Thunderblast 2024
Respecting EACH Student, Staff, & Family- February 11, 2024
Pressure Cooker
On the countdown to the Super Bowl, I've been thinking about pressure. This is the time of year when students are feeling it. We are plowing through the winter, it still gets dark early, and we have a long run before consistent warm weather, spring break, and the 4th quarter. We are using this time to prep for next year with rising information nights and course selections. Our students are preparing for the next steps and still taking care of business in the present. I'm feeling the pressure too. When pressure builds up, something's got to give. There's some behaviors we can work on to ensure we are being kind to each other. I'll share more specifically at our next parent coffee. I decided to move it up from March to Friday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM.
This Week's Events
- Tues, Feb 13- Virtual Argentina Trip Info 7:00 PM
- Wed, Feb 14- PTO Meeting with a Visit from Assistant Superintendent, Kevin Lewis about Our Building
- Fri, Feb 16- Rising 6th Graders Visit Seneca in the AM
PTO Meeting- Guest Visitor
At the Superintendent's Community Listening Session, our families talked about a number of things including the older facilities in Sterling. We have an opportunity to hear from the Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, Kevin Lewis, to see what the future of Seneca and Dominion holds. I know this is an important topic for EACH of our families. Our students deserve the best. My goal from this meeting is to understand how we can advocate for EACH student and staff that come here EACH day giving their all.
Student Travel Opportunities- Argentina
Travel is so much more than just planes and trains! Students will gain new perspectives, develop a sense of independence, and build skills for the future through this experience. Don’t forget to register for the interest meeting on Tuesday, February 13th, from 7-8 PM here: https://bit.ly/427yipV for more details about this Spring 2025 trip.
Save the Date- Virtual Parent Coffee Friday, February 23rd from 11:00 -11:45 AM
Unclaimed Bikes- wanted to give you one last look before we donate- any takers?
Valentine's Day
On February 12th, 13th and 14th the PTO will sell Valentine’s Day gifts during student lunches. Gifts will range from $1 to $8 and will be the perfect find for a special friend or relative to let them know you care. Look for the table set up outside of the cafeteria and don’t forget to bring cash.
Today is the Last Day!
Yearbooks Pre-Sale ends today, Sunday 2/11. Order online with this link, https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/, our school code is 5475. Cash and check accepted in the house or main office, cash and check sales will be accepted on Monday 2/12 for $25.
Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT)
General Resource Page
Seneca Tutor List
Rising 7th and 8th Grade Information Slides
Course Selection Update
Teacher Recommendations are uploaded into ParentVue/ StudentVue. Please take a minute to review the courses your student was recommended for. If you have any questions regarding a recommendation, please email your student’s teacher directly.
Course Selection Timeline
- Feb. 16th: Window closes for Rising 7th, 8th, & 9th graders to select electives
- February 20th – May 1st : Counselors will be meeting with students to review their course selections (7th and 8th grade students will be completing an Academic Plan as well)
- May 1st: Students/Parents last day to make any schedule changes
Bounty of Books
We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness." — Yvette Clarke, U.S. congresswoman
Read about America's history in MackinVia and ComicsPlus. These books are available all year, so your learning never has to end.
I love our students!!!
Staff of the Week
Mr. Dandrea came to us with a wealth of experience in August and we were so excited to have him on our history team at the start of the year. Because of a later start, he had to put in extra work to get caught up and Senecized. Well, I am ecstatic to report that he is a fast learner. The rapport he has built in the classroom, his willingness to partner with families, his work ethic, and his overall positive demeanor have been a great benefit to the community. In addition, he has been supporting basketball club since day one, and we really need him now as we have 20 teams playing intramurals at Seneca! Thank you, Mr. D!
Happy National Crossing Guard Day- Feb 7!
Our team is amazing. Flanked by Mr. Knecht in the hotspot at Seneca Ridge and Augusta, I can't thank this group enough. We were able to share this video with our students on the announcements Wednesday, then I got on my bike to deliver thank you notes and gift cards to our kind team. If you ever run into them, please let them know how much we appreciate them looking out for our most precious commodities.
PTO Corner
NEXT PTO MEETING is on Wednesday, February 14th at 9:00 AM. See you at the school library!
Would your business, social group or family like to sponsor our staff appreciation events? We’d love to have your help! Contact Julie Garrett at staffappreciation@srmspto.org for more info!
Visit us on Website- https://srms.ptboard.com/ and follow us on Facebook- Seneca Ridge Middle School PTO & Seneca Ridge Home of the Thunderbolts.
Grab Your Spiritwear - https://srms.ptboard.com/formvw?store=4306&form=1
Reminders
Typical Philly Fans, we don't know when to quit... Go Birds!!!
📨 Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
💻 Website: Seneca Ridge Middle School
🏫 Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
☎️ Phone: 571-434-4420