SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
February 27, 2022 Edition
NEW: Is your student chronically late to school?
Over the last few weeks, we have seen a troubling trend of attendance issues first thing in the morning, and as a result, large numbers of students are facing detentions for being chronically late and/or are seeing significant declines in grades for assignments missed.
As a reminder: First period starts at 7:45 a.m. This is not a suggested time or an optional time. In order for students to be in class, ready to learn, at 7:45 a.m., we recommend they arrive at school by 7:35 a.m. This will allow them time to get to their lockers, greet their friends, and make their way to their seat by the bell.
Thank you in advance for reinforcing this message with your students.
NEW: FIVE THINGS TO KNOW FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Here are the five things you should know for Friday, Feb. 25. They include an update on mask mandates, quarantine and isolation guidelines, COVID-19 test kit guidance, inclement weather make-up days, and more.
Mask Mandate in MCPS Schools Still in Place
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) voted to rescind its emergency mask mandate on Feb. 22. A joint legislative committee must approve the decision and determine what date the mandate would be lifted statewide. If the committee approves the MSDE decision, local school districts will have the ability to make an independent decision about mask mandates.At the Feb. 24 Board of Education meeting, Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight said that masks are part of a robust COVID-19 mitigation strategy. MCPS will examine local virus data and make a final decision about masks in the coming weeks.
For Athletics
The latest communication for MCPS Athletics, along with the updated Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan, are available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage.Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines Updated
Beginning March 1, MCPS will be moving from a 10-day isolation and quarantine period for students to a five-day isolation and quarantine, if certain health conditions are met. This aligns with requirements for staff and the recommendations of the CDC, Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Learn more hereCOVID-19 Test Kits Being Delivered Next Week
MCPS students and staff will continue to receive COVID-19 rapid home nasal test kits. Upcoming distribution of kits is expected during the weeks of Feb. 28 and Mar. 21. Each box contains two tests. Tests should be used in accordance with the information on this website, which includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and links to a reporting form. Please note that the rapid test kits should be stored in a dry place between 32 F and 86 F degrees.Inclement Weather Day Make-Up Plan Released
Due to inclement weather systemwide closures and one planned closure on Nov. 24, 2021, MCPS must make up three instructional days to meet Maryland state requirements for this school year. A message explaining the updates to the 2021–2022 school year calendar was emailed to the community on Feb. 24. Read it here.Antiracist Audit Surveys Begin Next Week
All students in Grade 4 through Grade 12 will take an age-appropriate, anonymous survey in school in March. The opt-out period has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25.These resources will explain the survey:
The video that all students will see right before they take the survey
Brief overview of the Antiracist System Audit (also in español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ)
Explanation of what the survey will look like
Frequently Asked Questions (also in español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ)
NEW: Free SAT for 11th Grade Students
Hello Seneca Valley High School Community,
On Wednesday, March 23, 2022, Seneca Valley High School will be offering the FREE SAT to students in Grade 11 only (with an original year of graduation for 2023). All eligible students will receive a letter detailing specific information for the day via mcpsmd.net email accounts. There is no registration required for these students, as exams have been ordered for all eligible students.
IMPORTANT: For all students in Grade 9, 10, and 12, there will be an adjusted schedule on March 23, 2022 – in which an abbreviated schedule will be followed. Students who ride the school bus for transportation or arrive at the regular time and are not testing, are to report to the auditorium, gymnasium or cafeteria until the end of testing. There will be activities during this time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kisheena Wanzer at 240-740-6400.
NEW: Request for Parent Support
REPEAT: Registration Information for 2022-23
Counselors have greatly enjoyed meeting with students over the past few weeks to review their course requests for the upcoming school year. It is wonderful to see our students taking advantage of the amazing options that are available to them at Seneca Valley.
Parents/Guardians, if you have any questions about your student's course requests, please don't hesitate to contact your student's counselor, they are happy to assist! Also don't forget to check out our Registration Website which has loads of resources, including IB information, video presentations, and much more.
NEW: SVHS Athletics Weekly Update
NEW: Update from the College and Career Center
Moving Forward College & Career Readiness Series for Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the following workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! Seniors are also welcome to attend the remaining sessions on Mar 15 and Mar 22. Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you 2 days before the workshop and 1 day before the workshop again.
Unless noted, all workshops are from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm.
Tuesday, March 1 - Explore Application Types and Deadlines
Tuesday, March 15 - Resume/Interview Skills
Tuesday, March 22* - Alternative Career Fair (*10:30am - 11:30am)
Thursday, April 7 - College Essay Writing
Thursday, April 21 - Tips on Common Application
Tuesday, April 26 - Intro to Financial Aid and Scholarships
College Applications - Seniors
If applicable, please keep working on your College Applications. Refer to the College Application Packet when applying. Everything you need to do for submitting college applications, including instructions, is on this document.
Already received admissions results and/or scholarships? Please update your Naviance accounts!
How to add and update admission decisions/results in Naviance (video)
Seniors - Steps to Apply for Financial Aid for College!
- ALL eligible seniors should complete the 2022-23 FAFSA regardless of income. Deadline is March 1, 2022! More information.
- If you are considering attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, complete the MDCAPS Application. Once complete, email Mr. Nalda your MHEC Number. More information.
- If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and plan to attend a college or university in the state of Maryland, fill out the MSFAA. More information.
Need help? Register for one of MC’s FAFSA/MSFAA Assistance Days starting Feb. 1!
Upcoming Scholarships
February 28 - TMCF | Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors - 25 awards of up to $10,000; senior; U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551; diverse candidate; min 2.75 GPA; plan to enroll in full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or continuous education program; Pell-Grant eligible (as indicated on your FAFSA); submit a video about your goals.
February 28 - TMCF | Mondelez International HBCU Scholarship - 15 awards of up to $9,000 (renewable); senior; min 3.0 GPA; U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551; plan to enroll full-time as an incoming freshman at a TMCF member-school during the 2022-2023 academic school year; Submitted the 2022-2023 FAFSA; demonstrated financial need; submit a video about connections.
February 28 - HBCU Alpha Wives of Montgomery County Scholarship - 1-$3,000 award; senior; U.S. Citizen; min 2.5 GPA (weighted); will attend an HBCU in the fall; provide evidence of SSL Hours and list of activities; essay; transcript; 2 letters of recommendation; resume; photo release; application.
February 28 - Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship - 1st Prize - $1,500 award, 2nd Prize - $300 and one set of Warm Bellies Special Edition Chill Pads (10 beds) to be donated to an animal shelter, 3rd Prize - $200 and one Garden Fresh plush toy set (5 toys) to be donated to an animal shelter; senior; U.S. resident; submit an essay (500-1000 words) detailing your volunteer efforts to help animals in need; 2-3 photos of your volunteer efforts to help animals in need.
February 28 - TheDream.US National Scholarship - up to a maximum of $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of our Partner Colleges (see list); senior; min 2.5 GPA; have DACA, TPS, or came to the country before November 1, 2016, and otherwise meet the DACA criteria, or came to the United States before the age of 16; significant unmet financial need; family's financial info; essays; responsibilities; application guide resource.
March 01 - Masonic Charities Scholarship - awards ranging from $500 - $7,000; senior; applicants considered from the following criteria: leadership in school and community; participation in school activities; personal resume; academics; financial need; references / recommendations; overall neatness of application; note that there is a section that MUST be completed in your own handwriting; once completed, RETURN application and supporting documents to Mr. Nalda by Tuesday, March 1.
March 01 - ACS Scholars Program - awards of up to $5,000; senior; min 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizen or a legal permanent U.S. resident (please inquire via email if you have questions regarding asylum or DACA status), African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian (please see link for more details); intending to major full-time at a two- or four-year college/university in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND planning to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well (see link for more details); official transcript; 2 letters of recommendation; SAR from FAFSA.
March 01 - The Aero Club Foundation of Washington Scholarship - $5,000 awards; senior; do not have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply; demonstrate a passion for aviation with the intent to pursue an education and career in aviation or aerospace ; financial need; funds may be used to pay for tuition and fees at an accredited college or university for studies in an aviation/aerospace-focused program, technical school (e.g., enrolled in a course of study in the pursuit of an FAA mechanics certificate or other comparable certificated aviation or aerospace position), or for flight training.
March 01 - Garrett County NAACP Scott Robinson Memorial Scholarship - 1-$1,000 scholarship (renewable); senior; student of color; enroll as a full-time degree seeking student at Garrett College; financial need.
March 01 - Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - senior; min. 2.0 GPA; maximum family adjusted gross income of $109,000 for the 2020 tax year; plan to attend a college or career training school listed on College Navigator website in the fall; see link for full details and requirements; must be a child of one of the following: an Active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Marine; a Marine killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps; an active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman who is/was attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit or who was killed while serving with a U.S. Marine Corps unit; a U.S. Navy Chaplain or Religious Programs Specialist who is/was attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit or who was killed while serving with a U.S. Marine Corps unit.
March 01 - Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholars Program Application - $2,500 awards; senior; min 2.5 GPA (unweighted); plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or community college, in the US, for the 2022-2023 academic year; demonstrated interest in pursuing a clinical (e.g., pharmacist, physician, practitioner, nurse) or non-clinical (e.g., accounting, business administration, human resources, marketing, public policy) career in the healthcare industry; preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need and from underrepresented communities.
March 01 - Frontline Families Scholarship Program (4pm deadline!) - awards of $2,500 & $1,000; all eligible applicants will receive awards; senior; child of a deceased frontline health care worker who died from Covid-19 while employed at a medical facility; attend a two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the fall; students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements and funds are available; applicants can receive the award a maximum of four times; see link for full eligibility and guidelines.
March 01 - Hispanic Scholarship Fund - awards ranging from $500 - $5,000; senior; must be of Hispanic heritage; U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA; min of 3.0 GPA (unweighted); plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university in the fall; scholars are selected based on merit; submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable).
March 01 - 2022 Federal Judges Association and Federal Bar Association Civics Essay and Video Contest - First place-$1,500, Second place, $1,000, Third place, $500, and Honorable Mention (2), $250 awards each for video and essay categories; 9-12 grade; submit an essay (1,000 words max) or 3-5 minute video considering the following question: “In light of the First Amendment, what type of social media posts should schools be allowed to punish as cyberbullying?”
March 01 - Tombow's Create Your Best Work Art Scholarship - $5,000 grand prize; senior; accepted and seeking a visual arts degree at a U.S. university, college or art school; online application form; digital portfolio; artist’s statement; letter of recommendation; transcript.
March 01 - Foundation 649 Scholarship - 5-$4,000 awards; senior; identify as Asian American / Pacific Islander; US citizen, resident, or foreign national, undocumented students are also welcome to apply; full-time student enrolling in a U.S. accredited university in the Fall; track record of involvement and interest in AAPI communities, issues, or causes; demonstrated financial need; resume; questionnaire and a short essay (1000 word maximum).
March 04 - AFCEA STEM Scholarship Program - (deadline extended to March 4!) senior; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; Acceptance to a U.S. accredited college or university in a four-year full time STEM curriculum; Two (2) letters of recommendation; list of extra curricular activities and awards; experience or work history; list of expected college expenses; Copy of EFC from FAFSA; guidance counselor form.
March 04 - President Gerald R. Ford Student Writing Challenge - awards of $500-$2,500; grade 9-12; write 500-750 words sharing YOUR thoughts on the topic of integrity; see link for full details.
March 04 - Doodle 4 Google Contest - National winner: $30,000, tech package, google hardware, and swag. Four Finalists: $5,000, google hardware, and swag. 54 State and Territory winners: google hardware and swag. K-12 grade; U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. legal resident; use your imagination to create a Google Doodle based on what self care means to you; artist's statement.
March 05 - The Long Nguyen & Kimmy Duong Scholarship Program - multiple $2,000 & $1,000 awards for Vietnamese American and Non Vietnamese American students; senior; U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Residents (except for gold awards); min 3.0 GPA; Vietnamese heritage (preferred); must enroll in the University of Maryland, George Mason University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, University of Virginia, Northern Virginia Community College, or Montgomery College; strong leadership potential; demonstrated active service to the Vietnamese-American community; strong knowledge of Vietnamese History and Culture (including Vietnamese language); strong desire to support Vietnam for a better future; passion to protect the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights world-wide; in need of financial aid.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Next Week's College/Career Visits - Career Center (Room 2113)
U.S. Army - Recruiter Visit Mon February 28, 2022 11:07 AM - 11:56 AM
*Stop by anytime during lunch if you would like to learn more about the military or U.S. Army.
Allegany College of Maryland Thu March 3, 2022 9:59 AM
Rutgers University-New Brunswick Thu March 3, 2022 12:13 PM
U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Fri March 4, 2022 9:35 AM
Upcoming Events
MCPS Summer RISE- Registration Now Open!
Interested in learning about a career during the month of July? Rising 2022-2023 MCPS juniors and seniors are invited to register for the Summer RISE 2022 program, a 4-week/50 hour, career-based learning experience that introduces students to career options that match their interests. Students must be available between July 5th through July 29th.
Student registration opens at 8AM on Wednesday, February 16 and will close at 5PM on Friday, March 4. For more information about Summer RISE and to register as a participant, visit www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org. Summer RISE 2021 Video
USG Pathways and Programs Week
Planning to start your college career at Montgomery College and would like to transfer to a four-year college or university?
Join us for one or more of these virtual information sessions to learn about majors offered by the nine Maryland universities on the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus. There are currently three sessions being offered: February 28 (Bioscience, Nursing, & Health) ; March 1 (Business, Communication, Social Sciences, Design & Education); and March 3 (Computing, Engineering & Information Technology).
Click here for more information and to register for sessions
Affording College: Financial Aid 101
On March 8th, Revolution Prep will be hosting "Affording College: Financial Aid 101" with Scott Wallace-Juedes, Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid at Yale University. We realize how important this information is to families. This Free presentation can provide insight to those feeling anxious and wanting to learn more about the financial component of a college education.
Scott Wallace-Juedes leads a comprehensive conversation about the financial aid process. From the FAFSA and CSS profile to estimating costs, scholarships, grants, need-based aid, and more, families will get to ask questions and hear from a financial aid expert.
- Tuesday, March 8 @ 8pm
- Click for more information and to register
Click here to see the SVHS Homepage for more upcoming events
NEW: IB Spotlight
MYP Personal Project update: Our students have their next MYP Personal Project Advisory lesson on Thursday, March 3. An important part of the MYP Personal Project (MYP PP) is reflecting on the Approaches to Learning skills (ATL Skills) students have applied during their Project. IB ATL skills are academic and socioemotional skills essential for student success at SVHS, college, career, and life. Approaches to learning skills can be learned and taught, improved with practice and developed incrementally. As a IB world school at SVHS, we work to model, discuss, teach, and encourage reflection on ATL skills in our classes and in the MYP Personal Project. They provide a common language that students and teachers can use to reflect on and articulate on the process of learning. For this advisory lesson, students will focus on a couple ATL skills they have applied so far in their Personal Project and organize evidence that demonstrates the chosen ATL Skill(s). Focusing on ATL skills, we help students “learn how to learn” and perhaps even more importantly, to “learn how they learn”.
How can you support your 10th grader through the MYP Personal Project?
Ask them about their project. At this point, students have chosen a topic, a learning goal, a product, completed research, and created success criteria & an action plan. They are now actually starting their personal projects! Students will have until April 5th to complete their projects.
Please encourage them to see Mrs. Becraft in room 1107 if they are confused or have fallen behind. I am always happy to help!
Questions to ask your student:
- What is your learning goal and product? Why did you choose that learning goal and product?
- What topics have you researched?
- How will you determine if your project is successful? What criteria will you use to evaluate your project?
- What is your plan to meet your project deadline of Tues. April 5th? Have you started completing items on your action plan? Can I help in anyway?
Check out THIS FLYER for more information on the Personal Project!
IB Diploma Program and IB Career-related Programs:
Is your student a rising junior in several IB courses? If so, they should consider the full IB Diploma – seen as the Gold Standard Preparatory Program for colleges. Students build an immense toolkit that will help them in college and beyond.
Feedback from IB Diploma Alumni:
- “My peers struggle to write papers in college, but because I did IAs* in all my classes and the EE (Extended Essay), I do not have the same challenges, as I have the skills I need.” (*Unlike other external assessments, like Advanced Placement, IB scores are a combination of authentic internal assessments (IAs), graded by SVHS teachers and moderated by IB, completed throughout the year and externally assessed exams in May.)
- “Don’t listen to others – it is very doable!”
- “ I got an abundance of credits… I have sophomore standing.”
Is your student in a career pathway and in at least one IB course? Then, the IB Career-related program may be for them.
Visit the SVHS IB Website for more information at: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhsibprograms/home or contact Ms. Ezerski the IB DP/CP Coordinator with your questions.
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!
REPEAT: Resources for Families
Mental health / crisis resources:
- Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program: For more information on family-focused outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents and their families, visit here or call 240-777-1450.
- Screening and Assessment Services for Children and Adolescents SASCA: For information on confidential screening for substance abuse for children, and mental health and substance use assessments for children up to age 18, visit here or call 240-777-1430.
- Minority Health Services: Many of our Minority Health Initiatives have excellent resources and partner with nonprofit and community organizations to offer free mental health counseling. Explore more:
- ACCESS to Behavioral Health Services: For assistance with obtaining appropriate outpatient mental health or substance abuse services for individuals eligible through the public behavioral health system. Walk-In assessments and evaluations available Monday - Friday at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. Learn more here or call 240-777-1770.
- EveryMind: For direct mental health services to youth, adults, older adults, families and veterans, visit here or call 301-424-0656.
- Crisis Center: For 24/7 free crisis services visit here or call 240-777-4000
- Crisis text line: Text "home" to 741-741 for free 24/7 support
- ChildLink: Early childhood services for children ages five and younger and their families. Learn more here or call 240-777-4769.
Family grief supports:
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