SVHS Green and Gold
Community Edition -September 4, 2022
How to Translate this Newsletter/Cómo traducir este boletín
Newsletter Video Summary and Comments from Dr. Cohen
MCPS Ten Things You Need to Know
Here are 10 things to know for Thursday, Sept. 1. They include information about bus and pedestrian safety, a video about the new Harriet R. Tubman Elementary School, information about transportation for athletes, ParentVUE, how to apply for free and reduced-price meals and more.
An Important Message from the Boosters
The Boosters are in danger of not opening concessions for our first home football game 9/9 due to lack of volunteers? If people want to have that full football experience with concessions, we need to have volunteers. Volunteers who sign up using the form below get into the event for free and a free meal?
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0e4fadaf2ca1fc1-svhs
A Note from the Attendance Office
Parents who needs to pick up their student early during a school day, please fill the attendance note that is posted in our school website.
Your student will need to bring it to the attendance office prior to the student’s dismissal time.
Students will not be called to the office for an early dismissal after 2:15 p.m.
LIBRARY MEDIA NEWS: BOOK CLUB INTEREST MEETING ON TUESDAY!
Students who like to read and discuss books are invited to attend a book club interest meeting in the library media center at the beginning of lunch on Tuesday, September 6th. Roughly once a month, the library media center will be closed for lunch but open for Book Club. During this initial interest meeting, students will learn more about the three reading programs we sponsor at Seneca and have the opportunity to pick up a copy of our first book, the One Maryland One Book selection What’s Mine and Yours by Naima Coster. We’re looking forward to a great turnout, but anyone who can't make it is welcome to email Ms. Little for more information.
Back to School Night - Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We cordially invite you to attend our Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. This activity is a time-honored tradition where parents and guardians meet with their children’s teachers, counselors, and administrators. It is also an opportunity for parents to see first-hand the exciting changes that are taking place at Seneca Valley High School (SVHS). You will learn about the expectations of the school and the ways you can help your children improve their academic achievement. By participating in this evening, you will make a powerful statement that you support your child, the school, and education.
Subject-specific pre-meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. All parents are asked to be in their student's Homeroom by 6:00 p.m. Because we will have limited parking available, shuttle buses will be running back and forth between SVHS and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School and Roberto Clemente Middle School starting at 5:30 p.m.
Please plan to arrive early so that you can peruse the information tables that will be set up in the cafeteria. You will have the opportunity to attend the extracurricular activity fair, purchase spirit wear, talk to PTSA, Boosters, and school officials. Parents who need to activate their myMCPS Parent Portal accounts are welcome to stop by the Library Media Center for assistance from 5:30 until 8:00 pm. This is a special evening for the Seneca Valley High School family, and we sincerely hope you will join us for all the activities.
Your child has been asked to share their schedule with you. Please bring the schedule with you. There will be maps and student ambassadors available to assist with locating your child’s classes. We look forward to meeting you on September 13th.
Sincerely,
Marc J. Cohen, Ed. D.
Principal
MJC:mpr
Students will be asked to complete the form below on September 6 and to bring it home to you for your use on Back to School Night.
What's With the Dogs?
This year, in addition to visits to SVHS, PAL will offer their support to school communities in the wake of tragic and traumatic events. In collaboration with MCPS and the Department of Health, additional training is being planned to support PAL teams who make such post-traumatic event visits.
Below is a picture of Hero Dogs Therapy Dog Robbie on orientation day last week at Seneca Valley. The kids were so nervous but the 4 therapy dog team helped them AND their parents. It was a great intro!
You are invited...Coffee/Tea Break with Dr. Cohen and Guests
You are invited to attend a virtual coffee/tea break. Each month, Dr. Cohen and members of his administrative team will be joined by special guests to answer any questions you may have about topics of interest to students and families.
This month's special guests are Ian Yarmus - Resource Counselor, and Carlos Nalda - College and Career Information Coordinator. This is a great chance to hear from and speak to the experts about the college visit, application, and scholarship process, which we know is hot on the minds of our junior and senior parents. Time will also be provided for Q and A on any other topic related to your child's SVHS experience so far this year.
Whether you have a pressing question or just want to join us to listen or chat, we would love to have you. Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many to expect. These coffee/tea breaks are being held via Zoom to facilitate your participation.
Message from Counseling Services
New to the school? Want to keep up to date with the counseling department at SVHS? Please follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Watson or Mrs. West.
Meet your IB Coordinators:
Kim Becraft (MYP Coordinator)
I am excited to complete authorization of our IB Middle Years Program (MYP), our IB program for all 9th and 10th graders, this year. Our staff has worked incredible hard the last two years to implement MYP and make SVHS an official wall to wall IB school offering IB education for 9th through 12th graders! I previously worked at Albert Einstein HS where I served as the Science Resource Teacher, as well as the AP & IB Coordinator. My content background is Biology and IB Environmental Systems & Societies. I graduated from Poolesville High School before majoring in Biology and Psychology at University of Mary Washington, where I also played field hockey and lacrosse. After college, I worked at an environmental not-for-profit before earning my Master’s degree at George Washington University in Secondary Education. I have an almost five-year old daughter and am finishing building a new house this year. I am passionate about the benefits of an IB education and I look forward to working with the entire Seneca Valley community this year. I am also excited about our success last year with our inaugural class of MYP Personal projects and the launch of the Think Big Program, an MCPS special initiative for the first-time at the high school level. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions at Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org.
Natasha Ezerski (DP and CP Coordinator)
This is my 19th year at Seneca Valley High School - I love the diversity and the family atmosphere at our amazing school!! I was the science RT prior to becoming the Coordinator and now enjoy being able to work more closely with all departments. I graduated from Gaithersburg High School and continued my undergrad at UMBC. After I graduated from UMBC I spent a year in Charlotte, NC working with HIV/AIDS clients and did HIV/AIDS education through AmeriCorps. I earned my Master's degree at Columbia in NYC and considered the medical field, but education tore at my heart. In my free time I love walking, running, or cycling for an assortment of causes or walking/running with my four furry babies (you can often find me pushing one or two of them in their doggy stroller 🙂). I look forward to working with you and your students this year and increasing access for all students to take IB courses or be part of the IB CP or IB DP. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org.
Please visit our IB Programs website to learn more about IB teaching & learning at Seneca Valley HS!
Calling all 10th graders! Please complete THIS form if your student is interested in an unique opportunity, our Think Big Program, which supports them with the MYP personal project through experiences with the Strathmore Concert hall, Glenstone Museum, and Watkins Mills HS. The Think Big Program includes free field trips, opportunities to engage and receive feedback from professional artists, as well as see live performances.
- Students do not need to be artistic! Students will use the artistic process and professional artists to inspire their work on their own MYP Personal Project.
- The program is not additional work! At SVHS, we expect all 10th graders at SVHS to complete a personal project. This program provides extra support!
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center
Welcome Back!!
We are very excited to welcome you back for the 2022-23 School Year! For those who do not know me, I am Mr. Nalda, the SVHS College/Career Information Coordinator. In my office, you can find information about planning for life after high school. I send out Weekly Notes to Juniors & Seniors with important information from my office including college visits, upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, and more! Looking forward to working with you all and wishing everyone a great start to the new school year!
- Mr. Nalda, SVHS College & Career Information Coordinator
- SVHS College & Career Center Website
Quick note that the location of the College & Career Center has changed to Room #2408.
Applying to College & Naviance (Seniors)
As some of you already know, Naviance is an important part of applying to colleges. Through Naviance, you can request letters of recommendation, request transcripts, and complete other key parts of your college applications. You should start familiarizing yourself with Naviance and the SVHS College Application Packet document. This document is a step-by-step guide to applying to colleges.
SVHS College Information Night Recording - Presentation by SVHS Staff Explaining the college application process at SVHS.
Please reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor if you have any questions.
College Representative Visits in the College & Career Center (Juniors & Seniors)
Juniors & Seniors are encouraged to participate in visits to learn more about colleges and universities. Students interested in participating in visits are asked to register in Naviance.
Advantages of participating in college visits:
§ Meeting the contact from a college or university. Many times, these are the same people reviewing your application.
§ Learning in-depth information about the school, their program offerings, and financial aid.
§ In some cases, colleges may offer insight on how to receive a fee waiver.
To attend a college visit, students must clear their absence from class with their teacher ahead of time. It is the responsibility of each student to make-up any work you may miss.
- Click here to learn more and see who is scheduled to visit SVHS this Fall!
MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar Recording & Presentation
Below you will find a recording from the MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar, which occurred on the evening of August 26, 2022.
§ MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar - Recording
§ MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar - Presentation
Upcoming Scholarships
§ 15 - The Gates Scholarship - top 300 students receive funding for full cost of attendance; senior; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American; min 3.3 GPA; financial need; Pell-eligible; must enroll full-time in a four-year degree program; outstanding academic record; demonstrated leadership ability; personal success skills.
§ 15 - Health & Wellness Scholarship - $500 award; open to High school seniors, undergraduate students, or graduate students; U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; believes in and lives a healthy lifestyle; submit a short essay (400-600 words) answering the following prompt: Why do you believe it’s important to live a healthy life? How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
§ 15 - Ensō Superfood Lover Scholarship - $500 award; open to High school seniors, undergraduate students, or graduate students; U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; loves superfoods; submit a short essay (400-600 words) answering the following prompt: Why do you love superfoods? What are your favorite superfoods, and how do you incorporate them into your diet?
§ 17 - We The Future Contest - 1-$1,000 award for each project categories; grades 9-12; ages 14-19 at time of entry; U.S. Citizen or legal resident; submit an original work one of the following about the First Amendment or the Constitution: essay, song, STEM, short film, or PSA; see link for full rules and guidelines.
§ 20 - Pepsi Stronger Together Scholarship Contest - 4-$25,000 grand prizes and 4-$500 gift card prizes; senior; open to legal U.S. residents; interested in pursuing a career in the arts; submit a 100 - word essay or a two - minute video on the following topic: "Why you deserve $25,000 to help further your education in the arts and music?"
§ 27 - QuestBridge National College Match - recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000; any high school senior, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S. is eligible for the National College Match (should review the Additional Citizenship Requirements); have earned primarily A's in the most challenging courses available (usually including Honors, AP, and/or IB level courses); financial need as finalists typically come from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a typical household of four and have minimal assets; click link for more information.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Upcoming Events
NACAC Virtual College Fair - September 11
Featuring college advisors from hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide. Sign up now for free! For more information and to register:
§ https://www.nacacattend.org/22VirtualSep11
Virtual Financial Aid Night - Sep 15
Join us for this virtual presentation to hear information about financial aid, FAFSA, and paying for college. Presentation by Rob Maddox, Director of Financial Aid, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
§ Thursday, September 15th @ 6:30pm
§ Click here for the flyer and zoom meeting information
SVHS College & Career Monthly Newsletter - September, 2022-23
Ready for School Initiative
There's a great program called Ready for School Initiative and they offer $40 for school supplies when Montgomery County Public Schools families complete the FARMS application form. See the flyers below for more information.
Is Your Child Looking for a Career Completer? Consider Navy JROTC at Seneca Valley
NJROTC is a jointly sponsored Navy and secondary school citizenship and leadership program for students in grades 9 through 12, which teaches self-discipline, self-confidence and leadership skills to help students successfully meet life's challenges.
A very unique program, NJROTC enrolls students from 4 local high schools in addition to Seneca Valley. In addition to daily classes (academic, drill/marching, physical fitness) NJROTC offers many after school co-curricular activities such as many community service events and the following teams; Drill, Color Guard, Academic, Athletic, Marksmanship and Orienteering. Teams compete with other NJROTC units from Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.
NJROTC is now a Careers Program completer course within the CTE Department. Cadets earn 10 Student Service Learning hours each year of NJROTC (40 SSL hours for 4 years).
Cadets are provided uniforms, books, training aids and other types of equipment paid for by the Navy.
There is no requirement for students who participate in NJROTC to join the military.
Taught by retired Navy officer & enlisted, instructors provide helpful information to cadets interested in military enlisted or officer accession programs.
Please contact your counselor to enroll in NJROTC. If you have any questions about NJROTC call 240-740-6434 (LCDR Hernandez or CSCS Hill).
Office of Rep. Trone - U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Welcome back to school!
On behalf of Congressman David Trone, I would like to invite you to encourage your interested students to apply for a Service Academy Nomination through our office.
Our deadline is October 14th at 5:00pm. To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please have your students complete this application form on our website.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
Congressman Trone may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. The deadline October 14, 2022. All application materials need to be sent into the office no later than 5:00pm on October 14, 2022.
For more information about the Nomination Process, read more about our Service Academy Nomination - General Information here.
To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please have your students complete the form on our website.
Required Components:
- A completed application (available below as "Military Academy Nomination Form"). Formal candidacy is established upon receipt of all required parts of the application. Within the application below, there are sections to upload:
- A formal, signed motivational letter addressed to the Congressman requesting a nomination to a specific academy. This should be approximately 500 words in length.
- A resume, including but not limited to: education, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, employment, awards and achievements, and reference contacts.
- Two letters of recommendation. Letters may come from teachers (from different disciplines), counselors, employers, coaches, clergy, or anyone who knows you well (non-familial). These can be sent to my office by the individual writing the letter of recommendation letter. These can be sent through e-mail at Trone.Academy@mail.house.gov or by U.S. Mail to my Gaithersburg office.
- An official high school transcript. Transcripts must include your grade point average and your anticipated coursework for your senior year. These must be sent by your school to Trone.Academy@mail.house.gov or my Gaithersburg office.
- An interview with the Service Academy Selection Board (Congressman Trone's office will schedule this - usually scheduled in late November).
If you or your students have any questions, please feel free to email our office directly at Trone.Academy@mail.house.gov or call us at (301) 926-0300.
SVHS Student and Family Resources Page
Click here for a list and links to resources and supports available for students and families in the Seneca Valley Community. SVHS Student and Family Resources Page
Seneca Valley High School
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS
Instagram: @SenecaValleyHSWebsite: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6400