Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
February 26- March 1
Dear Silver Creek Families
We are almost approaching March. What is that old saying? March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. We are already half-way through marking period 3. As a reminder, Friday, March 1 is an early release for students. Quarter 3 Interims will be posted on Monday, March 4.
Thank you to our families for joining us for our Oratorical Contest, "We are the Journey: Celebrating Culture and Community", this past Thursday, February 22. All of our students did an amazing job. I am very proud of all of them for participating in the contest and sharing their personal speech. You may see all the students who participated HERE. Congratulations to our winners: 1st place- Jitu Abebe; 2nd place- Yetemwork Tememe; 3rd place- Kody Silver.
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, February 23, 2024 to hear upcoming news & events: https://youtube.com/live/5rtFNhDrpqE?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
Testing season is fast approaching. The table below highlights the dates of our spring testing. 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
*Congratulations SCMS Artist
We had13 pieces of art work from our SCMS students entered into the Montgomery County Federation of Women's Clubs Youth Art Competition. You can learn more about the art competition located here. Congratulations to the SCMS students who received honors:
- Chloe Darko, 2nd Place
- Sylvie Field, 3rd Place
- Lily Holliman, Honorable Mention
Congratulations to all artists whose work was selected for this competition:
- Grade 6: Zack Chatalain, Lukas Imhof, Anna Mollura, Cecilia Wakely
- Grade 8: Tanner Corcoran, Chloe Darko, Sylvie Field, Lucy Glockner, Claire Tepper, Lila Briskin Watson, Ameha Zewdineh
Silver Creek MS International Night: March 7, 2024
Join us for a celebration of diversity at International Night—an evening dedicated to embracing the various cultures from within our school, as we come together to dance, indulge in delicious cuisine, and to learn about the rich tapestry of traditions that make our school so unique. This evening is a way to celebrate the diversity of the Silver Creek Middle School community, in which many cultures from around the world are represented. See Flyer for additional information.
We need your help to make this evening a huge success! Please see Flyer for how to sign up.
We need:
International food dishes
Families to showcase their culture at cultural display tables
Cultural Performers (dancers, poets, musicians, etc.)
International Clothing, and Decorations (fashion show)
Parent Volunteers (before, during and after event)
Questions? Need more information? Please contact:
Mr. Holloran at Ryan_A_Holloran@mcpsmd.org and Mr. Myers Matthew_P_Myers@mcpsmd.org7th Grade Field Trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture: This week- 2/27 & 2/28
We are excited to provide an opportunity for our students to further extend their learning beyond the classroom. As part of our commitment to providing authentic experiences, we are organizing a field trip for our 7th grade students to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. The trip is scheduled for February 27th and 28th.
The grade will be split over two days by World Studies classes. See below:
- Tuesday, February 27- Students from Mr. Myers (6th pd), Mr. Hill (3rd, 4th, & 7th), Mr. Harrell (3rd) will attend the trip.
- Wednesday, February 28- Students from Mr. Harrell's (2nd, 4th, 6th, & 7th) classes will attend the trip.
Parent chaperones are needed to support our students with this cultural learning experience! If you are interested in chaperoning, please email 7th Grade Team Leader, Ms. Leah Taylor at leah_r_taylor@mcpsmd.org Please check with your child to see which day they will be attending the trip. (See the field trip letter attached here.)
Library Media Center
Happy February from the Library Media Center. Click here for our FEBRUARY MEDIA MONTHLY: News and Notes from the LMC. Read about Black History Month celebrations, instructional updates, and MORE!
Middle School Athletics Program: Spring Season
Spring athletics for the 2023-2024 school year are open to all 7th and 8th grade students. All athletes MUST be registered on ParentVue (even if they were previously registered for a different sport). Physicals (form SR-8) must be filled out by a medical professional prior to any type of participation. Physicals are valid for up to two years. Copies of the SR-8 form can be found HERE.
Practices/Games occur every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday after school from 3:10-4:30, or later on game days. Registration for the upcoming middle school athletics spring season (boys’ and girls’ soccer) will be submitted through the ParentVue Portal., opened on January 29th, 2024. Tryouts will be held March 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Complete the Middle School Spring Athletics Online Registration located on ParentVue. Click here for helpful tips on accessing the registration form.
Please email sean_p_brennan@mcpsmd.org with any questions.
Counseling Department News & Updates
The February Counseling Connections Newsletter is located here: https://www.smore.com/8h0jg
In this edition you will find:
Opportunities to earn SSL hours
Ideas for raising middle schoolers
Resources for families
If you missed the parenting toolbox presentation from January 25- you may check out the slides HERE.
You may also check out resources about middle school children on the Counseling Website. 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
Ride by the Rules: Bus Safety
As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, I would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of riding the school bus safely. Riding the school bus is a privilege extended to our students, offering a means of transportation to and from school. However, with this privilege comes a responsibility to adhere to all safety protocols and rules. It is crucial that all students understand the significance of listening to the bus driver at all times.
The bus driver is not only responsible for safely navigating the roads but also for ensuring the well-being of every passenger on board. By following their instructions promptly and respectfully, we can help maintain a safe and orderly environment for all of our students. As parents/guardians, I urge you to reinforce these principles with your children. Emphasize the importance of respecting the authority of the bus driver and following their directions without hesitation. Additionally, encourage open communication with your children regarding any concerns or questions they may have about bus safety.
Together, we can work towards fostering a culture of safety and responsibility within our school community. By prioritizing these values, we can ensure that every student enjoys a safe and secure journey to and from school each day.
Please review the bus rules and policies located on MCPS website located HERE.
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.
Yearbook Sales
We are excited to announce that SCMS Yearbooks are on Sale NOW. Mrs. Boyle, our Yearbook sponsor, and our Yearbook Club have been meeting after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to start designing the 2023-2024 yearbook. Yearbooks are $30 until January 31, 2024. See the flyers below for more details on how to order your Silver Creek Yearbook.
Questions? Please email our yearbook sponsor at Jennifer_K_Boyle@mcpsmd.org
PARENT RESOURCES
*Principal Coffee
We are excited to have principal coffees once a month on Fridays from 8:30-9:10 am. The next principal coffee is scheduled for March 15, 2024. The topic is TBD.
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, February 22
Here are things to know from Thursday, Feb. 22. Find out how you can nominate a deserving individual, group or organization for the Distinguished Service to Public Education awards, share your valuable input and feedback about your school and/or MCPS, learn more about the Student Member of the Board (SMOB) finalists, a Hip Hop History and Culture class offered at MCPS and much more.
MCPS School Piano Loan Program
MCPS has an agreement with Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc., to provide MCPS with new grand, upright, and digital pianos to be used in schools. This agreement also provides MCPS families and staff an opportunity to purchase these and other
pianos for considerably reduced prices at an annual piano sales event. This year’s liquidation sales event will take place February 17-25, 2024, at 105 North Stonestreet Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Sales will be by appointment only to provide an opportunity for you to purchase these pianos before they are offered for sale to the public.
For more information, please see the letters below:
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
February 27 & February 28: 7th Grade Field Trip
March 1: Early release for students
March 4- Q3 Interim
March 5 & 6- MISA testing for 8th grade students
March 7: SCMS International Night- 6PM
March 15- Principal Coffee- 8:30 AM
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