SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
August 29, 2021 Edition
Newsletter Summary
News and Notes from MCPS
The health and safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority as MCPS carries out its commitment to provide in-person instruction, five days a week, for all students. MCPS has developed a plan to ensure a safe return to school and will continue to be proactive in the face of rapidly changing circumstances. Read the 2021-2022 Reopening Guide: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/reopening2021/
La salud y seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal es nuestra prioridad, mientras MCPS mantiene su compromiso de brindar instrucción en persona, cinco días a la semana, para todos los estudiantes. MCPS ha desarrollado un plan para garantizar el regreso seguro a la escuela y continuará siendo proactivo frente a circunstancias que cambian rápidamente. Lea la guía de reapertura de otoño de 2021-2022: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/reopening2021/
Free and Reduced Meal Status
Free breakfast, lunch and dinner meals will be provided to all students in schools and at designated food distribution sites. While school meals are free, families are still encouraged to apply for Free and Reduced Meal status so they are eligible for community resources and services. Apply here: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Los desayunos, almuerzos y cenas serán gratis para todos los estudiantes en las escuelas y en los lugares designados de distribución de alimentos. Aunque las comidas escolares sean gratuitas, se anima a las familias a completar la solicitud de comida gratis o a precio reducido para que sean elegibles a los recursos y servicios en la comunidad. Complete la solicitud aquí: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Immunization Requirements
All students must have up-to-date immunization records prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Parents should contact their doctor to make sure their child is properly immunized and submit a copy of the documentation to the child’s school health nurse as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, Aug. 30, the first day of the 2021-2022 school year.
Todos los estudiantes deben tener registros de vacunación actualizados antes del primer día del ciclo escolar 2021-2022. Los padres deben comunicarse con su médico para asegurarse de que su hijo(a) tenga las vacunas necesarias y debe presentar una copia de la documentación a la enfermera de la escuela en o antes del lunes 30 de agosto, el primer día del ciclo escolar 2021-2022.
First Day Snapshots
Parents, staff and students are invited to submit their favorite first-day-of-school snapshots for possible publication on Monday, Aug. 30. After you have snapped the moments from the first day, select your best photo and email it to pio@mcpsmd.org. For social media, parents and students can post photos on Twitter using the hashtag #MCPS1stDay. The pictures will be posted to an online photo gallery.
Invitamos a padres, personal y estudiantes de MCPS a enviar sus fotos favoritas del primer día de clases para nuestra galería digital. Luego de tomar su foto, envíala por correo electrónico a pio@mcpsmd.org o publícala en redes sociales usando la etiqueta # MCPS1stDay.
Monday reminders for Students
Before Monday:
- Pack up your MCPS Chromebook and get it ready to turn in to your homeroom teacher on Monday. You will trade that in for a new one.
- Pack up other school supplies: All you need on Monday is a binder or folder with some lined paper and a pen/pencil. Your teachers in each class will let you know what other materials you will need.
- Highly Recommended: Pack a water bottle to bring to school- there are water filling stations throughout the building.
- Set your alarm clock, get a good night’s sleep...school starts early on Monday!
Monday Morning:
- Don’t forget your MCPS chromebook and charger if you have them!
- Here is the Bus Route Schedule (here is the Magnet Routes if you need it.)
- Students may enter either through the Cafeteria/Stadium entrance (on Wisteria Drive) or the front lobby entrance (on Crystal Rock Drive) starting at 7:20am. On Monday, August 30, 2021, through Wednesday, September 1, 2021, everyone will report to their Homeroom locations before first period.
- All students should be in Homeroom by 7:45 AM.
- There will be signs posted throughout the first floor with homeroom assignments and room numbers.
- If you attended Orientation, you have a list of Homerooms in your packet, but HERE is the list again if you need it.
- You also have a copy of the school map in your packet, but HERE it is again if you need it.
- There will be staff members posted in all the hallways to help you find your way.
- Students will receive their class schedule, bell schedule, and another copy of the map in homeroom.
- Students will trade in their chromebook for a new one.
- IF YOU HAVE AN MCPS ISSUED CHROMEBOOK, PLEASE BRING IT WITH YOU ON MONDAY.
- Students will receive a reminder sticker with their log-in username and password in case they forgot.
- After Homeroom, students will attend periods 1-8 (lunch is period 5).
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
- The first entrance (also the largest entrance) is directly next to the sign that says "Seneca Valley High School." This is the bus loop. Parents MAY NOT use this loop immediately before or after school. Security will be at the top of the loop to guide you to the appropriate drop off/pick up entrance.
- The second entrance (Nearest to the intersection of Crystal Rock Drive and Wisteria Drive) is the drop off/pick up loop. This is a very long loop that can accommodate many cars at one time.
- Parents are asked to pull as far up as they can. Please do not drop your students off in the middle of the parking lot and definitely do not try to pass other vehicles to exit the loop faster. Thursday morning, we practiced this process with 9th and 10th grade parents and it went very smoothly when everyone cooperated and demonstrated patience. When cars tried to cut the line or to drive past the line to exit sooner, significant slow downs occured. If we all work together, we will be able to get you in and out very quickly.
This image depicts the Crystal Rock Drive entrance that is to be used for vehicle drop off and pick up. Please be careful. Please take your time. Please keep your eyes on the lookout for pedestrians, and please DO NOT TRY TO PASS ANYONE!
The First Three Days
On Monday, Advisory teachers will hand out the following items:
- Updates Schedules
- Chromebooks
- Computer Log-ins
- Bell Schedule
- School Maps
Additionally, students will be given time to review and ask questions about the following items:
- Lunch Policy
- Electronics Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Academic Dishonesty
On Tuesday, students will once again begin the school day in their Advisory. At that time, they will participate in Virtual Class meetings and a Community Team Builder activity. Additionally, students will be given time to review and ask questions about the following items:
- Grading Policy
- Attendance Policy
Wednesday is the last day that students will start in Advisory. During this time, students will learn about the following:
- Restorative Justice
- After School Activities and Clubs
They will also participate in a Community Team Builder.
Thursday and Friday, we will follow the Regular (Non-Advisory) Bell Schedule.
Some Logistics about Lunch - Parents Please Share with your Students
Parents, please remember that we do not allow the outside deliver of food to the school and we prefer that this include parents dropping off lunch to the main office. Of course, the exception is if your child forgets to bring a prepacked lunch. For health and safety reasons, we are working to limit any unnecessary visitors to the school.
Homeroom teachers will review lunch expectations with students on the first day of school.
Students are permitted to eat lunch in all areas of the building except in classrooms and spaces that have been restricted due to safety concerns (ie. CTE classrooms, some science classrooms, sections of the media center, stairwells, etc.).
Students may hang out in the gym bleachers, but they may not eat in the gym.
Students are encouraged to eat lunch in the following areas:
Cafeteria
Cafeteria and Media Center Outdoor Courtyards (weather permitting)
Specified spaces in the Media Center
Long Hallway in front of the Media Center
Teacher permitted classrooms
Stadium (weather permitting)
Teachers have been encouraged to invite students to eat in their classrooms especially for the following purposes:
Academic Support
Lunch Bunch
Club Meetings
Hot and cold meals will once again be served in the cafeteria. Students will not be charged for meals this year, but starting in a few weeks, we will ask students to enter their Personalized Identification Numbers (PIN) so we can track the amounts being served.
During the first week or two of school every year, cafeteria lines are ALWAYS much longer then what will become the norm. This is because, in addition to buying lunch, students are all trying to figure out who they will sit with, where they will sit, what friends they want to hang out with, and which classrooms or clubs they want to participate in during the time available. You may want to encourage your students to bring their lunch during the first week or two until we all settle into a routine, but if they cannot, we will make sure they have time to get through the long lines and to eat their meals.
Students are asked to exercise patience. Our cafeteria staff is an experienced one and they will make sure your kids get to eat.
Updates from Athletics
Good afternoon SVHS Fall student athletes and Parent Guardians,
As we approach the end of the week three of fall sports, and near our first contests, starting as early as next Friday, we wanted to share some important information.
If you are receiving this email, your student athlete is officially on a Fall Sports roster.
Being a student athletes comes with great responsibility and expectations. I have spoken to all of our student athletes and made them aware of are expectations and guidelines. In order to make sure we have all of our stake holders on the same page, this email contains some important information for the year as well as some important upcoming important dates:
PICTURE DAY:
Varsity and JV Football- will take their pictures (green uniforms) tomorrow at 10 am at the stadium.
Our other Fall sports will take their pictures, Wednesday, September 1st, starting at 3 pm.
All teams will wear green. Please note the schedule below.
Picture Order:
- 3:00 pm-3:10 pm- Golf
- 3:10 pm- 3:25 pm- Varsity Boys Soccer
- 3:25 pm-3:35 pm- JV Cheerleading
- 3:35 pm – 3:50 pm- V Cheerleading
- 3:50 pm- 4:00 pm- Field Hockey
- 4:00 pm-4:10 pm- Cross Country
- 4:10 pm- 4:25 pm- JV Volleyball
- 4:25 pm-4:40 pm- Varsity Volleyball
- 4:40 pm-4:55 pm- JV Boys Soccer
- 4:55 pm- 5:05 pm- Poms
- 5:05 pm- 5:15 pm- JV girls Soccer
- 5:15 pm-5:30 pm- Varsity Girls Soccer
On that same day- all teams will be taking a few minutes to kick off our annual email fundraiser. Student Athletes should come with their email sheets filled out, coaches should have provided.
MEET THE COACHES NIGHT
We will have our Fall meet the coach night on Wednesday September 1st at 6:30 pm
Unfortunately due to changes in MCPS policies, we will need to have this as an all virtual event.
Though this will be virtual, all student athletes and parent/guardians will have the opportunity to interact with all of their coaches as well as have all important athletic department information shared to them by Athletic Director Jesse Irvin.
The night will go as follows:
At 6:30 Student athletes and parent/guardians will log onto a zoom webinar where they will be able to listen to a presentation by the Athletic department. Their will be a question and answer session included as well.
Zoom webinar
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/s/83635344522
Or join webinar with the following methods
Phone one-tap: US: +13017158592,,83635344522# or +13126266799,,83635344522#
Join by Telephone
For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.
Dial:
US : +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128
Webinar ID: 836 3534 4522
At approximately 7:15- you will then go to a Google Meet session with your specific coach. During that time, you will be able to log on with any email or call in using the information below. The coaches will share with you very important information regarding the season.
It is extremely important that we have all parent/guardians in attendance to make sure that everyone understands the rules and expectations for the season.
We look forward to talking with everyone.
OFFICIAL STADIUM OPENING
On Friday, September 4th, we will “officially” open our stadium with several activities to help honor our student athletes. Gates will open for that evenings football game at 4:30 pm. Kick off is set for 7 pm.
At 5:30 pm- will be recognizing all of our fall teams, by making an announcement and having them walk down on the track for the fans. All fall student athletes will then receive free admission to that evening's game. We encourage you to come out and support our student athletes and enjoy our first “official” game in our new stadium. Please note that parent/guardians of fall student athletes will be charged attendance.
At 6:30 pm, we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony and officially open Al Thomas Memorial Stadium and Wayne Whigham Field.
ASSISTANCE NEEDED:
- The Seneca Valley Athletic Department is looking for adults to be trained on how to run the scoreboard as well as announcing games. If interested, please contact Athletic Director Jesse Irvin
SEASON GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS:
The following items will be reviewed during the sessions, but the Athletic Department wants to make sure that everyone is aware. Please use this link for our Parent/Guardian Student Athlete Handbook.
Academics:
- We will monitor the student athletes academics and work with them alongside their parent/guardian to aid in them being successful. It is expected that student athletes perform at a high level. Failure to keep up with the academic rigor put on them by the school, may lead to the their removal from the team.
- We have multiple instructional aides in place to assist our student athletes
- Specifically- each day (MON-THUR) we offer a study hall specific for those students involved in extra-curricular activities from 2:45-4:15. Student athletes should contact their coach if interested and this will be a controlled environment in which student athletes must be working and it is not a place to hang out or kill time until practice.
Supervision:
- Student athletes are required to be reasonably supervised while attending Seneca Valley High School, before, during and after school.
- Student athletes are not permitted inside the building without direct supervision of a certified coach after 3 pm. Any student who is in the building after 3 pm, will be asked to leave and their status on their sports team will be reevaluated. This is a strictly enforced policy and helps us enforce our policy of keeping our student athletes safe while on school grounds. Your assistance in making sure student athletes are picked up on time and dropped off on time is imperative to making this system work
Attendance Policy:
- Student athletes are expected to attend all 7 classes a day and be on time to school and each class
- If a student misses a class- that is not excused by a doctors note- they will NOT BE ABLE to participate in that evenings practice/games.
- A parent note WILL NOT be accepted.
- Students who do not attend on a regular basis- may be removed from the team’s roster
- Students are to attend practice each day. Unexcused absence may lead to the coach following the criteria below
- Student are expected to be in class on time each day
- 1st Offense- Conference between coach and team member where coach determined appropriate action to make up for lost practice session
- 2nd Offense- Suspension from next practice session or contest
- 3rd Offense- Dismissal from team
- Student are expected to be in class on time each day
- Multiple tardiness will lead to removal from the team
- This will be strictly enforced
Behavior Policy:
- We expect our student athletes to handle themselves appropriately and be the leaders of the school. Setting the example as role models for how to conduct themselves on and off of the player surface and in the classroom.
- We have a strict 3-strike policy
- 1st offense - conference between coach and team member where coach determines appropriate level of action.
- 2nd offense - minimum suspension from next session or contest.
- 3rd offense - dismissal from the team.
- Please have a conversation with your student athlete and make sure they understand expectations
Conduct on the playing surface:
- We expect our student athletes to represent themselves, their team and their school appropriately at all times.
- Excessive taunting, multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will not be accepted.
- Ejections from games are automatic game suspensions for the next game per MPSSAA rules
- And their status on the team will be evaluated
- Appropriate language should be used at all times and vulgar language and racial epithets will not be tolerated
FAN BEHAVIOR:
- Fans are expected at all times to handle themselves appropriately and respect all aspects of the game, including student athletes from both teams, coaches, officials, fans and game staff. Failure to adhere to this policy WILL lead to your removal from the event. We have a zero tolerance policy for fans.
- If at anytime during the course of an event- the focus is on a fan in the stands, that fan will be removed.
We look forward to having you all in attendance at our athletic events this year and cannot wait to get started.
Look forward to talking to you on Wednesday and Go Screaming Eagles!!
Visit our College and Career Center
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center:
Naviance - Seniors
Class of 2022 students are now officially seniors in Naviance! As some of you already know, Naviance is an important part of applying to colleges. Through Naviance, you can request letters of recommendation, request transcripts, and complete other key parts of your college applications. You should begin familiarizing yourself with Naviance and start working on the SVHS College Application Packet document. This document is a step-by-step guide to applying to colleges.
Feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor if you have any questions.
College Application Fee Waiver News - Seniors
Hampton University Free Online Application will be available during the month of August 2021
Click for more information and how to apply: http://admissions.hamptonu.edu/page/Admission-Requirements-for-Freshman-Students
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:
- Online Application
- Fee waiver code-(DBPC)
College Representative Visits at SVHS - Juniors & Seniors
Students interested in participating in college visits should register in Naviance. The list of college visits is available in Naviance or on the link below. Visit dates can also be seen on the SVHS College & Career Center Calendar.
To attend a college visit, students must clear their absence from class with their teacher ONE WEEK ahead of time. It is the responsibility of each student to make-up any work you may miss.
Before signing up, ask yourself: Does the college have your major? Can you afford to miss class that day to attend? How many visits have you already made this week?
Unless noted, visits will take place in the College & Career Center, Room #2113.
College Testing - Juniors & Seniors
Anyone interested in taking the ACT or SAT this year, please visit our ‘College Testing’ page on College & Career Center website for more information:
If you qualify and need a waiver to test for free, reach out to Mr. Nalda. Unsure if you qualify for a waiver? Reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor for assistance.
Upcoming Scholarships
- August 31 - Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship - 5-$2,000 awards; high school and college students, all levels, with a dedicated passion for conservation, sustainability, environmental policy, or preservation for the Earth; 500-800 word essay; pictures/videos/media showing your leadership in action; color headshot; academic resume; current transcript (can be official or unofficial); educator recommendation.
- August 31 - College is Power Scholarship - $1,000 award; senior; 17 years or older; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; write a short essay of no more than 150 words about your goal for going to school.
- September 15 -Notorious RBG Women Of Tomorrow Scholarship - 10-$1,000 awards; rising high school students graduating in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025, and recently graduated 2021 seniors (female-identified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, however applicants of any gender are eligible!); 500-800 word essay; pictures/videos/media showing your leadership in action; color headshot; academic resume; current transcript (can be official or unofficial); educator recommendation.
- September 15 - The Gates Scholarship - top 300 students receive funding for full cost of attendance; this is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; from at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American; min 3.3 GPA; financial need; Pell-eligible; must enroll full-time in a four-year degree program; outstanding academic record; demonstrated leadership ability; personal success skills.
- September 17 - We The Future Contest - 1-$1,000 award for each project categories; grades 9-12; ages 14-19 at time of entry; U.S. Cit. or legal res.; submit an original work one of the following about America: essay, song, STEM, short film, or PSA; see link for full rules and guidelines.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Upcoming Events
NACAC Virtual College Fair - August 29
Featuring college advisers from hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide. Sign up now for free!
Don’t miss these one-day events! Drop in on Zoom sessions from all of your favorite colleges… without leaving home. You’ll hear about programs and majors, scholarships, student life,and more. View videos, ask chat questions, and explore your options. Sign up now to get started on your college dreams!
For more information and to register:
§ Registration: https://virtualcollegefairs.org/
§ Click here for the flyer / Click this flyer to see all 2021-22 NACAC Fair Dates
§ How-To Video - This short video provides an overview of how students can make the most of their virtualcollegefairs.org experience.
§ Quick Start Guide - This one-page quick start guide describes the major features of virtualcollegefairs.org.
Financial Aid Night for Seniors & Parents - September 23
Are your first two years of college really free in Maryland? This webinar will not only introduce the concepts of financial aid and scholarships to your students and their parents, but we will also explore key deadline dates, MD State grants, and Institutional scholarships. We will give a general overview of options for paying for college. There will also be a live question and answer period afterward.
§ Sept 23rd, 6 to 7:30 pm
§ Presented by Montgomery College - Online via Zoom Webinar
Student Government (SGA) & Class Officers Needed!
Join the Girls of Color Alliance!
Chess Boards and Donations for SADD
In addition, Students Against Destructive Decisions is restarting this year after some time off. We are in need of donations of safety pins and red ribbon. These items can also be dropped off to Mrs. Gardner in room 2118, or the main office.
Thank you for supporting our students as they reach beyond the classroom to learn.
Clubs and Activities
Seneca Valley is excited to offer our students variety of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities: from athletics to arts to STEM, there is something for all interest and skill levels. Check out our extracurriculars list and make a plan to contract the sponsor(s) of the activities that pique your interest.
Click here to be taken to our current list of activities. And remember, if you don't see something that interests you, you can always start a club yourself. For more information about how to do so, please contact Ms. Monique Riddick in our Business and Finance Office.
Legacy Brick Sale
Order a custom engraved brick to be installed by the ticket booth on the stadium plaza. Mark your place in Seneca Valley history.
Bricks can be purchased for students, alumni, staff, coaches, clubs, or teams. Bricks will be engraved exactly as ordered - be mindful of spelling!
Payment is available on this webstore by PayPal, Credit, or Debit. If you select "Pay with Credit or Debit", you will see a PayPal guest page to enter your card numbers. (Having a PayPal account is not required to complete the purchase.)
Thank you for your purchase! When we sell a large quantity, we will place the order then install the batch.
Please order your Class of...T-Shirt. 100% of the profits from this fundraiser go to supporting your child's graduating class.
These Official Class T-shirts are only available for a limited time, so please act soon if you want one for your student.
School Administration
Click here to learn about each member of our administrative team. Please make note of your specific administrator. You can reach out to your administrator in regards to any items and/or concerns.
School Counselors
Click here to find out who your child's counselor is and how to reach them. To learn about the rest of our counseling services team, please visit our counseling services website.
MCPS Code of Conduct and Student Rights & Responsibilities
The MCPS Code of Conduct and A Student's Guide to Rights & Responsibilities will be distributed to all students in September. They are also online at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights.
Wellness Resources
The safety and wellness of our students remains a top priority. Below are resources to support the physical, social and psychological well-being of our community. If you believe your child is in crisis, please contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. Students can also reach out to their counselor and school psychologist to set up a confidential appointment.
Waymaking Video Series
- Suicide Awareness
- Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
- Managing Stress and Anxiety during Social Distancing
Tips on Addressing Student Grief
Tips for Preventing Youth Suicide
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!
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