Thunderblast 2023
Taking Risks by OWNING Our Learning- December 17, 2023
Basically Final Newsletter of 2023
- Mon, December 18: PTO Holiday Cookie Exchange- Tomorrow is the big day. So many have signed up to support- THANK YOU! We could always use a little more if you want to sign up here.
- PTO Holiday Giving Tree- If you want to donate gift cards for families in need, sign-up here.
- Multi-Cultural Night- On January 18 (see further below)
- Rising Parent Information Nights- (see below) This is the first time we are doing an evening for rising 7th and 8th students.
- Grade Level Field Trips- (see below) we have to sign a contract soon for the May 31st 8th grade trip to King's Dominion. It will be more expensive than we are used to- $105/ student. We need to get a headcount as soon as possible. Please RSVP here. You are not committed to anything yet.
This week is spirit week! Let's go out on a high note!
Attendance Updates
Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as to connect to their peers and teachers. We are currently at 12% chronic absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school days. It may seem like a little when you think about 2 days/ month, but it adds up to 18 or more days per year, which is directly correlated to decreased academic and social success.
While 12% is less than last year, it is still rather high, and we want to continue decreasing this number. During the December 21-January 1 winter break from school, we would appreciate our families having discussions about the importance of attending school, and establishing a routine to ensure our students get here daily and on time.
When we return from break, as long as your student is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session.
If your family or your student needs support, please reach out to your student’s grade level team, or Dr. Wakefield (maria.wakefield@lcps.org) for help.
We appreciate each one of you. May these days off be restful and healing, and we look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Multicultural Project Winners & Cluster Event Jan 18
Below are the winners of the Storm Multicultural Project- Bojangles breakfast and public displays of their diligent efforts are soon to come!
6th Grade- Maiberger/Sledd Advisory
7th Grade- Dandrea/Parry Advisory
8th Grade- Maida/Weathington Advisory
Feel free to check out the slideshows. Below are some highlights. The beauty of Seneca Ridge is that in any advisory of 17 students, you have families from multiple countries with various religious backgrounds and rich cultural experiences. This is the reason I CHOSE this school for my own family and we are better for having been welcomed into this community. Our student voices are powerful!
If you want to hear more from our collective voices, come to our Cluster Multicultural Event on January 18th for food and fun. We will be highlighting local businesses that have agreed to cater the event with great dinner options. This event is 100% free to EACH family. The fun comes with over $500 in free book giveaways from our recent book fair, student showcases, and student performances. Be there or be square!
At Least 30 Minutes Per Day Reading Over the Break, Besties!
Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition (Non-LCPS Event)
I know many of our families are interested in opportunities for their students to get involved in deeper learning. We only have the resources to offer so much through the schools, so from time to time, I promote things in the county that seem to fit the needs of our families based on your feedback.
PBIS - Final Students of the Week for 2023
PBIS - Staff Of The Week
For more than 10 years, Ms. Parry has been quietly doing everything at Seneca above and beyond. She leads by example and has the highest of expectations for her students. She participates in so many extracurricular events beyond supporting our students with their math prowess. Just this week, Ms. Parry could be seen playing the piano at the choral concerts and attending various other concerts to support her coworkers and students. Thank you for your kindness and constant generosity, Ms. Parry!
PTO Corner
Visit us on Website- https://srms.ptboard.com/ and follow us on Facebook- Seneca Ridge Middle School PTO & Seneca Ridge Home of the Thunderbolts
Spiritwear - https://srms.ptboard.com/formvw?store=4306&form=1
Reminders- Yearbook & UMHT
Last week's meme did not age well for me. I did a lot of push-ups.
📨 Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
💻 Website: Seneca Ridge Middle School
🏫 Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
☎️ Phone: 571-434-4420