SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
January 9, 2022 Edition
NEW: MCPS Community Update
Dear MCPS Community,
The past week has been extremely challenging for everyone in our community. Evolving COVID-19 guidance, bus staffing shortages and inclement weather caused disruptions to teaching and learning and school operations. While the circumstances leading to these disruptions are beyond our control, we should have done a better job communicating with you about these challenges and clarifying our response. I apologize for any stress this caused our staff, students, and community members.
The health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We continue to believe that in-person learning is the best way to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of our students and will continue to prioritize keeping our school buildings open. Switching any school to virtual learning—even for a short period of time—will be a last resort and that decision will be based on the best information available and the guidance of national, state, and local health professionals.
The remainder of this message outlines what steps we are taking to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families; updates to school operations; and when we will consider switching a school to virtual learning. This includes information about:
- The distribution of KN-95 masks and rapid test kits to all students and staff;
- New isolation and quarantine procedures for staff, based on revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and
- An update on school operations, including bus service and the resumption of extracurricular activities;
- An upcoming community conversation to discuss school system operations; and
- How you can help us make informed decisions about keeping schools open.
I know that many of our families are struggling with the impact of the pandemic right now, and that includes my family: I tested positive for COVID-19 early last week. Thankfully, my symptoms have been mild, and I am working at home while isolating. Together, I know we can make it through this difficult time. Our community is strong and our commitment to our students is unwavering. Thank you for your support of MCPS, our students, and our outstanding staff.
Sincerely,
Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
KN-95 Masks for All Students and Staff
Last week all staff members received KN-95 masks, and we will be providing KN-95 masks to all students over the course of the next two weeks. These masks provide a higher level of protection than most other masks, and we strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities as masks continue to be required.
Rapid Test Kits for All Students and Staff
Students and staff will receive take-home rapid test kits this week. Parents are asked to help students administer these tests at home and to submit whether their child has tested positive or negative using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. (You may also call your child’s school if you are not able to submit the information electronically.) Please report all results, both positive and negative, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools by this Friday, January 14. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. Any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test, or 10 days from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earlier.
Eleven Schools Currently in Virtual Learning
We have 11 schools that transitioned to 14 days of virtual learning last week. Out of recognition that many families have made plans based on the information provided, these 11 schools will remain in virtual learning this week. They will return to in-person learning effective Tuesday, January 18. Rapid test kits will be distributed at these schools this week; all students and staff are strongly encouraged to take the rapid test and report the results by this Friday, January 14.
Possible Future Transitions to Virtual Learning
Moving forward, MCPS will work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to examine schools on a case-by-case basis to determine if any particular school needs to transition to virtual learning for a designated period of time due to health or operational reasons. Factors considered will continue to include the number of students and staff who have tested positive; the number of students in quarantine; the number of staff absent for COVID-related reasons; and the level of spread of the virus in the school.
MCPS Bus Transportation
While we continue to work to respond to the COVID-19 related bus driver staffing challenges, we will take the following actions in an attempt to minimize disruption:
- Communicate specific routes and affected schools through updates on this page and on the MCPS homepage. The initial list for each day will be posted by 7:00 pm on the prior evening; however, there may be additions each morning.
- Prioritize routes that serve students with special needs.
- Continue to use available staff to drive multiple routes serving one school.
- Also, use available transportation support staff and supervisors to cover routes.
Additionally, we are exploring numerous recruiting strategies and a variety of other options to meet both short-and long-term staffing shortages in the Department of Transportation. Thank you very much for your patience. Apply here.
Virtual Community Conversation on COVID-19 Response
We value ongoing dialogue with our community and will be scheduling a virtual community conversation this Wednesday, January 12, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. More details will be shared in an update early this week.
Revised Isolation Guidelines for Staff
- Staff who test positive for COVID-19 or have suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home for at least 5 full days from the date of symptom onset if symptomatic or the date of the positive test if no symptoms.
- After Day 5, if the individual has no symptoms without the use of fever-reducing medication, the individual may return to school as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days, and as required by MCPS and MSDE guidelines regarding mask use in schools.
- If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least a full 10 days.
In the future, the number of isolation days may be reduced for students as community-level data regarding the transmission or outbreak of the virus decreases.
Revised Quarantine Guidelines for Staff
These quarantine guidelines apply to staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and are unvaccinated; adults 18 years and older who have completed the primary series of Pfizer vaccine over 5 months ago or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted; or have not had COVID-19 in the past 90 days:
- These staff must stay home for at least 5 full days after the last close contact.
- After Day 5, if the individual has had no symptoms, the individual is encouraged to get tested and may return to work as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days.
- If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least 10 full days.
- If the individual develops symptoms at any point, they should remain at home, get tested and follow the isolation guidelines above.
- All other staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine.
In the future, the number of quarantine days may be reduced for students as community-level data regarding the transmission or outbreak of the virus decreases.
In-Person Extracurricular Activities May Resume Tuesday, Jan. 18
All in-person extracurricular activities may resume effective Tuesday, Jan. 18. All participants are required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit the result no later than Friday, Jan. 14. No spectators are allowed at extracurricular activities. These activities are assessed on a daily basis based on emerging public health science and data, and are subject to change over the next month in response to the Omicron variant.
How You Can Help
We need your help in keeping our students and staff safe and ensuring we have complete information. Here’s how you can help!
- Report results on the system-provided rapid COVID-19 test
Please report all results, both positive and negative, by this Friday, January 14, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. The way to report this information is by using this electronic form. - Keep children home if they have any symptoms of illness.
It’s important that students don't spread their illness to others. Please keep them home when they are sick and have them tested for COVID-19 as an extra precaution. - Say Yes to the Test.
Parents must give their permission for in-school testing and they can do so by completing this form. For more details, please visit our "Say Yes to the Test" website.
Social-Emotional Health and Well-Being
This is a difficult time for everyone in our community. The pandemic remains a source of anxiety for many, and MCPS is committed to providing resources to support students, staff and families as we move through the pandemic. Schools will have counselors and psychologists available, and all staff are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program for support and resources.
Important Resources
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) A Parent Resource
(English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic)
NEW: Yearbooks on Sale Now!
Order online at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1066842/Seneca-Valley-High-School/
NEW: A Message from the SVHS Counseling Services Office
The Seneca Valley Counseling Services department is pleased to welcome our two newest School Counselors!
They are thrilled to be part of the Screamin’ Eagle community and are excited to be working with our wonderful students and families.
Mr. Kevin Martinez is a product of MCPS schools, lives in Silver Spring, and is a graduate of Northwood High School. He graduated from Salisbury University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and recently graduated from Loyola University with his Master’s in School Counseling. Mr. Martinez has worked for Identity’s Wellness Centers where he was part of their positive youth development team. He loves spending time with his cockapoo Cody and watching his beloved Barcelona or Arsenal F.C. He is a native Spanish-speaker and will be working with students last names Del-Fuss and Shah-Vel. Welcome to SVHS Mr. Martinez!
Mrs. Krystal Watson moved to Maryland in August after a life spent in sunny Georgia. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University, and recently graduated from Liberty University with her Master’s in School Counseling. Mrs. Watson has worked as an elementary school teacher in Georgia where she taught K-2 and 5th grade. She loves spending time with her husband at their home in Frederick and really loves travel and binge watching Stranger Things. She will be working with 9th grade students last names Ando-Barro and 10th-12th grade students last names G – Kind. Welcome to SVHS Mrs. Watson!
The Seneca Valley Counseling Services Department is proud to support all of our students and families during this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s counselor with any questions or concerns you have. Visit the SVHS Counseling Services website for a full list of Counselors and their contact information. SVHS Counseling Services
Also please remember to mark your calendars for our upcoming Registration Information Night on Tuesday, January 18th at 7PM!
SAVE THE DATE!
Seneca Valley HS Registration Information Night for 2022-2023 School Year
Tuesday, January 18, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Rising 10th-12th Grade), 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Rising 9th Grade)
Please join the Seneca Valley Counseling Services Department and select Seneca Valley staff for an important informational evening about the upcoming registration process for 2022-2023.
Zoom Link will be available soon.
NEW: Update from the College and Career Center
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center:
Need Help With Plans for After High School?
Hey Seniors! Don’t have a plan for after high school or need help creating one? Reach out to Mr. Nalda in the College & Career Center, Room 2113. He can assist you with college and/or career planning and options. Stop by during lunch or reach out to him via email to make an appointment.
College Applications
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.
If your list of college applications changes or you plan to apply to any new schools, please communicate with your counselor!
Financial Aid for College!
ALL Eligible Seniors should complete the 2022-23 FAFSA, regardless of income.
If you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, you should fill out this application.
*Once you have created a login, send Mr. Nalda your MHEC ID in order for him to upload your transcript/GPA Information.
For students not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you may be able to complete the MSFAA if you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland.
Upcoming Scholarships
January 10 - Bethesda Magazine Essay & Short Story Writing Contest - 1 for each category: 1st-$250 and work published in Bethesda Magazine, 2nd-$100, 3rd-$50, and $25 honorable mention awards; 9-12 grade; resident of Montgomery County; choose to submit an essay or short story; essays must be limited to 500 words or less about a topic of the writer's choosing; short stories must be limited to 4,000 words or less.
January 11 - Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship - 60 awards of up to $7,500; minority high school senior; U.S. citizen; financial need; demonstrated record of academic excellence; leadership potential and a dedication to community service; plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within or affiliated with a school in the United States; letter of recommendation; transcript; four essays.
January 11* - Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship - (*deadline 8pm EST) 5-$25,000, 70-$10,000, and 35-$5,000 awards; senior; legal U.S. Resident; apply to a two- or four-year school in Fall 2022; submit an original video (between 30 seconds - 2 minutes) that tells us the story of your real, driving passion; see link for full rules and guidelines.
January 14 - Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship - $1,000 award; senior; 17 years of age or older; accepted to and will attend a college or university in the Fall; submit a 600-800 word essay that describes a challenge you faced, how you overcame it, and how the experience affected you.
January 15 - JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest - 1-$10,000, 1-$3,000, and 5-$1,000, and 8-$100 awards; grades 9-12; write a 700-1,000 word essay describing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1917; must use five sources and include a bibliography.
January 15 - Orlando Trial Pro, P.A. Scholarship 2021 - 1-$5,000 award; senior; min 3.0 GPA; US citizen or permanent resident; submit a 400-500 word essay addressing questions about your "passion" along with a portfolio of 2-3 pieces showcasing your talents in your specific discipline; transcript; one letter of recommendation
January 20 - Montgomery Scholars Program - senior; Montgomery Scholars scholarships cover the cost of full-tuition and fees, for two years of study at Montgomery College (30 credits per year at the in-county resident tuition rate); must fill out MC Application prior to submission as you need your M Number included on your application; two high school teacher recommendations; high school transcript; photocopy of your SAT and/or ACT scores (optional for this year); resume (optional but highly recommended); photocopy of AP scores and/or SAT II Scores.
January 20 - C-SPAN Student Cam 2022 - prizes totaling $100,000 each year, prizes to the top 150 documentaries; open to students in 6-12 grade; create a short (5-6 minute) video documentary on a topic related to the competition theme, "How does the federal government impact your life?"
January 25* - Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program - (*deadline 4pm on 1/25) 20-$5,000 awards for 2-year programs and 40-$10,000 awards for students pursuing 4-year degrees (renewable); senior; historically underserved students who self-identify as Black/African American, Hispanic or Latino, America Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; min 3.0 GPA; enroll full-time at a two or four-year college, university, or tech school in the fall; transcript; copy of first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040.
January 25* - Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Program - (*deadline 4pm on 1/25) up to 100 awards of $40,000 for college and a guaranteed paid internship at Amazon; senior; min 3.0 (unweighted); U.S. citizen, permanent residents (holders of a Permanent Resident Card), or Employment Authorized to work in the U.S.; financial need; have taken computer science classes in high school or at a college dual program, or currently be enrolled in one (if not, may take a take a qualifying exam); plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in a computer science related field of study from an accredited 4-year college or from a 2-year college intending to transfer to a 4-year college; transcript; copy of the first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040.
January 26* - Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund - (* deadline is 5pm on 1/26) $2,500 - $20,000 awards; senior; min 2.7 GPA; be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by U.S. Census; be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States; attend a U.S. accredited college or university in the Fall of 2022; must apply for FASFA by early April 2022; submit one letter of recommendation online.
BigFuture Scholarships - Win up to $40,000 to help pay for College!
All juniors can become eligible for scholarships by completing college planning steps on BigFuture. Juniors will be automatically entered into monthly scholarship drawings for $500 and $40,000 when they either build a list with six or more colleges or start practice for the SAT. The more steps students complete and the earlier they start on BigFuture, the more chances to win. Learn more at bigfuturescholarships.org. Click here to see the flyer.
ALL students are eligible regardless of income, GPA, citizenship status, etc!
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Upcoming Events
SAT, ACT or Both? Virtual Session - Jan 12
The question we hear the most often at The Princeton Review is: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Join us as we go over both tests and discuss what you need to do to prepare for and get a great score on the SAT, the ACT, or both. Tune in to The Princeton Review’s live virtual session to get the answer to all of these questions and more!
Date: January 12, 2022
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
SAT & ACT Virtual Practice Tests
Join us virtually to take a full-length practice SAT and/or ACT. After the test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.
Be prepared with a calculator and scrap paper to work out your problems. You can also keep a bottle of water and a snack nearby, as breaks will be given just like on test day. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link and further instructions the day before the exam.
SAT Date: Saturday, January 22, 2022 * 9am - 1pm
ACT Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022 * 9am - 1pm
Moving Forward College & Career Readiness Series for Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in virtual workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you 2 days before the workshop and 1 day before the workshop again.
Click here for the flyer - Click here to register
SVHS College & Career Newsletter - December/January, 2021-22
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