Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
March 11-March 15
Dear Silver Creek Families
Happy daylight savings time! Our clocks spring forward! Although we lose an hour, we gain more sunlight. Spring is on its way. Looking forward to another great week of school for our Huskies!
I would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible success of our International Night that took place last Thursday, March 7th. The evening was spectacular, thanks to the tireless efforts of Mr. Ryan Holloran, the SCMS Multicultural Committee, Ms. Kimberly Boer, SCMS PTSA Vice President and the PTSA.
The turnout from our community was amazing. The night was a testament to the beauty of cultural exchange with the variety of delicious international foods, fashion show, and exciting cultural performances. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our student volunteers and participants as well as to our families who generously volunteered to share their culture and international food. Your contributions infused the night with authenticity and warmth, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures that make Silver Creek great!
The sections marked with an * have 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, March 8, 2024 to hear upcoming news & events: https://youtube.com/live/qxeRSHGcWU0?feature=share
You may also access the following document for the daily links to the Silver Creek News Show (SCN).
Celebrate Women's History Month: March 1-March 31.
Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.
Check out this great resource for more information.
Spring Testing Dates
Testing season is fast approaching. The table below highlights the dates of our spring testing. MISA testing occurred last week on Tuesday 3/5 and Wednesday 3/6 through students' homeroom.
You may Click here for more information on the MCAP assessment.
All information and logistics about each assessment will be communicated out to families as the testing dates near. If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mr. David O'Shell, assistant principal, at David_O'Shell@mcpsmd.org
Library Media Center
Happy Spring reading from the Library Media Center! Please check out our MARCH MEDIA MONTHLY: LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM NEWS & NOTES. Read about our March Madness Graphic Novel competition, new books and resources, instructional updates, and a valuable extra-curricular opportunity for inquiry in our community.
Counseling Department News & Updates
The March Newsletter is available: https://www.smore.com/8xu2c. In this addition you will find:
- Counseling Advisory Committee is meeting
- Coping with test anxiety
- Introducing MOCOCAP
- Therapy Dogs this month
- Some mental health opportunities for students . If you go to the tab reading Middle School Books Articles and More there are youth mental health workshops and Divas and Donuts (a group for girls).
- Information about "Empowering Your Wellbeing: Tools for Young Minds" for middle school students put on by the girl scouts! The flyer can be found on the counseling website.
There are also additional resources. 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
Please note: Transcript requests: Please request transcripts from the main page of the SCMS's website. You can find it under QUICKLINKS on the left hand side. This is the most efficient way to ensure Ms. Abrom, registrar, receives your transcript request. Questions? Call the counseling office at 240-740-2211
Counseling Advisory Committee
The counseling advisory committee (CAC) will meet at 3:30pm on March 14 via zoom. What is a CAC? The CAC:
- Advises on school counseling program goals
- Reviews school counseling program results
- Makes recommendations about the school counseling program
- Advocates and engages in public relations for the school counseling program
- Advocates for funding and resources
SCMS Outdoor Education- Chaperones Needed
Our 6th grade students will be attending Outdoor Education for three days and two nights at Camp Letts, in Edgewater Maryland at the dates below. This is a great learning opportunity for our students in so many ways.
- March 18 -20: ODE Session 1 (Mr. Bibeault's Science classes)
- March 20 -22: ODE Session 2 (Dr. Marcum's Science classes)
Chaperones-
We do need several parent/caregiver chaperones for each ODE session. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the Chaperone Interest Google form and then Mr. Bibeault will follow up with you.
Chaperone Interest Google Form: https://forms.gle/rCBE9443jmq8jnhD8
We will continue to provide Outdoor Education updates and reminders.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Bibeault, 6th Grade Team Leader, at Ryan_P_Bibeault@mcpsmd.org.
Homework Help
Homework Help is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:10-4:20 in Room 403. The purpose of Homework Help is to provide a quiet space for students to study and complete homework.
*Please note that this is not a tutoring program and therefore there is limited assistance available for students who need assistance with work or attaining concepts. Please contact Mr. Ed Eibel, Homewrok Help sponsor, at edward_e_eibel@mcpsmd.org for more information.
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.
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.
PARENT RESOURCES
*Principal Coffee
We are excited to have principal coffees once a month on Fridays from 8:30-9:10 am. Due to spring break, the next principal coffee is scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024. Please use the following feedback form to request topics to be addressed.
If you missed the last principal's coffee from Friday, February 23, you may view it below:
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, March 7
Here are things to know from Thursday March 7. Get information about the 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer application, update on CDC respiratory virus guidance, open climate survey for all students, parents/caregivers and staff, upcoming events and opportunities, and news about our students and staff.
Montgomery County Recreation Summer Camps
Montgomery County Recreation offers a wide variety of exciting summer programs throughout the County with an emphasis on safety, convenience, affordability, and most of all fun. There are a ton of summer programs designed to appeal to a variety of campers.
Please find additional information on how to register located on the website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/activitiesandprograms/camps/
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
March 11- 8th grade field trip to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum
March 15: Principal Coffee- 8:30 AM
March 18 - March 22: Outdoor Education (6th grade)
March 25 - April 1: Spring Break
Link to MCPS Calendar
Early Dismissal Reminder
If you need to pick up your child for an early dismissal, please send your child in to school with a note to give to the main office. This will help to facilitate your child being ready in a timely manner and will minimize any potential disruption to instruction. We greatly appreciate your cooperation.
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