SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
February 6, 2022 Edition
NEW: Video summary of newsletter
NEW: Show us your hope event
On behalf of HAE, MCABSE, and LEAAP, please see the message below about the Show Us Your Hope event:
This year HAE (Hispanic Alliance for Educators), MCABSE (Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators), and LEAAP (League of Educators for Asian American Progress) collaborated with MCPS to produce the Show Us Your Hope event. MCPS students throughout the district participated in this event and shared their original pieces of music, art, poetry, videos, and other forms of hope. As you view this inspirational video, you may also see your students too!
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/lCaTEyy4_40
NEW: Update on Testing
Hello SVHS Community,
We are moving through our Winter testing season. MCAP Testing and Seal of Biliteracy are complete. Here are some updates to keep you in the loop.
Our English Language Learners (ELLs) will be taking the ACCESS WIDA tests beginning February 8th in the auditorium. The WIDA testing schedule is as follows:
- 2/8-9 Listening and Reading for (Grades 9 and 10) (specific students testing have been informed)
- 2/10 Writing (Grade 10)
- 2/15-16 Listening and Reading (Grades 11 and 12)
- 2/17 Writing (Grades 11 and 12)
- 2/22-3/4 Speaking (all Grades) will be assigned to specific testing locations
NEW: Eight things you need to know from MCPS
Dear MCPS Community,
Here are the eight things you need to know for Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. They include the possibility of transitioning to virtual instruction on inclement weather days, an update on schools entering a 10-day virtual learning period, upcoming surveys for the antiracist audit, information about tutoring services and more.
- Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Approved
MCPS will consider transitioning to synchronous virtual learning when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather. These are days when the district would otherwise determine that a system closure without instruction would be needed for safety reasons. The Board of Education approved this plan on Feb. 1, and virtual instruction days count towards the minimum required days of instruction under Maryland law. Learn more here: - NO MCPS Schools Entering 10-Day Virtual Learning Period
No additional schools have been identified as needing to transition to virtual learning for next week. MCPS will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on school operations and, if necessary, identify schools for temporary virtual learning in the future.The four schools currently in remote learning, Harmony Hills ES, A. Mario Loiederman MS, Pine Crest ES, Wheaton Woods ES and the autism program at Westover ES will return to in-person learning on Feb. 10. - Antiracist Audit Surveys Coming in March
MCPS has been actively reviewing its policies and practices through its Antiracist System Audit. Over the past few months, staff have met with students, families, staff and community members to get input on the audit and to hear concerns and questions. The next phase will include surveys and focus groups with our stakeholders. More information is available here. Other key details to know about the audit include that:- The audit IS a comprehensive, district-wide review of our practices and policies. Read about the different areas of the audit.
- The audit IS about fact-finding. Action will be determined based on the results of the audit.
- The audit IS NOT about pointing fingers. We will not condone the blaming or shaming of anyone, or any group, for the actions of others.
The next phase will include surveys and focus groups with our stakeholders. More information is available here.
- Creating Safe and Equitable Schools
Following the incident of gun violence at Col. Zadok Magruder High School last month, MCPS is conducting a thorough review of safety and security in all schools. Teams are working to:- Set a vision for the safety, security and well-being of students and staff
- Develop proactive practices to support equitable school environments that promote social, emotional, and psychological safety
- Conduct a thorough review of the current Montgomery County Police Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program and MCPS’ current safety and security staffing, structures and processes
- Review the mental and emotional health services MCPS provides, and
- Review the Joint Incident Command Structure that ensures appropriate and immediate response by MCPS central office, schools and local law enforcement during emergencies
- Free, On-Demand Online Tutoring Available for Students in Grades K-12
All students now have access to free tutoring and 24/7 homework help to support success in their current courses/grade level, through two new tutoring providers: FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education. All students have access to these virtual tutoring services through their MCPS Google account, using Clever. Some students will also be referred directly by their local school. Learn more about online tutoring. - In-School Vaccination Clinics Will Be Held on Feb. 5 and 6
MCPS is partnering with the county’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Care For Your Health to offer a number of free vaccination clinics for children at schools and county sites.To see available sites and to register visit this website. - Comments on Proposed Amendments to Student Discipline Policy Due Feb. 7
The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Board Policy JGA, Student Discipline, to provide a philosophy of behavior intervention that is rehabilitative, restorative, educational and implemented fairly and equitably with clear, appropriate and consistent expectations and consequences to address student behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct in MCPS. Learn more and provide your feedback. - Spectator Limitations Adjusted at MCPS Extracurricular Events
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, spectator limitations will be adjusted from 25 percent of facility capacity to 50 percent of facility capacity for all indoor extracurricular events. Masks are still required inside all MCPS schools and facilities. Review COVID-19 athletics information at this website. You may also refer to the Return to RAISE Athletics newsletter
NEW: Inclement Weather Transition to Virtual Learning
Dear MCPS Community,
Montgomery County Public Schools will consider a transition to virtual learning on days when schools are closed due to inclement weather for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. These are days when the district would otherwise determine that a system closure would be needed for safety reasons. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
When inclement weather is predicted, MCPS transportation and leadership will monitor the weather forecast and notify families if there is a possibility MCPS will transition to virtual learning. Students will be asked to make sure they bring home Chromebooks, chargers and other instructional materials. Staff will also be asked to be prepared with virtual instruction lessons and materials.
MCPS offers a number of ways to stay in touch with the school system and be informed of a transition to virtual learning. They are:
- MCPS website
- ConnectED for system emails and text messages
- Alert MCPS/MCPS Alerta countywide emergency texting system
- Social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) in English and Spanish
- Local news media
- MCPS–TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 89) and
- Recorded phone line (301-279-3673)
This page will include information to help you understand what to expect during inclement weather virtual learning and resources to provide technical support.
Important Notes:
- In order to allow time for students and staff to adjust, log in and access resources on an inclement weather virtual learning day, all instruction will begin two hours later than the school’s normal bell schedule.
- Your school's principal will communicate the day’s instructional schedule information or other information specific to your individual school.
- Students unable to access instruction will receive an excused absence and be given the opportunity to make up the missed work.
NEW: Registration Information for 2022-23
Registration for next year’s classes at SVHS is going strong! Students have been meeting with their counselors through their English classes to review their course requests for next year. Our counselors have been so excited to meet with students to discuss the amazing options they have for next year. Parents/Guardians, if you haven't already visited the SV Registration website at https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhsregistration/home please take a few minutes to check it out! The website has loads of resources, including IB information, the SVHS Course Bulletin, course descriptions by department, video presentations, and much more.
We know that Registration can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming process...should you have any questions about your student's course requests, please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s counselor, they are happy to help!
NEW: Update from the College and Career Center
This Week's Notes from the SVHS College & Career Center:
Moving Forward College & Career Readiness Series for Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the following workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! Seniors are also welcome to attend the remaining sessions on Feb 15, Mar 15, and Mar 22. Once registered, a zoom to link will be sent to you 2 days before the workshop and 1 day before the workshop again.
Unless noted, all workshops are from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm.
Tuesday, January 25 - HBCU (Historically Black Colleges) Information Session (video recording)
Tuesday, February 8 - Narrow Down Your College List
Tuesday, February 15 - Military Recruitment Information Session
Tuesday, March 1 - Explore Application Types and Deadlines
Tuesday, March 15 - Resume/Interview Skills
Tuesday, March 22* - Alternative Career Fair (*10:30am - 11:30am)
Thursday, April 7 - College Essay Writing
Thursday, April 21 - Tips on Common Application
Tuesday, April 26 - Intro to Financial Aid and Scholarships
College Applications
If applicable, please keep working on your College Applications. Refer to the College Application Packet when applying. Everything you need to do for submitting college applications, including instructions, is on this document.
Already received admissions results and/or scholarships? Please update your Naviance accounts!
How to add and update admission decisions/results in Naviance (video)
How to add scholarships in Naviance (video)
Seniors - Steps to Apply for Financial Aid for College!
- ALL eligible seniors should complete the 2022-23 FAFSA regardless of income. Deadline is March 1, 2022! More information.
- If you are considering attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, complete the MDCAPS Application. Once complete, email Mr. Nalda your MHEC Number. More information.
- If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and plan to attend a college or university in the state of Maryland, fill out the MSFAA. More information.
Need help? Register for one of MC’s FAFSA/MSFAA Assistance Days starting Feb. 1!
Upcoming Scholarships
February 07 - McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship - scholarships worth up to $100,000; senior; legal U.S. resident; min. 2.8 GPA; must have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage; attend a two- or four-year school full-time in the fall; winners selected based on: academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, personal qualities & strengths as portrayed in a personal interview, either in-person or by phone; transcript; personal statement; letter of recommendation to be submitted online; list of community service projects; FAFSA report and/or 1040s.
February 07 - Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship - multiple awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year (renewable); senior; U.S. Citizen or perm. res.; min 3.0 GPA; exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement; activities, awards & honors; financial need; demonstrate desire and ability to overcome barriers and to achieve their goals; must certify to not participate as a student-athlete in college.
February 07 - Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory African American Culture Club/Black Faculty and Staff Association Scholarship - senior; min 2.8 GPA (unweighted); resident of MD, Northern Virginia, or D.C.; plan to attend a four-year college or community college as a full-time student in the fall and major in a STEM program; one reference (from a teacher or counselor); 2 essays (less than 500 words).
February 15 - Hispanic Scholarship Fund - awards ranging from $500 - $5,000; senior; must be of Hispanic heritage; U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA; min of 3.0 GPA (unweighted); plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university in the fall; scholars are selected based on merit; submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable).
February 15 - Frontline Families Scholarship Program - awards of $2,500 & $1,000; all eligible applicants will receive awards; senior; child of a deceased frontline health care worker who died from Covid-19 while employed at a medical facility; attend a two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the fall; students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements and funds are available; applicants can receive the award a maximum of four times; see link for full eligibility and guidelines.
February 15 - Pepco Guiding Light Leadership Program - $2,500 scholarships will be awarded upon successful completion of the program; senior; min 3.0 GPA; willing to attend the two scheduled one-day-per-month virtual sessions; two letters of recommendation; autobiography (no more than 250 words); parental consent form; see link for all program guidelines and requirements.
February 15 - USDA 1890 National Scholars Program - full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor's degree at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities (see list on website); senior; U.S. citizen; min. 3.0 GPA (unweighted); study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines; demonstrate leadership and community service; official transcript; signed application.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Next Week's College/Career Visits - Career Center (Room 2113)
Hood College & Army ROTC - Tue February 8, 2022 @ 1:02 PM
U.S. Air Force - Thu February 10, 2022 @ 12:13 PM
Upcoming Events
The Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair & Seminar Series!
The Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair will take place on Friday, February 18, 2022, from 6pm - 8:30pm. Students and families can register online using the following link: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/familysupport/hbcu/
Seminar Series - these free virtual events provide students in Grades 9–12 an opportunity to learn about HBCUs, scholarship opportunities and connect with HBCU alumni.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 6:00pm - 7:30pm - HBCU Homecoming Edition Seminar
Thursday, February 17, 2022 6:30pm - 8:00pm - To Be A Scholar - Athlete: The NCAA And You
Click here for more information about and to register for any of the seminars.
ACT Virtual Practice Test - The Princeton Review
Join virtually to take a full-length practice ACT. After the test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.
Be prepared with a calculator and scrap paper to work out your problems. You can also keep a bottle of water and a snack nearby, as breaks will be given just like on test day. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link and further instructions the day before the exam.
ACT Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022 * 9am - 1pm
Click here for more information and the links to register.
NEW: IB Spotlight
MYP Personal Project update: During our next Advisory on Thursday, Feb. 10th , 10th grade students will finalize their success criteria and create an action plan before starting their MYP Personal projects! We are excited to support 118 students continuing with their Projects!
How can you support your 10th grader through the MYP Personal Project?
Ask them about their project. At this point, students should have chosen a topic, a learning goal, a product, completed research, and started brainstorming success criteria & an action plan.
Questions to ask your student:
- What is your learning goal and product?
- Why did you choose that learning goal and product?
- What do you need to know to complete your project?
- What topics have you researched?
- How will you determine if your project is successful? What criteria will you use to evaluate your project?
- What is your plan to meet your project deadline of Tues. April 5th?
Remind them to check out our MYP Personal Project Canvas course. The course has videos of each advisory lesson, along with support materials to help guide the students through the process. Students should already be enrolled in the course, but they can always email Mrs. Becraft if they do not have access. Check out THIS FLYER for more information on the Personal Project!
Encourage them to see Mrs. Becraft in room 1107 if they are confused or have fallen behind. I am always happy to help!
Registration: With registration for next year’s classes upon us, please check out the SVHS IB Website to learn more about our IB programs! The website has video overviews of the programs, alumni testimonies, as well as much more information!
Please contact Kim Becraft (Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org) if you have questions about our IB Middle Years Program (MYP) for 9th and 10th graders.
Please contact Natasha Ezerski (Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org) if you have questions about our IB Diploma (IB DP) or Career-related Programs (IB CP) for 11th and 12th graders.
Are you #SVPROUD?
- Tweet, Snap, IB, FB, etc., a pic of you repping "The Valley" by wearing your Seneca gear.
- And don't forget to use #svproud. Go Eagles!
REPEAT: Resources for Families
Mental health / crisis resources:
- Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program: For more information on family-focused outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents and their families, visit here or call 240-777-1450.
- Screening and Assessment Services for Children and Adolescents SASCA: For information on confidential screening for substance abuse for children, and mental health and substance use assessments for children up to age 18, visit here or call 240-777-1430.
- Minority Health Services: Many of our Minority Health Initiatives have excellent resources and partner with nonprofit and community organizations to offer free mental health counseling. Explore more:
- ACCESS to Behavioral Health Services: For assistance with obtaining appropriate outpatient mental health or substance abuse services for individuals eligible through the public behavioral health system. Walk-In assessments and evaluations available Monday - Friday at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. Learn more here or call 240-777-1770.
- EveryMind: For direct mental health services to youth, adults, older adults, families and veterans, visit here or call 301-424-0656.
- Crisis Center: For 24/7 free crisis services visit here or call 240-777-4000
- Crisis text line: Text "home" to 741-741 for free 24/7 support
- ChildLink: Early childhood services for children ages five and younger and their families. Learn more here or call 240-777-4769.
Family grief supports:
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6400
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS