SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
October 25, 2020 Edition
For spirit wear purchases:
#SVPROUD Swag Store
Oct. 26 - 30 is Virtual Spirit Week!
Don't forget that this week is virtual spirit week, sponsored by our SGA. Teachers will count participating students every morning during first and fifth periods, and the SGA will tally the votes to determine which class is the winner! Individual winners will be declared Tuesday and Friday!
Reminder for Class colors:
- Seniors - Black
- Juniors - Green
- Sophomores - While
- Freshmen - Gold
Door/Hallway Decorating Contest
Since we know many of you miss our annual hallway decoration contest, The SGA is also sponsoring a door decoration contest instead. Decorate a door or hallway in your home instead, following one of the themes in the image below.
NEW: Real-Time Democratic Process Lessons
Dear Parents or Guardians,
With the 2020 United States Presidential election approaching, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) recognizes the importance of teaching and discussing the democratic process in real-time. As with past elections, the goals of the Maryland State Department of Education and MCPS are to teach students:
how government and the electoral process works;
the skills to make informed decisions about political issues;
how to engage in relevant and current events in a manner that promotes civil discourse, and;
be responsible citizens who participate in the democratic process.
Please see the letter linked in the image to the left which explains the full process and implementation regarding these lessons.
NEW: ESOL Parent/Guardian Letters - Padres / Tutores de ESOL
ESOL Parents/Guardians: The Parent Notification Letters are in your student's English class as an assignment for you to review, sign, and submit electronically. There is a step-by-step video explaining the process. ESOL student EL Plans (accommodations) are being updated for this school year and will also be in students' English classes as an assignment for you to review.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Sprehn, ESOL Resource Teacher at Lisa_C_Sprehn@mcpsmd.org
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Las Cartas de Notificación a los Padres están en la clase de inglés de su estudiante como una tarea para que usted las revise, firme y envíe electrónicamente. Hay un video paso a paso que explica el proceso. Los planes EL para estudiantes de ESOL (adaptaciones) se están actualizando para este año escolar y también estarán en las clases de inglés de los estudiantes como una tarea para que los revise.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con Lisa Sprehn, maestra de recursos de ESOL en Lisa_C_Sprehn@mcpsmd.org
NEW: Holiday Giving Project 2020 - Due by October 28
El Programa de Asistencia para los días de Fiesta ha proporcionado para el Día de Acción de Gracias y ayuda en las festividades de invierno, a familias que cualifican durante más de 30 años. Una red de trabajadores sociales, consejeros escolares y profesionales de servicios humanos, refieren a aquellas familias e individuos que necesitan ayuda. Asociaciones sin fines de lucro, organizaciones religiosas, y agencias de gobierno proporcionan ayuda a quienes reciben esta asistencia, de acuerdo a las donaciones disponibles. Si usted y su familia necesitan ayuda y les gustaría ser referidos para posiblemente recibir asistencia para la temporada festiva, por favor llene el siguiente formulario de referencia. Los recursos son limitados, por favor solicítelos solamente si usted y su familia realmente lo necesitan. Aunque ser referido no es garantía de asistencia, el Programa ayudará a tantas familias con necesidad, como las donaciones lo permitan.
Click on the image to the left to complete the form.
NEW: SVHS Senior Portraits
Seneca Valley high School Senior portraits are now online for viewing and ordering! You should have received an email from Freed Photography with your private gallery information. If you have not received this (check your spam too), please contact them at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452.
If you missed the portrait day or would like a retake, please make an appointment for November 23, 2020 https://schedule.freedspirit.com/svhs
NEW: This Week's Notes from the College & Career Center
Attention Students of all Grades!!
If you think you may qualify for Free/Reduced Meals, please apply. FARMS status can qualify you for College Application Fee and/or testing waivers.
College Applications - Seniors
Attention Seniors!!
Seniors - Please keep working on your College Application Packet. Everything you need to do for submitting college applications, including instructions, is on this document. Please review the steps outlined on this document to make sure you are organized and on track to start submitting applications.
This is a big week for college applications with an upcoming due date of November 1. Try to finish everything ASAP. Remember, November 1 falls on Sunday this year. I would operate as the deadline is October 30. October 30 is the Friday (last work/school day) before November 1.
Upcoming Scholarships
· October 25 - Horatio Alger Scholarship - 06-$25,000 (Nat’l) & 17-$10,000 (DMV) awards; senior; U.S. Cit.; min 2.0 GPA; for high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives; enter a 4-year degree program in the fall after graduation; critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adj. family income); community service; integrity & perseverance in overcoming adversity.
· October 30 - Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship - 30-40 awards of up to $40,000/year for four years; senior; min. 3.5 GPA (unweighted); for this year, they will not require applicants to submit test scores; financial need; judged on persistence, service to others, and leadership; essays, letters of recommendation; application also available on the Common App.
· October 31 - Voice of Democracy Scholarship - 1-$30,000 top prize, other awards ranging from $1,000-$16,000; grades 9-12; although U.S. citizenship is not required, must be lawful U.S. permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. cit. at the earliest opportunity allowed by law; write & record a 3-5 min. essay on the theme: Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?
· October 31 - Coca-Cola Scholars Program - (deadline is 5pm on 10/31) 150-$20,000 & 100-$1,000 awards; senior; U.S. Citizen, legal resident, refugee (see link for full eligibility list); min 3.0 GPA; achievement based scholarship; involved in school and community activities; transcript.
· November 06 - The Black Neighborhood Scholarship Fund - $2,000 awards; senior; U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; min 2.5 GPA; attend a college or university next fall; submit an essay on 1 of 3 topics (minimum of 500 words); 3 rounds of the application process; see link for essay topics and scholarship details.
· November 10 - The Prudential Spirit of Community Award - $1,000 - $5,000; available to students in grades 5 through 12; significant amount of SSL hours; you must have participated in volunteer activities in the past 12 months to be considered for this award; see link for full guidelines and details.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Next Week's College Visits - Juniors & Seniors
Agnes Scott College 10/26/20 8:00 AM
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 10/26/20 11:30 AM
Pennsylvania College of Technology 10/26/20 3:00 PM
Christopher Newport University 10/27/20 11:30 AM
Dickinson College 10/27/20 3:00 PM
University of Chicago 10/28/20 8:00 AM
Allegheny College 10/28/20 9:00 AM
Saint Joseph's University 10/28/20 10:00 AM
Muhlenberg College 10/28/20 11:00 AM
Stevens Institute of Technology 10/28/20 12:00 PM
George Washington University 10/28/20 1:00 PM
High Point University 10/28/20 2:00 PM
Florida Atlantic University 10/28/20 3:00 PM
Ohio University-Main Campus 10/29/20 8:00 AM
Rochester Institute of Technology 10/29/20 11:30 AM
Kenyon College 10/29/20 3:00 PM
Duke University 10/30/20 8:00 AM
The University of Texas at Austin 10/30/20 11:30 AM
To participate in college visits, students must register in Naviance. To see a full list of College Visits, see click the link below. Visits and other events can also be found on the College & Career Calendar.
Upcoming Virtual Events
ACT-SO Virtual Career Fair
ACT-SO was designed to stimulate, promote and encourage high academic and artistic achievement among African American high school students.
The Virtual Career Fair consists of four different sessions across two days, October 31 & November 1. Pre-registration required.
§ Click here to see the sessions and to register
§ Click here to learn more about ACT-SO
FAFSA - Seniors
The FAFSA is now open for eligible seniors to start filling out! The FAFSA is the financial aid form to request financial aid to go to college. Please see the SVHS College & Career Financial Aid Page to for more information about the FAFSA:
Montgomery College's FAFSA Days - Seniors
Please sign up to get assistance completing the FAFSA. The remote sessions are available every Monday from 1 - 4 pm & Tuesday from 4 - 7 pm starting the week of October 12th through November and then again in February 2021.
NEW: IB Spotlight
As a reminder, we are highlighting an IB Approaches to Learning skill category and cluster, along with a IB Learner Profile attribute, each month to support all of our students being part of the IB programs at SVHS. This month, our ATL skill category is Thinking Skills, with a focus on ATL skill cluster of Critical Thinking. We are focusing on the Learner Profile attribute of Risk-Taker. The document below provides a wealth of ideas and strategies to help our students improve their critical thinking skills, and meet the aspirations of being IB students and individuals who are risk-takers. We encourage all students and families to use it as a resource to help ensure success during digital learning and beyond.
Additionally, last month, we shared some resources in our Student & Community September IB Focus Support to help students with our September IB focus of the ATL skills of Self-Management and Organization Skills, as well as ways to support the Learner Profile attribute of Balanced. We would like to highlight some of our favorite strategies from last month!
- Check out some of the planner options to help students plan short- and long-term assignments in order to meet deadlines.
- Set up a Chrome Bookmark Bar folder to keep track of assignments in one place.
- Try the Pomodoro Technique for effective time management for studying. You can even use this Pomodoro working playlist to help.
- Watch The Difference Between Product Goals and Process Goals (1.15 min.) to help learn about progress goals. Then, choose some of the ATL strategies from this month’s Student & Community September IB Focus Support to use to meet your progress goal.
- Learn more about digital housekeeping by organizing your Google Drive. Need help? Watch How to Organize Google Drive for tips!
IMPORTANT IB EXAM REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
IB Exam Registration is now open!
All IB Registration Google Forms & payments are due by Friday, Nov. 6th!
· IB Registration Information Video: This video includes an explanation of the benefits of taking IB exams, as well as an overview of the registration and payment process.
· IB Registration Google Form (include MCPS Fee Waiver Request Form): This is the formal IB Exam registration form. It includes a section for student’s to request an MCPS Fee Waiver and digitally sign.
· Link to Online School Payment system to pay for IB Exams
As always, please contact Kim Becraft, IB MYP coordinator (Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org) or Natasha Ezerski, IB DP & CP Coordinator (Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org) with any suggestions or questions.
NEW: ACES Application Now Open!
REPEAT: Calendar Revision
- Monday, Nov. 2 will follow the Wednesday Virtual Check-In Schedule.
- Wednesday, Nov. 4 is now a Professional Day. There will be no school for students.
- Nov. 11 and Nov 12 are now full days of school. Both of these days are A-Days.
- Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 are now half-days to allow for parent conferences. Stay tuned for announcements regarding scheduling conferences.
To view the revised calendar in its entirely, please click here.
REPEAT: Acting Assistant Principal Appointment
REPEAT: Welcome New Counselor
Ms. McCarthy was born and raised in Upstate New York, where she received her Master’s degree from the State of University of New York at Oswego. She has spent the majority of her School Counseling career in Syracuse City Schools. Her counseling experiences span the range from elementary, middle and high school and higher education and mental health settings. Ms. McCarthy will be taking over Ms. Moore’s caseload - Students with last names beginning with G - King, C.
Ms. McCarthy has shared that her role as a school counselor has truly been rewarding and she is excited to work with the SVHS students, teachers, administration and parents who are invested in ensuring student success. She encourages all students to strive to achieve their goals.
Please join us in welcoming a New Screaming Eagle to our Family! If you need to reach Ms. McCarthy for any reason, please email her at Melissa_Mccarthy@mcpsmd.org.
REPEAT: Project LIT Book Club
We are proud to announce the establishment of a Project LIT Community Chapter at Seneca Valley High School this year. Project LIT is a grassroots literacy movement through which hundreds of schools & communities across the country are encouraging readers and leaders to read, discuss, and celebrate books that make us feel seen, heard, affirmed, and valued. You can learn more on Twitter @ProjectLITComm and Instagram @projectlitcomm
This year, the SVHS Project LIT Chapter will read and discuss at least four Project LIT book selections (one each quarter). Our first book is Dear Martin by Nic Stone, a powerful story about race relations and social justice. Watch and listen to the author talk about her motivation to write the book HERE.
This book is currently "always available" to read online in Sora, our online reading app/platform; directions about accessing Sora are available in the myMCPS Classroom Virtual LMC. "Borrow" the book, start reading, and plan to attend our book discussion Zoom on Wednesday, October 28th, at 2:00 pm. Interested students should sign up to participate here or by emailing Ms. Little, Library Media Specialist.
REPEAT: Message from Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)
Hello from Montgomery County Public Libraries! We've put together a flyer (in English and in Spanish) with some of our resources to access audiobooks and ebooks, as well as to help with research for homework- a one-stop directory for learn at home help!
Also- did you know you can reserve books through our website and make an appointment to pick them up at your local branch? Check out this flyer (in English and in Spanish) for more information!
We invite you to a workshop discussing how you can checkout print materials, ebooks and audiobooks in English on Saturday, October 24th at 1pm :
https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/4645055 and in Spanish on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30pm: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/4645696
For more resources and help, see our website, call your local branch, or call our Ask a Librarian service
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Saludos de parte de las Bibliotecas Públicas del Condado de Montgomery! Hemos creado un folleto bilingüe (en inglés y español) acerca de nuestro recursos en línea para acceder a audio libros, libros electrónicos, y ayuda con las tareas. ¡Un directorio único para aprender en casa!
Además, ¿sabía que puede reservar libros a través de nuestro sitio Web y programar una cita para recogerlos en una sucursal local? Para más información vea el siguiente folleto en inglés y español.
Le invitamos a un taller para aprender como reservar libros impresos, acceso a libros electrónicos y audio libros en español el martes, 27 de Octubre a las 6:30pm: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/4645696 Y en inglés, el sábado, 24 de octubre 2020 a las 1pm: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/4645055
Para obtener más recursos y ayuda, visite nuestro sitio Web, llame a su sucursal local, o llame a nuestro servicio Ask a Librarian.
REPEAT: New Student Lunch Bunch
Are you new to Seneca Valley HS and looking to meet other students? Please join us for a virtual lunch bunch to get to know other students. We will meet once per week during lunch (Tuesdays 11:30-12:00) and complete ice breakers, play games, find things we have in common, and hopefully develop new friendships.
For more information, please reach out to your child's counselor.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/94196024922?pwd=TzVKTFV0b0tCbE5XVmhGRGJnd3ptZz09
Meeting ID: 941 9602 4922
Passcode: LunchREPEAT: Chromebook Damage Financial Responsibility Information
Students and their families are now financially responsible for any intentional or accidental damage of any Chromebook loaned out to the student. The Office of Technology and Innovation has created a technical document outlining the Chromebook obligation process. This document identifies the costs associated with each type of repair or replacement, as well as where students and families can go to have a repair performed. While 45 West Gude is the only available repair site at this time, additional sites will be identified and added.
To see the Chromebook Obligations document, please click here.
This document links out to four relevant articles.
REPEAT: Student Chromebook Issues? Need a Wifi Hotspot?
If students have a broken chromebook, they should also be brought to 45 W. Gude Drive in Rockville between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. any weekday.
REPEAT: JOIN the PTSA!
DO NOT DELAY! JOIN TODAY!
REPEAT: Who do I go to for help?
If you need assistance or support with anything leading up to the school year or once virtual learning has begun, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the following staff. They are here to support you in any way they can.
Main Office Telephone Number: 240-740-6400 (This is a new number)
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with A - C
- Class Support - Class of 2022
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with D - J
- Class Support - Class of 2021
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with K - P
- Class Support - Class of 2024
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with Q - Z
- Class Support - Class of 2023
- Business, Finance, and Operations
Counselor Student Support Assignments
Counseling Telephone Number: 240-740-6420
Ms. Fellows - Students with last names beginning with A - Card
Ms. Patel - Students with last names beginning with Cardi - Del Mar
Ms. Murray - Students with last names beginning with Del Pilar - F
Ms. McCarthy - Students with last names beginning with G - King, C.
Mr. Matthews - Students with last names beginning with King, D. - Nunez Enriquez
Ms. Teixeira - Students with last names beginning with Nunez Rodriguez - Shad
Mr. Yarmus - Students with last names beginning with Shah - Z
Ms. Rina Chaves ESOL Transition Counselor
Ms. Rosa Santos ESOL Parent Community Coordinator
Ms. Rogena Parrish Secretary
Ms. Linda McCabe Registrar
Mr. Carlos Nalda College-Career Information Coordinator
Mrs. Margaret Drew School Psychologist
Mr. Tony Maturana Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW)
Mr. Daryn Moore Aces Coach (11th-12th grade)
Class Sponsors
Class of 2024 - Freshman Class
Class of 2023 - Sophomore Class
Class of 2022- Junior Class
Class of 2021 - Senior Class
REPEAT: Wellness Resources
The safety and wellness of our students remains a top priority. Below are resources to support the physical, social and psychological well-being of our community. If you believe your child is in crisis, please contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. Students can also reach out to their counselor and school psychologist to set up a confidential appointment.
Waymaking Video Series
- Suicide Awareness
- Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
- Managing Stress and Anxiety during Social Distancing
Tips on Addressing Student Grief
Tips for Preventing Youth Suicide
REPEAT: Community Resources
Below is information regarding food/grocery access beyond the MCPS school meal sites:
Food Assistance Resource Map: The Montgomery County Food Council created an interactive map of food assistance providers and benefits application assistance sites in Montgomery County. It is searchable by location, food assistance type, accessibility and many other special features. This resource can give principals and families a quick view of local resources in their area. The information indicates where, when and how to access the resources. **We would caution parents and staff supporting parents to pay particular attention to how one qualifies to access food as some sites state requirements.
Weekend Bag Program: MCPS, Manna Food Center, and Women Who Care Ministries are distributing weekend backpacks with groceries to the families of MCPS students each Friday. The location of distribution sites and times are listed at the bottom of the webpage.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/sheppard-pratt-hosts-virtual-lunch-learn-series-for-mental-health-awareness-month/
VIRTUAL CRISIS WALK_IN CLINIC
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/virtual-crisis-walk-in-clinic/
https://dominionhospital.com/covid-19/access-to-care/behavioral-health.dot
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WEBSITES
1. https://www.caringmatters.org/resourcesforschools
2. https://learn.mindwise.org/social-distance
3. https://www.therapistaid.com/
4. https://www.mindfulschools.org/
5. https://www.educatingmindfully.org/
6. https://www.stressedteens.com/
7. http://mindfullifeproject.org/
8. https://centerforadolescentstudies.com/
GRIEF RESOURCE
Are you #SVPROUD?
- Tweet, Snap, IB, FB, etc., a pic of you repping "The Valley" by wearing your Seneca gear.
- And don't forget to use #svproud. Go Eagles!
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-353-8000
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS