Thunderblast Weekly
December 5th, 2021
Monday Morning Quarterback- Building Evacuation
3-2-1, here we go… Jalen Hurts, our second round pick a year ago, threw 3 interceptions in a loss to the lowly New York Football Giants. We lost by less than 1 touchdown and Jalen Raegor, our first round pick a year ago, dropped 2 touchdown passes in the final 1 minute of the game. Any which way you slice it, it is 1 in the loss column.
Although this is a much more serious situation, whenever we have a major event at Seneca, it is important for us to reflect on the game film. We had to evacuate the building due to a possible gas leak at 4:10 PM on Wednesday. Normally clubs end at 4:25. We felt we could do this quickly and efficiently, and most importantly, keeping the students safe by using our PA system and radios based on the limited number of students in the building.
What exactly was it? A faulty valve on the outside connection with a slow gas leak that was diagnosed as safe by both the fire department and Washington Gas.
What could we have done differently?
An initial collaborative communication between our administrative team could have led to the internal decision to bring LCPS facilities to investigate rather than Safety and Security. We typically refer to the latter group after regular school hours, but this was a time when we were all still present in the building and facilities was fully staffed. In the past, this issue has been investigated and deemed safe for students based on measurements.
Safety and Security took independent action with the fire department. In the future, that decision will be collaborative with our building administration. We have a greater understanding of previous work orders that have been placed and potential threats.
We will contact the public information office immediately to make them aware of the situation. If our team is spread thin and we need a greater concentration on student safety , we will ask for support in sending a CLEAR, SPECIFIC, and TIMELY message to our community. We have been given the guidance that we can be more specific about what we are dealing with even when we are unsure of the details. We know that will ease our families’ minds in the future.
In light of the news from Michigan earlier in the week and the situation on social media prior to Thanksgiving at Dominion that had many on high-alert, we will not make the mistake of giving too little information in the future. We know your trust and our transparency, as we care for your most valuable commodities, is the most important thing. We will be sure to put this at the forefront when dealing with adversity in the future.
The information above is never best conveyed in email or newsletter. It should involve a discussion. I did lengthy bullets here, but you know I am happy to get together for a parent coffee. My next two weeks are jam packed, but I am tentatively planning to do a coffee on the first Monday of winter break. I will gauge interest at the PTO meeting Wednesday, and if that is a bad time, I will reschedule to January.
COVID Updates
We had 2 positive cases following the Thanksgiving break. That is a total of 8 positive cases in our building including students and staff since we opened in August. We have moved most of our concerts to Dominion to allow for greater spacing and are excited to have our One Act Plays, December Concerts, and Winter Dance this year. Let's keep the good vibes rolling by masking up when attending these events.
Winter Wonderland Dance
On December 10, from 6-8 PM, the Seneca Student Government Club (SGA) will be hosting our annual Winter Wonderland Dance!
We are encouraging support of our local food pantry by having students bring in a nonperishable item/canned good. Cost is $1 OR a nonperishable item for entry to the event only, or $5 AND a nonperishable item gets your student entry to the event plus two slices of pizza (pepperoni or cheese) and water. Masks will be required. Students will be spaced out in separate areas when eating. Bring money if your student wishes to purchase snacks from the Thunder Buddies Club.
Come for a night of dancing, games, snacks, and having fun with friends! You can fill out the permission form and pay here.
One Act Festival, Wednesday, December 8th
Will our wizard get his magic powers back? Will the girls survive the night? And what is Billy's problem? Find out at our first ever One Act Festival, occurring Wednesday, December 8th, at 7 PM in the Seneca Ridge Auditorium.
Purchase tickets online here, or at the door.
Fundraiser
United Mental health Team (UMHT)
PBIS- Students of the Week
This week we're recognizing our wonderful Schools To Watch student volunteers! This group of leaders were ambassadors for Seneca as we underwent our third application as a Virginia and National School to Watch. On Tuesday, a committee of administrators from other exemplary middle schools came out to observe and learn about Seneca. We were very proud of the work our staff had done, the feedback given from our parents, and last but not least, our student voices. If their biggest complaint is that we don't allow cell phones, I feel like we're doing pretty well.
PBIS- Staff of the Week- Kimberly Fangmeyer
That being said, so many of our staff have had to cover and Ms. Fangmeyer, in our front office, has had to balance and navigate this rocky road. She has been organized, positive, and continued to exhibit a can-do attitude as we worked through some difficulties and are getting very close to fully staffed. Job well-done!
PTO Corner
Dec 8 @ 6PM - Next PTO Meeting
This meeting will be virtual.
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/awd-ziba-uge
Or dial: +1 405-389-1044 PIN: 558422595
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/awd-ziba-uge?pin=4023278823482
We hope you can join us!
Restaurant Night Dec 13! - Casa Tequila
Support SRMS PTO by dining at Casa Tequila on December 13th between 11AM and 10PM. Be sure to mention SRMS so we can reserve a percentage of each sale.
SRMS Giving Tree is Back!
Please help us make the holidays special for all the students in our community. We are collecting gift cards to be distributed as needed within Seneca and then shared with our cluster Elementary Schools based on various needs. Please sign up using the sign up genius below. Cards can be dropped off in the front office in a donation box labeled "Holiday Giving Tree. Please bring your donations by December 15th (but the sooner the better). Cash donations can be made using this Sign Up Genius as well.
Thank you to everyone for your generosity.
SRMS Teacher Cookie Exchange
As we head into the winter break, let's show our appreciation for the SRMS teachers and staff by gifting them with treats and sweets to fill their COOKIE JARS! We need bakers and/or buyers (store-bought is just fine) and of course, volunteers to help run the show on Wednesday, December 15th! Please sign up here and let us know how you can help:
*Chorus 6 concert and Chorus 7 concert are at different times on Wednesday, December 15th. 6th Grade will get to Dominion's auditorium at 6pm and their concert is at 6:30 pm. 7th Grade will get to Dominion's auditorium at 7 pm and their concert is at 7:30 pm. Each grade will perform for about 15 minutes.
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