Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
September 26-September 30
Dear Silver Creek Families
We look forward to another great week of school. There is no school tomorrow, Monday, September 26 for students and teachers. There is also an early release day this Friday, September 30. Students will be dismissed at12:30 pm.
As a reminder, Q1 interims are October 7. Please continue to check ParentVue for your child's academic progress and reach out with any questions you may have. Also, encourage your child to seek help from their teacher and/or make up any missing assignments so they can maintain good standing in their classes. We are here to help support students' efforts and to make sure they are successful.
In the newsletter, the section with an * has 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!
*Latest MCPS Message: Things to Know
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)
Recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month- September 15- October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
During this month, students will participate in an MYP activity to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by:
Acquiring knowledge about ways to respectfully celebrate Hispanic Heritage & Culture
Identifying elements of our No Place for Hate Pledge that demonstrates an appreciation for Hispanic Heritage & Culture
Additional information can be found at US Department of Education:
https://sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/national-hispanic-heritage-month/
*Silver Creek News (SCN)!
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, September 23, 2022 to hear upcoming news & events.
*MAP testing- October 11 & October 12
- MAP math will be on October 11
- MAP Reading will be on October 12
Please make sure your child brings their school-issued chromebook to take the test and that it is charged the night before. You may find the bell schedule for testing located below:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/testing_1?authuser=0
If you have any questions about testing, please contact Mr. David O'Shell, assistant principal, at David_O'Shell@mcpsmd.org
*Back To School Night Q&A
We had a very successful Back to School Night on September 15th. The turn out was wonderful and it was exciting to see everyone in person again. If you were not able to join us, we have linked our general session presentation below.
We have also linked a Q & A document to share responses to the questions we received via our Back to School Night Survey. Lastly, teachers will be posting their individual course presentations to their myMCPS classrooms or sending them out as an “Announcement.” If you have any specific course specific questions feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.
BTSN General Session Presentation
BTSN General Session Presentation (Spanish)
Husky P.A.W.S. (Spanish)
*Counseling Lessons
Looking ahead: Counselors will be going through PE to do the PBSL lessons the week of October 19 - 28. The lessons are known as Personal Body Safety Lessons and their purpose is to help students to:
- Develop knowledge, decision making skills, and behaviors which promote safe living in the home, school, and community;
- Learn skills for self-protection and identifying child abuse and neglect;
- Learn skills for asking for help for self and others and practice reporting to a trusted adult; and
- Engage in positive and appropriate interactions with peers and adults.
Family Life Parent Meeting- This week, Tuesday, September 27
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lansing, PE/Health Content Specialist, at Michael_T_Lansing@mcpsmd.org
Media Moment
Empathy is Everything Book Discussions: This week starts our summer reading book chats. All students are invited to these student-led lunch book discussions, and can sign up on the LMC website HERE. Each week, we'll feature a different summer reading book. See flyer for dates.
Please check out the link here for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13N9vVNquuDPGMlXBv15CLASN1L1VQhh1/view?usp=sharing
Message from the Husky Cafe
We have began selling snacks last week. Cookies and Ice cream will be the first snacks sold with additional options added later. Students will need to have money in their lunch accounts in order to purchase snacks.
- Cash or checks (made out to SCMS) are accepted in the cafeteria. Students should bring this money to the cafeteria manager, Ms. Shawn'Tesa Foreman, first thing in the morning so it can be added to their account prior to lunch.
- Any credit card payments must be made online.
- Snacks will be sold to 8th grade on Tuesdays, 7th grade on Wednesdays and 6th grade on Thursdays. The days that snacks are available will increase once everyone is familiar with the new process.
If you have any questions feel free to email Ms. Foreman at Shawntesa_G_Forwman@mcpsmd.org.
After School Activities
After school activities have started! After school activities will run from Tuesday, September 13 through Thursday, May 25 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 is posted here in the Extracurricular Activities Brochure.
The date and times are listed under each activity. There is no need to register & students can register throughout the school year. Students may stay after school and meet in the location noted under the activity. 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 sponsor to ride the bus.
Any questions related to after school activities, please contact Ms. Carman at Claudia_Carman@mcpsmd.org.
PARENT RESOURCES
Principal Coffee
We are excited to have monthly principal coffees once a month on Fridays from 8:30-9:10 am. Principal Coffees will begin Friday, October 21. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being. More information will come out soon.
Counselor News & Updates
Parents - Our wonderful PTSA has created a pantry for students to take food home over the weekend. If you would like your child to be a part of this program, you need to fill out the Husky Help form. If you did not see the Husky Help form last week, please send your student to counseling to get a form.
There are other programs you may also sign up for on that form including a winter coat, book fair coupon and winter holiday help. Please contact your student's counselor if you have additional questions.
You may find the counseling website located below: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/school-counseling-team
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
*Message from the PTSA: Screenagers is coming to Silver Creek: Thursday, September 29
I know many of you struggle in striking a balance with your kids when it comes to cell phones, gaming and social media. So join the discussion... get some practical tips... and hear about the subject from the perspective of middle and high school kids.
Screenagers is coming to Silver Creek on Thursday, September 29 for a private viewing. “Screenagers” is a documentary film that can be watched by parents/guardians with their children. The one hour film will start at 7PM, and will be followed by a moderated discussion. Kids 5th grade and older are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians.
We are planning to extend this invitation to local elementary school families, but first want to make sure our Silver Creek families have an opportunity to reserve their seats. So please sign up now!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0f48aca92ea5f85-screenagers
Free and Reduced Meals
The application is open for parents and guardians to complete and submit for assistance with the cost of school meals. Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can apply for this service. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Beginning this year, students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for breakfast or lunch meals.
Important Dates to Remember
September 26- No school for students and teachers
September 27- Parent Information Meeting: Family Life & Human Sexuality Unit for Health Education, 6:00 PM
September 30- Early release day for students
October 5- No school for students and teachers
October 24- No school for students; professional day for teachers
Link to MCPS Calendar
Student Absence
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
Important Contacts
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- 3:30 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