Springbrook Weekly Digest
Week of April 28
A Message from Ms. Valentine, Principal
Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,
Welcome back to another edition of the Springbrook Weekly Digest! I hope you had a great weekend. This is week 4 of marking period 4 and a great time to check student grades in StudentVUE and ParentVUE. Class of 2024 interim grades are due on Fri, May 3, 2024.
IB EXAMS THIS WEEK
On Wed, May 1, 2024, IB testing continues. All IB students received information regarding their testing sessions. Students, parents and caregivers, please refer to the schedule for week for upcoming IB examinations.
MISA ASSESSMENT BEGINS THIS WEEK
On Thurs, May 2, 2024, select students will participate in MISA testing. The MISA examination is a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) graduation requirement. The assessment will take place form 7:45 AM - 11:05 AM, followed by lunch and instructional periods 1-3:
- Period 1 - 12:05 -12:50 PM
- Period 2 - 12:55 - 01:40 PM
- Period 3 - 01:45 - 02:30 PM
- Open gym or weight room - GYM
- Yoga - Yoga Studio
- Study Hall - CAFE
- Movies - CAFE
- Video gaming - B109/B110
Student testing locations will be posted on the Canvas page on Mon, Apr 29th. Please contact Ms. Latrice Curtis at latrice.c.curtis@mcpsmd.net regarding testing questions.
SENIOR PARENT CAREGIVER MEETING-COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION
Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers that attended the senior parent meeting. For those who were unable to attend this important meeting, please click here to access the important senior dates, events, and the presentation from the evening.
SUMMER SCHOOL 2024 INFO
MCPS offers Regional Summer School and Central Summer School. Please read the segment on summer school and contact your student's counselor for more registration information.
Please click English or Spanish versions to access more details regarding summer school and contact your student's counselor for additional information.
In this issue:
- Schedule for the week
- Recognizing National Stress Awareness Month
- Celebrating National Arab American Month
- Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- National Poetry Month and the Springbrook Poetry Slam
- Apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships - College adn Career Fair and Maryland Construction Day - Also, take paper/pen driving permit exam; Apprenticeship on media and filmmaking; Explore post high school opportunities, work-based learning for summer and Verizon Summer Interns
- Athletics - Annual Staff v. Students Basketball Game and V. Boys Basketball Team Banquet
- Book of the Week (BOTW)
- Class of 2024 - Loyola Presidential Scholar, Prom and After Prom (juniors may attend Prom and After Prom)
- Class of 2025 - Sign up for senior portraits
- Class of 2027 - Fundraiser pics
- Congressman Jamie Raskin U.S. Service Academy Nomination
- Fellowship Opportunities
- Geographical Sciences Awards
- MCABSE Scholar
- Material Engineer and Springbrook Parent Visit
- PTSA - Teacher Appreciation Week Assistance Requested, After Prom, Harris Teeter, and Native Plants Fundraiser
- SBHS Tutoring
- See Something, Say Something
- SSL opportunities
- Yearbook 2024 "Captured in Time" - Order the yearbook while supplies last.
Warm regards,
Stephanie Valentine
Principal
Springbrook High School
April is National Stress Awareness Month
National Stress Awareness Month brings attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize the intensity of health-related issues.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
During the month of May we raise awarness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlight how illness and addiction may affect individuals, families, and society at large.
In April, We Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month
Jamal Murray
Jamaal Murray is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets. Murray was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, the son of a Syrian mother and Jamaican father. He played one season for the Kentucky Wildcats before being drafted by the Nuggets as the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.
Appreciating Our Bus Drivers
We celebrate our bus drivers for all they do to ensure students are transported to school, home, activities, sporting events, or field trips. You deserve all the recognition! #ThankYouFromTheSpringbrookCommunity
Springbrook Poetry Slam
Each year the month of April is set aside as National Poetry Month, in time to celebrate poets and their craft. Various events are held throughout the month but at Springbrook High School, in recognition of National Poety Month, Springbrook hosted a Poetry Slam during lunch on Fri, Thurs, April 26th. Poets, inclusive of students and staff, read original prose or read works by various others. See a few pictures highlighting the event below.
Pictured: Junior Leah Willis, MC
Pictured: Senior Kenneth Tanguilig.
Pictured: Junior Sheneisia "Milo" Richards.
Pictured: Senior Vincent Felix
Pictured: Mr. Adam Bahr, English teacher.
Pictured: Ms. Sarah Kinard, English Resource Teacher.
Pictured: Ms. Dorothy Lee, Social Studies teacher.
Pictured: Ms. Stella McCuiston, Assistant Principal.
College and Career Fair
On Thurs, April 25, 2024, over 70 colleges, trade, and career representatives met with students to share information about potential opportunities and experiences for our Blue Devils. The event served to support student interest in every stage of their post secondary interest in terms of college, trade, and career journey. Thank you Tammy Patterson, CCIC, for organzing and implementing this herculean experience for our students.
Maryland Construction Career Day
Springbrook students attended Maryland Construction Career Day on April 25th. Sponsored by the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation, students participated in hands on transportation and skilled trades experiences. Thank you to Nicole Brown, internship coordinator, for organizing this opportunity. We we are grateful that Ms. Peterson, Ms. Salzman, Ms. Villarroel, and Ms. Wright also chaperoned the field trip.
Springbrook Partners with MDOT to Host Permit Paper/Pen Test at the Brook
Ms. Nicole Brown, Internship Coordinator, consistently thinks of creative ways to advantage our Springbrook students. Ms. Brown connects hundreds of students each year with apprenticeships and internships. However, many students must apply for their Maryland state driver's license or take the Maryland permit driving test. To mitigate this challenge and provide opportunities for students to be eligible to drive to apprenticeships and internships, Ms. Brown has partnered with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to provide onsite permit (pen/paper) examinations at the Brook.
- Only Apprenticeship and Intership students should see Ms. Brown in G202 to pick up a field trip form.
- Students must be 15 and 9 months by May 20, 2024
- The opportunity is limited to the first 60 internship or apprenticeship students (first come, first served)
- Examination will take place on Wed, May 29 at 2:30 PM in TR2
Summer Apprenticeship Opportunity in Media and Filmmaking
Action Youth Media (AYM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the youth through creative expression and media literacy. Our headquarters, nestled in downtown Silver Spring, MD, within the Silver Spring Library, serves as a vibrant hub for after-school and summer programs.
Summer DOCS apprentices will elevate student media arts skills through hands-on experience and collaborative projects. This immersive apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity for participants to not only enhance their technical proficiency but also engage in meaningful storytelling. Apprentices will be tasked with creating and producing a short film centered around a social justice issue. Through this dynamic program, participants will gain valuable insights into the world of filmmaking, contributing to both their artistic growth and their understanding of socially relevant narratives. The final project will be submitted into festivals and showcased in our annual Season Showcase.
· Deadline to submit your application in full: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 11:59pm
- Apprentices receive a pay of $15.00 per hour that is subject to all applicable taxes
· Advanced Students: The project requires students to have a strong background in film to create the project in a timely and professional manner.
· Program Duration: June 26-August 17 (8 weeks)
· Days and Time: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 1:00-5:00pm
· Location: 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, MD (Media Studio in the Silver Spring Library)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqpZyqbsafHqVsGaE8itOrM07qaOuZoLB0xA-SETbBIWLc1w/viewform
Blue Devils Check Out How to Explore Post-High School Options
Internships, summer programs, and pre-college programs are a great way for student to explore post-high school options and gain valuable experience they can add to their resume. Many summer programs have spring application deadlines, so start searching soon if you may be interested! Explore the many options and opportunities from the list below:
§ Summer Programs & Internships - List of summer programs and internships created by MCPS College & Career Information Coordinators.
Work Based Learning Summer 2024 Registration is Open for Rising Gr 11 and 12
Urban Alliance is Recruiting Juniors for School Year 2024-2025
Juniors interested in the Urban Alliance paid full-year internship must register here and attend the following virtual information sessions:
- Monday, April 30 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM
- Monday, May 14 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM
- Monday, May 28 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Meeting ID: 823 5175 9746
Passcode: 495403
Link:https://theurbanalliance-org.zoom.us/j/82351759746?pwd=a09yeXh4Y3RJOGlrTkp1UElwbFFsQT09&from=addon
Annual Staff v. Students Basketball Game
Springbrook's Annual Staff v. Students Basketball Match occurred on Thurs, April 25th. Staff redeemed their previous two year loss by beating this year's student team 72-69.
Student Accomplishments Highlighted at Varsity Boys Basketball Team Banquet
The 2023-2024 Varsity Boys Basketball team experienced exciting records this season. The team set the sechool record for the most 3-point field goals made in a game with 13! Also, Junior Cade Campbell, recorded the second highest 3-point shootin percentage in school history at 45.8%. Congratulations to the the Boys Basketbally Coach Tesfamikael and staff!
Pictured from left to right: Evan Wormley, Jr., Cade Campbell, Roman Redder, Kene Arah, Jordan Garner, Kendon Augare-Deal, Elijah Sandy, Coach Miriam Tesfamikael, Christian Miles, Bryan Hinds, Jr., Nathan Gebremedhin, Aaron Jagga, Devein Desruisseau, and Steven Jones.
Springbrook's Library Media Center Highlights the April 28 - May 3 2024 BOTW
American Dreams. The Emergence of an American People
Bring Your Child to Work Day 2024
On Thurs., April 25th Springbrook staff brought 25 school-aged children to the workplace to assist their children in exploring the workforce. Bring Your Child to Work Day inspires children to see the various roles required of educational staff. Children engaged in classroom observations, painting, physical education, and social opportunities. See a few pictures below highlighting the day. A huge thank you to Ms. Latrice Curtis, Ms. Jennifer Earle, Ms. Julie Simon, and Ms. Melissa Fischer. Way to go Blue Devils on influencing the next generation of potentila educators!
Loyola University Presidential Scholar
Senior Kendon Augare-Deal has his eyes set on Loyola University in the fall where he plans to major in civil engineering or materials engineering. Kendon is the recipient of the highly selective Loyola Presidential Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students with strong academic ability and achievement. We are so proud of Kendon's accomplishment!
Seniors and Juniors, Don't Miss Prom and After Prom...
Springbrook's Red Carpet Prom
Springbrook's Red Carpet Prom will be held at the University of Maryland (UMD) Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center from 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM, followed by After Prom at the University of MD TerpZone, inside the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. Prom tickets are on sale until April 24, 2024. Tickets may be purchased online from school cash online (SCO). Tickets may also be purchased in the auditorium on the following Fridays:
- April 12, April 19, and April 26
Seniors must pay towards their school obligations before purchasing a prom ticket.
- For questions regarding these events, please contact Mr. Francis Gyimah, assistant principal, at Francis_I_Gyimah@mcpsmd.org and Ms. Sade Campbell, senior class sponsor, at Folasade_Campbell@mcpsmd.org.
Prom will take place on Fri, May 10, 2024, at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center followed by After Prom at the TerpZone from 12:00 - 3:00AM. After Prom means delicious food, desserts, bowling, pool, air hockey, henna artists, prizes, and much more. Seniors and juniors may attend After Prom, although they did not attend Prom. Tickets are $10 for those who did not attend Prom. Be sure to register for After Prom by scanning the QR code on the After Prom flyer. Be sure to register for After Prom by scanning the QR code below.
Fundraiser with A Playful Twist
Last week the spirited Class of 2027 organized an incredible fundraiser for their class. The class held the "Tape Mr. Weinshel to the Wall" event during which captured the attention and enthusiasm of their peers. Students eagerly purchased strips of tape in anticipation of taping a strip to Mr. Weinshel to affix him to the wall. This event showcased student ingenity, camaraderie, and community spirit within the school. Mr. Weinshel was a great sport in this endeavor!
U.S. Service Academy Nomination Application Opens May 1st
Eighth Service Academy Nomination Application
The application process should be completed by students residing in the Eighth Congressional District of Maryland seeking admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy may apply to every Congressional office in Maryland. Applications to the Coast Guard Academy do not require a Congressional nomination and students should apply directly to the Coast Guard Academy. Additional application process may be found here.
The Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship is a paid opportunity for youth to lend their voice to the public discussion on civic education. The Fellowship is a 10-month program (August 2024 - May 2025) for U.S. high school students that will provide leadership opportunities for students, including civic and media workshops, learning how to articulate and share youth perspectives on civic education; and showcasing youth civic learning experiences. Students are expected to seek engagement from peers and others from their local community.
Applicant Eligibility:
- U.S. high school students for the 2024-2025 school year (rising 9-12th graders)
- Interest in civics, education, equity, government, history, or politics
- Required attendance at our in-person convening in Washington D.C. (travel, lodging and meal accommodations paid for by iCivics, and its generous donors. Tentative dates are September 26-29, 2024)
- Required attendance to all virtual meetings throughout the year
- Completion of Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship 2024-2025 Application
- Nominated by an educator/mentor using the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship 2024-2025 Educator/Mentor Nomination Form - https://forms.gle/xL1S2DsuqLvwszYG7
Application
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8YUizVPa4-6wXqCsbVQGEUtiiOTLZpr584TJJ37_xojprBw/viewform
After this program, students will be able to:
- Strengthen their student voice to convey their lived civic experiences and contribute to the public discussion on civic education.
- Engage community members around youth civic needs from a student-focused perspective
- Leverage civic skills developed throughout the program to engage with decision-makers and other stakeholders to influence outcomes in their community
- Understand the relationship between civic knowledge, civic engagement, and social influence skills as tools necessary to navigating civic institutions
- Become ambassadors for equity in civic education and part of a larger network of former Equity in Civics Youth Fellows
Blue Devils Recognized at the UMD Geographical Sciences Event
The University of Maryland's Department of Geographical Sciences created the Award for Exceptional Geographical Sciences Students to recognize and celebrate local high school students who excel in the geographical sciences to celebrate their achievement and learn from our internationally renowned professors about the ever-growing opportunities in the field of geographical sciences. Four Springbrook High School students were honored:
- Melat Ghebreselassie
- Saron Shimels
- Amber Li
- Lilly Tran
Melat Ghebreselassie, Saron Shimels, & Amber Li were honored for their “seed.link” app and device that measures soil nutrient levels and provides sustainable fertilization suggestions to reduce nutrient run-off and eutrophication in the watershed. Lilly was honored for her knowledge of how human impact can shift available resources and potentially shorten our time on this planet. Lilly is also a member of Springbrook’s Science National Honor Society, where she serves as a peer tutor to other students in subjects such as biology, environmental systems, and physics. Thank you Ms. Nichole Kellerman for ensuring that our students were recognized for their tremendous accomplishments!
Distinguished African-American Scholar
Senior Anatasie Guettie was recognized at the Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) on Thurs, April 25th for her academic prowess and indelible contributions to the community via service. Anatasie recieved a $300 scholarship which may be used for the purchase of textbooks. Anatasie looks forward to attending Towson University in the fall where she plans to major in Business Entrepreneurship.
Materials Engineer Visits Our PLTW Program
Mr. Brian Harris, father of sophomore Kerrigan Harris, spoke to students about material engineering. Harris had students work in groups to engage in the engineering design process to improve RC car and drone projects.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) is less than 3 weeks away! Please help the PTSA celebrate and show appreciation to all of the SUPERHERO Staff that support our children everyday! OUR SUPERHERO THEMED POWER STATIONS will need to be refilled daily to FUEL our SUPERHERO Staff.
Please Sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040448AEAF2EA4FC1-46817830-20232024#/ to bring snacks. Thank you in advance! Your contributions are greatly appreciated!!
The PTSA Needs Parent/Caregiver Support to Sponsor After Prom
After Prom is the party that takes place after the Prom. It is an alcohol- and drug-free environment for our Class of 2024 students to continue celebrating and having fun following the Prom. Students have endless food and desserts for the evening and partake in a variety of games (e.g., video games, pool, bowling, etc.). After Prom is sponsored by the PTSA. The PTSA is requesting the assistance of parents to host After Prom.
Ways for Parents/Caregivers to Support After Prom:
Harris Tetter Together In Education Initiative
The Springbrook PTSA makes us aware that Harris Teeter supports Springbrook High School when you use the school code at checkout.
1. Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to the Springbrook school code 1781 by visiting www. harristeeter.com, sign in to your profile and add 1781 to your account.
2. Use the school code at checkout.
Sprout Support for Springbrook by Planting Native Plants
Tuesday, April 16th, we will have our PTSA Meeting at 5:30PM in the Media Center with dinner catered by our Culinary Arts Department. Also, we will have a guest speaker, Ms. Maria Fernanda Villarroel, our Career Coach. Please join us and spread the word!
Tutoring Opportunities at the Brook
Blue Devils, Remember the SBHS See Something, Say Something Initiative.
Safety is extremely important to our Blue Devil Community!
Blue Devils if you've seen something concerning at school, please use this QR code to report the incident. Providing details, location, and timeframe is really helpful.Visit the Springbrook Webpage to Learn About Upcoming SSL Opportunities
Springbrook High School
Email: Stephanie_Z_Valentine@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/springbrookhs/
Location: 201 Valley Brook Drive, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-3800
Instagram: @springbrookprinc