Thunderblast Weekly
February 14, 2021
Preparation
I almost chose anticipation instead of preparation, but went a different route because it doesn’t have that level of calm that we are going to need to do this right. Make no mistake, we will have to problem solve together and regardless of the amount of preparation for larger numbers back in the building, there will be variables that we can not predict.
The preparation started with the coffee/ cocoa last Wednesday. If you weren’t able to attend, the recording is here. We are continuing to serve students in the building through internet cafe and look forward to welcoming our staff back on February 23rd. We are both prepared and excited. Not so excited that we would take an invaluable item such as the Lombardi Trophy and throw it from one boat to another over a river, but we didn't claim to be the GOAT when it comes to COVID mitigation.
Next week's theme- Black History Month. We started sharing highlights in the morning announcements this week and will continue as we build towards our African American Heritage Program on the evening of February 25. The quote from Maya Angelou below does a great job of bridging both this week's and next week's theme. I love the positive growth mindset as we prepare for the future.
Black History Month Celebration
Our digital Black History Month Celebration will be on February 25th from 5:30-7:00 PM. We are looking for students who want to present about Black culture, music, history, food or famous individuals! Please fill out this survey if you are interested in participating.
We will also have a digital poster contest and you can enter to win some amazing prizes! First prize is a $50.00 Amazon gift card! Click here to find out more information and all posters are due on 2/15. Email Mrs. Zangara if you have any questions.
Concurrent Learning
If you feel a strong need to change your original choice, please use this form. We are encouraging families to stay with their original choice, but if you feel the need to change, we will use this form to reach out for further discussion. Monday, February 15, is the final day to complete this form. We will be making decisions this week after monitoring and reviewing the changes.
I mentioned that I would send a verification email this week. I realized it is in Parent/StudentVUE under Student Information on the left tab. Below is an example from my own children. Notice, they are in elementary school, so the days of the week are shifted. Unless previously contacted, Seneca Students with last name A-LAR will come in Tuesday/ Wednesday. Students with last name LAS-Z will come in Thursday/ Friday.
SOL Testing Information
Thank you over 100 families that have already shared their preference for the SOLs. Below is a breakdown of responses to the SOL Participation Form so far. We understand that this is not a decision that we have asked you to make before. Please refer to Mr. Seipt's email from February 1 for more details and answers to many frequently asked questions. We are asking all 8th grade parents to respond by the February 15 so that we can plan for the Writing SOL on March 1 and 8. Parents of 6th and 7th grade students can respond any time (but sooner is better!) If you have any questions, please email Mr. Seipt (mitchell.seipt@lcps.org)
UMHT Updates
United Mental Health Team (UMHT): To view the Rising 9th Grade Course Selection Presentation & for more news from the UMHT, please click here.
8th Grade Families
Photo Make-Ups are Scheduled!
Yearbook
Calling on Parents, Students, and Staff to help make the 20-21 yearbook a success! Please share with us the following by emailing to vbidegan@lcps.org.
yearbook picture if you didn't come in for photos
distance learning at home
sports/outdoor activities outside of school
music/cooking/building/creative activities outside of school
socially distant friend gatherings
student artwork and other projects created at home (send a picture of it)
a one paragraph reflection on what you feel you will have learned from your Covid experience
Thank you so much for helping our editorial staff create a book that students will always remember!
PBIS Highlights
6th: Ilyas Meth
7th: Brayden Bradley-Balcazar
8th: Riya Kang
Staff of the Week
Ms. Martinez
Ms. Hujsa
Ms. Smith
PTO Corner
Something to Ponder: The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. -- H.Jackson Browne, Jr.
Chik Fil A on Tuesday! Join us for Seneca's spirit night at Chik Fil A at Sugarland Crossing this Tuesday, Feb, 16, from 5-8 pm. The school will receive 10% back from all purchases that mention our school.
Celebration of the Arts: The Loudoun and Fairfax Public Libraries are hosting a virtual celebration of The Harlem Renaissance & Black Arts Movement on Wednesday, February 16 at 7 pm in honor of Black History Month. Everyone is welcome to join the Zoom meeting HERE.
Next PTO Meeting: February 24 at 6:00 pm. Go to meet.google.com/uek-nfni-inx. Or join by phone at +1 617-675-4444 with PIN: 835 053 291 7550#
Seneca Garden Work Day: Mr. Peck is looking for active volunteers to help clean out and refurbish Seneca's 1/6th acre enclosed garden. Reclaiming the garden will enable placement of a hoped-for hoop house for plants, giving every student in 7th Grade Life Science the opportunity to grow a plant from seed and take said plant home. The spring cleanup will take place on March 20, 9AM to 1PM. Please visit the Sign Up for more information.
PRS & SEAC: If you missed SEAC's February presentation on Hidden Disabilities and Executive Functioning with Dr. Madhu Boland, PhD, you can view it HERE. To sign up for PRS' newsletter on current resources and events visit their website. For more information on SEAC please visit their website, or email our SEAC Representative, Jill Pope.
Other ways to get involved:
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- Make a donation to the SRMS PTO and get your company to match it
- Download the Boxtops for Education app and scan your grocery receipts
- Link your Amazon account to Seneca and earn free money for the school
- Purchase Seneca Gear to show your school spirit!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am-
Friendly reminder, after 8:30am the system automatically denies the request because attendance has been taken by a teacher and you will be notified.
Click here (don’t forget to put your child’s first and last name)
Call our Attendance line- 571-434-4422 (least preferred option)
Reminders
Technology Support
As we transition support to in our building (when possible) or at Dominion High School, the best way to reach out for support is to contact your grade level administrative assistant.
6th Grade- Jennifer.Ramos@lcps.org or 571-434-4426
7th Grade- kelly.dales@lcps.org 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
Oops!
Oh yes... also, Happy Valentine's Day! You can probably tell that from me adding this as an after thought I was spending more time prepping for concurrent learning than celebrating this day. Welcome to the dog house!
Also, I promise never to use Falling Snow as a theme again. After 5 good falls on the ice, I learned my lesson. What was I thinking?
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