MEET LINK. The meeting will be recorded and posted in the following Thunderblast.
Happenings at the Library
Book Fair!!
The library is excited to be hosting our book fair from Wednesday, 12/6 - Tuesday 12/12 from 8:30 - 3:30. We will be open until 7pm on Monday, 12/11 (if you come in the evening, you'll have the added bonus of seeing a really tired librarian!).
Purchase (a bounty of) books and other small items as gifts for yourself or others while supporting your school library. All funds raised go right back into the library, and we really appreciate your support!
Reading Challenge due Friday, December 15th
Hard to believe Seneca's first Reading Challenge is wrapping up. Students choose 5 challenges to complete out of 13 listed. All students who complete the challenge will receive a Bolt Buck (because reading is a great way to take OWNERSHIP of their education), and 5 random students will win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Any questions, please contact Mrs. Abrahamsen in the library
Save the Date- Night of One Acts Friday, December 15 from 6-9 PM
Victor O'Neill Photos
We are writing to let you know the Make up/Retake images are now viewable online.
- Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc
- use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
- For questions regarding school pictures
- please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT)
Seneca’s UMHT: One of our goals is to provide families with information on community resources, access to basic needs, mental health/crisis counseling, reducing stress/anxiety, substance abuse resources, and resources to support learning. Please feel free to access the resources below as needed.
PBIS - Students of the Week... Keep on keepin' on!
Congrats to this week's PBIS winners!!
Maria Alvarez-Roldan 6
Arianna Williams 7
Aria Khazai 8
Navarro Reyes, Samer C. 6
Insari, Adnan G. 7
Mahmudov, Mustafo 8
Caitlin Franz 6
Angie Granados 8
Sarah Tuttle 6
Nick Goncalves 8
Jennifer Ochoa Reyes 7
Sophia Hogarty 7
Dayana Ramos Barahona 7
Kathleen Castro Lopez 7
Keylin Castro Lopez 7
PBIS - Staff Of The Week
In her 30th year in education and her second year at Seneca as a Level Up teacher, Ms. Hays continues to transform the program. Her attention to detail, positivity, and growth mindset made the Bloom event a success in addition to the Hour of Code and Level Up Showcases in recent weeks. Ms. Hays spent her first 12 years at Loudoun County High School as a science teacher and we are so glad she came back to Loudoun by way of Seneca Ridge!
PTO Corner
Visit us on Website- https://srms.ptboard.com/ and follow us on Facebook- Seneca Ridge Middle School PTO & Seneca Ridge Home of the Thunderbolts
NEXT PTO MEETING - Dec 6 at 9am in our learning lounge across from the library. You can also join the meeting virtually at https://meet.google.com/wua-cvat-dfe Dial in (audio only): 518-635-0260 PIN: 536 971 724#
Staff Appreciation- CALLING ALL BAKERS!!! Monday, December 18th is one of our favorite traditions - the HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE! We need bakers and/or buyers, and of course, volunteers to help run the show! Our goal is a dozen cookies per staff member for our staff of 150! Monetary donations are also welcome. Please sign up below and let us know how you can help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0444A5AB2DA4F85-46258024-srms#/
NFC Championship Rematch- the last time it was truly a family event!
📨 Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
💻 Website: Seneca Ridge Middle School
🏫 Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
☎️ Phone: 571-434-4420