Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
December 20-December 24
Dear Silver Creek Families
We have a short week this week. There is no school for staff and students December 23- December 31. Students will return on Monday, January 3, 2022. Our students have persevered through 2021 with strength and resilience. I am truly proud of what our students have accomplished in such challenging times. Our kids often make us laugh, think and, most importantly, make us better.
As we conclude 2021, 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.
On behalf of Silver Creek, I would like to wish our families excellent health, great joy, much love and tremendous success in the coming year. As we enjoy the upcoming holidays, it is my fervent wish that each of you receives and returns the seasonal bounty of blessings and good tidings that make these days truly special. It is also 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!
Bell Schedule for this Week
*Silver Creek News- Morning Announcements!
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Thursday, December 17, 2021 to hear upcoming news & events.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KKMRmGkS_0Bw1vPiVDln1s1m86l5dt4U/view?usp=sharing
*Face Coverings/Masks
If students are asked repeatedly to wear their masks appropriately and/or behave in a manner that is contradictory to CDC guidelines, their parent/guardian will be notified and they will receive a consequence according to MCPS Code of Conduct.
*Husky Day of Care & Service: Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Student Course Registration and Articulation for SY 22-23
Believe it or not, it is already time to begin thinking about next school year. Below is a timeline of dates as we start the articulation process for our students.
Current 6th and 7th Grade Students
Upon our return from winter break, SCMS staff will be working to make course recommendations. These will be shared with students and sent home at the end of January.
- January 28th & 31st--SCMS counselors will visit 6th and 7th grade science classes to share course offerings and explain the course registration process and timeline.
- February 7th--Deadline for completing and submitting Google Course Registration Form. Information on how to complete this registration form will be shared with students when counselors visit their science classes.
- Detailed information regarding course offerings and the course registration process and timeline will be shared with parents at the end of January. It will also be posted on the SCMS website upon our return from winter break.
Current 8th Grade Students (Rising 9th Grade Students)
- January 6th --B-CC counselors will visit 8th grade science classes to share information about High School graduation requirements, 9th grade course offerings, and the registration process and timeline. We will continue to update you with further course registration and articulation information as it becomes available.
- January 13th—Course Selection Information Night at B-CC HS at 7:00 PM.
- January 14th—Online course registration window opens via StudentVue
- January 28th—Deadline for completing course registration in StudentVue
Yearbook Sales
Yearbook sales have begun! Go to https://yearbookforever.com/schools/silver_creek_middle_school_buy_yearbook_363047/pXKC6AW3mqyz55m7Lkx7RTml to order your yearbook now. Prices are now $28 and will increase starting 2/1/22, so take advantage of the low price while you can!
You can use https://snap.yearbookforever.com/snap/index.html#/upload/1-3AQWI9 to upload and submit your own photos for the yearbook. Be sure to follow the instructions before uploading any pictures. Access code- huskies
Please email sean_p_brennan@mcpsmd.org with any questions!
*MCPS communication about Extra Curricular Activities
MCPS continues to collaborate closely with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure the safety of all students and staff in MCPS schools and facilities. Based on updated guidance from DHHS, the following measures will be implemented: Please read MCPS communication.
Intramural Sports
Mr. Bingaman is the intramural coordinator and will provide more information during PE classes, on the intramural bulletin board, on the morning announcements, and on the school website. Sample sports can include: basketball, football, soccer, badminton, tennis, volleyball, cross country, dance, weight training, track and field, kickball, capture the flag, etc. Any questions, please reach out to Mr. Bingaman at Ryan_H_Bingaman@mcpsmd.org.
After School Activities
After school activities have started and will run from September 14 through May 16 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 can be found in our After School Brochure which is linked below. The link will also take you to a google registration form to be used to sign up for an after school activity.
Registering for an activity will be on-going. 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 after school sponsor to ride the bus. After school Activity Brochure & Registration Form: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/after-school-activities
No Place for Hate (NPFH). If interested in NPFH, please contact Dr. Matthew Okun at Matthew_Okun@mcpsmd.org.
Yearbook Club. If interested in yearbook, please contact Mr. Brennan at Sean_P_Brennan@mcpsmd.org or see Mr. Brennan during PE class.
Any questions related to after school activities, please contact Dr. Matthew Okun@Matthew_Okun@mcpsmd.org
COVID Pool Testing
One significant mitigation tactic Montgomery County Public Schools will use this fall is random COVID-19 screening tests for students. A random sample of students grades 6-8 who have a parent consent form on file will be selected to be tested.
Silver Creek is scheduled for COVID screen testing every Tuesday for those students who have consent forms ONLY. The vendor will communicate results to schools within 24-48 hours. We have NOT received any results and, if so, will contact families if there is a positive result.
Please read the process outlined from MCPS below:
Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities
Any questions about SSL, please contact Ms. Renee Hill at Renee_S_Hill@mcpsmd.org
Academic Supports for Students
SCMS Mathematics Tutoring
Does your child need help in math? Do they want to work with a current BCC high school student?
If so, you may sign up for tutoring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:20-4:20 pm every week. After school activity buses will be available on each of the three days.
If interested, please fill out the Tutoring Interest form to express your interest. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Okun at matthew_okun@mcpsmd.org
SCMS Spanish Tutoring
Spanish 3 students who need support, please make sure to check with your teacher.
MCPS: George B Thomas Saturday School
The George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. is pleased to offer academic support and/or acceleration on the 6th day of learning (Saturday mornings). Certified teachers are available to support your child with mitigating learning disruption.
Class sessions begin at 8:30 am each Saturday with a motivational session. To register, please see flyer here:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/mainstory/published/2018/2018-08/Program%20Flyer%20English%2018-19%20Final.pdf
The cost for Saturday School is $85. The cost for students who receive free and reduced meals is $40. This cost covers the entire school year through May and registration is open all year.
PARENT RESOURCES
*Principal Coffee
We are excited to bring monthly principal coffees this school year. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being.
Our last principal coffee was Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 8:30 am-9:15 am. The Topic: Understanding Restorative Practices in School.
If you missed it, you may view the recording here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtJzMen0Phf2J4zgx-VRLmrvoKgN-AWE/view?usp=sharing
Our next principal coffee is scheduled for: January 20, 2022. Topic: TBD.
Counselor News & Updates
Grief is especially hard around the holidays. Caring Matters is offering virtual support for families. Please check out their flyer here : Parent Resource Counseling Webpage
The SCMS Counseling Newsletter is updated and ready to be read by you! Check out all the great resources for parenting middle school children. https://www.smore.com/2w6xdk
Check out what's new on the Counseling Website.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/school-counseling-team
Parent Handbook
Did you miss the parent grade-level town hall meetings? You may access meeting recordings in the 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
MCPS Management Plan for Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies
ESL Classes for parents
Two virtual live conversations, one in English and one in Chinese, about the ESL classes will be livestream on the MCPS YouTube channel and Facebook page on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. https://news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/quicknotes/literacy-council-offers-free-esl-classes-for-parents/
Cell Phone Policy
The use of cell phones in the school has become a large distraction for our students. We will continue to reinforce our cell phone expectations that it must be out of sight during instructional time. Beginning Quarter 2, aligned with MCPS regulations, all personal mobile devices must be turned off and away at the start of school. Students may use their cell phones before school, at lunch, and after school ONLY. They should not have their cell phones out during transition times.
The absence of mobile devices will allow teachers to continue to create a conducive learning environment with fewer distractions for our students as well as lessen behavioral infractions related to cell phone use during hallway transitions and other learning spaces. If students are not able to follow the cell phone policy, consequences will be given based on the Student Code of Conduct.
Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
Ways to Report: English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1areawDK08nMCq-2z3wW0PctPntog0eVX/view?usp=sharingSpanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZVC11h8vBYrzL1yyJgMYLRyE-SLmbDFg/view?usp=sharing
Community Food & Clothing Resources
Free and Reduced Meals
Free breakfast, lunch and dinner meals will be provided to all students in schools and at designated food distribution sites.
While school meals are free, families are still encouraged to apply for Free and Reduced Meal status so they are eligible for community resources and services. Apply here: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
*Important Dates to Remember
December 22- Day of Care, Student vs. Staff Volleyball Game during the day
December 23-December 31- Winter Break. No school for Students & Staff. Schools and Offices closed.
Link to MCPS Calendar
Student Absence or Quarantine
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.
Please note: If a student needs to quarantine/isolate for 10 days due to a COVID 19 direct exposure or positive test, Silver Creek Middle School has established a plan for the virtual continuity of learning. A letter with the student's virtual continuity of learning plan will be communicated to families whose child has been identified to quarantine.
Important Contacts
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/staff/directory/
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