Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
November 6- November 10
Dear Silver Creek Families
We look forward to another great week of school. It is daylight saving time. Hopefully you have pushed your clocks back an hour. We are now in Marking Period 2. Report cards will be available on ParentVue by this week. Overall, students did a great job Quarter 1. We are very proud of our students' hard work and wish all of our students continued success throughout the school year.
In the newsletter, the section with an * has been updated with new information OR is a new section in the newsletter. Please make sure to review. As always, thank you for your continued partnership.
Let's make it a great week Huskies!
Bell Schedule
*Silver Creek News (SCN) News
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, November 3, 2023 to hear upcoming news & events https://youtube.com/live/iRdhgfNFVII?feature=share
You may also access the following document for the daily links to the Silver Creek News Show (SCN).
*Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
The month of November is Remembrance and Reconciliation Month in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs has provided brief learning about landmarks significantly tied to African American history. During the month of November, Kindergarten–Grade 12 students learn about at least five landmarks.
Students will also be able to engage in change makers workshops, where dedicated activists will lead discussions on how students can take informed action in their communities, similar to how local activists work to preserve local historic Black communities. This will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14 (English) and Wednesday, Nov. 15 (Spanish). Register to attend.
Students at Silver Creek Middle School will receive five short lessons through their World Studies classes in the month of November that focus on the history of local Black communities.
You may also read the parent/caregiver letter here.
Virtual Parent/caregiver town hall meetings
Parent town hall meetings will take place on November 6, 7, & 8 (please see grade level schedule below). The parent town hall meetings are informal meetings to provide grade specific updates to parents and to answer any questions about activities and/or programs specific to each grade level. The team leader, grade level counselor, and administrator will be present and will facilitate these opportunities for families.
This will be a virtual opportunity. The zoom link is below.
All meetings will be from 8:30-9:10 am
Grade 6-Monday, November 6
Grade 7-Tuesday, November 7
Grade 8- Wednesday, November 8
Zoom Link:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/83271486451?pwd=c1U4ZHdVMDIxUklzQnZqU2g0UGpDQT09
Meeting ID: 832 7148 6451
Passcode: Husky
One tap mobile
13017158592
*SCMS Open House- November 10 (Veterans Day)
We are excited to announce that on Friday, November 10, 2023, we will have an Open House for our Silver Creek Families. The Open House provides the opportunity for you to visit your child’s classes and to observe their daily learning experiences.
Silver Creek will schedule two sessions:
- Morning Session (8:30-10:45)
- Afternoon Session (1:30-3:00)
Open House Procedures. In an effort to plan adequately for the number of families who will attend, please complete this pre-registration form. We ask that you please complete the registration form no later than Monday, November 6 by 12 PM. To ensure the safety of all students and families, classes will have a maximum of 5 chairs per classroom. If a class is full, there will be chairs outside each classroom for you to wait until the next class begins.
- When you enter the building, you will be greeted by our wonderful main office staff. Please have your ID available to expedite the check in process and for us to provide you with a badge.
- We will also have counselors available in the main lobby to provide you with your child’s schedule, if needed.
- This is a time to observe your child’s classes. If you need to speak with a teacher, please email them to set up a conference time.
- Please do not record classroom instruction. If possible, please refrain from using electronic devices while in the classroom.
- Please park in the upper parking lot and not in the bus loop. If you have to park in the community, please be mindful of the accessibility of our neighbors driveways.
- If there are any teachers who have a planned leave for November 10, we will inform you the evening before.
We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your cooperation with the above listed guidelines.
*Parent/Caregiver & Teacher Conferences- November 20
Please mark your calendars for Monday, November 20, 2023 for Parent Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be from 1:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. Click here to view the flyer for this event. Conferences will be in-person!
Our conferences will be "arena style" and teachers will be available to meet with parents/caregivers for 5 minutes at a time in locations based on grade level.
- Cafeteria- 6th grade
- Main gym -7th grade
- Large Auxiliary Gym - 8th grade
Parents/caregivers do not need to sign up for conferences. Conference information will also be posted on the SCMS website. Click here to view locations for individual teachers. Please note that we are reserving 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. for invitational group conferences.
*High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs- Deadline change- November 8
The High School Regional/Countywide Application Program Deadline has been EXTENDED until Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Please visit the High School Programs At-A-Glance at MCPS website for additional information: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please reach out to our Resource Counselor, Mrs. Susan Levine at Susan_A_Levine@mcpsmd.org.
*Counseling Department News & Updates
Check out our November newsletter- available here: https://www.smore.com/yxkuc. Information about Thanksgiving Baskets, Therapy Dogs, Class Visits, and the Counseling Advisory Committee.
You may also check out resources about middle school children on the Counseling Website. If your family needs help with school supplies, food for the weekend, winter coats or other needs, we would like to help! Please fill out the following form below: https://forms.gle/gdTDMCSSgmU5pVQp9
If you have questions related to registration/enrollment or transcripts, please contact Latonya Abrom at Latonya_N_Abrom@mcpsmd.org
*Library Media Center Update
*Make-Up Picture Day- November 30
We will have make up pictures on Thursday, November 30, 2023. This photo day is for students who were absent, new to the school, or who were not happy with their original package (students are required to return their original package to the photographer).
Please see the list of criteria for makeup day to reference: vosphoto.com/retakes.
Husky Drama Ticket Sales
Performances for the fall play Still Life with Iris will be held on the following nights:
- 7th & 8th grade will perform on December 1st at 7 PM & December 2nd at 6 PM.
- 6th grade will perform on December 2nd at 12PM
Ticket Sales:
- Friday, December 1 at 7 pm https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/47602/354/False/True
- Saturday, December 2 at 12pm https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/47606/354/False/True
- Saturday, December 2 at 6pm https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/47605/354/False/True
T' Shirt Purchase: Would you like to support Husky Drama's Fall Play Still Life with Iris and purchase a shirt to wear on our opening night Friday December 1st? Great news! Husky Drama T'shirts are now on sale until October 31st. You may order at the link below:
Husky Drama Fall Play T-shirt order
More information: Please see Husky Drama Website
Student Government Association (SGA)- SGA Elections coming up November 7
We are excited to announce that we have a teacher sponsor for SGA. As such we are inviting students to become a member of SGA and be a student leader within the school. The SGA is a student-led group representing the interest of all students in the decision-making process. Students help develop Silver Creek Middle School’s individuality through fundraisers, dances, spirit week events, and more! The group meets every Wednesday & Thursday from 3:15 - 4:20 in room 315.
The SGA Elections will be held November 7th. The deadline for students to apply is November 3rd. Requirements to be eligible to run for office are:
- To attend at least one interest meeting on Wednesday or Thursday on Nov. 1st or 2nd
- Must be in good academic standing
- Complete two teacher referrals and record a candidate speech by the deadline.
Winter Athletics Registration: Basketball
Winter registration opened on October 30, 2023, at 12:00 noon. The ParentVUE online registration portal, available in English and Spanish, incorporates all required paper forms and documents into an internet-based platform that can be accessed using a secure ParentVUE Portal login. Parents/guardians are also able to scan and upload their child's physical, as part of the registration process. All students must be registered on ParentVue and have a valid SR-8.
You may find important Middle School Winter Athletics Information here: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/athletics/programs/default/564092/
The first basketball game will be held on January 9, 2024. Information related to tryouts will come out soon. Please email Sean Brennan at Sean_P_Brennan@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions.
Intramurals: Attention all 6th-8th grade students
Intramural sports are designed to promote participation in sports to all eligible middle school students of all grade levels. There are no try-outs, no paper work and students don’t need much experience to participate. Intramurals take place after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:05-4:30. Activity buses are available after every intramural session. Sample sports can include: basketball, football, soccer, badminton, tennis, volleyball, cross country, dance, weight training, track and field, kickball, capture the flag, etc.
Intramurals began last week, September 18. Currently, we have available 5 on 5 Basketball on Tuesdays for 7th & 8th graders & Wednesdays for 6th graders.
As new classes come available, your child's PE and Health teacher will make announcements to their classes. It will also be posted on our school’s website and the intramural bulletin board in the PE hallway.
After School Activities
After school Activities have started. We have a range of after school activities. Please click the link below to view our After School Activities Brochure which includes a description of each activity, the staff member who is sponsoring, the location, and the day of the week the activity begins.
Please note that some clubs will begin later in the school year. We do ask that students register for their activity so that sponsors are aware of the number of students attending. Scroll down further in the link to view the After School Activities Bus Schedule. Buses will depart Silver Creek at approximately 4:20 p.m. to take students home. Each bus will take students to their regular bus stop or to a stop nearby. You may also choose to pick your child up from their activity. Please pick your child up at the front of the school by 4:20 p.m.
We look forward to seeing your child at one of our great clubs!
PARENT RESOURCES
Principal Coffee
We are excited to have principal coffees once a month on Fridays from 8:30-9:10 am. The next principal coffee is scheduled for Friday, December 1 over zoom. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being.
Thank you to those who joined us last Friday, 10/20 for the principal coffee. Here, you may find a copy of the Slide deck and Recording.
Parent Handbook
Please locate the parent handbook on our website. All the information you need is located here for your convenience.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/home
*Latest MCPS Updates from Thursday, November 2
Here is what is happening at MCPS this week. Get information about mental health awareness week, how you can share your insight on the FY 25 Operating Budget at upcoming forums, some bright spots this week and more!
*Message from MCPS: Please join Us for the Upcoming Operating Virtual Budget Forum on Nov. 14
Your voice matters, and we're eager to hear your insights! Join us for a special virtual Operating Budget Forum, a collaborative initiative brought to you by Board of Education Member Julie Yang and MCPS leadership.
Save the Date: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, live Online via Zoom Webinar. Meeting Link (share your email and join)
This forum is your chance to dive deep into the 2024-2025 operating budget process and be an active part of the conversation. It's an opportunity to engage with MCPS leadership, ask questions, and share your perspectives. We believe that together, we can create a brighter future for our schools and students.
What to Expect:
Insights from MCPS Leadership
Breakout Sessions for Deeper Engagement
Interactive Q&A with Board Member Julie Yang and MCPS Leaders
Your Opportunity to Shape the Future
Please let us know if you'll be attending — RSVP Now
American Sign Language and Spanish Interpretation will be Available.
Free and Reduced Meals
The application is now open for parents and guardians to complete and submit for assistance with the cost of school meals. Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can apply for this service. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Beginning this year, students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for breakfast or lunch meals.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 6, 7, 8- Virtual Parent grade-level town halls (11/6- 6th; 11/7-7th; 11/8-8th).
November 20- Early Release; Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 21- Early Release
November 22- November 24- Schools and Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Break
November 30- Make-up Picture Day
Link to MCPS Calendar
Student Absence
If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 the morning of the absence. In your message, please include the information listed below:
1. Parent/Guardian name
2. Full name of your student (First & Last); student ID#
3. Date(s)of absence
4. Reason for absence
If you have any questions regarding attendance procedures, parents may email a note to Ms. Pamela Carroll-Sykes, attendance secretary, at Pamela_M_Carroll-Sykes@mcpsmd.org
Important Contacts
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Main Office: 240-740-2200
Registration & Counseling: 240-740-2211
Attendance Line: 240-740-2201
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/
Location: 3701 Saul Road, Kensington, MD, USA
Phone: 240 740 2200
Twitter: @SCMSDrAwkard