Springbrook Weekly Digest
Week of Mar 17
A Message from Ms. Valentine, Principal
Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,
Welcome back to another edition of the Springbrook Weekly Digest! Last week was filled with activities:
- Feeder elementary students attended the Springbrook matinee of the Addams Family musical
- Internship Interviews
- Pi Day Festivities
- Springbrook's cheer, golf, volleyball, varsity football, and MYP coordinator visited grade 8 and grade 7 Francis Scott Key Middle School students
- Spring sports teams played various opponents
- Therapy Dog Wellness
NEC SPIRIT WEEK RETURNS
Be sure to prepare your outfit for this week's spirit days! Read the section on the NEC Spirit Week!
RAMADAN CONTINUES
Ramadan continues until sundown on Mon, April 8, 2024. Please be mindful that some of our Blue Devils may be fasting.
REMINDER SAT DAY, ACCUPLACER, MOCK AP/IB, AND SSL FOR SELECT SENIORS
Tues, Mar 19, 2024, is National SAT Day. Springbrook will run an adjusted schedule on this day. All students are expected to attend school on time. In addition to the SAT administration for grade 11 students, Springbrook will administer the following test examinations:
- ACCUPLACER - administered to students interested in the MC Early College Access Program
- Mock AP and IB exams - administered to grade 9, 10, and 12 students in select AP and IB courses
- SSL Hour Opportunities - explicitly provided specifically for identified students in the Class of 2024
Non-testing students in grades 9,10, and 12, as well as students in grade 12 who have fulfilled their SSL hours, have the choice to attend the following sessions:
- open gym and weight room
- movies
- study hall
- video gaming
ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Learn about Senior Blue Devil's 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!
In this issue:
- Schedule for the week
- Celebrating Women's Herstory Month
- Apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships - Apprenticeship on media and filmmaking; Explore post high school opportunities, work-based learning for summer
- Action reaction conducted by IB Bio students
- Athletics - Varsity football team fundraiser, athletic merch on sale; athletic boosters mulch sale
- Biology action research
- BSU Sponsors AKA Voter Registration Drive
- Blue Devil Artwork
- Book of the Week (BOTW)
- Congressional Art Competition
- Drama Club - Pictures from the musical
- Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta) Pi Day Festivities
- Minority Scholars Program Retreat
- NEC Spirt Week Returns
- PTSA - Harris Teeter; Native Plants Fundraiser
- Scholarship News - District 20 Delegate Wilkins Scholarship
- SBHS Tutoring
- Scholarship News - Delegate Wilkins Scholarship
- 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
In March, We Honor the Contributions of Women in Culture, History, and Society
Dolores Huerta, renowed American labor leader and civil right activist
In 1955, Huerta began her career as an activist when she co-founded the Stockton Chapter of the Stockton Community Service Organization (CSO), which led voter registration drives and fought for economic improvements for Latinos. Huerta also founded the Agricultural Workers Association. In 1962, Hurta and Cesar Chavez founded the National Farm Works Association (NFWA), the predecessor of the United Farm Workers' Union (UFW). Huerta served as the vice president until 1999.
Despite ethnic and gender bias, Huerta helped organize the 1965 Delano strike of 5,000 grape workers. While working with the UFW, Huerta negotiated contracts and advocated for safer working conditions, including eliminating harmful pesticides. She fought for unemployment and healthcare benefits for agricultural workers. Huerta was also the driving force behind the nationwide table grape boycotts in the 1960s, leading to a successful union contract in 1970. In 1973, Huerta led another consumer boycott of grapes, leading to the groundbreaking 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act.
Finally, Huerta received various honors, including the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
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
Varsity Football T-Shirt Fundraiser
Support Coach Akiel Russel, Head Football Coach, and his team as the varsity coaches mentor students off season, working towards a growth mindset and a culture of academic and athletic scholarship. Below is the link to the Football Program T Shirt Fundraiser.
https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/51064/354/False/True
Blue Devil Merch On Sale
Sport your Springbrook swag by ordering from our spring online store! Order deadline is this Sunday, March 24th at 11:59pm and orders ship directly to your house. Let’s go Blue Devils!
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/
Research in Action
Ms. Stella McCuiston (assistant principal), and seniors Kenneth and Isabella.
Mr. Francis Gyimah (assistant principal), Ms. Stella McCuiston (assistant principal), Isabella, Kenneth, and Jack Jenkins (security team leader).
BSU Sponsors the AKA Voter Registration Drive at the Brook
On Wed, Mar 14, the Black Student Union (BSU) sponsored the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, voter registration drive for Springbrook students. Students learned how there were eligible to be paid $750 dollars to assist with the voter process.
Ms. Sherryta Campell, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc., and Springbrook students.
See the Masterpiece that Reflects Beauty and the Power of Collaboration
Mr. Chaz Foster, art resource teacher, creates the conditions for school community based students to express themselves through bold stokes and bright color choice. Each brushstroke tells a story and is a testament to the their unique perspectives and talents.
Painting by students Noel, Diego, Gloria, and Christopher. Special thank you to the following staff: Ms. Corina Eastman, Mr. Bryan Steele, Ms. Krysta White, and Ms. Mary Giddens.
Springbrook's Library Media Center Highlights the Mar 18 - Mar 23, 2024 BOTW
Women Explorers
Blue Devil Acceptance and Future Plans
Senior Melat Ghebreselassie will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a full ride in fall 2024 and plans to double major in computer science and molecular biology. In the not-too-distant future, Melat plans to be a computer scientist and bioinformatics and looks forward to creating enzymes and medical agents to impact the medical sector and ecology. #GoBlueDevils #BlueDevilPride
Rep. Raskin's 2024 Congressional Art Competition
All high school students residing in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District are eligible and encouraged to enter.
- Entries must be submitted digitally via the portal here no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, March 25, 2024.
- Each student can submit one 2-dimensional piece, no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches in depth when framed, along with their completed Student Information & Release Form.
Complete submission guidelines can be found on Congressmember Raskin’s website here.
If you would like more information on the Congressional Art Competition, please contact Nina Weisbroth at nina.weisbroth@mail.house.gov or Hailey Roh at hailey.roh@mail.house.gov or call 301-354-1000.
Springbrook's Spring Musical - The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy
Springbrook's cast of The Addams Family, a musical comedy, embraces the wackiness of the characters shown in both film and television adaptations of the Addams Family cartoon. Wickedly wonderful and delightfully dreadful, the cast and crew's hard work produced an incredibly engaging performance that highlighted the unique talents of Springbrook students. In addition to the cast and crew, many thanks to the following parent volunteers and staff of Springbrook High School for creating this sensational production:
- Director Ms. Nancy Blum
- Vocal Director Ms. Amy Hairston
- Technical Directors Heidi Manson and David Williams
- Pit Orchestra Director Ms. Irene Guggenheim-Triana and Ms. Dorothy Lee
Shown left to right front row: Lily Campbell (grandma), Faven Amundson (flapper ancestor), Clara Schaffer (Wednesday Addams), Vicent Felix (Gomez Addams), Scout Calderon (Morticia Addams), Connie Dinh (Pugsley Addams).
Shown left to right back row: Peter Palma (Lurch), Elise Mengason (soldier ancestor), Keymiyah Garner (puritan ancestor), Aedan Shiffman (Uncle Fester), Emily Seidel (Alice Beineke), Ethan Oudkerk (Mal Beineke), Iniko Kouyate (bride ancester/Morticia under-study), Adria Purification (saloon girl ancestor), and Enam Creighton-Randall (Lucas Beineke).
Shown: Mortician and Wednesday, posing executing their lines.
Shown: The Addams Family ensemble singing a song from the musical.
Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society Hosts Two Event to Celebrate Pi Day
Pi Day Reciting Competition
The first three digits of pi are 3.14, and March (the third month) 14th has been designated as Pi Day since 1988. Aurna Dasgupta recited over 431 digits of pi and is this year’s winner of the Annual Pi Recitation Contest at the Brook!
Annual Pi(e) A Teacher Fundraiser
The Pi A Teacher In The Face Fundraiser was a great success and fun was had by all! Much thanks to Mr. Branch, Ms. Van Horn, Mr. Dunbar, Mr. Weinshel, Mr. Smith, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Peang-Meth for volunteering to be “Pi-ed”!
Minority Scholars Program Retreat
Springbrook's Minority Scholars Program (MSP) attended the district-wide MSP Retreat on Saturday, March 16, 2024, whose theme focused on Start A New Chapter: Rewrite the Narrative. Students engaged in leadership activities viewed anti-racist student-developed films, indulged in anti-racist conversations and practices, and participated in the closing the opportunity gap workshops.
Sarah Zamora (junior), Ms. Rebecca Pringle (NEA President), and Maria Peterson (World Language RT and MSP sponsor).
Shown: seniors Diana Vo, Praise Oladuni, Jennifer Appia, Ruth Tadesse, and junior Sarah Zamora.
Springbrook Get Ready for NEC Spirit Week March 18 - 22, 2024
Prepare your outfit for NEC Spirit Week. Let's regain our 2021-2022 first place finish!
- Mon, Mar 18 - Rhyme Without Reason
- Tues, Mar 19 - Jersey Day
- Wed, Mar 20 - Soccer Mom or BBQ Dad
- Thurs, Mar 21 - Anything but a Backpack (Students may not bring siblings to school; Large items such as store shopping carts, canoes, etc., may not be brought onto any school bus. Large items will have to be transported to school by car).
- Fri, Mar 22 - Rep Springbrook Gear
Delegate Wilkins’ Scholarship Opportunity
The 2024 Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins scholarship is now open for District 20 residents. Delegate Wilkins represents District 20 (Silver Spring, White Oak, and Takoma Park areas) in the Maryland General Assembly. Verify student's home district using this website - www.mdelect.net.
The deadline to receive all applications, including supporting documents and letters of recommendation, is Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Send both letters of recommendation to this email address (Jheanelle.Wilkins@house.state.md.us) with the Subject Line "(Applicant's Name) Scholarship Recommendation Letter." Please read the instructions carefully, as there have been some changes in the application this year, including a change in the eligibility. For more information and to apply, click here: 2024 Delegate Wilkins Scholarship Application.
Attend the Virtual PTSA Meeting, Tues, March 19th
Please join us at the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) meeting on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30pm via Zoom. Ms. Stephanie Valentine will be presenting. In addition, Spring is here and we have 3 months remaining in the school year, so let's finish strong together! Join us and share what's on your mind.
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82021170633?pwd=VnN5ZDFMcDVCM3FudFZTN3ZhaWhWQT09
Meeting ID: 820 2117 0633
Passcode: PTSA
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