SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
October 24, 2021 Edition
Newsletter Summary from Dr. Cohen
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!
NEW: Resources for Families
Mental health / crisis resources:
- Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program: For more information on family-focused outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents and their families, visit here or call 240-777-1450.
- Screening and Assessment Services for Children and Adolescents SASCA: For information on confidential screening for substance abuse for children, and mental health and substance use assessments for children up to age 18, visit here or call 240-777-1430.
- Minority Health Services: Many of our Minority Health Initiatives have excellent resources and partner with nonprofit and community organizations to offer free mental health counseling. Explore more:
- ACCESS to Behavioral Health Services: For assistance with obtaining appropriate outpatient mental health or substance abuse services for individuals eligible through the public behavioral health system. Walk-In assessments and evaluations available Monday - Friday at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. Learn more here or call 240-777-1770.
- EveryMind: For direct mental health services to youth, adults, older adults, families and veterans, visit here or call 301-424-0656.
- Crisis Center: For 24/7 free crisis services visit here or call 240-777-4000
- Crisis text line: Text "home" to 741-741 for free 24/7 support
- ChildLink: Early childhood services for children ages five and younger and their families. Learn more here or call 240-777-4769.
Family grief supports:
NEW: Volunteer at SVHS
- Budget status
- PTSA Facebook Page rules
- Yard Sale
- Staff Appreciation
- After Prom
- MCCPTA advocacy topics
Updated Information from MCPS on how to Volunteer
UPDATE: October 7, 2021
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) welcomes volunteers to support the essential needs of the schools. Volunteers and partnership agencies are required to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.
- Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account (Gradesheet will show 100% for successful completion)
- COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation – NEW! (Gradesheet will show 83.3% for successful completion)
- Fingerprinting/Background check (only if the volunteer is working alone with students without supervision of an MCPS staff member or other type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers Regulation and FAQ)
MCPS has created a step-by-step User Guide (with pictures) on how to access create and access their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account to complete the Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training module AND upload the Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination from the state Department of Health.
The online course grade sheet will show a total of 183.3% for completion of both compliance modules. You can show the gradesheet as evidence of successful completion to schools and your name will appear on the MCPS volunteer roster after October 1.
MCPS is asking for a pdf copy of your vaccination certificate in order to upload it to this module, you can download a copy from Maryland MyIR (directions for completing this process are located in this support guide). As an alternative, you may also upload a copy of one of the following:
NEW: Dads on Duty
NEW: Library Media News: Digital Citizenship Resources
Seneca Valley High School was among the first MCPS high schools to earn recognition as a Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship School. Through a series of lessons delivered in Advisory, 9th grade English and Social Studies classes, and 10th grade Health classes each year, students have been encouraged to make good choices, build positive relationships, learn skills for success, and stay safe when using technology.
This year, our recognition is up for renewal. SVHS will continue to partner with Common Sense Education to deliver digital citizenship lessons that empower students to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly online.
NEW: ASIA Club Interest Meeting
Seneca Valley’s ASIA Club aims to foster appreciation for Asian cultures and celebrate people of Asian descent who have positively impacted the world. The club also examines ways that issues of racial inequality and social justice have impacted Asian American communities. All students interested in participating in ASIA Club activities this year are encouraged to attend an interest meeting in the library media center on October 28, 2021, during lunch. ALL are welcome!
ADVERTISEMENT: Yearbooks for Sale!
The SVHS yearbook is on sale for the lowest price of the year! Receive up to 4 icons free ($16.00) value if you add personalization to your book. Order today at Jostens.com or by clicking the link below. Order by 10/22/21 to take advantage of the savings.
https://www.jostens.com/.../202108260417119.../CATALOG_SHOP/
NEW: IB Spotlight
“Send us prepared students a la IB… It is the ‘best’ high school prep curriculum an American school can offer.” - Director of Undergraduate Admissions, MIT
During the fourth week of each month we will highlight colleges and universities and their IB credit policies.
Salisbury University recognizes the rigor of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and awards college-level credit to students who have achieved commendable scores on the associated examinations. Additionally, the Office of the Registrar recognizes the unique, interdisciplinary nature of the IB Diploma Programme and views completion of the IB Diploma as a strong indication of academic potential. Students who earn an IB Certificate will be awarded 3 – 8 semester hours of credit for each Higher Level IB exam completed with a score of 4 or above.
Students who earn an IB Diploma will be awarded 3 – 8 semester hours of credit, up to 30 credits, for scores of 4 or above on both the higher level and the standard level IB exams. See the chart at https://www.salisbury.edu/admissions/freshman-students/credit-by-exam.aspx to see the specific credit that is awarded for each IB Examination accepted.
Get those creative juices flowing…
Join us for Paint Night!!
When: Thursday, November 18th, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: SVHS Cafeteria
What: Fundraiser for SVHS IB Programs
Cost: $35
Please pay online at: https://osp.osmsinc.com/montgomerymd/
or submit a check payable to SVHS to Ms. Ezerski in Room 1410
Please complete IB Exam Registration, ASAP if you plan to test!
IB Registration is upon us!! SVHS encourages all students to take an IB exam for each class they are enrolled. The benefits are immense and we believe that all our Screaming Eagles can achieve. We understand the pandemic has been especially challenging for many, so please know finances should never be a burden for taking an IB exam.
The following documents provide all essential information for the May 2022 IB exams.
The IB Registration Form (#4) must be completed ASAP and IB payments are due no later than 1/5. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Ezerski at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmdorg with any questions and or concerns.
IB Study Group!! We will meet Monday and Wednesday at lunch in Room 2107 and afterschool on Friday in the cafeteria. This is a perfect opportunity for students to get support from their peers!
NEW: Visit our Virtual College and Career Center
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center:
Applying to Colleges & Universities - READ CAREFULLY
Students applying to any four-year schools should be referring to the SVHS College Application Packet document as a resource. If you have not started working on this yet, I advise that you start ASAP. Some tips:
- If you have a NOVEMBER deadline and have NOT submitted your BRAG SHEET to your counselor, do that ASAP!!! Your counselors need time to write these letters for you!
University of Maryland College Park - Apply by November 1!!!
Students interested in applying to the University of Maryland College Park should apply using their Early Application deadline of November 1! Students should not wait until their January Regular Decision deadline to apply. Reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor for more information.
The application for the Montgomery Scholars Program Fall 2022 is now live!
The application for the Montgomery Scholars Program Fall 2022 is now live! The deadline for applying to the program is Thursday, January 6, 2022. Interested students must also submit a general Montgomery College application by December 1, 2021!
The FAFSA Application - Financial Aid for College!
- SVHS Financial Aid Information
- Access the FAFSA Here
- ALL Eligible Seniors should complete the FAFSA, regardless of income
- Class of 2022 Seniors will fill out the “The 2022–23 FAFSA form” as that is the school year in which they will start college.
A Reference Sheet to Filling out the FAFSA for the 2022-23 School Year (first year you will be in college) - Checklist
Creating an FSA ID - Steps to creating an FSA ID
For those not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you may be able to complete the MSFAA if you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland:
- Although you would not be eligible for federal aid, the MSFAA form could qualify you for many of the same State financial aid awards. In some cases, the state awards are larger in amount than federal awards.
- MSFAA - FAQs
MDCAPS
This is the application for financial aid from the State of Maryland. If you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, you should create an account and fill out this application. MDCAPS uses your financial information from the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for aid. If you qualify for a Pell Grant on the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for state aid. If you qualify for the MSFAA, you would fill out this form. More information below.
§ Click on “Create a Student Login”
- Once you have created a login, send Mr. Nalda your MHEC ID in order for him to upload your transcript/GPA Information
- DO NOT submit or request to submit a transcript as an attachment
College Representative Visits at SVHS
Students interested in participating in college visits should register in Naviance and clear their absence with their teacher ahead of time. The list of college visits is available in Naviance or on the link below.
Unless noted, visits will take place in the College & Career Center, Room #2113.
Next Week's College Visits
Towson University Adrianna Fotso Mon October 25, 2021 12:02 PM
Campbell University Jose Camacho Mon October 25, 2021 12:52 PM
St. Mary's College of Maryland Tamara Wolfson Wed October 27, 2021 8:36 AM
McDaniel College Katherine Ridgway Wed October 27, 2021 12:02 PM
Virginia Commonwealth University Frederick Lyles Wed October 27, 2021 12:52 PM
New College of Florida Richelle Porambo Thu October 28, 2021 12:13 PM
St. John's University-New York Christine Perrault Fri October 29, 2021 9:31 AM
Furman University Madeline Leach Fri October 29, 2021 12:02 PM
Upcoming Scholarships
- 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: America: Where Do We Go From Here?
- October 31 - Coca-Cola Scholars Program - (deadline is 5pm on 10/31) 150-$20,000 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 01 - Young Writers Awards - $1,000, $500, and $250 awards for each category; winners and finalists could also be eligible for up to $60K in undergrad scholarships at Bennington College; 9-12 grade; enter an original work in one of three categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction; see link for full rules and guidelines; flyer.
- November 01 - North Carolina State University - Park Scholarship - senior, applying to NC State; NC State's Park Scholarships program includes a four-year scholarship awarded on the basis of outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character and prepares scholars for lifelong contributions to the university, state, nation, and world; see links for more information and eligibility requirements.
- November 03 - Create Real Impact Student Contest - (due by 5pm!) multiple awards ranging from $500-$1,500; one (1) Spanish Category of $1500 (chosen from video or graphic design category) may be awarded; legal U.S. residents or DACA recipients between the ages of 14 and 22 years; create an original work (video, music, creative writing, or graphic design) showcasing your idea for a SOLUTION or STRATEGY to end reckless and distracted driving; see link for all details and guidelines.
- November 10 - Regeneron Science Talent Search - 300 awards of $2,000, top award of $250,000; senior; students will be given the challenge of conducting independent science, math, or engineering research; to be considered, you must submit a maximum 20 - page research report explaining your experiments and conclusions; research must be the work of a single individual, group and team projects are not eligible; see link for full details and guidelines.
- November 14 - Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards - awards of up to $1,000 to use for college education or to fund a community service effort; U.S. permanent resident, U.S. citizen, or qualify under the DACA; be of Hispanic heritage (includes Spain, Brazil, Philippines); min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); essay questions; letter of recommendation; school transcript; if selected, attendance to virtual regional awards ceremony is mandatory.
- November 15 - Elks Most Valuable Student Award - 500 awards ranging from $1,000-$12,500 per year for four years; senior; U.S. Citizen; judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need; top 20 national finalists traditionally win a leadership trip to interview for $20,000 - $50,000 awards; flyer.
- November 18 - Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship - (application opens September 1) over 100 awards of up to $55,000/year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school; senior; min. 3.5 GPA (unweighted); judged on persistence, service to others, and leadership; essays, letters of recommendation; application also available on the Common App.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Upcoming Events
SVHS Financial Aid Night Workshop - For Seniors and their families
Information about financial aid, FAFSA, and paying for college with Rob Maddox, Director of Financial Aid at St. Mary’s College.
§ Tuesday, October 26th - 6:30pm
§ Zoom Meeting ID: 896 3217 3119
§ Passcode: 285656 or Click Here for the Link to Join
Mount Calvary Baptist Church VIRTUAL HBCU Fair - Walk Into Your Future
Saturday, October 30, 9:30am – 4:00pm
§ 50 HBCUs Expected, Onsite Admissions, Seminars, Prizes, and more!
§ Click here for more info and to register
NEW: Seal of Biliteracy
Registration for the 2021-22 MD Seal of Biliteracy test is open for ALL seniors and juniors who speak a second language - this applies as well to any seniors/juniors taking the Language Acquisition IB exams. The test is free for ALL seniors and costs $16.90 for juniors. Testing dates are Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 and Wednesday, January 12th, 2022. Please email Ms. Rebecca Hanford @ rebecca_s_hanford@mcpsmd.org with any questions or students may stop by room 3120A.
NEW: Elevator Access
As is done in schools across the county, starting Monday 10/25/21, ELEVATOR ACCESS WILL BE RESTRICTED to individuals with Key-Card Access ONLY.
Students needing an elevator swipe card must come to the Financial Office and fill out a request form.
They must have:
- A doctor’s note (a note from the nurse/health room can also be used). This note must have an “end” date as to when the student does not need the elevator swipe card.
- $10 deposit (in the form of cash or check) to be returned to them when the elevator swipe card is returned
- Deposit will not be returned if elevator swipe card is lost or not returned
REPEAT:: Seneca Valley High School Booster / PTSA Yard sale
Seneca Valley High School Booster / PTSA Yard sale
More details to come and Volunteers wanted and needed.
Also a reminder that our next Booster Meeting will be held on 10/21 at 6:30 p.m.
REPEAT: Activities at SVHS
If not, make sure you visit the ExtraCurricular Activities spreadsheet to find out about all the great clubs and activities SVHS has to offer!
You'll also find a meetings calendar, activity bus routes, and the required ECA and Covid 19 forms you'll need to participate.
Reach out to Ms Chilcoat Fellows at joanna_c_fellows@mcpsmd.org if you want more information about our extracurricular activities!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14x2SuorOXyA70BLCagtlLlklkVkUPOb0hJR36_EQmhk/edit?usp=sharing
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6400
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS