Thunderblast Weekly
December 6th, 2020
National Inclusive Schools Week
Boy am I glad risk-taking is no longer the theme. That ocean was way too cold and it is really hard to go bird-watching at night. This week’s theme was going to be preparation, but with national inclusive schools week kicking off, I thought we could pivot.
I want to close with a statement from inclusiveschools.org, as it marries our mission for inclusive practices with equity- On a worldwide basis, we have seen the true meaning of inclusion in the struggle for social justice. When we recognize the deep and, yes, inclusive meaning of the inherent right of every individual to be equal in the eyes of society, the law and in the opportunities life offers, we can appreciate that the movement to gain inclusion for children with disabilities is the same promise that must be realized for all!
Important Information
Hybrid and Distant Learning for the 2nd Semester (January 21): I know there may be a number of questions regarding concurrent learning, survey results, days of the week, etc. That means it's time for a little cocoa/ coffee. Looking forward to seeing you at this meet location from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM. Please add any questions here. We will be discussing the following:
Hybrid days- A-Lar on Tuesday/Wednesday; Las-Z on Thursday/Friday
Meeting the needs of both hybrid and distant learners at the same time
Rising COVID rates and what that means for hybrid learners
Survey results and how that impacts students (not much at all)
Safety protocols
...and much much more
Counseling and United Mental Health Team: Just in! Seneca’s UMHT is excited to announce that through our partnership with Loudoun County Department of MHSADS, we are able to offer students the option to attend 2 presentations covering the following topics: coping with stress and other emotions, communication skills, and decision making skills. These presentations will be held on Mondays and will be approximately 30 minutes. If you would like your Thunderbolt to attend, please complete this form.
Attention 8th grade students: If you’re interested in applying for Campus, please attend the information session on Monday, December 7th (additional details below).
Date: Monday, December 7th
Time: 11:00 am
PBIS- Students of the Week (November 30th- December 4th)
6th Grade - Alexis Smith
THANK YOU for showing confidence and ownership by supporting classmates through technical difficulties and completing assignments on time.
7th Grade- Christian Reyes
8th Grade- Alejandro Moreira Mendez
THANK YOU for showing confidence and student ownership by participating in class discussions and unmuting your mic to respond, especially during math class.
Staff of the Week (November 30th- December 4th )
Ms.Christensen
THANK YOU for continuing to challenge your students while offering ample opportunities to support them, as well as working diligently and trying new things at every turn.
Ms. Daugherty
Important Reminders
Monday Schedule:
Advisory: 9:00-9:15AM
Office Hours:
1:00-2:00PM Math, SS, World Languages, FACS, Tech Ed, Art
2:00-3:00PM English, Science, Health & PE, Music
PTO Corner:
Something to Ponder: Take risks, if you win you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise. ---Author Unknown
Holiday Giving Tree: Dear Seneca Ridge Families, Please help us support our Holiday Giving Tree this year. We will be supporting students in our school as well as our Elementary Cluster. This year, due to Covid, we are keeping things simple for the health and safety of everyone involved. Please use this SIGN UP GENIUS LINK to sign up for gift cards you would like to donate. Please drop off your donation at SRMS at the Front Desk. There will be a small box set up for the donations labeled SRMS Holiday Giving Tree. Donations will be accepted from Monday, December 7th to Wednesday, December 16th. Please label the amount of the card on the top right corner using a sharpie. Alternatively, if you prefer to donate money, please send PAYPAL payments to NKB8@yahoo.com. Be sure to label the donation as SRMS GIVING TREE. Thank you all for helping make the holidays special for all the children in our community. For more information, please contact Nalini Tandon, SRMS PTO Community Service Coordinator, via the SIGN UP.
Staff Appreciation: The holiday break is fast approaching, but we aren't going to let Covid keep us from celebrating our amazing SRMS staff with coffee and sugar! In lieu of an in-person cookie exchange, the PTO is excited to partner with Nothing Bundt Cakes to provide a sweet treat for every SRMS staff member. They are a locally owned business and are excited to help give back to our school community! If you'd like to help donate HERE.
Want to provide a gift card for the Seneca Staff of the Week prize or donate some snacks for the Seneca Team to enjoy at school? Visit our SIGN UP to participate.
Spiritwear Sale: Still looking for a Christmas gift? November's spirit wear sale is still in effect. Past designed T-shirts are $10 while PJ's and sweatpants are only $20 each. Click Here to Order
Holiday Shopping with Amazon Smile: Earn free money for Seneca this holiday season by linking your Amazon account to Amazon Smile. Just link your account and a portion of any purchase will be gifted back to Seneca.
SEAC: The December Special Education Advisory Committee presentation on transitioning to adulthood can be viewed HERE. For more information on SEAC please visit their website or email our SEAC Representative, Jill Pope, directly.
Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 pm - meet.google.com/uek-nfni-inx. Join by phone at +1 617-675-4444 with PIN: 835 053 291 7550#
Next Spirit Night: Stay tuned for Urbano in January!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am-
Friendly reminder, after 8:30am the system automatically denies the request because attendance has been taken by a teacher and you will be notified.
Click here (don’t forget to put your child’s first and last name)
Call our Attendance line- 571-434-4422 (least preferred option)
Technology Support
As we transition support to in our building (when possible) or at Dominion High School, the best way to reach out for support is to contact your grade level administrative assistant.
6th Grade- Jennifer.Ramos@lcps.org or 571-434-4426
7th Grade- Adity.Choudhury@lcps.org or 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
Check us out!
Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/30563
Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-4420
Twitter: @SRMS_Official