Thunderblast Weekly
October 25 , 2020
Teamwork
This week was our opportunity to overcome hurdles and roadblocks as a team. It started with communication from the getgo and it won’t stop until we get to a place where we feel comfortable. Families and students, please reach out now if you are unable to see assignments in the ParentVUE/ StudentVUE gradebook. It should be close to complete for the quarter. If there is any issue, it will behoove us all to be working on it starting now.
We have been advertising that working on missed assignments is a top priority over the last two weeks. This is the final week of the quarter and I am requesting that all students go into their gradebook and reach out to teachers for support starting immediately. Grades are lower than they have been at this time of year. We are in an unprecedented time. We will work together. The conversation cannot begin any later than Monday. We are here to support you.
Next week’s theme- Finish Strong! Remember that time Carson Wentz threw a closing drive touchdown to relatively unknown Giant Killer Boston Scott to take control of the division for the home team? That was awesome! We need to channel our inner Boston Scott and do our best to combat so many of the challenges we faced this quarter together. Our time is now. If we finish strong, we will all beat Dallas together!
Important Information
Email: You heard me talk about reaching out to teachers. That should be coming from our students. Students checking and using their emails will be one of their greatest assets in this time. Please utilize this communication tool.
Coffee/ Cocoa: The focus of last Wednesday’s meeting was a shift to hybrid learning and ending the quarter/ grading. As we follow this week’s school board meeting, I will look for opportunities to meet again and discuss in greater depth. Check out the recording here.
Grading: I hate to sound like a broken record, but please check grades immediately. Next week is too late.
MAP Update: We have completed our fall MAP testing and will share how you can view and interpret results in upcoming weeks as they are uploaded into ParentVUE/ StudentVUE.
Student Connection: Hello new students to Seneca! Many students are feeling disconnected from their peers due to our new Distanced Learning format. If you're interested in joining a "Get to Know You" circle with some of your fellow Senecadians, please email Mr. Lucchesi (troy.lucchesi@lcps.org) for more information on how to join."
Counseling and United Mental Health Team: Just in! Seneca’s Counseling Team will be offering students the opportunity to connect during Recess. If interested, students must complete our Healthy Connections Request form linked here and in our Newsletter.
Our SRMS UMHT has created a website with resources for distance learning, mental health, equity, community resources, as well as fun, safe activities that can be enjoyed during quarantine.
School Photos: Mark your calendars. School Photos will be January 27 and 28, 2021. Details coming as the date approaches.
Student Health Coverage: Every year, we offer additional health coverage for students pertaining to something that may happen as school. With students beginning to come back in the building and our goal to offer more and more opportunities to be together safely this fall and winter, you have options for additional care. See the yellow flier below.
PBIS
Spirit Week (October 27-30)
Pink Out! - wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness
Workout Wednesday - wear activewear
Sports Day - represent your favorite sports team
Seneca Spirit Day - please consider purchasing spirit wear from the PTO (see below) or decking out in blue and yellow to represent!
Students of the Week (October 18-23):
8th Grade, Beth VanDorsten, THANK YOU for demonstrating CONFIDENCE in class by volunteering to answer questions and meeting assignment deadlines consistently!
7th Grade, Arham Mehta, THANK YOU for demonstrating student OWNERSHIP by completing assignments on time and participating in class discussions!
6th Grade, Ruth Dubon, THANK YOU, for demonstrating CONFIDENCE by explaining how to solve a ratio math problem to the whole class!
Staff of the Week (October 18-23):
Ms.Parry, THANK YOU, for your leadership with your CLT, being so positive, and being EMPATHETIC by always offering to lend a helping hand whenever the opportunity arises!
Ms.Aldas, THANK YOU, for your leadership in our 2nd annual Hispanic Heritage celebration and being CONFIDENT to share your own experiences to enrich ours!
Ms. Montero, THANK YOU, for demonstrating EMPATHY by continuing to reach out to our families with supplies, check-ins, and visits in a time when we all feel a bit disconnected. You are doing a great job of closing the divide!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am
Click here
Call Main Office- 571-434-4420 (least preferred option)
Important Reminders
6th & 7th Grade Book Club: Ms. Stewart is starting a new book club that is open to sixth and seventh graders. Meetings will be held virtually, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm. If you are interested, please attend the first meeting on 10/28/20, using this meet link.
Monday’s Schedule: Student Holiday... definitely worth catching up on missed assignments!
PTO Corner
Principal Hijacking of the PTO Corner: This is my 11th year as an administrator and I can honestly say, I have never seen a PTO like ours. I have witnessed so many things in the past that can get in the way of student support. In my 4th year at Seneca, with multiple PTO boards and contributing members, I can honestly say that Seneca's PTO is the best I have ever worked with. This team has one common purpose and that is to be here for our students.
After Wednesdays' meeting, the PTO reported the rise in donations has increased these last two weeks. We are halfway towards our goal of $3,000 in donations (half of what we usually get in a normal year). The PTO is looking to shift budget needs to the spring with an anticipation of cool student events and activities like Field Day. I can't wait!
Also, if you were unaware, the PTO has been behind the Staff of the Week prizes that we are able to give out every week. You truly know how to make our students and staff feel special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Don't have time for a meeting but still want to support the PTO?
- 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 Amazon Smile and earn free money for Seneca
- Order fun gear to show your school spirit HERE
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- Adity.Choudhury@lcps.org or 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
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