Thunderblast Weekly
December 4, 2022
It Takes Two to Tango
I also added this opening because our first dance of the year is coming up this Friday! Since COVID, we have been getting over half of our student body at the dances. We use classrooms for games, the blacktop for outdoor fun (depending on the weather), auxiliary gym (for activities) and main gym for DJ and dancing. I am so proud of our Student Government for setting this up with Ms. O'Grady and Ms. McKenica and so many staff volunteers.
There will be a separate email with follow-up details about pick up and drop off including a visual map. We will have 6th graders pick up in the normal kiss and ride serpentine in the front of the building. 7th and 8th graders will be picked up in the bus loop. More info to come. I don't anticipate any actual tangoing at this event :)
December 9, 2022
Friday, 6-8pm
Ticket sales open 12/6!
School Climate
- A greater percentage of students in each grade level making A-B honor roll.
- Less than 3 total suspensions. We had our first suspension of the year this week for a student brining in and showing a pellet gun (see below). When it comes to weapons, our hands are tied with the most appropriate consequences, regardless of intentions.
- Less than 10 more students in ISR (in-school restriction) during the 2nd Quarter.
- Less than 60 referrals to the office in the 2nd Quarter.
We know we are not perfect, but in the spirit of continuous improvement, we will continue to work together (two to tango). We ask our students to report any issues to the adults in the school so we can help our students grow (not punish).
Last year, we had 10 total out of school suspensions (OSS), which was among the lowest of all secondary schools. 8 were for fighting. The other two involved bringing in a pocket knife and taser. In all cases, these consequences could have been avoided with a little more understanding of the rules.
SRM BINGO Fundraiser
We introduced the fundraiser to students on Friday and gave them a paper copy in advisory. The key is that there are no wrong answers and students who complete each level get all of the prizes along the way. We lowered the sponsorship to $5 a box from $10 last year to promote greater participation because we believe in what we are asking the students to do.
There will be more info on how to submit sponsorship in January after students have had time to work on it. Thank you for supporting us!
Night of One Acts
Level Up STEM Showcase
Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT)
Seneca’s UMHT: One of our goals is to provide families with information on community resources, access to basic needs, mental health and crisis counseling, reducing stress and anxiety, substance abuse resources, and resources to support learning. If interested, check out our resource page.
Does your student need extra help? Click here to view Seneca’s Tutor List.
Marcos has been a great partner so far. Please remember to mention Seneca when you order so they understand their impact on our climate.
Students of the Week
7th grade PBIS Winners: Nathaniel Parrish, Jeyson Luis, David Mendez Contreras
8th grade PBIS Winners: Brogan Schlabach, Mia Alcala, Varsha Shankar
Staff of the Week
PTO Corner
Pre-Order Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!!!
There’s still time! Your Seneca Ridge PTO is taking orders on delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts, now through December 5th, to raise funds for school/student related activities. Please click on this link to place your order today.
https://srmspto.membershiptoolkit.com/home
SRMS COOKIE EXCHANGE Wednesday, December 14th, 2022!
As we head into the winter break, let's show our appreciation for the SRMS teachers and staff by gifting them with treats and sweets to fill their COOKIE JARS!
We need bakers and/or buyers (store bought is just fine) and of course, volunteers to help run the show! If you don't have the time to bake/shop, we're happy to accept monetary donations and do the leg work for you! Please sign up below and let us know how you can help. Cookie Exchange Sign Up
Holiday Giving Tree
Please help us make the holidays special for all of the families in our SRMS community. Our Holiday Giving Tree program collects gift cards so that we can put them in the hands of anyone who needs a little holiday magic. This special tradition has helped us spread joy throughout our school community each year. Please click on the link below which will take you to the sign up page for the various gift cards as well as a cash donation option (but we do prefer the gift cards). Giving Tree Sign Up
Happy Holidays!
December PTO Meeting:
Our December PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at 10AM in the learning lab (across from the library). We hope you can join us!
Important Reminders
Yearbook
Attached is an ad for yearbook sales and here is the link to the order site, https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/general/displayLanding?portal=true. Our School code is 5475.
Book Fair is Postponed until the Spring
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