Thunderblast Weekly
February 6, 2022
Who doesn't love storytime?
It was a cold and still January evening 10 years ago. I was a second year dean and a new father. I got up to speak to our rising 6th grade parents and I spoke from my heart as a new dad who hadn’t slept a full night in months. I didn’t connect with families and I didn’t inspire the confidence that we could support our students through perhaps their most difficult transition of their school careers. Luckily, our principal, assistant principal, and lead counselor all had children who were rising 6th graders that same year. They knew exactly what the parents in our community needed to hear. They made up for my blunder.
10 years later, I stood in Seneca’s auditorium as a proud and anxious parent, as each of our families has done over the years. What instrument will my son choose and will he stick with it? Will my relationship with him change? What will happen to the friendships he built in his elementary school over the last 6 years? Fortunately, I heard positivity and excitement from the rising 6th grade team and music teachers. It immediately made me feel at home.
In addition to my own children coming here on special permission, Dr. Wakefield’s children are also coming to Seneca. What does it say about a school when our leaders are willing to take our most precious commodities out of their comfort zone and bring them here?
COVID Updates
We had only 1 student test positive since last Sunday. Our numbers continue decrease dramatically and it looks as though we have weathered yet another wave while keeping our eye on the prize- safe, in-person learning. Thank you for filling in the form to help us with contact tracing if your child tests positive.
As the discussion for and against masks continues on, I appreciate your patience in working with us while this topic is settled in the courts. You have been the ideal partner throughout this entire pandemic. THANK YOU!
Weather Reminders
On a different note, the kiss and ride will always be difficult based on the bottle neck at Augusta and Seneca Ridge Drive. Please be patient as we try to be consistent. It will never be perfect and mutual respect is the most important thing. Always add 10 minutes to your time on our campus when there is inclement weather. Start to finish at the height of dismissal on a normal day is usually between 12 and 17 minutes. I love audiobooks!
Course Selection IMPORTANT Update
This week, 6th and 7th graders were learning about electives and choosing next year's classes in advisory. These next two weeks are so important for families to review selections together to make the best choices for next year.
For 8th graders, Dominion’s Counseling Team will be coming down this week on Monday, February 7th and Tuesday February 8th to present to our students at the beginning of Resource/Spectrum blocks 5-6 & 7-8. 8th grade students will be selecting 2 electives on Friday, February 11th during advisory.
It is imperative that course selection is a family discussion about the best pathways for our students.
Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT)
Attention 8th Grade Families: Chris Clarke, CAMPUS Program Manager for Loudoun County Public Schools would like to invite all current 8th grade students to attend a countywide CAMPUS parent/student in-person meeting on Thursday, February 10th from 6:00-7:30 pm at Riverside High School.
The following items will be discussed:
- “What is CAMPUS?”
- CAMPUS Student Ambassador Panel (CAMPUS Student Ambassadors will answer questions and share their experiences within the CAMPUS program)
- Review the CAMPUS Online Application Process CAMPUS Event Flyer (English/Spanish)
*A LCPS Spanish Interpreter will be available
For more information from the UMHT, please click here.
District Band Concert Players
Left to right: Dakota Man, Euphonium; Amogh Bhalerao, Euphonium; Ricky Sanchez-Forbes, Trombone; Rohit Panse, Trumpet; Evelyn Sprague, Flute; Brennan Pecorino, Tenor Saxophone; and Dilowan Hakimi, Bass Clarinet
PBIS- Students of the Week
PBIS- Staff of the Week
PTO Corner
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/awd-ziba-uge
Or dial: +1 405-389-1044 PIN: 558422595
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/awd-ziba-uge?pin=4023278823482
The PTO Needs your Help!!!
Basketball Game Event Chair - We are looking for someone to manage a fun community event- Seneca Ridge vs Simpson Middle School basketball game. This would involve partnering with the school and 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
You've Been Bolted - This is a fun event where we are spreading school spirit by putting various Seneca Ridge Thunderbolt signs in the yards of those that have signed up. We need volunteers to help move these signs. You’ve Been Bolted Volunteer Sign-up
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 high schoolers. 8th Grade Graduation Celebration Volunteer Sign-Up
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