Thunderblast Weekly
September 20, 2020
Overview
Writing the blast a little early this weekend, so we have no choice but to celebrate another big win for our hometown favorite football team…what could go wrong? Speaking of going wrong, I know we still have some kinks to work out with attendance, Schoology (there is a struggle integrating with Google while Google is making so many updates), wifi, and technical issues. I have seen a ton of growth since August and I know we will continue to build off our successes. It’s like having a 17-0 nothing deficit, but if you work hard and keep at it, you might win 27-17. Definitely too soon for that not to sting.
Important Information (some reminders here with additional info)
MAP Testing: The next two asynchronous Mondays, students will complete Fall MAP Testing through advisory. We will be sending a separate set of information later this week to keep you informed.
Counseling and United Mental Health Team: check out the UMHT newsletter here.
Schedule Reminder:
Mondays are asynchronous except for 9:00-9:15 advisory.
Monday Office Hours
1:00-2:00 Math, SS, World Language, FACS, Tech Ed, Art
2:00-3:00 English, Science, Health & PE, Music
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are A days.
Thursdays and Fridays are B days.
We are developing a plan for resource teacher support on Mondays from 9:30 to 11:00. It will not begin tomorrow.
Resource: As we continue to balance screen time and supporting students, I want to explain the purpose of resource. This is an opportunity for students to develop a plan and organize their studying and assignments, then seek support from different teachers depending on their need. We have a form for students to complete that helps them determine the best use of their time after reviewing their grades and assignments for the week.
All of the following can occur during the resource block depending on the needs of each individual: visiting teachers, review games with peers, asynchronous work away from the screen, individual conferencing, breakout sessions with peers to collaborate, grade level information from deans and counselors, and many other opportunities depending on the needs of each class. We will continue to review how resource can evolve in this new environment.
Schoology: We are continuing to work through this new platform. As many of our staff used Google in the past, and are integrating it to Schoology, we are troubleshooting the transfer of material- especially since Google has made so many updates.
If a student or parent is not using their chromebook to access Schoology, let me know. A parent shared some work-arounds with Apple that I can get your way if it has been a struggle.
Cameras: We’re still working on this one. Please help us by talking it out as a family. The entire classroom dynamic changes when everyone is on camera and participating. We know every situation is different, so if you are definitely against it as a family, please let your counselor know.
Behavior: It was a great week with our students! Instead of talking about negative behaviors, check out our PBIS data below!
PBIS
Bolt Bucks
So far, we have had 412 digital bolt bucks issued by teachers and staff school-wide, which includes 380 unique students- 33% of our entire student body! Thank you for continuing to strengthen the CORE!
Students of the Week
Aakash, THANK YOU for demonstrating CONFIDENCE and OWNERSHIP by being a leader in your classes and helping your peers.
Lucy, Sophie, William, Lucy, and Zach, THANK YOU for demonstrating EMPATHY by taking the time to organize bags of groceries to donate to Loudoun Hunger Relief! This was over 1,500 lbs. of food!
Staff of the Week
Ms. Zangara, THANK YOU for making so many specialized thunderbolt masks!
Mr. Moore, THANK YOU for helping your entire team navigate Schoology!
Ms. Maida, THANK YOU for bringing your can-do positivity everyday!
Ms. Murphy, THANK YOU for your energy and pep as you get our students working out in PE!
PTO, THANK YOU for donating so many gift cards for our wonderful staff!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Click here.
Call Main Office- 571-434-4420 (least preferred option)
Monday Attendance
When we meet in advisory from 9:00-9:15 on Monday, we will help students complete the division form. If for some reason it does not work, we will wait for district guidance. I’m sorry for the confusion the form created last Monday.
Auto-Notification
This feature is nice and we would love for you to use it. It will help us partner even further by correcting anything we miss with attendance, sharing grades regularly, and letting parents know how students are doing in real time.
Key Reminders
Parent Student Coffee Cocoa: Adding the recording here if you wanted to check it out.
Bell Schedule: Students can edit this schedule and make it their own.
Permissions: Please use this form to provide permission for your child to use a number of online software programs that we will be working with throughout the year.
Student Nutrition: We will be serving free breakfast and lunch at Seneca for all students age 18 and under from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Both can be picked up at once. There will also be drop points at various bus stops in our community. Please check here for more info or refer to the map below. Lunch Menu for September.
PTO Corner
For a list of all PTO meetings this year CLICK HERE.
Welcome to all 6th Grade Families to the PTO and Welcome Back to the 7th & 8th grade Families! We're so delighted to have you join us as we become "STRONGER TOGETHER" this year!! Please take a few moments to join our Seneca Ridge PTO and support your Thunderbolt by making a tax-deductible donation with your membership by clicking HERE. Remember your donations help us appreciate our teachers, fund after school clubs, library books/supplies and technology needs. We can't do this without you and are so grateful for your support!
The PTO is excited to announce that Grace Tsuyuki is our new President for the 2020-21 school year. We are still looking for someone to help implement a new membership database for next year. If interested, please email vicepresident@srmspto.org.
Support your PTO: There are so many ways to support the PTO even while distance learning.
- Make a tax deductible donation HERE and see if your company will match it
- Download the Boxtops for Education app and scan your grocery receipts
- Link your Amazon account to Amazon Smile and earn money for Seneca while you shop
- Order gear to show your school spirit HERE
Technology Support
Call (571) 252-2112
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