Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
December 19-December 23
Dear Silver Creek Families
This is the last week before winter break. There is no school for staff and students December 23- January 2. Students will return on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The SCMS Newsletter will resume on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Our students have persevered through 2022 with strength and resilience. I am truly proud of what our students have accomplished this year. Our kids truly keep us laughing everyday and make us better as educators. As we conclude 2022, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Silver Creek community for your continued partnership and support. Our collective efforts to support our school’s success is filled with passion, commitment and empathy. As always, thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gift- your children.
On behalf of Silver Creek, I would like to wish our families great joy, much love and tremendous success in the coming year. As we enjoy the upcoming holidays, it is my wish that each of you receives the seasonal bounty of blessings and good tidings that make these days truly special. It is during this time that I am reminded of my own good fortune to serve as the proud principal of Silver Creek Middle School. Happy Holidays!
The sections marked with an * have 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!
*Latest MCPS Message: Things to Know from 12/15
5 Things to Know - December 15, 2022 (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)
*Silver Creek News (SCN)!
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, December 16 to hear upcoming news & events https://youtu.be/GsTgaqfz2dk
*Husky Day of Care & Service: Thursday, December 22, 2022
On Thursday, December 22 all students will participate in our Annual Day of Care & Service throughout their classes. This is an opportunity for our students to participate in various activities to foster one of our MYP Learner Profile Traits of being IB Caring. As an MYP school, we are committed to showing compassion, respect, and empathy towards others. We are also committed to service and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
*Media Moment: Library Media Center News & Notes
MYP SKILL SPOTLIGHT: Energy bars...Efficient nutrition, marketing genius, or both?! This week, our 7th grade science students will build their communication skills by drafting presentations to market their self-created energy bars. They've done the research and the learning on nutrients, nutrition, and the impact on the digestive system, but can they convince a school board to purchase the bars for student consumption? Our IB "Approaches to Learning Skill" will be "communicate effectively to a variety of audiences," and we'll work on skills such as writing notecards, and drafting hooks to engage an audience.
LEARNING TOGETHER: Did you know all SCMS families have access to our online resources, such as reference materials and article databases? Check out our ONLINE RESOURCE page HERE, and be sure to have your student share our password document if you are prompted during at-home use!
*Outdoor Education Parent Information Meeting
At the meeting we will share important information about the three day, two night Outdoor Education program coming up for all 6th graders in April. We will share information about permission forms, special medical situations, menus and special dietary needs, learning activities, chaperone opportunities and answer all your questions. Please join us for this important session. Interpretation in Spanish and Amharic will be provided.
Yearbook Sales
We are excited to announce that SCMS Yearbooks are on Sale NOW. We are getting a head start this year with our Yearbook sales as we sold out fairly quickly last school year. Ms. Boyle & Ms. Rivera Diaz are our Yearbook sponsors. They have been meeting after school on Tuesdays with the SCMS Yearbook club to start designing the 2022-2023 yearbook. Our theme is “Inspiring Each Other.”
How to Order
- Go to yearbookforever.com and order your yearbook now. You can also use Yearbook Snap to upload and submit your own photos for the yearbook.
- Access to Yearbook Snap can be found at the top of the order page.
- See the flyers below for cost information and easy access to order with the provided QR code:
Questions? Please email our yearbook sponsors at Jennifer_K_Boyle@mcpsmd.org and Roxana_RiveraDiaz@mcpsmd.org.
Huskies on the M.O.V.E. with IB
~Motivated Open-minded Visionaries for Excellence~
For the month of October, our IB Learner Profile Trait attribute was Open-minded. Click here to see the names of staff & students who were selected as the IB Open-minded Husky for the month of October. Our IB Learner Profile Attribute for the month of November is Communicator. Click here to see a video by Elizabeth Moeller on what it means to be a communicator. After watching the video, discuss how you and your family already demonstrate being communicators, and brainstorm ways to continue practicing this trait.
Tutoring Available for Students
MCPS is offering expanded tutoring opportunities to every school as part of our learning recovery efforts. Tutoring and intervention opportunities will enhance strong first instruction and other supports already underway in classrooms to support learning for every student. You may review their website for all tutoring opportunities.
We are excited to offer local tutoring at Silver Creek Middle School. Tutoring has begun. Several staff will be available in Room 407 every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:15- 4:15 to support with all subject areas. Please complete the following INTEREST FORM if you are interested in your child receiving tutoring. After school buses are available for students.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Okun at: Matthew_Okun@mcpsmd.org.
After School Activities
After school activities have started! After school activities will run from Tuesday, September 13 through Thursday, May 25 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays only. The activities will meet on one of the three days from 3:15-4:30 pm. A list of activities is posted here in the Extracurricular Activities Brochure.
The date and times are listed under each activity. There is no need to register & students can register throughout the school year. Students may stay after school and meet in the location noted under the activity. After school buses are available and will depart by 4:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must be given a bus pass from their sponsor to ride the bus.
Any questions related to after school activities, please contact Ms. Carman at Claudia_Carman@mcpsmd.org.
PARENT RESOURCES
Principal Coffee
We are excited to have monthly principal coffees once a month. Our next principal coffee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 from 8:30-9:10 am. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being. The topic for January is TBD and will be shared soon.
This will be a virtual meeting (Zoom) ONLY.
You may find the latest (Dec. 7) recording of the Principal Coffee located here in the parent handbook: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/meetings-and-presentations
Counselor News & Updates
Check out our December newsletter -all about having a Growth Mindset and how to recover when you don't have the grades you want. https://www.smore.com/73cxf
For Mental Health Supports, check out this link below:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/mental-health-supports
Parents - Our wonderful PTSA has created a pantry for students to take food home over the weekend. If you would like your child to be a part of this program, you need to fill out the Husky Help form. If you did not see the Husky Help form last week, please send your student to counseling to get a form.
There are other programs you may also sign up for on that form including a winter coat, book fair coupon and winter holiday help. Please contact your student's counselor if you have additional questions.
You may find the counseling website located below: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/school-counseling-team
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
*Upcoming Dates to Remember
December 23- January 2- Schools Closed for Winter Break
Jan. 9–B-CC Counselors visit 8th Grade Science classes to share Articulation and Course Registration Information
Jan. 16–MLK Holiday, Schools and Offices closed
Jan. 18- Principal Coffee, 8:30 am ( Zoom only)
Jan. 19- Outdoor Education Meeting, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 & 20–7th grade Field Trip to Finance Park
Jan. 27–No School for students; Professional Day for staff to complete quarter/semester grades
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- 3:30 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