Thunderblast 2024
Taking Risks by OWNING Our Learning- January 21, 2024
Last week's title was, "Big Week Ahead"...
... I should've added- Of SNOW!!! Even though it was a one-day week, we jam-packed a spelling bee that went over 40 rounds, a spirit day, and a multicultural night for the entire cluster... BAM!!
This Week's Events:
- Mon, Jan 22 Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday
- Tues, Jan 23 at 6:00 PM- Rising 9th Football Info in Seneca's Auditorium
- Wed, Jan 24 at 3:30 PM- Seneca Intramural Volleyball Championship in the Main Gym
- Wed, Jan 24 at 6:30 PM- String 6 Winter Concert in Seneca's Auditorium
- Thu, Jan 25 at 6:30 PM- Band6 Winter Concert in Seneca's Auditorium
Cluster Multicultural Night
If you attended the multicultural night, do you mind filling out this very brief RSVP? I am trying to get an idea of how many Seneca families attended and it is very difficult when 6 schools join in. THANK!
Thank you so much for those of you who turned out for this big event on a blistery cold evening. It has been one of my favorite nights of the year at Seneca since I arrived, and I love that we have been able to include all 6 cluster schools for the last two years.
Individual thanks can get difficult, because I inevitably leave someone out who was integral to the night's success. I'm going to try groups because it was truly a team effort:
- Our Keynote Speaker and long-time Seneca community member, Mr. Jones, took time to share his story and history with our participants so we can continue to gain empathy about the journey of education in this cluster and in this country. His research and experience helped set the tone for the entire event.
- Checkout our business partners below who donated wonderful food to feed hundreds and stayed to dish out dinner when they saw just how crowded it was. Ms. Martinez from Arepas Plus and Ms. Bastedo from Urbano are both extremely active members of our community and have been supporting Seneca and Dominion's PTO groups for a long time now. Thank you!
- Right alongside our business partners were Seneca Staff members helping with every facet of the night including all the details leading up to the evening. Great work, gang!
- When we realized we would need extra help, Seneca Families jumped right in just days before the event. You are awesome!
- Staff members from All Cluster Schools worked tirelessly to showcase the many talents of our students. Best cluster East of the Mississippi!
- Last but definitely not least- our Students were amazing! Not just Seneca students. The performances and showcases were off the chart. Check out the pictures below- they're all about YOU... You made the night and I am so proud!
Spelling Bee
This one was off the charts... at least in my time. We went over 40 rounds and had no one go out for 10 rounds straight when there were still 6 contestants left. Good stuff, team! It was a great event with a ton of family support.
Spirit Week (Day)
Federal Impact Aid- Forms
We are going to get these papers in the hands of students on Tuesday, January 23 with the goal of having the forms returned the next day. Each student will return them whether or not their family qualifies for the Impact Aid. We will reach out to ensure each family completes this.
LCPS uses Impact Aid funds to support public education and reduce the amount of local monies needed to provide education for all Loudoun children. The Impact Aid Survey form identifies federally connected students and supports our request for Impact Aid resources.
If parents/guardians have questions, direct them to Impact Aid Information
Rising 9th Information
Current 8th graders and their parents are invited to Class of 2028 Night, in-person, at Dominion High School on Tuesday, January 30th at 7:00 pm.
Also, Dominion's Freshman Football team will have an informational meeting for families (including students) in Seneca's auditorium at 6:00 PM on January 23rd.
Math MAP Testing- Tuesday, Jan 23 at 8:30 AM
Reading MAP Test first thing on Tuesday. Please remind students to charge chromebooks and demonstrate what they know. This data is integral in course selections next year.
Bounty of Books
With all the snow days this past week, Ms. Abrahamsen was reading her own bundle of books! Alone: The Journeys of Three Young Refugees by Paul Tom (on MackinVia) was her favorite. What books have you read recently that you loved? Let Ms. Abrahamsen know at Toby.abrahamsen@lcps.org
Student Highlights
Without having our students of the week celebration this week, we took this section for an individual highlight. Taylor Esguerra performed 28 shows in front of over 12,000 people at Ford's Theatre in A Christmas Carol with so many students, staff, and families supporting her along the way. Great work, Taylor!!!
PTO Corner
Visit us on Website- https://srms.ptboard.com/ and follow us on Facebook- Seneca Ridge Middle School PTO & Seneca Ridge Home of the Thunderbolts
Spiritwear - https://srms.ptboard.com/formvw?store=4306&form=1
Reminders
Superintendent Community Listening Sessions- Feb 7 at Dominion HS at 7:00 PM
Course Selection Timeline
Teachers are entering their recommendations, which will be viewable in ParentVUE/StudentVUE after February 7th (under course requests on the ParentVue/StudentVue website). Please stay tuned for exact access date.
Timeline
Jan. 17th & Jan. 18th (Postponed until this week due to snow): Recorded Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Course Selection presentations during Advisory- Parents received an email last week with course information.
Jan. 19th (Postponed until this week due to snow): Rising 7th and Rising 8th grade students select electives during Advisory
Feb. 5th & Feb. 6th: High School Counselors will be doing course selection presentations for Rising 9th grade students during Resource
Feb. 7th: Rising 9th grade students select electives during Advisory
Feb. 16th: Window closes for Rising 7th, 8th, & 9th graders to select electives
February 20th – May 1st : Counselors will be meeting with students to review their course selections (7th and 8th grade students will be completing an Academic Plan as well)
May 1st: Students/Parents last day to make any schedule changes
Speaking of Course Selections- Check this Out!
Using settings rarely used for typical school photos, the Yearbook/Announcements Course made a series of light paintings. With the camera's light sensitivity low, shutter speed set to 5-15 seconds, and lights turned out; you can capture a trail made by a moving light. Here is a small sampling of their creations.
📨 Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
💻 Website: Seneca Ridge Middle School
🏫 Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
☎️ Phone: 571-434-4420