Thunderblast Weekly
November 8, 2020
Together
We have some big decisions coming up as a community. Even when we disagreed this quarter, we approached everything with a team-based problem solving strategy. For that, I am extremely thankful. With report cards posting on Monday after our most challenging quarter, it is time for us to develop a plan together. Please don’t try to go it alone. We can accomplish so much more so much faster as a team.
Next week’s theme- Back to the Future! If you never saw the movie, all you need to know is that we have been challenged with a set of seemingly impossible decisions on our way back to normal. Sometimes it feels like we are in 1955. Other times, 2030. The survey this week is going to go a long way towards a successful future for all of us. The only way that survey works is if you are informed. The town hall on Thursday is a time to get all of your questions answered. We may even be able to share our ideas for the flux capacitor.
Important Information
Town Hall: Following the November 10 School Board Meeting, we will be holding a town hall meeting on Thursday, November 12, at 11:45 AM. We will be discussing hybrid and distant learning options for the future. I will also be trying a new platform in Cisco Webex rather than Google Meet. If there are any issues, I will place a Google Meet link at the top of the Q and A form.
Join the meeting here or by phone- +1-415-655-0001 Access code: 172 367 6325
Please add questions to our Q and A form. I left previous questions from last time. Some of which were answered in person rather than the form.Turkey Trot: The Turkey Trot will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 10AM. It is a 1 mile fun-run around Seneca Ridge and Dominion. Registration will start at 9:30AM on the blacktop. Sign up here- Turkey Trot Registration Form.
Counseling and United Mental Health Team: This week, Deputy Rivera will be presenting an Internet Safety Lesson on November 10th and 11th to students during Resource.
For more information from our Counseling team and UMHT, please click here.
Business Partners: Our PTO has done a great job of building our partners over the years and especially this year! If you are going to support local businesses, it is always helpful to know who is supporting our kids and staff. Please if you are visiting these establishments, let them know you appreciate what they have done for us.
Vocelli’s in Regal Plaza supported our staff with a wonderful teacher appreciate meal on Friday. Their owner has also visited our PTO meetings and is always looking to help.
Food Lion in Great Falls Plaza also donated a substantial amount number of gift cards and bags for teacher appreciation and first responders. In addition, they have recently renovated. Worth checking out.
Lucia’s in Great Falls Plaza provided a wonderful treat on Halloween with proceeds coming back to our students.
Chick-fil-A in Community Plaza recently donated gift cards for our students to grab some free sandwiches and treats when they visit.
Winter Coat Drive:
PBIS
1st Quarter Honor Roll: Individuals will be mentioned in the morning announcements.
6th Grade 110 AB, 44 A, 154 Total. Awesome start to middle school, 6th graders! Welcome to the team!
7th Grade 95 AB, 26 A, 121 Total. After the most difficult of 6th grade years, you are showing your resiliency coming back strong this year… Congratulations 7th graders!
8th Grade 108 AB, 45 A, 153 Total. Sometimes 8th grade is a time to relax and let your guard down. Your diligence is something to be proud of… you truly are embodying finishing middle school strong!
SRMS Totals 313 AB, 115 A, 428 Total. We are doing it, Seneca Ridge! I know we can bring that total up to 600 in the 2nd quarter. I am already seeing the problem solving steps in place. If you made honor roll, share what worked and bring a friend up with you in the next leg of this race. We need to do it together!
Students of the Week (November 2-6)
8th Grade, Genesis Rodriguez-Campos, THANK YOU for working so diligently to become the league leader. 28 bolt bucks in the first quarter! How is that even possible? I haven’t done 28 good things in the last five years. Amazing!
8th Grade, Preston Chanthaphone, THANK YOU for demonstrating OWNERSHIP by working diligently and using class time wisely, then taking care of business by completing your assignments on time!
7th Grade, Hannah Mottaghi, THANK YOU for demonstrating RESPECT during class by being a peer leader and helping other students understand key concepts!
6th Grade, Danny Bailey, THANK YOU for demonstrating OWNERSHIP by having your camera on during instruction and completing assignments on time regularly
Staff of the Week (November 2-6)
Sr. Ramirez, THANK YOU for always being available for your students for extra help and keeping it light and fun in the process. Thank you also for your support on our Equity Team and throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Last, but not least, thank you for taking a chance and piloting concurrent distant/ hybrid learning. Seems like there is no challenge too great for you!
Mr. Warhurst, THANK YOU for your leadership through and through regarding distant learning in health and physical education. You are not afraid to try new things and your classes have a great energy about them. It is also rare to have a non-core teacher lead an Interdisciplinary Team. Thank you for stepping up to any and every challenge presented. I also love the Ricky Bobby picture… made my day!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am
Click here (don’t forget to put your child’s first and last name)
Call Main Office- 571-434-4420 (least preferred option)
Important Reminders
Monday & Tuesday 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
School Photos: Mark your calendars. School Photos will be January 27 and 28, 2021. Details coming as the date approaches.
Wrestling News: The Seneca Ridge wrestling team begins "pre-season" practices on Monday, November 9. Practices are held twice a week in Sterling. For more information, visit www.easternloudounwrestling.org
Email: Students are recommended to open their email at the start of each day in advisory and keep that window up during the day as they will be receiving communication from teachers about missing assignments and other reminders.
PTO Corner:
Something to Ponder: Equanimity arises when we accept the way things are. -- Jack Kornfield
Support our Staff: Want to provide a gift card for the Seneca Staff of the Week prize? Or maybe you would like to donate some snacks for the Seneca Team to enjoy at school. Visit our SIGN UP if you're interested in participating.
Our Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, 6:00 pm
Support Your PTO:
- 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 Amazon Smile and earn free money for Seneca
- Order fun gear to show your school spirit
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- Adity.Choudhury@lcps.org or 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
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