Silver Creek MS Weekly Newsletter
February 6-February 10
Dear Silver Creek Families
Marking period 3 is in full swing. Report card grades for MP2 are now available on ParentVue. Students' report cards will also be distributed to students on Thursday, February 9 during 7th period. Please be sure to check out the new information in the newsletter:
This week is National School Counseling Week (February 6-February 10). This week recognizes the unique contributions of school counselors and the tremendous impact they have on our students’ success. Silver Creek Middle school counselors are a valuable asset to our school community. We are grateful for their unwavering support and guidance who go above and beyond to ensure that each and every one of our students has the resources and support necessary to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.
Our amazing counselors play a critical role in helping students to navigate the challenges of adolescence and to develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Their contributions to the school community are invaluable and we are grateful for all that they do to make our school a better place. Please join me in thanking Ms. Levine, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Harried, & Ms. Kehr for their unwavering commitment & dedication to our school and students
The sections marked with an * have been updated with new information OR is a new section in the newsletter. Please make sure to review. As always, thank you for your continued partnership. Let's make it a great week Huskies!
*Silver Creek News (SCN)
Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, February 3 to hear the latest news & events https://youtube.com/live/SpNpbdlUhnU?feature=share
*Latest MCPS Message: Things to Know from 2/2/23
Here are five things to know for Thursday Feb. 2. Get information about the new student mental health app, Summer RISE 2023 registration, Black History Month and more.
5 Things to Know - February 02, 2022 (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)
*Parent Town Hall Meetings
Save the Dates (All meetings will be from 8:30 am - 9:10 am)
Grade 6 & 7- Friday, February 10, 2023
Grade 8- Friday, February 17, 2023
Zoom Information Below:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/83501793686?pwd=ejAwMWlnb2IzRjdOZ3lBeS9PS1ZKZz09 Meeting ID: 835 0179 3686 Passcode: 372149 One tap mobile 301 715 8592
*Student Course Registration and Articulation for SY 23-24
Course Registration Google Forms Due February 6th
Course Registration Google Forms for our current 6th and 7th grade students are due tomorrow, Monday, February 6th. Counselors will be following up this week (Tuesday-Friday) during lunch with students that do not submit their course registration form by the deadline. If your child has not yet completed the Course Registration Google form, please have them click on the appropriate form below to complete and submit it. If you have any questions, please reach out to
Ms. Kristin Kehr, 6th grade counselor, at Kristin_N_Kehr@mcpsmd.org, Mrs. Lauren Robinson, 7th grade counselor (A-L) at Lauren_E_Robinson@mcpsmd.org, or Mrs. Susan Levine, 7th grade counselor (M-Z) at Susan_A_Levine@mcpsmd.org. THANK YOU!
*Silver Creek "Glow in the Dark" Night On Ice- Thursday, February 9
Don't miss Silver Creek PTSA's "Glow in the Dark" Night on Ice! This event is for all families. If ice skating is not your thing...no problem. Come give it a try or just have fun watching.
To celebrate the beginning of a new semester, grab your friends and join your SCMS PTSA for an awesome night on the ice at the Silver Spring Ice Rink on Thursday, Feb. 9th from 6:00-8:00pm. You can have fun with friends while skating the night away!
- Where: Silver Spring Ice Rink, 8523 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- When: Thursday, February 9th, 6:00-8:00 pm
- First 5 Students from each grade get FREE tickets!
Ticket Sales- Please see website to register and sign waiver.
- All tickets may be purchased at $12 (includes cost of skate rental and a glow stick), and the participation waiver signed, upon arrival at the Rink. Early Bird Gets the Worm - the first five students to arrive from each grade will receive FREE tickets!
Got questions? Please reach out to Michelle at michelle.d.mitchell@gmail.com. Also, we are in need of at least 10 parents (we welcome moms, dads, & guardians!) to volunteer on and off the ice for skate night. Want to hang out with some cool parents and join in the fun? Email Michelle if you're willing to help out.
*February is Black History Month
In recognition of this month, we will draw upon connections with our Middle Years Programme and No Place for Hate lessons with an emphasis on inclusivity, respect, and the appreciation of differences and perspectives. We will also integrate activities and acknowledge notable Black Americans on the morning announcements throughout this month.
*6th Grade Outdoor Education: Chaperones Needed
Our 6th grade students will be attending Outdoor Education for three days and two nights between April 12 - 19 at Camp Letts, in Edgewater Maryland. This is a great learning opportunity in so many ways.
Chaperones are needed. If you are interested in being part of Outdoor Education as a parent chaperone, please indicate your interest by completing this Chaperone Signup form.
Media Moment: Library Media Center News and Notes
SORA All Year: Our readers checked out a record number of ebooks and audiobooks this winter break. But the digital reading doesn't have to stop. Please encourage your student to head over to our website HERE and login to SORA for thousands of new and engaging titles.
Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Candidate Visit this week, Friday, 2/10
Candy Gram Sales
Want to give a sweet treat to a friend? The SGA will be selling candy grams during all lunches on Monday, February 6th- Wednesday, February 8th.
Students and teachers can write candy grams for anyone they like. Candy grams will be $1 each (cash only) and will include a note and a lollipop that will be delivered on Valentine's Day. Thanks for supporting the SCMS SGA!
SCMS Soccer Registration
For any questions, you may reach out to Mrs. Sivic at tara_a_whitney@mcpsmd.org. Soccer tryouts will take place after school on March 7, 8 and 9 and will last until 4:30. There will be activity buses available for students.
Upload pictures for the SCMS Yearbook.
Uploading pictures for the SCMS yearbook is fast, easy & FREE. Download the "Yearbook Snap" app on your phone and simply type in our school name: Silver Creek Middle School & enter code: "huskies". You may submit up to five photos at a time. Can't wait to see our Huskies on the Move.
How to Order a yearbook.
- Go to yearbookforever.com and order your yearbook now. You can also use Yearbook Snap to upload and submit your own photos for the yearbook.
- Access to Yearbook Snap can be found at the top of the order page.
- See the flyers below for cost information and easy access to order with the provided QR code:
Questions? Please email our yearbook sponsors at Jennifer_K_Boyle@mcpsmd.org and Roxana_RiveraDiaz@mcpsmd.org.
After School Activities
After school activities have started! After school activities will run from Tuesday, September 13 through Thursday, May 25 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays only. The activities will meet on one of the three days from 3:15-4:30 pm. A list of activities is posted here in the Extracurricular Activities Brochure.
The date and times are listed under each activity. There is no need to register & students can register throughout the school year. Students may stay after school and meet in the location noted under the activity. After school buses are available and will depart by 4:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must be given a bus pass from their sponsor to ride the bus.
Any questions related to after school activities, please contact Ms. Carman at Claudia_Carman@mcpsmd.org.
PARENT RESOURCES
Principal Coffee
We are excited to have monthly principal coffees once a month. Our next virtual principal coffee is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2023 at 8:30 AM. This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well-being. The topic is TBD.
You may find the recordings of the principal coffees located here in the parent handbook: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/meetings-and-presentations
Counselor News & Updates
If you have questions related to registration/enrollment or transcripts, please contact Latonya Abrom at Latonya_N_Abroms@mcpsmd.org
For Mental Health Supports, check out this link below:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/mental-health-supports
Parent Handbook
Please locate the parent handbook on our website. All the information you need is located here for your convenience.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/home
*Message from the PTSA- Virtual Cluster-Wide Community Meeting, Monday, February 6 @ 7:30 PM
B-CC Cluster PTSAs and PTAs invite you to join representatives from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to learn how they are addressing recent concerns about the safety of our children walking to and from school and bus stops. Mark your calendar for THIS Monday, February 6 from 7:30-8:30pm on Zoom.
Email questions to clarksonPTSA@gmail.com by noon Monday 2/6.
Zoom information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84303173244
Meeting ID: 843 0317 3244
Dial in: +13092053325,,84303173244#
Translation will be available in Spanish and Amharic.
*MCPS 15th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) College Fair: February 17, 2023
This free virtual event provides students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. Representatives share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors, and more.
The event also features a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information and more. This event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
For additional information & registration, please see WEBSITE & FLYER.
*MCPS Piano Loaner Program
For more information, please see the letters below:
*Montgomery County Recreation Summer Camps
Montgomery County Recreation offers a wide variety of exciting summer programs throughout the County with an emphasis on safety, convenience, affordability, and most of all fun. There are a ton of summer programs designed to appeal to a variety of campers.
Please find additional information on how to register located on the website: https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=42656&Dept=72
*Student Change of School Assignment (COSA) Process SY24
Students currently enrolled in Grade 8 who are not attending their home school and are on an approved COSA, must reapply for a COSA if they wish their child to continue in the feeder pattern to high school. Although submission of a new COSA form is required, a middle school student on an approved COSA automatically is approved to attend the high school in the middle schools’ feeder pattern. *Please note: Students who entered Grade 6 during the 2021–2022 school year and who are seeking to attend the high school in the middle schools’ feeder pattern will have to reapply for a COSA and demonstrate a unique hardship.
Tutoring Available for Students
MCPS is offering expanded tutoring opportunities to every school as part of our learning recovery efforts. Tutoring and intervention opportunities will enhance strong first instruction and other supports already underway in classrooms to support learning for every student. You may review their website for all tutoring opportunities.
We are excited to offer local tutoring at Silver Creek Middle School. Tutoring has begun. Several staff will be available in Room 407 every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:15- 4:15 to support with all subject areas. Please complete the following INTEREST FORM if you are interested in your child receiving tutoring. After school buses are available for students.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Okun at: Matthew_Okun@mcpsmd.org.
*Upcoming Dates to Remember
February 6- Course Registration deadline for current 6th & 7th grade students
February 6- February 10- National School Counseling Week
February 9- Distribution of Report Cards
February 10- 6th & 7th grade Parent town hall meeting (Via Zoom, 8:30 AM).
February 17- 8th grade Parent town Hall meeting (Via Zoom, 8:30 AM)
February 20- President's Day Holiday- Schools and Offices Closed
February 24- Principal Coffee- 8:30 AM (Via Zoom)
March 3- Early Release, Q3 Interims
Early dismissal reminder
Student Absence
If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 the morning of the absence. In your message, please include the information listed below:
1. Parent/Guardian name
2. Full name of your student (First & Last); student ID#
3. Date(s)of absence
4. Reason for absence
If you have any questions regarding attendance procedures, parents may email a note to Ms. Pamela Carroll-Sykes, attendance secretary, at Pamela_M_Carroll-Sykes@mcpsmd.org
Important Contacts
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Main Office: 240-740-2200
Registration & Counseling: 240-740-2211
Attendance Line: 240-740-2201
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/
Location: 3701 Saul Road, Kensington, MD, USA
Phone: 240 740 2200
Twitter: @SCMSDrAwkard