Springbrook Weekly Digest
Week of April 1
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 fantastic Spring Break filled with relaxation, fun, and perhaps a little adventure. As we return to school, let us carry that refreshed energy and enthusiasm as marking period 3 draws near. We look forward to the beginning of marking period 4. School resumes on Tues, April 2, 2024.
ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Learn about Blue Devil acceptances and accomplishments. Be sure to check out all of the updates and announcements this week, and thank you for being an essential part of the Springbrook community!
ATTENDANCE , ABSENTEEISM, and TARDINESS
Students, parents, and caregivers, we are noticing:
- A decline in student daily attendance as the year progresses.
- Period 1 and period 5 are our most impacted periods for tardiness to class.Teachers have conferenced with students and encouraged them to attend on time, called and emailed parents and/or caregivers, and administed teacher-led consequences. Administrators have conferenced with students, contacted parents and/or caregivers, arranged for restorative conversations if warranted, and administered administrative-led consequences.
- Absenteeism and truancy contribute to lost of learning opportunities and have negative long-term consequences for students.
At Springbrook High School, we appreciate the significant role parents and caregivers play in their children's education. As a result, please use ParentVUE to examine and monitor your student's daily attendance and check your voicemail messages from robocalls indiciating your child's absence from one or more periods of school.
MARKING PERIOD 3 ENDS
Remember, we are entering a crucial time in the academic year. Marking period 3 ends Tuesday, April 9, 2024. This is an important time for parents and caregivers to continue to review ParentVUE and have conversations with students regarding their academic performance. Please remind your students to submit assignments according to the due date and deadline window. Have students meet with their teachers and/or counselors if assistance is needed regarding student academic performance.
RAMADAN CONTINUES
Ramadan continues until sundown on Mon, April 8, 2024. Please be mindful that some of our Blue Devils may be fasting.
SENIOR CLASS - CLASS of 2024 - PROM and SENIOR CLASS TRIP
Prom tickets and tickets for the Senior Class Trip go on sale Tues, Apr 2, 2024, on school cash online (SCO). Seniors sign up to attend After Prom here. Students do not have to attend Prom to attend After Prom. More information regarding Prom and the Senior Class Trip will be emailed directly to Class of 2024 students and their parents and/or caregivers, later this week.
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 the Easter Holiday
- Celebrating National Arab American Month - DJ Khaled
- Run for SGA and/or Class Council for the 2024-2025 school year
- Apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships - Take paper/pen driving permit exam; Apprenticeship on media and filmmaking; Explore post high school opportunities, work-based learning for summer and RTX Future Ready Engineers
- Athletics Booster - Mulch Sale
- Attendance and Tardy Protocol Review
- Book of the Week (BOTW)
- Class of 2024 - After Prom is Approaching
- Dell Scholar
- Instrumental Music Program - Blue Devil nominated for superintendent's arts celebratory program
- Martin Luther King Week of Service Award
- Microsoft Minority Day
- Minority Scholars Program Retreat
- NEC Spirit Week - Review Pics from Spirit Week
- PTSA - Harris Teeter; Native Plants Fundraiser
- Scholarship News - District 20 Delegate Wilkins Scholarship
- 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
On Sunday, March 31st We Recognize the Easter Holiday
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the wiping away of sin. Easter-observing Chrisitians commonly refer to the week before Easter as Holy Week which begins on Palm Sunday and includes Good Friday. Traditions and religious rituals for Easter vary among denominations across the globe, but many observe the holiday through church services.
In April, We Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month
DJ Khaled
Khaled Mohammed Khaled, born Nov 26, 1975, in New Orleans, is known professionally as disc jockey (DJ) Khaled. An American record producer and executive and originally a Miami radio hype man, Khaled became known for his extensive curation of hip-hop and pop-rap music industry artists and producers. Khaled has a distinctive booming voice and incorporates motivational abstractions and various catchphrases in his music.
The Application to Run for SGA and Class Council Officer Positions is Open
The application to run for SGA and/or Class Council positions is available through the Springbrook Canvas page AND the linktree located in the bio of the SGA page. Also, check your Synergy email for more information. Blue Devils, be sure to apply!
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
AOIT Students Are NAF and RTX Future Ready Engineers
NAF and RTX partner to offer the RTX Future Ready Engineers Summer Program. The virual experience facilitated by NAF staff, with content sessions provided by RTS, will fulfill NAFTrack Certification internship requirement. This experience provides NAF Academy students the opportunity to build on their AOIT experiences.
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
Springbrook Athletics Booster Mulch Sale
Springbrook’s Athletic Boosters Mulch Sale is BACK! Order now, and orders can be picked up or delivered on April 13th. We will even spread it for you!! Delivery and spreading are additional costs. Please help spread the word! https://bluedevilathleticboosters.club/
Absenteeism and Truancy Contribute to Lost of Learning Opportunities
Attendance and Tardy Protocols
Attendance
- Students transition to period 1 at 7:40 AM. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.
- Parents and caregivers must write or email student excused notes to the attendance secretary within three (3) days of a student's absence from school. Please contact Ms. Chantal Louis-Charles, attendance secretary, at Chantal_M_Louis-Charles@mcpsmd.org regarding attendance concerns.
- A physician's note is required for any student absence of five (5) or more days due to illness.
- Early dismissal notifications must be submitted to the attendance teller window prior to the start of school.
- Students who anticipate being absent should submit a note from their parent or caregiver to the attendance teller window, 48 hours prior to the day of the absence (college visits, school-related activities, religious observances, etc.). College visits are limited to grade 11 and grade 12 students and may not exceed three (3) days per year.
- Students who participate in school sports teams and/or extracurricular activities must attend school all day to participate in sports teams and/or extracurricular events.
- Upon entering school, students are to digitally sign in at the attendance teller window and submit a note from their parent/caregiver that includes the date, student name, ID, grade, date of absence, reason for absence, parent/caregiver name and signature, and contact number. The attendance secretary will provide the student with an excused pass to class.
- Students may also receive an excused pass from the main office staff, teachers, and counselors during the school day (e.g., passes to the restroom, counseling, career/internship, teachers, and administration).
- Students who arrive tardy to school due to a late Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) bus should stop at the main office to receive an excused pass.
- Students may transition to any class, cafeteria, auditorium, and gym in under 5 minutes.
- During the first 20 minutes of the first period, students must report directly to class without stopping at the attendance teller window for a pass.
- Students who arrive at school after the first 20 minutes must digitally sign in at the attendance office, where they will receive an unexcused tardy pass.
- Chronic tardiness to school and/or classes will result in progressive disciplinary action, including teacher conference, parent and/or caregiver contact, teacher-led consequence, and referral to the grade-level administrator for administrator-led consequence.
Early Departures
- Students should drop off their early departure permission notes starting at 7:20 AM at the attendance window in the main office. The attendance secretary will prepare the early departure pass. ALL students must sign out of the building at the attendance office before leaving the building. Students returning the same day after an early dismissal must sign back into school at the attendance office.
- Students may only leave the building with approval from the attendance secretary or principal designee.
High school students with excessive absences, both lawful and unlawful, may be referred for appropriate intervention. At the discretion of the principal or principal designee, students who demonstrate a pattern of absences may be referred to the school counselor, pupil personnel worker, and/or outside agencies for intensive interventions designed to increase daily attendance.
Extended Absences Needing Prior Approval
- Students requesting an extended absence must bring a note from their parent/caregiver to the grade-level administrator for prior approval. If approval is granted, a notification will be shared with the student's classroom teachers and counselor. The attendance office will retain the original copy for the student file.
- Extended medical absences may require the involvement of the school-based educational management team (EMT) and/or student well-being team (SWBT) and may result in referral to intermittent instructional services (IIS).
Springbrook's Library Media Center Highlights the Mar 18 - Mar 23, 2024 BOTW
Freedom Here
Seniors, After Prom is Approaching...
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 endless food and desserts along with, prizes, air hockey, bowling, henna artists, pool, video games and much more. Be sure to register for AfterProm by scanning the QR code below.
Blue Devil Receives $20,000 Dell Scholarship
Senior Nathan Zion named a Dell Scholar. In addition to his Dell Scholarship, Nathan has also earned a scholarship to American University, where he plans to study data science and finance.
The Dell Scholars program works to provide students with personalized, multifaceted academic, financial, and emotional support needed to navigate college and launch a successful career. In addition to the college scholarship and individualized guidance, scholars have access to a suite of resources and textbook credits. The program strives to empower students to be hands-on and while charting their path to achieve school goals.#GoBlueDevils #BlueDevilPride
Blue Devil Nominated as Superintendent's Instrumental Music Recipient
Having demonstrated excellence in instrumental music, senior Vincent Felix has been nominated as the Springbrook High School instrumental music student for the 2024 Superintendent's Fine Arts Celebration. The Superintendent’s Fine Arts Celebration recognizes and highlights the contributions and achievements of students across the school district.
Springbrook Honored with the MLK Week Service Award
We've been honored with the MLK Week of Service Award, a testament to our student and staff's commitment to incorporating and epitomizing the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King through service to the community. Thank you to Ms. Curtis (SSL Coordinator), ALL students, teachers, and staff who contributed to the success of MLK Week at Springbrook High School.
Shaping the Future By Influencing Minority Students
Minority Student Day at Microsoft is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) event to bridge the digital divide by connecting underrepresented groups in STEAM (Black, Hispanic, and female students). The objective is to introduce high school students to STEAM careers, empower students through Microsoft technologies, and enhance their career readiness in collaboration with Microsoft employees. The day's engaging curriculum included Microsoft and LinkedIn employee-led workshops, mentoring, networking, hands-on activities, informative topic-based technological career learning sessions, career journeys, and more! Thank you, Ms. Nicole Brown, Internship Coordinator, for organizing this fantastic opportunity for Springbrook students.
Ms. Nicole Brown, Internship Coordinator, with Springbrook students, and Mr. Dennis Scott, Ph.D, NEC Signature Coordinator.
Junior John Nguyen, with the Howard University, Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Junior Johnathan Romero won a door prize at the event.
Springbrook's Minority Scholars Program Attends 13th Annual Intra-County Retreat
Springbrook's Minority Scholars Program (MSP) attended the districtwide Minority Scholars Program Retreat on Sat, March 16, 2024, at Kennedy High School. This year's theme was Start A New Chapter: Rewrite the Narrative. Students participated in various workshops focused on community leadership, anti-racist and anti-bias practices, and strategic efforts to close the opportunity gap.
Sarah Zamora (Springbrook MSP member), Ms. Rebecca Pringle (NEA President), and Ms. Maria Peterson, (World Languages Resource Teacher filling in for Ms. Sheila Hoxie MSP Sponsor).
From Left to right: Springbrook MSP members, Diana Vo, Praise Oladuni, Jennifer, Appia, and Ruth Tadesse. Seated behind, Sarah Zamora.
Springbrook Students and Staff Promoted Blue Devil Pride NEC Spirit Week
Although Springbrook came in second place for this year's NEC Spirt Week, Blue Devil students and staff had great fun showcasing their school pride.
Cat and the Hat - Seniors: Muntaha Fadlalla and Anais Jordan.
Frat Bro and Tennis Pro - Seniors: Rachel Salazar-Aparicio and Mia Barnes.
Racer and Skater - Sisters, Yohanna (grade 9) and Fekir Seife (grade 12).
Baller and Scholar - Seniors: Kenneth Tanguilig and Bryan Nguyen.
Dresses as soccer moms, Ms. Amy Hairston (choral and guitar teacher) and Ms. Amy Scribner (ELD teacher).
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
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.Senior SSL Week
Senior SSL Week is hosted during lunch in the Media Center during the week of March 18, 2024. Additionally, on Tues, Mar 19, SAT Day, seniors will be invited to the Media Center to earn SSL hours by participating in various activities.
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