Thunderblast 2023
Being CONFIDENT & Taking Academic Risks- Oct 1, 2023
When I heard about this, I had to open the blast with this article. If you don't feel like reading the article, here are the cliff notes:
- A 10 and 11-year-old brother/sister duo stole their mother's car because she took away their technology.
- Cell phones and technology are extremely addictive for everyone... especially in middle school.
- We will continue to work with you as a home-school partnership to monitor, educate, and regulate technology use both in the classroom and at home.
- If you continue to read the news, you will probably see that our beloved home team is still undefeated and on top of the NFC East... I'm going to take a lot of heat if that isn't the case since I wrote this on Saturday.... but hey, let's take a risk :)
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/23/us/florida-children-steal-mothers-car/index.html Jamiel Lynch and Jennifer Henderson, CNN Published 7:42 PM EDT, Sat September 23, 2023
Virtual Parent Coffee- Save the Date
I look forward to seeing you, presenting some information about trends and patterns we are seeing in the first quarter, and answering all of your questions at the October 13th Virtual Parent Coffee from 11:00 to 11:45 AM.
PE Uniforms have Arrived!
We have finally received our PE uniforms. We started handing out the pre-sold uniforms Friday, September 29 and will continue on Monday, October 2. I can't believe it is October already! We will start selling the rest of the uniforms beginning Tuesday, October 3rd. Uniforms are $8.25. You can pay with a check or cash. Please help us out by bringing the exact amount. Thank you to everyone for being patient during this time. We have had several students asking when they would arrive.
Bounty Of Books
Don't you love that feeling when you are reading and that becomes all you can think of? Get lost in one (or more) of the great books we have online. Any questions, feel free to email our librarian <Toby.Abrahamsen@lcps.org>
X STEM NOVA (non-LCPS event)
X-STEM NOVA is in a NEW venue this year at the National Conference Center in Leesburg on October 20th!
When: October 20, 2023, 9:30AM-2:00PM
Where: The National Conference Center, Leesburg, VA
Who Should Attend: Middle & High School Students (grades 6-12)
How to Attend: Advance Registration is Required - there is NO COST to attend.
Parking for cars and school buses is FREE. Bus grants may be available, reply to this email to apply.
X-STEM is a FREE conference for middle and high school students featuring inspiring presentations and hands-on workshops from an exclusive and diverse group of STEM role models. X-STEM has been an annual event held in Washington, DC since 2014, and we are pleased to bring this educational opportunity back to students in NOVA thanks to our presenting partner the U.S Air Force and workshop partners Amazon Web Services, Maximus and the U.S. Space Force.
This year’s speakers include the Smithsonian’s chief scientist, a NASA engineer, a Grammy-nominated musical artist who is also an aerospace engineer, and more! Check out the full speaker and workshop lineup here.
Watch this video to see what X-STEM is all about. Check out scenes from last year’s X-STEM in San Diego here.
What to Expect at X-STEM:
Attendees will be inspired by presentations from leading STEM role models, participate in Q&A sessions, learn by doing hands-on workshops, and interact with students from all over the region while learning about exciting career opportunities in STEM!
Space is very limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. REGISTER your class today to reserve seats for your students!
Please reach out if you have any questions about X-STEM. We would be happy to schedule a brief call at your convenience.
Thomas Jefferson High School
Science & Technology Community Info Night
What: Presentation to inform families on TJHSST's application process
Where: Seneca Ridge, Auditorium
When: October 3rd 6-7pm
Speaking of STEM...
Ms. Vaughn's Foundation of Algebra students last week learned how to create a quiz game using Scratch and integrating Computer Science standards. All questions were related to converting numbers to and from scientific notation challenging our students' critical thinking capabilities.
Battle of Route 7- Final Tryouts Tomorrow
Clubs, Activities, & Intramurals
Everything is in full swing. Students take their own attendance by signing up with a QR code on their phone or chromebook at the end of the day prior to going to their clubs. This helps us ensure EACH student is accounted for and safe. Our intramural flag football program is off to a great start and is being highlighted by the division as an example of how impactful this pilot can be for student connections. In addition, the attached picture is of Battle of Rt 7 tryouts. I love the participation!
*Kenpo Karate will be canceled this Monday.
Dominion High School Homecoming Parade
Friday night should be a great night. Come out and enjoy the parade around 5:00 PM. Floats will be starting at Meadowland and working their way to Seneca Ridge Drive and Augusta. It will be a great night with Dominion Football to follow if you are interested!
Wear all pink on October 4th for Seneca’s Pink Out to support Breast Cancer Awareness.
Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT)
Seneca’s UMHT: One of our goals is to provide families with information on community resources, access to basic needs, mental health/crisis counseling, reducing stress/anxiety, substance abuse resources, and resources to support learning. Please feel free to access the resources below as needed.
PBIS - Student of the Week
Congrats to this week's PBIS and Attendance winners this week!
Eleanor Beyhl 6
Elhama Hemzalea 7
Javier Duenas Ortiz 8
Carlos Henriquez Lopez 6
Audra Vallejo 7
Akio Takase 8
Reese Hymel 6
Cynthia "Jazmin" Luna Ronquillo 7
Tasneem Moiz 8
PBIS - Staff Of The Week
Ms. O'Donovan has been a positive force with our 8th grade math collaborative team taking on Geometry and Algebra I this year. When we began clubs, she had 15 students staying for extra help on the first day. Thank you for being so accessible, upbeat, and a great teammate, Ms. O'Donovan.
PTO Corner
BATTLE OF ROUTE 7
We are so excited for this whole school event in a few weeks. We are seeking volunteers for concession stand, please sign-up at this link . This is a great way to work together, support our students and PTO, and see our students and staff in action on one of our biggest events of the year!
SPONSORS ARE WELCOME!
Your sponsorship helps us giving back to our teachers and students is various ways -
Teacher Appreciation & Snack Carts!
Clubs and Activities for our kids!
School events!
Donations are welcome! Please contact Julie Garrett at staffappreciation@srmspto.org to learn more!
Next PTO Meeting... this week!
Please join us on October 4th at 9 am in the SRMS learning lounge.
Join Us!
Parents, this is a great opportunity for you to feel comfortable here and support our students!
Following PTO positions are open and in need of your participation- (If you need details on what these positions do, please contact Saira Sufi- sairasufi@gmail.com)
Fundraising Chair, needed immediately... we spoke about some great easy ideas on Wednesday.
Battle of Route 7 Chair, needed ASAP! The event is on Oct 20th!! The school takes care of the soccer event. We just need help with concessions, which is a great fundraiser for the PTO.
Bolt Sign Chair- Support 8th Grade Promotion
Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee Chair (MSAAC)
ORDER YOUR SPIRITWEAR HERE!
Reminders from Previous Newsletters
Canned Food Drive
Fly Eagles Fly??? Go Phightin' Phils!
📨 Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
💻 Website: Seneca Ridge Middle School
🏫 Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
☎️ Phone: 571-434-4420