Thunderblast Weekly
October 18 , 2020
Inclusivity
During October, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage, Bullying Awareness, Breast Cancer Support, Empathy towards those with Special Abilities, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and the special efforts of our Custodians and Bus Drivers. The greatest aspect of this community is that we are all in it together and we know that no part is more important than the whole. Sadly, in Philadelphia, we are unable to include winning as a part to the whole. The good news is that we take pride in the struggle and although we can’t seem to win a game, we never give up and forget about the importance of our effort. When times are tough, we fight…. even if we make poor play calling decisions on a game deciding two-point conversion.
Next week’s theme- teamwork. With students having D’s and F’s at a much higher rate than usual, and an understanding that distant learning is difficult for students, teachers, and families, we need to be on the same team to change the narrative. Please reach out immediately to teachers, counselors, and administrators if grades are below normal, rather than wait until the end of the quarter.
Important Information
Coffee/ Cocoa: Parents and students, please join me here for a Google Meet at lunch on Wednesday October 21, from 11:45-12:15 to discuss grading, Schoology, and many topics discussed during the school board meeting last week.
Grading: With the quarter ending in two weeks, now is the time to catch up. Syncing grades from Schoology to ParentVUE/ StudentVUE should be resolved, we are hoping to have more students take advantage of extra help through resource, and communication with teachers and grade level teams must happen now. Let us know how we can help. We cannot wait until next week.
MAP Update: MAP testing makeup session will be provided at 9:15 on Monday, immediately after advisory. Students who need to take or finish the test have received an email with a link. Advisory teachers will also remind those who need to test.
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: Please click here for an update from Seneca’s Counseling Team & UMHT.
Math News:
Algebra/Geometry/Algebra II packets for Quarter 2 are now ready for pick up! To alleviate traffic congestion, please try to pick up at the following times according to student last name:
Tuesday, 10/20: 3:30-4:30 (A - F)
Tuesday, 10/20: 4:30-5:30 (G - L)
Wednesday, 10/21: 3:30-4:30 (M - R)
Wednesday, 10/21: 4:30-5:30 (S - Z)
Pickups will be at the front of the school, not in the bus loop.
Please note that you may pick up at any time on Tuesday, 10/20 and Wednesday, 10/21 between 3:30 and 5:30 if you are unable to come during your assigned time. You can also visit the main office after these dates between 8:00 AMand 4:00 PM to pick one up as well.
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 18th):
8th Grade: Genesis Rodriguez-Campos, THANK YOU for showing OWNERSHIP by consistently completing and turning in assignments in a timely manner!
7th Grade: Angelina Le-Hoang, THANK YOU for showing CONFIDENCE by participating in class and demonstrating excellent leadership skills!
6th Grade: Katia Adbo, THANK YOU for showing OWNERSHIP by participating in class regularly with your camera on!
Staff of the Week (October 11th):
Ms. Efigenio, as we celebrate inclusivity, THANK YOU for making the curriculum accessible to all students and ensuring everyone is able to learn in your class!
Sr. Berrios Rivera, as we celebrate inclusivity , THANK YOU for your leadership in promoting student ownership and sharing student work for our Hispanic Heritage Event, in addition to being an excellent mentor teacher!
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:
9:00-9:15 Advisory
Asynchronous Work (Please look to work on missed assignments)
Monday Office Hours
1:00-2:00 Math, SS, World Language, FACS, Tech Ed, Art
2:00-3:00 English, Science, Health & PE, Music
PTO Corner
Something to Ponder: Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success." -- Henry Ford
Join Us at Our Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 pm
Join by phone
(US) +1 617-675-4444
PIN: 835 053 291 7550#
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
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