Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
April 4- April 8
Dear Silver Creek Families
Happy April! We are in Quarter 4 and only a few more months left in the school year. Spring Break is one week away, April 11- April 18. Wishing our students and families an enjoyable and relaxing spring break- and, to our amazing staff- enjoy this time to renew and refresh. You so deserve it.
COVID-19 Reporting/Information: Please use this reporting FORM, if your child does test positive for COVID-19. You may review Silver Creek Middle School's reported COVID-19 cases here. Here is the most recent MCPS Community Update (3/31). This highlights important information related to COVID test kits, mental health, Pedestrian Safety, resources for out of school time for students & Anti-Racist Audit Survey.
As always, we remain committed to the safety of our staff and students and will continue to implement safety and health practices to mitigate potential health risks. When weather permits, students will continue to have the opportunity to eat lunch outside.
The sections marked with an * have been updated with new information OR is a new section in the newsletter. Please make sure to review. As always, thank you for your continued partnership.
Let's make it a great week Huskies!
*COVID-19 Home Test Kits: Students received these on Friday, April 1
- If students were absent on Friday, April 1, 2022 they may pick up a test from their 7th period teacher upon their return this week, April 4- April 8.
- Students attending the Virtual Academy, please contact the school to make-arrangements to retrieve your student kit.
These kits are meant for Spring Break use–
Students and staff are being asked to test Monday, April 18th and use the reporting form to document positive cases. Covid-19 Rapid Test Information
Report positive cases via our online form. If the test is positive, stay home and follow quarantine and isolation guidelines. COVID-19 symptoms are fever with a temperature of 100.4 or higher, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea or vomiting or loss of taste or smell. Use this helpful student health checklist.
*Bell Schedule for this Week: Students will take the Maryland School Survey
As a reminder, Husky connect time on Mondays and Tuesdays will provide an opportunity for students to work on assignments; students will have an additional day of the week (Wednesday- Friday) for a study hall period during their Husky Connect Homeroom. This is an opportunity for students to work on any assignments and/or work with their assigned homeroom teacher for any support. Students will still have outside time one of the days ( Wednesday-Friday) and will participate in either an MYP lesson or No Place for Hate lesson the other day.
*Maryland School Survey
Maryland School Survey
Students will participate in the Maryland School Survey during their Husky Connect period this week on April 6 (7th & 8th Grade) and April 7 (6th grade). The Maryland School Survey is given to all MCPS teachers and students in grades 5-11. The purpose of the survey is to collect important information about relationships, engagement, the school environment, and safety. You may find more information about the Maryland School Survey at the links below:
https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/DataCollections/MarylandSchoolSurvey.aspx
*Silver Creek News- Morning Announcements!
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, April 1, 2022 to hear upcoming news & events.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J_j3zcqtRW9gxMwAol0Jbqo84EP5rvZe/view?usp=sharing
*April is Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, in April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting one's ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many subtypes. First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us.
In recognition of this month, many Silver Creek staff will wear Autism Acceptance T'shirts on Fridays, during the month of April.
You may find information on the Autism Speaks website at:https://www.autismspeaks.org/
Autism Program coming to Silver Creek beginning SY23
We will receive additional staffing and resources to support the program's needs. More information will be forthcoming. You may learn more about the Autism program in MCPS by clicking on the link below:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/special-education/programs-services/
*MCAP Testing
MCAP testing for ELA & Math will occur the last week in April and the Social Studies MCAP will occur in May. The table below highlights the dates for each MCAP spring testing. The bell schedule for MCAP testing is included here in the parent handbook. (Note that the MCAP schedule posted in the handbook is still a draft and is subject to minor changes).
An email communication will be sent out to families and students to include your child’s testing location, date and time of testing, and what materials to bring to testing the week of April 18.
Please ensure that your child is present and arrives to school on time for testing. It is important students bring a charged chromebook on each day of testing. You may Click here for more information about the MCAP assessment. If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mr. David O'Shell, assistant principal, at David_O'Shell@mcpsmd.org
Summer School: Save the dates!
MCPS will be offering in-person summer school opportunities this summer. All summer school programs are free of charge for all students and transportation is provided. A virtual option is for Virtual Academy students ONLY.
Summer school will be held from July 6, 2022 through July 29, 2022. All rising 9th grade students will need to register with the high school they will attend. The goal of the summer program is to mitigate learning disruption and continue to engage students in academic, specials and electives, and social-emotional support. More information about Silver Creek's course offerings along with the registration form, process & registration dates will be communicated to families when we return from Spring break.
You may find additional information about summer school here.
Save the date: S.T.E.A.M Night: Thursday, April 28, 2022
All are welcome to join! Come and have fun with your family and the Silver Creek community while discovering, competing, creating...and eating! We'll have interactive demonstrations like Strawberry DNA Extraction, games like Olympic Recycling and Candy Guesstimation, makerspace activities, stargazing, food trucks... and so much more!
Please see flyer for additional details
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ev1i-DE8s2Mld5GE2QeEOBJGlMc3FA7w/view?usp=sharing
Library Media Center: SOAR with SORA
All users can now add the Montgomery Public Library collection to their account without a library card, too. Directions for using SORA are here.
Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program- Last Lessons this week.
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) remains committed to sharing information and resources about mental health topics that could potentially impact students.
All students in Grade 6 through 12 will participate in the Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program. The SOS lessons will go through your child’s English/ESOL class between March 21 - April 7. Here is the schedule. Students will also receive handouts that include the Act to Save a Life student newsletter and a list of school, local, and national resources that are available on mental health needs. Please find the parent letter located below:
Resources can be found here:
Guidelines for reporting suicide threats seen on social media:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E4Azac3K5u3uBzOEuotnb92k6vMrSS5lJ-niljvhNzo/edit
Talking to kids about suicide -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Yi-KuP2Fn9dSMn3W6yWJtGqZSMtNFgS/view?usp=sharing
Link to asynchronous parent training videos-
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kgdlOZPk4nFvjSQLFu798McWuR8Vg1fHvXh8SwMX0bg/edit
Girls Running Club
Silver Creek Middle School will have a Girls Running Club starting soon. If you are interested, please sign up using the link below and additional information will be sent to interested participants via email.
If you have any questions, you may contact Ms. Tara Whitney at Tara_A_Whitney@mcpsmd.org
ExtraCurricular Activities
Good news! Spectator limitations are now at 50% of facility capacity for all indoor extracurricular events. You may also refer to the Return to RAISE Athletics newsletter.
We have re-started our afterschool, in-person extracurricular and co-curricular activity programs. As a reminder, in order to ensure that all participants are healthy and to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all participants are required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit the results using the form below.
Students & families should self-report test results to MCPS using the form below:
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (English)
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (Spanish)
You may view the following slides that provide information on the process of testing and reporting.
Please click here to view the SCMS After School Activities and Brochure.
You may read the most recent MCPS communication here.
After School Activities & Intramural Sports
After school activities will run through May 16 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays only. The activities will meet on one of the three days from 3:15-4:30 pm. A list of activities can be found in our After School Brochure which is linked below. The link will also take you to a google registration form to be used to sign up for an after school activity. Registering for an activity will be on-going. After school buses are available and will depart by 4:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must be given a bus pass from their after school sponsor to ride the bus. After school Activity Brochure & Registration Form: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/after-school-activities
Any questions related to after school activities, please contact Dr. Matthew Okun@Matthew_Okun@mcpsmd.org
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Designed to promote participation in sports to all eligible middle school students of all grade levels. There are no try-outs, and students do not need experience to participate. Intramurals take place after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:05-4:30. Students are required to turn in a signed “Covid” packet to participate. Students can get this packet from their PE/Health teacher, or from this link.
Mr. Bingaman is the intramural coordinator. Sample sports can include: basketball, football, soccer, badminton, tennis, volleyball, cross country, dance, weight training, track and field, kickball, capture the flag, etc. Any questions, please reach out to Mr. Bingaman at Ryan_H_Bingaman@mcpsmd.org.
Middle School Athletics Program: Spring Season
All physicals must include the COVID-19 supplemental information, attached to the pre-participation physical (MCPS Form SR-8). In addition, students must complete their second shot or submit an approved exemption no later than February 22, 2022, before a student-athlete can participate. Proof of vaccination must be ready for online submission via the ParentVue Portal, prior to tryouts/practices. Spring sports tryouts/practices begin March 8, 2022.
Any questions, please contact Ms. Tara Whitney, Athletic Coordinator, at Tara_A_Whitney@mcpsmd.org.
COVID Pool Testing
One significant mitigation tactic Montgomery County Public Schools will use this fall is random COVID-19 screening tests for students. A random sample of students grades 6-8 who have a parent consent form on file will be selected to be tested.
Silver Creek is scheduled for COVID screen testing every Tuesday for those students who have consented to test. The vendor will communicate results to schools within 24-48 hours. Families will be contacted if there is a positive result.
Please read the process outlined from MCPS below:
Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities
Any questions about SSL, please contact Ms. Renee Hill at Renee_S_Hill@mcpsmd.org
Academic Supports for Students
SCMS Mathematics Tutoring
Does your child need help in math? Do they want to work with a current BCC high school student?
If so, you may sign up for tutoring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:20-4:20 pm every week. After school activity buses will be available on each of the three days.
If interested, please fill out the Tutoring Interest form to express your interest. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Okun at matthew_okun@mcpsmd.org
New Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
Tutoring - Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)
MCPS: George B Thomas Saturday School
The George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. is pleased to offer academic support and/or acceleration on the 6th day of learning (Saturday mornings). Certified teachers are available to support your child with mitigating learning disruption.
Class sessions begin at 8:30 am each Saturday with a motivational session. To register, please see flyer here:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/mainstory/published/2018/2018-08/Program%20Flyer%20English%2018-19%20Final.pdf
The cost for Saturday School is $85. The cost for students who receive free and reduced meals is $40. This cost covers the entire school year through May and registration is open all year.
PARENT RESOURCES
*Principal's Coffee
We are excited about our monthly principal coffees this school year. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being. Principal Coffee's will move back to a hybrid model.
We will not have an April Coffee due to Spring Break. Our next principal's coffee is scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 8:30-9:15 am. Topic: TBA
If you missed the March principal coffee, you can find the recording located here. You may also find the slide presentation located here.
Counselor News & Updates
The March newsletter is out and it is all about careers! Check it out on the counseling website - the tab is NEWSLETTERS
Check out what's new on the Counseling Website.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/school-counseling-team
Camp Erin for grieving students ages
6-17 will take place May 13-15 2022. It is free. Please visit the counseling website under parent resources to see the flyers.
The deadline for applying is Friday April 29th.
More details and the application form are on our website https://www.caringmatters.org/camp-erin
Please contact our Camp Director, Eva Cowen with questions. evac@caringmatters.org
Parent Handbook
Did you miss the parent grade-level town hall meetings? You may access meeting recordings in the parent handbook. Please locate the parent handbook on our website. All the information you need is located here for your convenience.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/home
*Message from PTSA: Mia Fontana Foundation
The PTA is excited to announce the first educational event of the Mia Fontana Foundation on Tuesday, April 5th from 7-8:30pm! Joe Fontana will share knowledge gained from his and Gabrielle's journey with Mia along with Guy Diamond, PHD, the Founding Director of the Drexel Center of Family Intervention, who will be sharing insights relating to improving wellness, emotional development and resilience in children by increasing meaningful family involvement in daily life.
Links to the Mia Fontana Foundation website and this free webinar event are below:
https://www.miafontanafoundation.org
Guy Diamond Event Link:
https://www.miafontanafoundation.org/event-details/guy-diamond-live-webinar-4-5-22
Yearbook Sales: Hurry, sales End Soon!
Yearbook sales are ending soon! Go to https://yearbookforever.com/schools/silver_creek_middle_school_buy_yearbook_363047/pXKC6AW3mqyz55m7Lkx7RTml to order your yearbook now. Prices are now $35, and there a limited number of copies left. Be sure to order one ASAP before they run out!
You can use https://snap.yearbookforever.com/snap/index.html#/upload/1-3AQWI9 to upload and submit your own photos for the yearbook. Be sure to follow the instructions before uploading any pictures. Access code- huskies
Please email sean_p_brennan@mcpsmd.org with any questions!
Cell Phone Use
The use of cell phones in the school has become a large distraction for our students. We will continue to reinforce our cell phone expectations that it must be out of sight during instructional time. Aligned with MCPS regulations, all personal mobile devices must be turned off and away at the start of school. Students may use their cell phones before school, at lunch, and after school ONLY. They should not have their cell phones out during transition times.
The absence of mobile devices will allow teachers to continue to create a conducive learning environment with fewer distractions for our students as well as lessen behavioral infractions related to cell phone use during hallway transitions and other learning spaces. If students are not able to follow the cell phone policy, consequences will be given based on the Student Code of Conduct.
Requesting a student transcript and/or records
Parents, if you are interesting in requesting a transcript and/or records for your child, please use the google form link. Please note that this google form is also necessary for students applying to private schools. Also, please do not email individual staff members to request a transcript and/or school records. Individual teachers should only be emailed for a recommendation.
If you have any questions, contact our registrar, Mrs. Michelle Lambert-Williamson at michelle_c_lambert-williamson@mcpsmd.org
Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
Ways to Report: English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1areawDK08nMCq-2z3wW0PctPntog0eVX/view?usp=sharingSpanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZVC11h8vBYrzL1yyJgMYLRyE-SLmbDFg/view?usp=sharing
*Important Dates to Remember
April 11-April 18-Spring Break- No school for students and staff
April 28- STEAM Night- 6PM
May 2- No school for students; Professional Day for teachers.
May 18- Early Release for students
May 30- Memorial Day Holiday- No school
*Recently updated
Student Absence or Quarantine
If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 the morning of the absence. In your message, please include the information listed below:
1. Parent/Guardian name
2. Full name of your student (First & Last); student ID#
3. Date(s)of absence
4. Reason for absence
If you have any questions regarding attendance procedures, parents may email a note to Ms. Pamela Carroll-Sykes, attendance secretary, at Pamela_M_Carroll-sykes@mcpsmd.org.
Please note: If a student needs to quarantine/isolate for 5 days due to a COVID 19 direct exposure or positive test, Silver Creek Middle School has established a plan for the virtual continuity of learning. A letter with the student's virtual continuity of learning plan will be communicated to families whose child has been identified to quarantine.
Important Contacts
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/staff/directory/
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Main Office: 240-740-2200
Registration & Counseling: 240-740-2211
Attendance Line: 240-740-2201
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/
Location: 3701 Saul Road, Kensington, MD, USA
Phone: 240 740 2200
Twitter: @SCMSDrAwkard