Springbrook Weekly Digest
Week of April 21
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 great weekend. This is week 3 of marking period 4. Monday is an asynchronous day for students and teaching staff will engage in the asynchronous professional learning.
ASYNCHRONOUS DAY
On Mon, April 22, 2024, all students will engage in learning without live instruction. Students have been given their work for this day or must access their class assignment by going to their teachers' Canvas page. Students must complete and submit assignments, which will count toward their attendance for the day.
MONDAY IS EARTH DAY
Join the global movement of Earth Day on April 22, 2024, and become stewards of our planet. Earth Day is not just a day - it's a call to action for environmental awareness and appreciation. There's and Earth Day SSL Opportunity from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM in MCPS.
- Build the first MCPS farm and earn SSL hours.
- Students will earn 4.5 SSL hours for participating
- Click here to learn more.
ALGEBRA 1 AND ELA 10 DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS
Select students will participate in Algebra 1 testing and ELA 10 makeup testing on the Tues, April 23, 2024.
- Identified students will receive an email message on Monday about testing on Tuesday.
- Students should be sure to charge their Chromebooks the evening before.
- All identified test takers should report to the Media Center no later than 7:45 AM.
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF STUDENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2024
Parents and Caregivers of graduating seniors should plan to attend the important senior class meeting on Thurs, April 25th at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. Parents will learn about or hear updates regarding the following information:
- Cap and Gown Regalia
- Credit, SSL, and State Assessment Requirements
- Distinguished Scholars Banquet
- Fundraiser
- Graduation Tickets
- Obligations
- Prom and After Prom
- Senior Awards Program
- Senior Trip
- Senior Signature and Pathway Recognitions Program
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 National Stress Awareness Month
- Celebrating National Arab American Month
- Recognizing Our Administrative Assistants
- 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 Verizon Summer Interns
- Highlighting the AP/IB Student Art Show
- Athletics - Recognizing Track & Field Seniors and the Boys Volleyball Team
- Book of the Week (BOTW)
- Class of 2024 - 24K Class Mural, Prom, and After Prom
- Class of 2027 - Grade 9 Students Visited Morgan State University
- Fellowship Opportunities
- Congressman Jamie Raskin U.S. Service Academy Nomination
- Jack Kent Cooke Scholar
- Instrumental Music Spring Concert
- Nora School Photography Festival - Student receives honorable mention
- PTSA - PTSA Meeting, Cheesecake Fundraiser; Harris Teeter; Native Plants Fundraiser; Teacher Appreciation Week
- SBHS Tutoring
- See Something, Say Something
- SSL opportunities
- Talent Show, Up Next
- Yearbook 2024 "Captured in Time" - Order the yearbook while supplies last.
Warm regards,
Stephanie Valentine
Principal
Springbrook High School
April is National Stress Awareness Month
National Stress Awareness Month brings attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize the intensity of health-related issues.
In April, We Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month
Gigi Hadid
Jelena Noura "Gigi" Hadid is an American fashion model and television personality. Born in Los Angeles, CA, Hadid began her career as a child model for Baby Guess. She signed to IMG Models in 2013 and made her New York Fashion Week debut in 2014. Since 2017, Hadid has been one of the highest-paid models in the world, earning $20 million.
April 24th is Professional Administrative Day
We celebrate and recognize the contributions of our administrative professionals and secretarial team who perform a range of clerical, organizational, and administrative duties in our various offices at Springbrook High School.
April is National Poetry Month - Perform or Attend the SBHS Poetry Slam 2024
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
Senior Featured in the IEC Chesapeake's Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Senior Eric Mendoza is completing the Howard Community College (HCC) pre-apprenticeship program where he is in the first phase of becoming a four year paid electrical apprenticeship following graduation. Congratulations Eric! #BlueDevilPride
Click the photo to see Eric Mendoza in the HCC IEC Program.
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
Urban Alliance is Recruiting Juniors for School Year 2024-2025
Juniors interested in the Urban Alliance paid full-year internship must register here and attend the following virtual information sessions:
- Monday, April 30 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM
- Monday, May 14 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM
- Monday, May 28 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Meeting ID: 823 5175 9746
Passcode: 495403
Link:https://theurbanalliance-org.zoom.us/j/82351759746?pwd=a09yeXh4Y3RJOGlrTkp1UElwbFFsQT09&from=addon
AP and IB Visual Artists Exhibition On Display
As part of both the AP and IB Visual Art classes, Springbrook artists produce an exhibition of their work over 1-2 years. This year’s exhibition showcases the voices and skills of 23 seniors. Each artist exhibits a portfolio of work that investigates a central theme through various media and techniques. The show is on display now and also provides an engaging visual welcome. A few student works are highlighted below. Finally, congratulations to Springbrook’s graduating student artists and their instructors, Ms. Samantha Chheang and Mr. Kevin Franco! #BlueDevilArtists
Illustration by senior Abigail Heng.
Illustrations by junior Boubacar Souare.
Painting by junior Rachel Unnkiumaran.
Painting by junior Rachel Unnkiumaran.
Blue Devils' Artwork Selected for Rep. Raskin's Congressional Art Competition
Springbrook is excited to dote on our three talented students. Their artwork was selected for Representative Raskin’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition for high school students. The exhibition will run from May 5, 2024, through May 12, 2024, at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. Please support our Blue Devils be visiting the gallery which is open to the public.
Shown above: Amie Singhateh and Jalenchase Lott, Christopher Gersten De Montelongo (not pictured).
Celebrating Track & Field Seniors
Senior Terefe Ormsby with friends.
Senior Sophia Gomez Napier with friends and family.
Senior Christian Miles with family and friends.
Boys Volleyball Has A 5-1 Record
Boys Volleyball is off to hot start with a 5-1 record including big wins over Blake and Magruder. The team is having its best season since 2012! Congratulations Blue Devils!
Springbrook's Library Media Center Highlights the April 21 - April 26 2024 BOTW
The 21
Legal buffs and climate activists will appreciate this complex and detailed journey through the U.S. court system. In 2015, lawyer Julia Olson filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on behalf of 21 youths on the grounds that government actions contributed to climate change, depriving them of their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Ranging in age from eight to 19, the plaintiffs' argument was based on the fact that they had suffered numerous problems due to climate change, and since they were too young to vote, had no other legal recourse but to sue. Over the next eight years and three administrations, the Justice Department hit the plaintiffs with endless motions, arguing that dealing with climate change is the purview of the legislature, not the courts. The extensive legal proceedings read like a tennis match as the suit gets bounced from one federal court to another with the many motions, appeals, denials, hearings, and briefs. Most recently, in June 2023, they received a historic ruling putting them back on the path to a trial. Rusch smartly adds human interest into the narrative with quotes and personal stories from the lives of several of the 21. The passion and determination of the plaintiffs and their lawyer are awe-inspiring. Also included is a summary of other climate-based lawsuits, the science of climate change, a plan to help fix the climate, along with extensive and useful back matter. - School Library Journal Review (October 1, 2023)
24K Magic Class of 2024 Mural
Each year, the graduating class is asked to design a mural representative of their class. This year's class decided on theme 24K Magic. Thank you to Mr. Kevin Franco, art teacher, and the following students who worked to complete the spray paint design.
- Matthew Amsalu
- Cristian Molina Martinez
- Angel Garcia Santos
- James Rozario
- Aylen Rodriguez
- Anai Rodriguez Rojas
Seniors and Juniors, Don't Miss Prom and After Prom...
Springbrook's Red Carpet Prom
Springbrook's Red Carpet Prom will be held at the University of Maryland (UMD) Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center from 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM, followed by After Prom at the University of MD TerpZone, inside the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. Prom tickets are on sale until April 24, 2024. Tickets may be purchased online from school cash online (SCO). Tickets may also be purchased in the auditorium on the following Fridays:
- April 12, April 19, and April 26
Seniors must pay towards their school obligations before purchasing a prom ticket.
- For questions regarding these events, please contact Mr. Francis Gyimah, assistant principal, at Francis_I_Gyimah@mcpsmd.org and Ms. Sade Campbell, senior class sponsor, at Folasade_Campbell@mcpsmd.org.
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 delicious food, desserts, bowling, pool, air hockey, henna artists, prizes, and much more. Seniors and juniors may attend After Prom, although they did not attend Prom. Tickets are $10 for those who did not attend Prom. Be sure to register for After Prom by scanning the QR code on the After Prom flyer. Be sure to register for After Prom by scanning the QR code below.
Grade 9 Students Visit Morgan State University
On April 16, 2024, a field trip to Morgan State University was sponsored by the Montgomery County Career Advising Program also known as MoCoCAP. The field trip is a part of Montgomery County Public Schools' iniative to implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and aligns to the MCPS academic milestones, competencies, and experiences within the Pathway to College, Career, and Community Readiness (CCCR). All grade 9 students had the opportunity to participate in an in-person college tour at Morgan State University.
The Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship is a paid opportunity for youth to lend their voice to the public discussion on civic education. The Fellowship is a 10-month program (August 2024 - May 2025) for U.S. high school students that will provide leadership opportunities for students, including civic and media workshops, learning how to articulate and share youth perspectives on civic education; and showcasing youth civic learning experiences. Students are expected to seek engagement from peers and others from their local community.
Applicant Eligibility:
- U.S. high school students for the 2024-2025 school year (rising 9-12th graders)
- Interest in civics, education, equity, government, history, or politics
- Required attendance at our in-person convening in Washington D.C. (travel, lodging and meal accommodations paid for by iCivics, and its generous donors. Tentative dates are September 26-29, 2024)
- Required attendance to all virtual meetings throughout the year
- Completion of Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship 2024-2025 Application
- Nominated by an educator/mentor using the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship 2024-2025 Educator/Mentor Nomination Form - https://forms.gle/xL1S2DsuqLvwszYG7
Application
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8YUizVPa4-6wXqCsbVQGEUtiiOTLZpr584TJJ37_xojprBw/viewform
After this program, students will be able to:
- Strengthen their student voice to convey their lived civic experiences and contribute to the public discussion on civic education.
- Engage community members around youth civic needs from a student-focused perspective
- Leverage civic skills developed throughout the program to engage with decision-makers and other stakeholders to influence outcomes in their community
- Understand the relationship between civic knowledge, civic engagement, and social influence skills as tools necessary to navigating civic institutions
- Become ambassadors for equity in civic education and part of a larger network of former Equity in Civics Youth Fellows
The 2024 Induction of French and Spanish Honor Society Students
On April 18th, twenty-five French and Spanish language learning students were inducted into the French and Spanish Honor Society. Also, twenty graduating seniors received their honor cord. The event served to recognize academic achievement and underscore the importance of cross-cultural understanding and communication in today's world.
New members of the French Honor Society.
New members of French and Spanish Honor Society and graduating seniors receiving their language learners honor society regalia.
U.S. Service Academy Nomination Application Opens May 1st
Eighth Service Academy Nomination Application
The application process should be completed by students residing in the Eighth Congressional District of Maryland seeking admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy may apply to every Congressional office in Maryland. Applications to the Coast Guard Academy do not require a Congressional nomination and students should apply directly to the Coast Guard Academy. Additional application process may be found here.
Melat Ghebreselassie of Springbrook High School, is one of two MCPS students to be recognized and one of 60 students being recognized across the country as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar.
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship helps students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership and persistence attend top universities and avoid student debt. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 per year to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution in the U.S. These students also receive ongoing academic coaching and advising, graduate school and career advising, and connections to a network of peers in the Cooke Scholar community.
Springbrook's Instrumental Spring Music
Congratulations to the Springbrook High School Beginning Trio, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra, Combined Orchestra, and Jazz Band for their incredible performances at the Spring Instrumental Music Concert on Tuesday night. The musical selections spanned 5 continents and featured strong performances in a variety of styles and genres. Special congratulations to our graduating seniors: Lena Davis (Violin), Vincent Felix (Viola), Natasha Blazo (Flute), and Keyla Noriega Ovando (Trumpet). We are so proud of you!"
Blue Devil Receives Honorable Mention for his Photography
Congratulations to senior Nolawi Gizaw who earned an Honorable Mention for his fantastic still life photo which was displayed at the Nora School on Saturday April 13th.
The Nora School is an intentionally small and engaging college preparatory high school dedicated to bringing out the best in bright students who want to learn in a more personally connected environment with a social justice curriculum. Discussion-based classrooms with deep connections provide interesting and memorable learning opportunities.
Nolawi receiving his award at the Nora School event.
Nolawi's still life photo on display at the Nora School.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) is less than 3 weeks away! Please help the PTSA celebrate and show appreciation to all of the SUPERHERO Staff that support our children everyday! OUR SUPERHERO THEMED POWER STATIONS will need to be refilled daily to FUEL our SUPERHERO Staff.
Please Sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040448AEAF2EA4FC1-46817830-20232024#/ to bring snacks. Thank you in advance! Your contributions are greatly appreciated!!
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
Tuesday, April 16th, we will have our PTSA Meeting at 5:30PM in the Media Center with dinner catered by our Culinary Arts Department. Also, we will have a guest speaker, Ms. Maria Fernanda Villarroel, our Career Coach. Please join us and spread the word!
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.
Springbrook's Got Talent!
The Student Government Association (SGA) is sponsoring the spring Talent Show. Springbrook High School students who win first, second, or third will receive cash prizes (See the flyer for more information.).
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