Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
January 24-January 28
Dear Silver Creek Families
Welcome to Semester 2. We are half-way through the school year. Quarter 3 begins Tuesday, January 25, 2022. I am proud of what our students have been able to accomplish and for their resiliency throughout the first half of our school year.
There is no school for students tomorrow, Monday, January 24. This is a teacher grading day. Quarter 3 report card grades will be available on ParentVue on Thursday, February 3, 2022. With the new semester, students currently in PE or Health or participating in semester courses need to check their Quarter 3 schedule to see where they should report on Tuesday, 1/25. We have provided a resource on how to do this in the newsletter below.
COVID-19 Reporting/Information: Please use this reporting FORM, if your child does test positive for COVID-19. Once you complete this form, it will be sent to Silver Creek and we will generate a letter that will be sent to families about the continuity of instruction. As a reminder, maintaining a safe environment means knowing and responding to positive student cases. You may read the most recent communication (Thursday, January 20) from MCPS here. In addition, you may review Silver Creek Middle School's reported COVID-19 cases HERE. Please contact administration if you have any questions about your child's absences related to COVID-19 concerns. At Silver Creek, we continue to provide outside dining for our students during lunch when the potential for exposure increases. Also, students must continue to wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently. Adhering to these guidelines will help mitigate potential health and safety risks. Please remain encouraged as we get through this pandemic together.
The sections marked with an * have been updated with new information OR is a new section in the newsletter. Please make sure to review. As always, thank you for your continued partnership.
Let's make it a great week Huskies!
*MCPS Community Message from Friday, 1/21
As many of you may know, there was a serious incident that occurred at Magruder high school on Friday. Our thoughts & strength are with the Magruder community during this time. You may read the message from Interim Superintendent, Dr. McKnight here.
We understand this incident may bring on some anxiety among our students and families. We are committed to the safety and security of our students by remaining vigilant, encouraging students to report if they see anything contradictory to school policies, and fostering trusting relationships between staff and students. Below is a resource you can use to talk to children about violence.
If students need to process this incident, counselors will be available to support students on Tuesday, 1/25.
*Contact Tracing Process
At Silver Creek, the safety of our students is most important. When a student tests positive for COVID-19, we want to make sure all students who may have been in contact with the student are informed. Once we are aware of the names of the students, we send out a letter immediately informing parents that their child was a close contact with information on CDC guidelines.
Please understand that you may receive more than one communication from us if your child is a close contact. Based on MCPS guidance, regardless of your child's vaccination status, we will inform families of their child's potential exposure to COVID-19. When families inform us of their child's vaccination status, we are working to keep a repository of this information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding through these unprecedented times.
*Semester 2 Course Changes
Please carefully read the information by clicking on the link below on how to find your child's schedule in Student Vue to verify any changes for Tuesday, January 25: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_3PQkZ8D9-Vlmc92qIj8juLldlaLRbZ0oFoIu_rNb8k/edit?usp=sharing
*Grade-Level Parent Town Hall Meetings
Save the Dates (All meetings will be from 8:15 am-9:00 am)
Grade 6- Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Grade 7- Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Grade 8- Friday, February 11, 2022
Zoom Information coming soon!
Outdoor Education for 6th Grade students is coming soon!
Outdoor Education is scheduled for 6th Grade students on February 2, 3, and 7. Your child should have received an information packet that included details of the program, dates for your child's extended day at the Smith Center, permission slip and medical forms. You may find an electronic version here (and in Spanish here).
A parent information meeting was held via zoom last Thursday, January 6. If you were not able to attend, or if you would like to review the materials we shared, please click here to access the recording.
Bell Schedule for this Week
*Silver Creek News- Morning Announcements!
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, January 21, 2022 to hear upcoming news & events.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YyMGtZA5YRAxYhTlyLM66u9p2jDN8PAq/view?usp=sharing
8th Grade Student Course Registration and Articulation for the SY22-23
If you have any questions regarding a particular course recommendation, please contact your child’s teacher. For other questions regarding articulation or course selection, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the staff members below:
- Ms. Heidler, assistant principal and master scheduler, at Kimberly_P_Heidler@mcpsmd.org,
- Ms. Kristin Kehr, 8th Grade Counselor, at Kristin_N_Kehr@mcpsmd.org
- Ms. Susan Levine, Resource Counselor, at Susan_A_Levine@mcpsmd.org
Current 6th & 7th Grade Student Course Registration and Articulation for SY 22-23
Below is a timeline of dates as we start the articulation process for our current 6th & 7th grade students.
Current 6th and 7th Grade Students
- January 28th & 31st--SCMS counselors will visit 6th and 7th grade science classes to share course offerings and explain the course registration process and timeline.
- February 7th--Deadline for completing and submitting Google Course Registration Form. Information on how to complete this registration form will be shared with students when counselors visit their science classes.
- Detailed information regarding course offerings and the course registration process and timeline will be shared with parents at the end of January. It will also be posted on the SCMS website upon our return from winter break.
ExtraCurricular Activities
We will begin to host our afterschool, in-person extracurricular and co-curricular activity program beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022. In order to ensure that all participants are healthy and to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all participants are required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit the results using the form below.
Students & families should self-report test results to MCPS using the form below:
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (English)
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (Spanish)
You may view the following slides that provide information on the process of testing and reporting.
Please click here to view the SCMS After School Activities and Brochure.
You may read the most recent MCPS communication here.
After School Activities & Intramural Sports
After school activities will run through May 16 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays only. The activities will meet on one of the three days from 3:15-4:30 pm. A list of activities can be found in our After School Brochure which is linked below. The link will also take you to a google registration form to be used to sign up for an after school activity. Registering for an activity will be on-going. After school buses are available and will depart by 4:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must be given a bus pass from their after school sponsor to ride the bus. After school Activity Brochure & Registration Form: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/after-school-activities
Any questions related to after school activities, please contact Dr. Matthew Okun@Matthew_Okun@mcpsmd.org
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Designed to promote participation in sports to all eligible middle school students of all grade levels. There are no try-outs, and students do not need experience to participate. Intramurals take place after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:05-4:30. Students are required to turn in a signed “Covid” packet to participate. Students can get this packet from their PE/Health teacher, or from this link.
Mr. Bingaman is the intramural coordinator. Sample sports can include: basketball, football, soccer, badminton, tennis, volleyball, cross country, dance, weight training, track and field, kickball, capture the flag, etc. Any questions, please reach out to Mr. Bingaman at Ryan_H_Bingaman@mcpsmd.org.
Middle School Athletics Program: Spring Season
All physicals must include the COVID-19 supplemental information, attached to the pre-participation physical (MCPS Form SR-8). In addition, students must complete their second shot or submit an approved exemption no later than February 22, 2022, before a student-athlete can participate. Proof of vaccination must be ready for online submission via the ParentVue Portal, prior to tryouts/practices. Spring sports tryouts/practices begin March 8, 2022.
Any questions, please contact Ms. Tara Whitney, Athletic Coordinator, at Tara_A_Whitney@mcpsmd.org.
COVID Pool Testing
One significant mitigation tactic Montgomery County Public Schools will use this fall is random COVID-19 screening tests for students. A random sample of students grades 6-8 who have a parent consent form on file will be selected to be tested.
Silver Creek is scheduled for COVID screen testing every Tuesday for those students who have consented to test. The vendor will communicate results to schools within 24-48 hours. Families will be contacted if there is a positive result.
Please read the process outlined from MCPS below:
Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities
Any questions about SSL, please contact Ms. Renee Hill at Renee_S_Hill@mcpsmd.org
Academic Supports for Students
SCMS Mathematics Tutoring
Does your child need help in math? Do they want to work with a current BCC high school student?
If so, you may sign up for tutoring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3:20-4:20 pm every week. After school activity buses will be available on each of the three days.
If interested, please fill out the Tutoring Interest form to express your interest. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Okun at matthew_okun@mcpsmd.org
SCMS Spanish Tutoring
Spanish 3 students who need support, please make sure to check with your teacher.
MCPS: George B Thomas Saturday School
The George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. is pleased to offer academic support and/or acceleration on the 6th day of learning (Saturday mornings). Certified teachers are available to support your child with mitigating learning disruption.
Class sessions begin at 8:30 am each Saturday with a motivational session. To register, please see flyer here:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/mainstory/published/2018/2018-08/Program%20Flyer%20English%2018-19%20Final.pdf
The cost for Saturday School is $85. The cost for students who receive free and reduced meals is $40. This cost covers the entire school year through May and registration is open all year.
*New MCPS Tutoring and Out of School Time Opportunities
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/reopening2021/tutoring.aspx
MCPS has provided Out-of-School Time (OST) Opportunities for students. The OST is designed to provide students and families with safe and engaging options for students on days when school is not in session. Please see the website for additional information.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/out-of-school-time/
PARENT RESOURCES
*Virtual Principal Coffee
We are excited to bring monthly principal coffees this school year. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being. Principal Coffee's will move to a virtual format ONLY until further notice.
Our next principal coffee is scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 2022 Topic: TBA. If you are interested in attending, please use the GOOGLE FORM to ask any questions you would like addressed at the coffee.
Counselor News & Updates
Grief is especially hard around the holidays. Caring Matters is offering virtual support for families. Please check out their flyer here : Parent Resource Counseling Webpage
The SCMS Counseling Newsletter is updated and ready to be read by you! Check out all the great resources for parenting middle school children. https://www.smore.com/2w6xdk
Check out what's new on the Counseling Website.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/school-counseling-team
Updated resources for food on the counseling website https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/resources-food-shelter-and-more
Parent Handbook
Did you miss the parent grade-level town hall meetings? You may access meeting recordings in the parent handbook. Please locate the parent handbook on our website. All the information you need is located here for your convenience.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/home
Yearbook Sales
Yearbook sales have begun! Go to https://yearbookforever.com/schools/silver_creek_middle_school_buy_yearbook_363047/pXKC6AW3mqyz55m7Lkx7RTml to order your yearbook now. Prices are now $28 and will increase starting 2/1/22, so take advantage of the low price while you can!
You can use https://snap.yearbookforever.com/snap/index.html#/upload/1-3AQWI9 to upload and submit your own photos for the yearbook. Be sure to follow the instructions before uploading any pictures. Access code- huskies
Please email sean_p_brennan@mcpsmd.org with any questions!
Requesting a student transcript and/or records
Parents, if you are interesting in requesting a transcript and/or records for your child, please use the google form link. Please note that this google form is also necessary for students applying to private schools. Also, please do not email individual staff members to request a transcript and/or school records. Individual teachers should only be emailed for a recommendation.
If you have any questions, contact our registrar, Mrs. Michelle Lambert-Williamson at michelle_c_lambert-williamson@mcpsmd.org
MCPS Management Plan for Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies
Face Coverings/Masks
If students are asked repeatedly to wear their masks appropriately and/or behave in a manner that is contradictory to CDC guidelines, their parent/guardian will be notified and they will receive a consequence according to MCPS Code of Conduct.
Cell Phone Policy
The use of cell phones in the school has become a large distraction for our students. We will continue to reinforce our cell phone expectations that it must be out of sight during instructional time. Beginning Quarter 2, aligned with MCPS regulations, all personal mobile devices must be turned off and away at the start of school. Students may use their cell phones before school, at lunch, and after school ONLY. They should not have their cell phones out during transition times.
The absence of mobile devices will allow teachers to continue to create a conducive learning environment with fewer distractions for our students as well as lessen behavioral infractions related to cell phone use during hallway transitions and other learning spaces. If students are not able to follow the cell phone policy, consequences will be given based on the Student Code of Conduct.
Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
Ways to Report: English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1areawDK08nMCq-2z3wW0PctPntog0eVX/view?usp=sharingSpanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZVC11h8vBYrzL1yyJgMYLRyE-SLmbDFg/view?usp=sharing
Community Food & Clothing Resources
*Important Dates to Remember
January 24- No school for students; Professional day for staff ( End of Quarter 2)
January 25- Start of Quarter 3
January 28 & 31- SCMS counselors will visit 6th and 7th grade science classes to explain the course registration process and timeline.
January 28- Deadline for completing course registration in StudentVue (8th grade families)
February 1- No school for students; Professional day for staff
February 7- February 11- National School Counseling Week
February 8, 9, 11- Parent Grade Level town Hall meetings (6th gr.-2/8, 7th gr. 2/9, 8th gr. 2/11)
February 21- Presidents' Day- Schools and Offices Closed
*Newly added to MCPS calendar
Student Absence or Quarantine
If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 the morning of the absence. In your message, please include the information listed below:
1. Parent/Guardian name
2. Full name of your student (First & Last); student ID#
3. Date(s)of absence
4. Reason for absence
If you have any questions regarding attendance procedures, parents may email a note to Ms. Pamela Carroll-Sykes, attendance secretary, at Pamela_M_Carroll-sykes@mcpsmd.org.
Please note: If a student needs to quarantine/isolate for 10 days due to a COVID 19 direct exposure or positive test, Silver Creek Middle School has established a plan for the virtual continuity of learning. A letter with the student's virtual continuity of learning plan will be communicated to families whose child has been identified to quarantine.
Important Contacts
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/staff/directory/
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Main Office: 240-740-2200
Registration & Counseling: 240-740-2211
Attendance Line: 240-740-2201
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/
Location: 3701 Saul Road, Kensington, MD, USA
Phone: 240 740 2200
Twitter: @SCMSDrAwkard