SSIMS Weekly Newsletter

Week of January 30 - February 3, 2023

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Table of Contents

Internationally Speaking, with Principal Bryant

Schedule for the Week of January 30 - Feb. 3

Looking Forward to 2023-2024

8th Grade HS Counselor Visits

Boys and Girls Soccer Registration

Save the Date! Winter Fling Dance in the Field House

Fundraising Opportunities

Jag Calendar - January & February

ParentVue

Past Newsletter Links

Internationally Speaking, with Principal Bryant

Dear Silver Spring International Families,


Let's talk safety...


This week we have taken several steps forward in our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and secure school environment for our students and staff. The MCPS Safety and Security Office conducted a security audit at our school on Tuesday, January 24. The team observed school operations and reviewed the facility to assess our current state and with the goal of sharing recommendations for enhancements. The findings will be shared with staff and parents along with action steps once the assessment is finalized. I will send a parent communication next week with more specific information about actions taken as a result of the audit. This communication will be sent home with students and included in the weekly newsletter.


Earlier today, we hosted a tour of our building to invited council members, BOE members, SSIMS parents, MCEA representatives, and Associate Superintendent. This event was organized by our PTSA advocacy team. The participants who were able to join were curious, invested, and supportive and it was an overall positive experience and opportunity for school advocacy. My thanks to our parent advocacy team for creating this event.


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Preventing Substance Use and Opioid Overdoses in Youth:

I am running this information for a second week to call attention to the youth opioid crisis in our county. Please make time to educate yourself about this public health crisis and learn about prevention and support measures for our children.


In partnership with MCPS, Montgomery Goes Purple invites families to come out Saturday, Jan. 28 for an event and discussion on this deadly drug. Panelists will share important information on the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl, prevention tools and protective factors for students, and resources for treatment when needed. The event will be from 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in the Clarksburg High School cafeteria, 22500 Wims Road in Clarksburg.

The event will also be livestreamed on the MCPS homepage. Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to protect children from the dangers of this drug. See flyers below.



Have a great weekend! 🐾

MCPS Family Forum on Fentanyl

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Schedule for Week of January 30 - February 3

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Looking Forward to 2023-2024

  • Students in 6th and 7th grade: Counselors met with students in Social Studies classes and discussed the various elective options and the process for selecting the course on Synergy Student Vue. More information, including a video and slides to explain the process, is available on the SSIMS Counseling Website: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/ssims-counseling/students-classes-programs. Students should select their elective in Synergy Student Vue by Friday February 3.

8th Grade HS Counselor Visits

  • Students in 8th grade: Students will meet with a counselor from their assigned HS at 8:15 on Wednesday Feb 1. Instruct your 8th grader to be on the lookout for an email in their school gmail account with the details on the location. Each HS has a different process for selecting courses, which students will learn about on Feb 1.
  • Even if students are looking to appeal or reapply to another school, students should attend the school that they are assigned.

Boys and Girls Soccer Registration

Boys and Girls soccer registrations will be open on Parent Vue Synergy starting on Monday January 30th at 12:00 pm. All players who are interested in trying out for this year's soccer teams must be registered. All forms can be filled out on the parent vue platform except for the doctor's physical. The doctor's physical must be uploaded on to parent vue. Tryouts will begin on March 7th. Any questions, please contact Mr. Seidman.

Save the Date! Winter Fling Dance in the Field House

What: Winter Fling Dance in the gym (field house)

When: Thursday, February 23

Time: 3:10 – 5:00 p.m.

Ticket Cost: $ 5

Tickets will be sold Thursday, Feb. 16 to Wednesday, Feb. 22 during morning transitions, lunches, and dismissal.

Tables will be set up outside of the school store, in front of the media center.

Stay tuned for more information to come.

Hosted by: Spanish Immersion Exchange trip committee

Fundraising Opportunities

Tuesday, January 31: El Golfo Restaurant Dine-in/take-out 5 – 9 PM

They will donate 15% of dine-in/take-out (no third party like UberEATS/Door dash). Please mention the fundraiser for “SSIMS Spanish Immersion trip to Colombia” in order for it to count.


Friday, February 10:

McGinty’s Adult Fun Night 7-10PM. Tickets: $15 plus 10%food and beverages

      • We are in need of lots of door prizes, big and small.
      • Do you know someone who has a rental property at the beach or lake and would donate a weekend? Restaurant to donate gift certificate? Brewery to donate a couple six packs? Connection to a spa or yoga studio? Please ask them to donate a door prize!
      • For more information, please contact Tammy Brown at: tammybbrown415@gmail.com

Jag Calendar - January & February

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ParentVue

Are you having trouble accessing ParentVue on Synergy? Check out this website that provides information and resources for accessing ParentVue. If you still need help, please contact the counseling department for extra assistance.