Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
November 20-November 24
Dear Silver Creek Families
The holiday break is fast approaching. As a reminder, Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21 are early release days. Students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm on these days. We also have parent/teacher conferences tomorrow, Monday, November 20 (please see below for additional information).
There is no school Wednesday, November 22- Friday, November 24 in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Schools and offices will be closed. School will resume on Monday, November 27, 2023.
Thank you to the PTSA for all of their work with the food drive last week. There was a significant amount of food that was donated to our families in need. Thank you to our SCMS community for your generosity and kindness.
On behalf of the Silver Creek staff, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Silver Creek Community and thank each of you for partnering with us to support our students and staff. We are thankful for your commitment and wish you and your families a restful and relaxing holiday with the joys of thanksgiving.
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 17, 2023 to hear upcoming news & eventshttps://youtube.com/live/3k8GI3YTAGU?feature=share
You may also access the following document for the daily links to the Silver Creek News Show (SCN).
*Thankful Message to Staff
During this time of thanksgiving, we would like to recognize our wonderful Silver Creek teachers & staff for all that they do. Please take a moment to fill out the form to recognize a staff member to say, "Thank You". We will send your shout out directly to the staff member before the holiday. Please fill out the form below:
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.
*Student Behaviors
Last week we had student town hall meetings where we celebrated students' accomplishments from Quarter 1 and reviewed school-wide behavioral expectations. You may view the slide presentations from each grade level below. We ask that families partner with us to reinforce these expectations.
- Respecting Differences: Encourage your child to appreciate and celebrate the diversity within our school community. Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness.
- Anti-Bullying: Discuss with your child the negative impact of bullying and the importance of standing up against it and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Empathy: Foster a sense of empathy by discussing the feelings and perspectives of others. Continue to encourage them to be understanding and supportive of their peers, creating a compassionate atmosphere within and beyond the school walls.
Yearbook Sales
We are excited to announce that SCMS Yearbooks are on Sale NOW. Mrs. Boyle, our Yearbook sponsor, and our Yearbook Club have been meeting after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to start designing the 2023-2024 yearbook. Yearbooks are $30 until January 31, 2024. See the flyers below for more details on how to order your Silver Creek Yearbook.
Questions? Please email our yearbook sponsor at Jennifer_K_Boyle@mcpsmd.org
Culture of Respect Student Module
Students will complete the module during their Husky PAWS during the week of November 27. The training module should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is currently accessible to all students via their myMCPS Classroom homepage.
You may read more about the Culture of Respect HERE.
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. The first visit from the therapy dogs was a big success. The next Therapy Dog date is November 20th! Select students will have the opportunity to be with the therapy dogs. All students who express interest will have the opportunity for a visit at some point this year.
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: Use the following link below:
https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/47665/354/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)
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.
If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Wolf-Hubbard at Rigel_J_Wolf-Hubbard@mcpsmd.org for more details. If interested in joining SGA, please fill out the following google form. https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/after-school-activities
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. We will not have a principal coffee in November due to the Thanksgiving Break. The next principal coffee is scheduled for Friday, December 15 over zoom (The topic will be shared soon). 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 16
Here are things to know from Thursday Nov. 16. Get information about how to prepare for your student's parent-teacher conference, calendar feedback, an important message about attendance, the youth apprenticeship program, how schools are giving back and saying thanks ahead of the fall break, and more!
Native American Heritage Month
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 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
December 1 - Fall Play, 7 PM
December 2- Fall Play, 12PM & 6 PM.December 5- Band Concert, 6PM
December 6- Orchestra and Chorus Concerts, 6PM
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