Thunderblast Weekly
January 31, 2021
Engagement
What can we do as we start this new semester to reinvigorate and re-engage?
First things first, we know that some of our students are best served in the building. We reopened internet cafe this week for those struggling with access and continue to prepare for hybrid students and staff as the school board reviews options. In a couple reading classes, I was able to engage in book clubs about the galaxy, the historical context of racism, eating insects, and workers being trapped in a mine. On Monday, we had over 450 students visit our campus for school photos. At the PTO meeting, we discussed how we can celebrate with our 8th graders at the end of the year. On Thursday, we solidified plans for our virtual African American Heritage Celebration. We continue to visit families in the community and we will always do our best to communicate back and forth to do right by our kids.
Rather than me highlight, it might be best to hear from our students. Here are last year’s 8th graders in Mr. Bland’s class sharing figurative language and tone as they focus on cadence and equity during their poetry unit. They were able to look beyond the difficulties of what was supposed to be a celebratory spring and find beauty and strength. I know I will continue to learn from them as I will all of our students.
Speaking of engagement, as I try to get better about connecting to those who don’t love sports, I thought I would bring up ABC’s the Bachelor. After 20 minutes of research, I give up. I’m not sure who Matt will end up, but I know to keep the ring they have to stay together for 2 years. I think I will stick with what I know in the future and make fun of one of the home teams and Tom Brady.
Next week’s theme: Falling Snow.
Important Information
Book Club: Ms. Stewart's book club is open, and it is available to sixth and seventh graders. Meetings will be held virtually, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm.
If you are interested, please attend any of the scheduled meetings (2/10/21, 2/24/21, 3/10/21, 3/24/21, 4/7/21, 4/21/21, 5/5/21, 5/19/21, 6/2/21 (Last Meeting), using this meet link. https://meet.google.com/lookup/cebnbvqkm6
Any information about the novels or ongoing discussions can be found in our Schoology group: M2RC-RC6Z-VWWMH
United Mental Health Team (UMHT): It’s that time of year! Course selection for next year has begun. To view this year’s Rising 7th & Rising 8th grade Course Selection presentations, please click here.
Photos
The current plan is to setup retakes during hybrid, but that date is still up in the air. In the meantime, see below how your selfie can get in the yearbook if you can't make it in the building.
Yearbook
Calling on Parents, Students, and Staff to help make the 20-21 yearbook a success! Please share with us the following by emailing to vbidegan@lcps.org.
distance learning at home
sports/outdoor activities outside of school
music/cooking/building/creative activities outside of school
socially distant friend gatherings
student artwork and other projects created at home (send a picture of it)
a one paragraph reflection on what you feel you will have learned from your Covid experience
Thank you so much for helping our editorial staff create a book that students will always remember!
Black History Month Celebration
Our digital Black History Month Celebration will be on February 25th from 5:30-7:00 PM. We are looking for students who want to present about Black culture, music, history, food or famous individuals! Please fill out this survey if you are interested in participating.
We will also have a digital poster contest and you can enter to win some amazing prizes! First prize is a $50.00 Amazon gift card! Click here to find out more information and all posters are due on 2/15. Email Mrs. Zangara if you have any questions.
PBIS Highlights
6th- Elias Suarez
7th- Rebecca Blackburn
8th- Alison Escobar Navarrete
Staff of the Week
PTO Corner
Something to Ponder: We don't have to engage in grand heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. -- Howard Zinn.
Spirit Night: Our February Spirit Night will be at Chik Fil A on Tuesday, Feb, 16, from 5 - 8 pm.The school will receive 10% back from all purchases that mention our school.
Celebration of the Arts: In honor of Black History month the Loudoun and Fairfax Public Libraries are hosting a virtual celebration of The Harlem Renaissance & Black Arts Movement on Wednesday, February 16 at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the Zoom meeting HERE.
Next PTO Meeting: February 24 at 6:00 pm. Go to meet.google.com/uek-nfni-inx. Or join by phone at +1 617-675-4444 with PIN: 835 053 291 7550#
PRS & SEAC: To sign up for PRS' newsletter visit their website. The next SEAC meeting will be February 3, 2021 at 6 pm and feature a presentation on Hidden Disabilities and Executive Functioning. For more information on SEAC please visit their website, or email our SEAC Representative, Jill Pope.
Other ways to get involved:
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- Make a donation to the SRMS PTO and get your company to match it
- Download the Boxtops for Education app and scan your grocery receipts
- Link your Amazon account to Seneca and earn free money for the school
- Purchase Seneca Gear to show your school spirit!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am-
Friendly reminder, after 8:30am the system automatically denies the request because attendance has been taken by a teacher and you will be notified.
Click here (don’t forget to put your child’s first and last name)
Call our Attendance line- 571-434-4422 (least preferred option)
Reminders
Monday’s Schedule:
Advisory: 9:00-9:15AM
Office Hours:
1:00-2:00PM Math, SS, World Languages, FACS, Tech Ed, Art
2:00-3:00PM English, Science, Health & PE, Music
Technology Support
As we transition support to in our building (when possible) or at Dominion High School, the best way to reach out for support is to contact your grade level administrative assistant.
6th Grade- Jennifer.Ramos@lcps.org or 571-434-4426
7th Grade- kelly.dales@lcps.org 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
THANK YOU!
With Sincerity and Humility,
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