Springbrook Weekly Digest
Welcome Back Letter for SY2023-2024
A Message from Ms. Valentine, Principal
Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family in good health and enjoying the remaining days of summer. Greetings to each member of our Springbrook community, and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! This year’s theme for our work is ‘We Are One!’ We are one family, one community, all headed in the same direction, yielding excellent student outcomes.
We live in a society that often projects societal norms upon its citizens. Using one lens to view our varied cultures and experiences leads to exclusionary practices that diminish the contributions, identities, and authenticity of all members of our global world. I am a firm believer in gathering the collective voice from stakeholders. During summer leadership, our school’s leadership team held thoughtful discussions with students and parents as we worked to analyze a variety of data sources during leadership week. The data included student, staff, and parent surveys; student eligibility performance, as well as student performance on district and external measures. Having reflected on this invaluable information, we collaborated and identified the following foci for this school year:
Meeting the needs of our linguistically diverse students
Building the capacity of all students to acquire academic language and thereby improve comprehension and critical thinking
Increasing student performance in the areas of math and literacy
Elevating anti-racist anti-bias practices to ensure students see themselves in the instruction, feel welcomed, and know they belong as a contributing member of Springbrook High School
This year, SBHS aims to foster an environment that cultivates an anti-bias anti-racist (ABAR) learning community. Creating an ABAR school culture will allow students to connect and thrive in a learning environment where all have a sense of belonging. To that end, students have the ability to shape their high school experience by taking intellectual risks, exploring new passions, and meeting new peers. In fact, our students’ distinct contributions to our school make Springbrook a spectacular place to flourish and grow.
Transitioning seamlessly is important, as students begin a new school or return to the same school the next school year. At the Brook, we aim to utilize multiple platforms of communication to ensure that timely updates reach all students, parents, and caregivers. We communicate the ‘Springbrook Experience’ using the following platforms:
1. The Springbrook Weekly Digest
This digital publication is the hub of information for our school. It provides information regarding news, updates, and changes related to Springbrook High School and may be translated into multiple languages. Every Sunday at 12:00 PM, students and staff receive an email message which includes the Springbrook Weekly Digest (SWD). Every Sunday evening at 5:00 PM, parents and caregivers receive a Blackboard Connect voice message and the same email message that includes the Springbrook Weekly Digest. Please be sure your email address and cellular number are updated in ParentVUE. For assistance with updating your information in ParentVUE, contact Ms. Nancy Oakley at Nancy_J_Oakley@mcpsmd.org or Ms. Veronica Anzures at Veronica_M_Espinozaanzures@mcpsmd.org.
2. Instagram
Instagram is used to communicate messages and share news about our SBHS community. Many Springbrook teams, clubs, and departments have their own Twitter accounts. Please contact them directly to inquire about specific Instagram handles.
Follow Principal Valentine@SpringbrookPrinc
3. Remind App
Staff will begin using the Remind App this fall. This phone-based messaging platform communicates to students and families in multiple languages. Again, please ensure that your cellular number is updated in ParentVUE.
4. Springbrook High School Web page
In addition to receiving information regarding Blue Devil news and events in the SWD, information will also be posted on the school web page - https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/springbrookhs.
5. Twitter/X
Twitter is used to communicate messages and share news about our SBHS community. Many Springbrook teams, clubs, and departments have their own Twitter accounts. Please contact
them directly to inquire about specific Twitter handles.
Here are a few handles:
Follow Principal Valentine @SBHSPrinc
Follow Athletics @BrookSports
Follow SGA @SpringbrookSGA
New Members of Our Leadership Team
As the principal, I am excited to embark upon the new school year. As a former teacher, counselor, and AP/IB Signature Coordinator at Springbrook High School, I am keenly aware of the rich traditions and history of this amazing school and plan to illuminate and embed these practices throughout the school year. This is my second year as the principal of Springbrook High School and I am energized by the new hires that will join the Blue Devil family this year.
- We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Stella McCuiston, former World Studies Content Specialist and MYP Coordinator at Silver Spring International Middle School, to our admin team. Ms. McCuiston will supervise the 11th grade, as well as the English and World Languages departments, among other responsibilities. She replaces Ms. Adrian Charley, who has become an appeals officer at the central office level.
- Additionally, Ms. Karen Greger is the new Resource Counselor of the SBHS Counseling Department.
- Ms. Nichole Kellerman joins Springbrook as the new Science Resource Teacher.
- Ms. Maria Peterson is the new World Languages Resource Teacher replacing Ms. Paula Martindill, who has become an assistant school administrator at Forest Oaks Middle School.
- Mr. Dennis Scott, formerly the Science Resource Teacher, has transitioned into his new role as Signature Program Resource Teacher.
- Ms. Mollie Serafini is the acting Technology Resource Teacher, replacing Ms. Gwen Filipiak, who has become an instructional specialist at the central office level.
- Mr. Brett Waghelstein is the new acting Resource Teacher of Special Education, replacing Teresa Dixon-Settles, who has become an assistant principal at Tilden Middle School.
We have four assistant principals supporting specific grade levels at SBHS. Please make note of the grade level administrator, should you have grade-specific questions or concerns.
Admin Team
Grade 12 Administrator - Class of 2024
Mr. Francis Gyimah
Grade 11 Administrator - Class of 2025
Ms. Stella McCuiston
Grade 10 Administrator - Class of 2026
Ms. Catherine Thompson
Catherine_M_Thompson@mcpsmd.org
Grade 09 Administrator - Class of 2027
Mr. John Weinshel
Additionally, there are nine school counselors in our counseling department. Counselors are assigned by student last names. Please email the counselor directly regarding any social-emotional, or mental health support, college and career guidance, or academic concerns.
School Counselors
Ms. Alexis Tanenbaum
A-CARC
Ms. Liza Kessler
CARN-FRI
Ms. Maureen Graham
FUA-KAK
Ms. Katrina Briggs
KAM-MUC
Ms. Alyssa Bower
MUH-RIP
Ms. Thania Torres
RIV-TESF, EML Level 3 (M-Z)
Ms. Anne Salzman
TESS-WEV
Ms. Karen Greger - Resource Counselor
WH-Z and LFI/SCB Programs
Ms. Myrta Molina
METS, EML Level 1, and EML Level 2 (A-L)
Important Upcoming Events at SBHS:
August 24 - 9th Grade and New Student Orientation & New Parent Orientation beginning at 7:25 AM
August 24 - Springbrook Back-to-School Block Party (on the field behind the concession stand) 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
August 28 - First Day of School
September 7 - Back to School Night at 6:30 PM
Warm regards,
Stephanie Valentine
Principal
Springbrook High School
Follow Principal Valentine on Instagram and Twitter
Twitter @SBHSPrinc
Advisory, Well-being, and Wellness
This year well-being and wellness opportunities for students and staff will be embedded during the quarter. More information regarding wellness and well-being periods will be provided in future issues of the Springbrook Weekly Digest.
Springbrook Athletics - Registration is Open for Fall Sports
Watch the video by clicking on the MCPS Tech Shorts image below to learn how to register student-athletes on ParentVUE.
Click here to access the Springbrook Athletic web page.
Upcoming Parent Information Meeting on Fall Sports
Contact Mr. Feher with any athletic questions. Mr. Feher's contact information:
- 240.740.3737 office
- 240.421.4421 mobile
- Daniel_Feher@mcpsmd.org
Attendance Guidelines
Absenteeism and truancy contribute to lost learning opportunities and have negative long-term consequences for students. We appreciate the significant role parents and caregivers play in their children's education. As a result, we are sharing this important information about attendance and tardy protocols:
Attendance
- Students should transition to period 1 at 7:40 AM. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.
- Parents and caregivers must write or email student excused notes to the attendance secretary, within three (3) days of a student's absence from school. Please contact Ms. Chantal Louis-Charles, attendance secretary, at Chantal_M_Louis-Charles@mcpsmd.org regarding attendance concerns.
- A physician's note is required for any student absence of five (5) or more days due to illness.
- Early dismissal notifications should be submitted to the attendance teller window prior to the start of school.
- Students who anticipate being absent should submit a note from their parent or caregiver to the attendance teller window, 48 hours prior to the day of the absence (college visits, school-related activities, religious observances, etc.) College visits are limited to grade 11 and grade 12 students and may not exceed three (3) days per year.
- Students who participate in school sports teams and/or extracurricular activities must attend school all day in order to participate in sports teams and/or extracurricular events.
MSDE Guidelines
- To be in line with MSDE guidelines and other school districts in Maryland, MCPS will reduce the number of days from 15 to 10 for student withdrawal due to non-attendance; any student reaching ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absences will be withdrawn.
Tardy Policy
SBHS Back-to-School Block Party for All Staff and Families
- Meet staff, learn how to remain connected, and hear about engagement opportunities while having a meal or dessert from various food truck vendors.
Mark Your Calendars
Back to School Night will take place on September 7, 2023, at 6:30 PM. We plan on delivering a different experience in terms of the way you meet staff and learn about our instructional foci for the school year. Details will be shared on our web page and in an upcoming issue of the Springbrook Weekly Digest.
Prevention is Key
Bullying, harassment, or intimidation disrupts learning and can adversely affect academic achievement, emotional well-being, and school climate.
Please use the following links to prevent and report an incident (prevention and reporting form). Also, note that these reports are investigated in a confidential manner.
Bus Routes for School Year 2023-2024
Bus routes for the 2023-2024 school year are expected to be released by the MCPS Department of Transportation shortly. Once the routes are available, they will be posted on the SBHS school web page. Copies will also be available in the main office.
- It is essential for students, parents, and caregivers to be familiar with the MCPS Department of Transportation safety guidelines Ride by the Rules.
SBHS Personal Mobile Device Expectations
School non-instructional period and School transportation, including field trips:
Students may use their mobile devices during the following occasions:
- Before or after the instructional day
- During the transitional period between classes
- During the lunch block
- Riding to or from school or during school-sponsored activities on MCPS and /or chartered buses as long as the mobile device use does not impact the safe operation of the bus.
Classroom and Instructional period
Students may use their cellular devices during the following occasions:
- The teacher of the class allows the use of the phone in class
Guidelines and Protocol
If students do not comply with the established guidelines, the following process will be followed:
- Conversation held with the student using restorative practices
- Call parents or caregivers
- Teacher-level consequence
- Referral to administrator
Chromebook Distribution - Monday, August 21
Welcome to Your Senior Year Class of 2024
Ms. Sade Campbell, Folsade_Campbell@mcpsmd.org, Grade 12 sponsor
Ms. Sherrtya Campbell, Sherryta_J_Campbell@mcpsmd.org, Grade 12 sponsor
Mr. Francis Gyimah, Francis_I_Gyimah@mcpsmd.org, Grade 12 Administrator
Important Info:
1. Senior Packages
- Seniors will choose from 4 senior packages. Please click here to review the packages. Packages will be available in September 2023. Watch this space to learn when packages may be purchased.
2. Senior Shirts
- Seniors, purchase your senior shirts by going to https://www.schoolcashonline.com/ beginning August 15, 2023.
3. Senior Portrait Information
- Victor O'Neill Studios (VOS) is the official school photographer this school year.
- Senior portrait makeup photos will be held October 16-18 from 3:00 - 8:00 PM. A portrait link will be emailed to students, parents, and caregivers in early September. There is no cost for your yearbook photo.
- Click to view sample senior portrait images: Photos
- Click to see what to expect at your senior portrait session: Video
- For senior portrait questions, email VOS at seniors@vosphoto.com or call VOS photo at 703.532.0013.
3. Grade 12 Student Requests for Abbreviated Schedules
- Seniors sometimes make requests for abbreviated schedules. Request for abbreviated schedules will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for an abbreviated schedule, seniors must have met the SSL requirement for graduation.
PSAT Testing Information
Counselor Assignments and Resources Offered by the SBHS Counseling Team
The counseling department enthusiastically welcomes all staff, students, and families to the 2023-2024 school year. The counselors work with students and families to support social emotional, mental health, and substance abuse challenges while also supporting student academic needs. Please find the list of counselor assignments below as well as their email address information. Students are assigned to counselors by last name. Also, visit the SBHS Counseling and College and Career web pages for additional information.
Effective Communication is 2-Way
The home and school partnership is critical to our collective work to support our students, so effective home and school communication is essential. Our entire staff is available to answer questions and concerns.
Contact Us to Answer Questions
- Feel free to contact us at 240.740.3800; a main office representative looks forward to greeting you and assisting you.
- Because of the nature of our work to engage with and support students and educators, the best way to reach teachers, counselors, and administrators is by email. Our email addresses are available in the staff directory link on our web page. We ask you to give us minimally 24 hours to respond to your asks.
- Please do not hesitate to call or request to make an appointment.
- Parents and/or caregivers may ask that their students be excused from strenuous activities via a written note to the grade-level administrator requesting reasonable fasting accommodations as they relate to PE classes.
- Contact the main office at 240.740.3800 or email staff directly to request an appointment with a teacher, counselor, or administrator.
- Synergy - We use the Synergy platform to access Student Emergency Information. Your students' StudentVue and ParentVue information data informs the Synergy platform. Parents and caregivers, PLEASE use and monitor ParentVUE consistently.
- If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact Ms. Veronica Anzures at Veronica_M_EspinozaAnzures@mcpsmd.org.
- ParentVUE is the parent portal to MCPS Synergy Student Information. It is available in seven languages on both web and mobile devices. It is a secure way to access attendance, classes, grades, report cards, online school enrollment, athletic registration, and Synergy mail. Access ParentVUE here.
Information Pertaining to Healthcare, Medication, and School Immunizations
SBHS extends a warm greeting to our new school health services team:
- Ms. Janae Bosby, School Community Health Nurse
The health room staff will begin Monday, August 21, 2024. Health room staff will not monitor forms sent over the summer. Health room forms will be reviewed in August.
Health forms
- Health Inventory
- Medical Authorization Form
- Anaphylaxis Medication Form
- Asthma/Action Plan/Medication Form
- Dental Health Form
Medication Requirements
All prescription, over-the-counter, and emergency medications kept in the health room or self-carried by students require an authorization form that must be completed by a healthcare provider and parent/caregiver.
School Immunization Requirements
- All school immunization requirements are listed in COMAR 10.06.04 and are in effect beginning August 28, 2023.
- Students without the required vaccinations must demonstrate proof of vaccination, positive titer results, or proof of vaccination appointment (scheduled within 20 days from the date of temporary admittance to school).
- Grade 9 students need documentation of having two (2) doses of the varicella vaccine.
DHHS Immunization Clinic Locations
Asthma and Allergies
Parents and/or caregivers complete and submit the Student Asthma Management Plan (SAMP) and Allergy Form if your student has asthma and/or allergies. Please refer to the applicable sections above for forms and medication requirements.
Morning Arrival
- At 6:45 AM, MCPS buses begin dropping students off at school. Students wait in the main lobby, main hallway seating areas, and the auditorium until 7:00 A.M.
- At 7:00 AM, the cafeteria opens for breakfast. Students may eat in the main hallway seating areas and auditorium.
- At 7:25 AM, additional areas, such as the media center and other hallways, are available to students.
- At 7:40 AM, students transition to period 1. Instruction beings promptly at 7:45 AM. Instruction concludes at 8:31 AM; Morning Announcements are viewed in classes until 8:37 AM.
Parent Drop Off
- Parents and caregivers may drop students off beginning at 6:45 AM in the coned-off area next to the sidewalk. Students must enter using the main school entrance.
- Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have their students use MCPS transportation to arrive at school or drop their students at the on-site school drop-off area no later than 7:25 AM. Note that parent and caregiver drivers contribute to traffic congestion.
- All students are expected to be at SBHS all day unless they have been approved to leave school or leave school. Notes from parents and caregivers for late arrival and early dismissal must be submitted to the attendance teller window. Springbrook does not have an Open Lunch Policy.
- Students may purchase lunch from the cafeteria, bring food from home, use vending machines, or purchase items from the Springbrook Snack Shack.
- Students may enjoy their lunch in designated seating areas:
- hallway
- media center
- classrooms with a staff member who is supervising the space and given permission
- baseball field, tennis courts, or basketball court, weather permitting
- Apply online for free and reduced meals at MySchoolApps.com. Families must submit the required form each year.
- Click here to access an English video tutorial.
- Vea aquí un vídeo paso a paso en español sobre cómo completar la solicitud de FARMS.
- Breakfast: Regular Price - $1.30; Reduced Price - No Cost
- Lunch: Regular Price - $2.80; Reduced Price - No Vost
- Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals are not charged for meals.
Add Money to Student Accounts
- Go to www.myschoolbucks.com, and click on "Sign Up Today" to set up a lunch account for your student.
School menus and more information
- To view school menus and for more information regarding meal programs, click here.
- The Springbrook Snack Snack provides additional healthy snack offerings for students at the brook. The Snack Shack is located across from the main gym.
Incoming 9th-grade students, other students new to SBHS, and their parents and/or caregivers are asked to attend New Student Orientation or New Parent Orientation on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 7:40 - 11:30 AM.
- School buses will run their regular bus schedule; buses will depart SBHS at 11:30 AM.
Students will learn how to...
- Ascertain information regarding Signature Programs and additional Program Pathways
- Attend classes and meet your teachers
- Explore varied extracurricular activities
- Meet the fall coaches
- See cheerleader and marching band performances
- Understand when you will receive Chromebooks and Springbrook gear
New Parents will learn about...
- College Planning, Financial Aid and 529
- How We Communicate and Engage With Parents
- Social Emotional Awareness
- Substance Abuse Awareness and Social Media Responsibility
- Learn about the Springbrook Experience from our SBHS students
Students must apply for a parking permit; permits are assigned every semester. Parking is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked for failure to adhere to school policies. Students are not guaranteed a parking permit.
Applications are evaluated based on the following:
- absence of financial obligations
- classified as a 12th grader or 11th grader
- clear of any obligations
- participation in-school based supervised activities when activity buses are not available
- residing outside bus transportation boundaries
- having an unusual or imperative need
- satisfactory attendance, behavior, and sound academic standing
- Students must complete the Google form to apply for a permit after ensuring the above criteria is satisfied.
- Within two (2) days of receiving the application, responses will be sent to the student's mcpsmd.net email account.
- The parking permit fee is $78 for the year. The payment should be submitted using online school payment.
- Parking permits must be displayed in the vehicle hanging on the rear-view mirror with the number facing outward.
Permit holders are expected to follow the regulations noted below:
- Accessing a parked vehicle without permission from security or an administrator
- Exceeding reasonable speeds or driving recklessly.
- Leaving school grounds without permission, not signing in/out from the attendance office.
- Parking in handicapped designated parking areas without an official handicap permit.
- Parking on school grounds not designated for student parking.
- Transferring permits to non-registered vehicles.
- Unauthorized transportation of other students off school grounds during the school day.
- Using parking spaces designated for staff, visitors, marked as reserved, or the bus lane during the school day.
- Violations of the school discipline policy.
PTSA and NAACP
Thanks to the PTSA and NAACP Liaison for their tireless efforts in ensuring that SBHS is a PTA School of Excellence! The PTSA and NAACP Liaison work collaboratively to unite our community, parents, staff, and local businesses to support student achievement in all areas. The PTSA wants to recruit active parents and caregivers that will work to impact change, thereby creating the optimal school for students. Meetings occur at 6:30 PM every third Tuesday of the month. All are welcome! Click here to join the PTSA. The PTSA provides resources, fundraises for the school, and advocates for the SBHS Community.
Athletic Boosters
The Athletic Boosters is a volunteer group of interested parents and/or caregivers who support all athletic-related activities at SBHS. The Athletic Booster Club fundraises and provides financial support, and services to athletic teams that may not be able to be provided through the usual school structures. For more information regarding meetings and involvement, contact Mr. Daniel Feher, athletic specialist, at Daniel_Feher@mcpsmd.org.
Instrumental Music Boosters
The Instrumental Music Boosters (IMB) is an organization of parents, staff, and interested community members, who work collaboratively to benefit the Springbrook Music Program. IMB organizes fundraising activities and supports field trips, competitions, and performances. For more information regarding meetings and involvement, contact Ms. Irene Guggenheim-Triana, instrumental band teacher, at Irene_E_Guggendheim-triana@mcpsmd.org.
Safety is extremely important to our Blue Devil Community!
Blue Devils, please remember the SBHS See Something, Say Something Initiative. If you've seen something concerning at school, please use this QR code to report the incident. Providing details, location, and timeframe is really helpful.Please review and update your student's emergency contact information.
Each year parents and/or caregivers are asked to complete the Annual Verification of emergency information through the Online Registration portal (see the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). It is critical that SBHS has accurate parent contact information on file. Please update this important information prior to school starting.Links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.
2023 Summer MCPS SSL Information
Summer is a wonderful time for students to engage in SSL opportunities and earn SSL hours toward meeting or exceeding the 75-hour state graduation requirement! Parents and caregivers, please have your student submit all summer SSL hours using the forms listed below to Ms. Latrice Curtis, SSL Coordinator at Latrice_C_Curtis@mcpsmd.org.
MCPS Form 560-51:
SSL Activity Verification Form
Used to verify and document SSL hours after service is completed
Student and supervisor must complete the form
SSL Activity Verification Forms (https://bit.ly/SSLReflection) for service completed after June 1, 2023, should be submitted to your school’s SSL coordinator when schools resume in the fall.
MCPS Form 560-50:
Individual SSL Request Form
Used to obtain pre-approval prior to service with a nonprofit organization not listed on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) website
To request pre-approval for service, please complete https://bit.ly/SSLPreApproval -- for in-person service, submit this form to your school’s SSL coordinator; for virtual/remote service or service to be completed during the summer, submit this form to SSL@mcpsmd.org
Student SSL Records on Student/ParentVUE
Step-by-step directions for viewing a student’s full SSL record
Step-by-step directions may be found at https://bit.ly/SSLonVUE
MCPS SSL Hub for Students
Find SSL forms, translated resources, SSL guidelines, and much more!
Check out SSL forms, resources, and guidelines at https://bit.ly/SSLHubMCPS
College Board
Click here to review the criteria for College Board.
ACT
Please click here to learn about the process for submitting a request for ACT accommodations and English Language Support.
- Please note, the College Board and ACT grant approval for testing accommodations related to college entrance examinations. College Board requires psychological testing that has occurred within the latest three years of schooling.
Please contact Ms. Karen Greger, School Resource Counselor, at Karen_L_Greger@mcpsmd.org or at 240.740.3750 for more information regarding College Board and ACT testing accommodations.
Springbrook High School
Email: Stephanie_Z_Valentine@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/springbrookhs/
Location: 201 Valley Brook Drive, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-3800
Twitter: @SBHSPrinc