Thunderblast Weekly
September 27, 2020
Overview
I know if we stay the course, work together, assume good intentions, and show steady improvement, we will look back at this struggle as one of our greatest successes. It is not easy. Harder than I have ever seen in my career. We have all the right ingredients to succeed. We are stronger together.
Important Information
Communication has never been more important than it is now. Every level of frustration is valid and the only thing that can help is reaching out and problem-solving together. Pinpoint the specific class and see what the teacher thinks. If it is a more pervasive problem, ask the grade level counselor or dean for advice. I am always here for a phone call and/ or meeting. Please know that strong communication will be our greatest asset.
Family Survey: I am hoping you will fill this out and share some things you are interested in as a family, as well as some things that might be causing trouble so we can continue to focus our efforts. English Survey here. Spanish Survey here.
Counseling and United Mental Health Team updates click here.
Monday’s Schedule
MAP testing and Permission Click attendance through advisory. We will give all directions at 9:00 AM.
Remember, the test is designed for students to get 50% wrong. It will be approximately 55 questions and should take on average between 75 and 90 minutes. We encourage students to take breaks.
Monday Office Hours
1:00-2:00 Math, SS, World Language, FACS, Tech Ed, Art
2:00-3:00 English, Science, Health & PE, Music
Parent Coffee/ Student Cocoa: We tried to tackle so many issues on Friday. See the recording here. All concerns mentioned are valid and we are in the process of making improvements. I will continue to ask that we assume good intentions while we are learning. There will be a similar cocoa/ coffee this Wednesday at this meet with Dr. Wakefield for 6th graders. Add anything regarding 6th grade in this Q & A.
Cameras: We’re still working on this one. Please help us by talking it out as a family. The entire classroom dynamic changes when everyone is on camera and participating. We know every situation is different, so if you are definitely against it as a family, please let your counselor know.
Stylus: Most 6th graders have newer chromebooks and you can’t use a pencil on them. We have purchased stylus’ for anyone who wants to come by and get one. Ms. Cripps will be out front from 3:00-5:00 PM Monday and Wednesday to help distribute.
PBIS
Student of the Week (Chick-Fil-A coming your way!)
8th Grade- Daisha Burrill, THANK YOU for taking ownership in your classes by participating regularly and working through some tough answers!
7th Grade- Emaan Danish, THANK YOU for showing confidence in your classes by helping other students!
6th Grade- Isabella Deaso, THANK YOU for showing respect by always being on time to class and ownership by responding verbally on camera regularly.
Staff of the Week
Ms. Lucio and Ms. Ballentine, THANK YOU for always calling and reaching out to so many of our families and helping me with my Spanish!
Ms. Houchens, THANK YOU for your leadership and positivity with your students and teammates!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Click here.
Call Main Office- 571-434-4420 (least preferred option)
Student Participation
Cameras, unmuting and speaking, timeliness, and reduced screen time are all integral to our success. Interacting and collaborating with students virtually is our greatest difficulty right now. As we look to reduce screen time now that processes are in place and we know our students better, time management and communication are key.
PTO Corner
Welcome All 6th Grade Seneca Ridge Families to the PTO!! Welcome Back to all returning 7th and 8th grade families!
Right now, more than ever, we need your support to keep our PTO strong and visible for our Seneca Ridge Community. Please consider a tax-deductible donation with your membership by clicking HERE.
We're really hoping to build a STRONG foundation for our teachers and staff at Seneca Ridge and all your donations help us to appreciate our teachers, fund programs for our kids and help us all get through these unprecedented times.
We're hoping you'll join our next meeting October 21st from 6-7pm to share your ideas about how to make our community stronger! For a list of this year's meeting dates and instructions on how to connect virtually, visit our website.
Don't have time for a meeting but still want to support the PTO?
- Download the Boxtops for Education app and scan your grocery receipts
- Link your Amazon account to Amazon Smile and earn money for Seneca while you shop
- Order gear to show your school spirit HERE
Technology Support
Call (571) 252-2112
Check us out!
Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/30563
Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-4420
Twitter: @SRMS_Official