Thunderblast Weekly
February 20, 2022
Inertia
Similarly, we are undergoing a large amount of change during this pandemic and have been for 2 years. The latest change was the decision to make masking optional. I discussed your questions at length during the parent coffee on Friday. You can access the recording here. It is very important to me that I hear your concerns as we continue to endure change as your feedback and our collaboration has been the primary reason we have continued to move forward since March 12, 2020.
Black History Month
COVID Updates
With masks being optional based on a court decision this week, we are focusing on what we can control. There were great questions asked in the coffee and most were answered. I did find out a little more about some that we didn’t initially have the answers for. I also made decisions on how to proceed with contact tracing until further guidance is given. See main points below:
Contact Tracing- we will revert to our protocol prior to omicron where we can check which students were within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more with masks off when a positive test is reported. We will continue to monitor for updated guidance.
For students who test positive or are identified as close contacts, LCPS will recommend but not require masks if a student returns to school on days 6-10 of their isolation or quarantine period. Below is an overview of isolation/quarantine practices:
· Isolation: (Symptoms or positive test): Isolate for at least 5 days and if symptoms are improving/no fever reducing medication, return to school on day 6, mask recommended.
· Quarantine: Close contact (not fully vaccinated, not boosted): Quarantine for at least 5 days, monitor for symptoms, return to school on day 6, mask recommended.
Buses- Although the federal guidance on masking on buses is still in place, the recent court ruling was silent on this point. For that reason, bus drivers are no longer required to enforce masks on buses. There will be no disciplinary action for students who are unmasked on the bus.
Virtual Options- Although virtual options are not possible this year, the application process is beginning for next year. I have seen many families struggle with the change in guidance and direction throughout this year. Based on the data, we can conclude that Seneca has been safe for our students throughout the entire process. If you look at this data and still feel unsettled about in-person learning, I encourage you to first reach out to me or our counselors. In that conversation, we can weigh the pros and cons of virtual learning. Although I feel strongly that in-person learning is best for the vast majority of middle schoolers, I know that the level of anxiety some families might feel based on their situations must be considered carefully. I implore you to make this decision in partnership with the school.
Although some of this guidance may not be what you want to hear, please remember that we are continuing to work within the guidelines that we are given. Following those guidelines tightly has led to 2 successful years during a crisis. We will continue to trust this process and listen to your feedback.
Thank you for filling in the form to help us with contact tracing if your child tests positive. We only have 1 case of quarantining and 1 of isolation in 6th grade this week.
Unified Mental health Team (UMHT)
For information from the UMHT and on Course Selection, please click here.
Technology Survey
As you may know, Loudoun County Public Schools has partnered with Brightbytes, a data analytics organization built specifically for K-12 to provide insights into our new and changing learning environments with the goal of ensuring personalized learning support for all students.
We are reaching out to ask you to take part in our school survey. Your responses are completely anonymous, and the survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
The last day to complete the survey is Friday, March 4th. Please respond using the link below.
Parent Link: www.BByt.es/9K9XR8Q
Para esta encuesta se puede cambiar el lenguaje al español.
In the parent coffee, I mentioned that we use data from this survey to make key decisions including staffing and student scheduling. Your voice is important. Thank you for taking part in our School Improvement Plan!
Our students will be completing their own version of the survey during Storm this week. We want to ensure we are getting feedback from all members of our learning community for this important survey.
Tardy Alert!
Feb. 15 = 28
Feb. 16 = 33
Feb. 17 = 25
Feb. 18 = 43
PBIS- Students of the Week
6th Grade: Valery Munoz-Contreras
7th Grade: Cora Hines
8th Grade: Zayan Khan
We would also like to thank the following student helpers: Remmy Grey, Patricio Uribe, and Sela Voigt for taking initiative and demonstrating ownership in our community!
PBIS- Staff of the Week
A Farewell Message from Mr. Friend
Greetings, Thunderbolt Nation!
Recently, I accepted the position of assistant principal at Harper Park Middle School in Leesburg. Due to the opening occurring mid-year, I will be starting my new role there on Tuesday, 2/22/22, meaning I just wrapped up my last week at Seneca as a Thunderbolt. I recorded a morning announcement video for students and staff on Tuesday of this past week to share the news. I was met with so much positivity and well wishes that it was truly heartwarming.
One of my daughters' favorite books that we read together right now is The Feelings Book. A page in the book has six different emoji icons, and the reader must identify which emotion it represents. When Maddie finishes identifying the individual emotions and wraps up the page, she always says, "this is alllllllllll the emotions" and I think that sums up how I'm feeling.
I have so many people to thank and so much to be grateful for during my five years here at Seneca and will always consider myself a Thunderbolt. Seneca has been my home since the 17-18 school year and the relationships and connections built over that time will last a lifetime. The staff, students, and families at Seneca are what makes this place so special and while it is especially tough to leave our 8th graders mid-year, I know they are in good hands.
Wishing everyone a strong second half of the year. #StrengthentheCORE
David Friend
PTO Corner
Spirit Night/Restaurant Night @ Burger 21!
Stop by Burger 21 on February 21 between 5PM and 9PM to support our school. 20% of sales will go back to our school. Be sure to mention SRMS at checkout.
The PTO Needs your Help!!!
SRMS Basketball Event Helper: We are looking for someone to help support a fun community event- Seneca Ridge vs Simpson Middle School basketball game. This would involve managing a committee of volunteers that would focus on ticket sales, concessions, and the players. Please contact Kim Blough for more information. vicepresident@srmspto.org
8th Grade Graduation Celebration - We are so excited for our 8th grade graduation celebration that will be happening in June! We need lots of volunteers to make this a special event. Please consider helping us make this special for our soon to be highschoolers. 8th Grade Graduation Celebration Volunteer Sign-Up
Next PTO Meeting - March 9
Check us out!
Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/30563
Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-4420
Twitter: @SRMS_Official