SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen/Mr. Smith's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
January 17, 2021 Edition
NEW: Change to January 20 Schedule *see below
NEW: Board of Education Votes to Remain in Virtual Learning Until March 15
Dear Parents, Staff and Students:
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Board of Education voted to delay the start of returning small groups of students for in-person instruction from February 1, 2021 to March 15, 2021, on the condition that health metrics are met or health guidance is adjusted as a result of vaccine distribution. The COVID-19 new case rate and test positivity in the county remain significantly above the thresholds adopted by the county and state.
We understand that many MCPS families will be disappointed that we are unable to return to in-person instruction on February 1. The safety of students and staff has, and will continue to, guide our return to in-person learning. The current numbers simply do not support a return at this time.
We remain committed to enhancing the virtual learning experience for our students. During the Board meeting, MCPS staff shared several improvements that will be made in the coming weeks that will improve the learning experiences for all students, with a focus on the secondary level. These improvements include:
- Focused outreach services for struggling students
- Greater use of the Wednesday virtual check-in day for students who need academic and social-emotional support
- At the secondary level, providing opportunities to request an abbreviated schedule to lighten course load and take a course over the summer or in future semesters instead
- Relaxing restrictions to allow students to take up to two courses Credit/No Credit (also known as Pass/Fail) instead of a letter grade
- Providing additional instructional times that may involve Saturdays, including for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses
- Tutoring and homework help options
- Providing additional professional development for staff to help strengthen the virtual learning experience
In order to take advantage of some of these options, students/parents will need to consult with their school counselor to make any schedule adjustments for the second semester and to ensure progress toward graduation requirements and post-secondary planning.
These adjustments for the second semester are in addition to adjustments that are already in place with curriculum, assessments and grading for the second marking period.
Additionally, MCPS continues to plan for the fall sports season and will provide updates regarding interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities in the coming weeks.
What’s Ahead
We must all continue to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The Board will meet again on Feb. 23, 2021, to determine if metrics can be met by March 15 for a safe return to in-person learning. More information will be shared with the community following the Feb. 23 Board of Education decision. Over the next few weeks, MCPS will continue working with school administrators to finalize what in-person experiences will look like once students return to school buildings. Thank you for your continued support of our students.
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: ESOL Parent Night
ESOL Parents and Guardians!
Please join us for an ESOL parent night full of information, resources, and prizes on January 21 at 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Dr. Aguirre of the Latino Health Initiative will present along with Identity and Seneca Valley staff. Come learn about what we have to offer and learn how we can help.
Join us during this webinar at:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/85776253603?pwd=U2w2R2hMbDBINFowYllXREZ0L3NaUT09
Passcode: 392660
********************************************************************************
Padres y Guardianes de estudiantes de ESOL!
Por favor unanse a nosotros para una reunion de Padres de ESOL con informacion, recursos, y premios el 21 de enero de 7:00pm a 8:00pm. Dr. Aguirre de la Alianza Hispana de la Salud estara presente, al igual que un representante de Identity, Inc, y personal de Seneca Valley HS.
Venga para informarse de que que tenemos que ofrecerlep ademas de informarse de como podemos asistirlos.
Unanse a nosotros en este seminario web:
Haga click en el link para unirse al seminario web:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/85776253603?pwd=U2w2R2hMbDBINFowYllXREZ0L3NaUT09
Passcode: 392660
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13017158592,,85776253603# or +16465588656,,85776253603#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 857 7625 3603
International numbers available: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/u/keg0jDERp2NEW: TENTATIVE Graduation Date and Location
NEW: PSAT Update
As a result of the Board vote to delay the return of in-person experiences, the PSAT scheduled for January 26 is cancelled. Grade 11 students who are interested in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program will still be able to through alternative entry. More information on alternative entry can be found here.
NEW: Winter Virtual Play
Tickets are now on sale for Seneca's first ever virtual winter play, Almost, Maine! Visit www.svhsbop.com for the ticket link.
The premiere and viewing party will be held on February 5 at 7pm. The link will be available for viewing February 5 until February 14. Ticket prices are "pay what you can".
The recommended donation is $5 per anticipated view per person, but if you are able to give more please do. We are grateful for your generosity as it allows us to provide our students with wonderful opportunities.
If you would like to donate your chosen ticket price by cash or check, or are unable to donate at this time but would still like link access, please email joanna_c_fellows@mcpsdmd.org.
We can't wait to welcome you to Almost.
NEW: VOTE for our New Mascot Name
NEW: This Week's Notes from the College & Career Center
Upcoming Scholarships
- January 15 - Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship - $1,000 award; senior (17 years of age or older); accepted to and will attend a college or university in the Fall; submit a 600-800 word essay that describes a challenge you faced, how you overcame it, and how the experience affected you.
- January 15 - JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest - 1-$10,000, 1-$3,000, and 5-$1,000, and 8-$100 awards; grades 9-12; write a 700-1,000 word essay describing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1917; must use five sources and include a bibliography.
- January 15 - Providian Medical Scholarship - 1-$500 award; senior; min 3.0 GPA; submit an original essay of up to 1,500 words that describes how medical equipment technology has changed the face of a college course and curriculum; entries can also include a look toward the future and how this area of study will continue to evolve and advance.
- January 16 (deadline extended) - YouthCon 2021 Scholarship - 1st Place-$4,000 & Leadership Development Summer Internship to execute essay idea, 2nd Place-$1,500, & 3rd Place Award — $1,000; 9-12 grade; submit a 500-600 word essay based on the prompt; on Feb 17, semi-finalists present for 5-7 mins virtually to a panel of professional judges to explain how they’ll execute their ideas, followed by a five minute Q&A from the judges.
- January 18 - Bethesda Magazine Essay & Short Story Writing Contest - 1 for each category: 1st-$250 and work published in Bethesda Magazine, 2nd-$100, 3rd-$50, and $25 honorable mention awards; 9-12 grade; resident of Montgomery County; choose to subit an essay or short story; essays must be limited to 500 words or less about a topic of the writer's choosing; stories must be limited to 4,000 words or less.
- January 20 - C-SPAN Student Cam 2021 - prizes totaling $100,000 each year, prizes to the top 150 documentaries; open to students in 6-12 grade; create a short (5-6 minute) video documentary on a topic related to the competition theme, "Explore the issue you most want the president and new Congress to address in 2021."
- January 20 - Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship - (deadline 8pm EST) 5-$25,000, 70-$10,000, and 35-$5,000 awards; senior; legal U.S. Resident; apply to a two- or four-year school in Fall 2021; submit an original video (between 30 seconds - 2 minutes) that tells us the story of your real, driving passion; see link for full rules and guidelines.
- January 23 - REV. DR. WALLACE CHARLES SMITH HBCU SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - $2,000 award; senior; min 3.5 GPA; resident of MD; applicants must: attend an HBCU, be a member of a church or community-based organization, complete a Community Service Project (Minimum: 40hrs), obtain two Letters of Recommendation, must obtain official transcript; HBCU focused essay.
- January 23 - HBCU HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - $2,000 award; senior; resident of MD; min 2.5 GPA; applicants must: attend an HBCU, be a member of a church or community-based organization, complete a Community Service Project (Minimum: 40hrs), obtain two Letters of Recommendation, must obtain official transcript; HBCU focused essay; demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
- January 23 - MICHAEL AMOS HBCU SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - Apple iPad PRO; senior; min 3.0 GPA; must major in engineering or architecture; resident of MD; applicants must: attend an HBCU, be a member of a church or community-based organization, complete a Community Service Project (Minimum: 40hrs), obtain two Letters of Recommendation, must obtain official transcript; HBCU focused essay.
- January 23 - EVELYN HIDER A & B HBCU SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS - 2-$1,000 awards; senior; resident of MD; applicants must: attend an HBCU, be a member of a church or community-based organization, complete a Community Service Project (Minimum: 40hrs), obtain two Letters of Recommendation, must obtain official transcript; HBCU focused essay; min 2.5 GPA; demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
- January 23 -CAROLYN M. HARRIS HBCU SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - 1-$1,000 awards; senior; min 2.5 GPA; resident of MD; applicants must: attend an HBCU, be a member of a church or community-based organization, complete a Community Service Project (Minimum: 40hrs), obtain two Letters of Recommendation, must obtain official transcript; HBCU focused essay; member of a musical ensemble (school chorus, church/youth choir instrumental ensemble, etc), declared major in music education (vocal/instrumental) or a major in education, one letter of recommendation from your current music teacher, English teacher or mentor.
- January 25* - Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program - 20-$5,000 awards for 2-year programs and 40-$10,000 awards for students pursuing 4-year degrees (renewable); senior; historically underserved students who self-identify as Black/African American, Hispanic or Latino, America Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; min 3.0 GPA; enroll full-time at a two or four-year college, university, or tech school in the fall; transcript; copy of first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040.
- *Scholarship closes at 4:00 pm on Jan. 25.
- January 28* - Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program - 369 awards of $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000; senior; U.S. Citizen or legal resident; must attend a two- or four-year school in the fall; students who have achieved an extraordinary community service accomplishment through hard work and effort will be identified; academic record, leadership, participation in school and community activities, and work experience will also be considered; essay; online recommendation; willing to provide a release to publicize their identities and information about their achievements along with photographs for use in program promotion and information; see link for full rules and guidelines.
- *Scholarship closes at 3:00 pm on Jan. 28 or when 10,000 applications are submitted, whichever occurs first.
College Board Scholarships - opportunity to win up to $40,000! For Juniors & Seniors. Available to Seniors through February 28, 2021.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Montgomery Scholars & MBI Scholars Programs deadline extended!! - Seniors
- The deadline is January 19 @ 5pm for both opportunities:
MC has notified us that the Academic Works portal has been fixed and is now open. Students can log in and submit their applications. This is the preferred method. A quick reminder that MC does not work with Naviance; documents must be uploaded onto DropBox in order for MC to see them. When reviewing your account, don’t forget to submit your application!
If you are still having issues, teachers and counselors can send the documents for MC Scholars to:
FAFSA & MSFAA - Seniors
The FAFSA & MSFAA are financial aid forms to request financial aid to go to college. Those students not eligible to apply for the FAFSA should consider applying for the MSFAA. Please see the SVHS College & Career Financial Aid Page to for more information about both forms:
Upcoming Events
SVHS Naviance Presentation and Q & A Sessions - All SVHS Students & Families
Attention SVHS Students and Families...Learn more about Naviance and ask questions!
Hosted by the SVHS Resource Counselor, College/Career Information Coordinator, and ESOL Parent Community Coordinator. Sessions will take place from 6pm - 7pm on the following dates:
§ Wednesday, January 20
§ Wednesday, January 27 (in Spanish / en Español)
§ Thursday, February 4
§ Thursday, February 25 (in Spanish / en Español)
Click here for the flyer with meeting links
Moving Forward College and Career Readiness Series - Juniors
Juniors, let's start planning! We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in our scheduled workshops to get a head start in planning for life after high school! All workshops are from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. See flyer for schedule of sessions and the link to register.
13th Annual HBCU College Fair, Feb 12 (Seniors) & Feb 13 (All Grades)
NEW: IB/MYP Spotlight
ATL Skill Category Quote for RESEARCH:
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” - Zora Neale Hurston
We strive to develop research skills in our students, so they can find, interpret, judge, and create information. Research skills enable students to learn the technique of evaluating information through critical thinking. It trains the brain to interpret the information and the source rather than being controlled by the information. This skill helps us to be open-minded and appreciative of different perspectives on a topic, which lease to independent problem-solvers and lifelong learners.
ATL Skill Cluster Quote for MEDIA LITERACY:
“Media literacy is not just important, it’s absolutely critical. It’s going to make the difference between whether kids are a tool of the mass media or whether the mass media is a tool for kids to use.” - Linda Elerbee
An important part of an IB education is having students interact with media to use and create ideas and information. This can include locating, organizing, evaluating, and synthesizing, and ethically using information from a variety of sources and media (including digital social media and online networks.) Given the many events in our society today it is especially important for students to develop an awareness of media interpretations of events and ideas and make informed choices about personal viewing experiences. This also includes comparing and contrasting and drawing connections among multiple media resources.
Learner Profile Quote for OPEN-MINDED:
“Have a big heart and an open-mind.” - Justin Young
We hope to develop open-minded students who critically appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. Per Justin Young “Life throws so many curve balls your way. It’s easy to get discouraged. Never stop loving with an open mind, your heart and your mind will guide you through this… journey, no matter the trials ahead. We encourage students to seek and evaluate a range of points of views with a willingness to grow from all their experiences.
Interested in learning more about the IB program?
Have questions about the IB Diploma Program, IB Career-related Program, or IB courses contact Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org. If you have questions about the IB Middle Years Program (9th and 10th grade) contact Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org.
You can also complete Questions about IB Google Form and Ms. Ezerski and/or Ms. Becraft will follow-up with you.
Want more information about the IB Career-related Program?
Wednesday, January 20th from 11:15-12:30: IB Career-Related Program Interest Meeting for rising juniors
Zoom Link Meeting ID: 843 743 8568 Passcode: SVHSIB
NEW: Virtual Aquarium Field Trip
On Wednesday January 13th, twelve students from the Green Team attended a Virtual Field Trip to the National Aquarium while one student went in person with her family!! The Aquarium Educators, Ms. Rachel and Mr. Kameron led the students through the Maryland: Mountains to Sea exhibit and introduced the students to the variety of species found in the different ecosystems. Students asked questions and discovered the importance of protecting our environment and the impacts on the health of our water.
NEW: Health Professions Club Guest Speaker
On Tuesday January 19th at 2:45pm, the Health Professions Club will host our own parent Mr. Timothy Fuss to speak to students about the exciting profession of Nursing. All SVHS students are welcome! If you would like to attend, please contact Mrs. Shute at Elaine_M_Shute@mcpsmd.org for the Zoom link.
NEW: "Let's Talk Careers" Forums
The next two episodes of Let’s Talk Careers sessions are on Wednesday, January 27th and February 3rd both from 10-11:30am!
The January 27th Bioscience session will feature speakers, including: Dr. Gavin Imperato from the United States Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Stephanie Chung from the National Health Institute, Dr. Katharina Maisel from University of Maryland and Mr. Aubrey Watkins from Emergent Biosolutions.
The February 3rd Arts & Entertainment session will feature a comedian and actor, a violinist and an actor/singer/songwriter: Lewis Black, Brian King Joseph and Tatiana Wechsler.
Students can submit questions prior to the sessions here and live through YouTube chat. Students and staff can watch here or on MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 89).
We are hoping to get as many secondary students as possible to tune in and submit questions in advance for both sessions.
NEW: CREATIVITY CONTESTS WITH CASH PRIZES!
- High school students from across the Washington Metropolitan Area are invited to submit poems to the Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest. Entries must be no longer than one page, single spaced, 12-point Times New Roman and are due by February 18, 2021. Download contest rules HERE.
- The Montgomery County Youth Media Festival invites all middle and high school students, plus young adults ages 18-25, in the DMV to submit original works of video and art for consideration. Selected entries will be shown at the festival in April, when winners will be announced. Submissions are due by March 20, 2021. Click HERE for contest rules and the submission form.
NEW: BOOK CLUB UPDATES: BLACK-EYED SUSAN BOOK CLUB & PROJECT LIT
The next meeting of the Black-Eyed Susan Book Club is Monday, January 25th, from 2:45-3:30 pm. Please join book aficionados for a books-that-have-been-made-into-movies Kahoot! trivia contest that is sure to be a ton of fun! Then, plan to meet up again on February 8th to discuss the book A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi -- it’s available in our online reading platform, Sora.
Our third Project LIT discussion will take place on Wednesday, February 3rd, from 2:00-3:00 pm. We will discuss the book The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo an empowering book, written in free-style verse, about a teenager growing into her body. ALL ARE WELCOME! Learn more about accessing this book and others through Sora by clicking on the “Read Online” flag in the Virtual SV Library Media Center.
REPEAT: SVHS 2021-2022 Student Registration/SVHS 2021-2022 Registro de estudiantes
During the week of January 11th-15th, students will receive information to help them select courses for next school year.
If you would like to review the information at home, please visit THIS DOCUMENT: SVHS Registration Handbook
Students may begin entering their registration requests on Friday 1/15/21 at 3:00pm.
Please be sure that you have completed the registration form for next year's classes (linked in the document above) by Friday 1/22/21.
Counselors will be contacting individual students to verify course registration after 1/22/21.
If you have questions/concerns regarding registration, please contact your COUNSELOR: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhscounseling/home
********************************************************************
Durante la semana del 11 al 15 de enero, los estudiantes recibirán información para ayudarlos a seleccionar cursos para el próximo año escolar.
Si desea revisar la información en casa, visite ESTE DOCUMENTO: Manual de registro de SVHS
Los estudiantes pueden comenzar a ingresar sus solicitudes de registro el viernes 15/1/21 a las 3:00 pm.
Asegúrese de haber completado el formulario de inscripción para las clases del próximo año (vinculado en el documento anterior) antes del viernes 22/1/21.
Los consejeros se comunicarán con estudiantes individuales para verificar el registro del curso después del 22/1/21.
Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes sobre el registro, comuníquese con su CONSEJERO: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhscounseling/home
REPEAT: Interested in running for the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB)
Attention current 10th and 11th graders: Are you interested in being the next Montgomery County Student Member of the Board of Education?!?! The SMOB nomination period is now open through January 28. Check out the MCPS webpage to find the SMOB election timeline, protocols and nomination form (pages 29 & 30):
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/smob/election-process.aspx
REPEAT: Interested in witnessing the process of SMOB Elections?
Do you want to attend the annual SMOB Nominating Convention to participate in the democratic process in the selection of our two finalists for the next SMOB? Due to our school's student enrollment, we will be able to send nine delegates! If you are interested, please contact Mr. Stouffer (Daniel_C_Stouffer@mcpsmd.org) by January 22 to learn more about the process of becoming a delegate to the SMOB Nominating Convention!
REPEAT: Student Feedback Survey
For spirit wear purchases:
Seneca Valley Online SPIRIT WEAR!!!
Seneca Valley is excited to offer online sales of the spirit wear we used to sell on-site (and more!) through our local vendor, VerTee Shirts. Check it out!
VerTee Shirts: https://svhs.spiritsale.com (T-shirts, sweatshirts, lounge pants, fleece jackets, and masks)
SVHS Spirit Wear can also be purchased at the following sites.
Squad Locker: https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/eagles-287838
BSN: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/maryland/germantown/seneca-valley-high-school
Want a SVHS License Plate? Please visit the School website for details. https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools//senecavalleyhs/about/ptsa/spiritsales/
REPEAT: BOOKMOBILE FOR NORTHWEST, SENECA VALLEY, AND QO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
In December, MCPS expanded its Bookmobile pilot program to include Seneca Valley. Seneca students may now borrow physical copies of print books from the collection at Northwest High School. Here is the process:
- Browse/search the Northwest High School Library Media collection to find a book you’d like to read. Directions with screenshots are provided HERE.
- Complete THIS GOOGLE FORM to reserve your book.
- Go to one of these locations on Wednesdays in January (1/13, 1/26) to pick up your books:
· 12:30-1:30 pm West Side Drive at 4-way intersection at top of hill
· 1:40-2:40 pm Clopper Mill ES
· 2:55-3:55 pm McNair ES
Questions? Please contact Ms. Little at SVHS or Ms. Myers at NWHS.
REPEAT: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL): Create a Digital Account
Students aged 13 and older may apply for a digital account (younger than 13 apply with their parent/guardian), which provides online access to all our resources and the student may place holds on library materials, which then may be picked up through the Holds2Go program.
- Go to: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/
- Click on “Get a Library Card”
- Click on “Get a Digital Library Card Now”
- Fill out the Online Registration form completely (including Library = select any of our libraries)
- Check your email and record your account number and note the PIN that you selected.
More information about the many resources available through MCPL is available in the “Read Online” flag in the Virtual SV Library Media Center in myMCPS Classroom/Canvas. Please also feel free to reach out to Ms. Little, our school librarian, if you have any questions about creating and using an account with MCPL.
REPEAT: Free Online Access to the New York Times for Students
On Friday, January 8th, we re-sent invitations to create free New York Times accounts to all students whose families completed the SVHS Combined Technology Consent Form, giving permission for the use of MCPS-approved 3rd party apps. These invitations were sent to school gmail accounts (studentID@mcpsmd.net). Students who did not receive an invite and who did not previously set up an account may complete the form now. Students whose families completed the form but still did not receive an invite may email Ms. Little for assistance.
REMINDER: Counselor LIVE Chat
Counselors are now available for live chat sessions EVERYDAY via Zoom. Please use your student's sign in credentials to access the session. Click HERE to access counselor's availability. *Please note that you may be required to wait briefly in the waiting room while the counselor is meeting with another parent and/or student."
REPEAT: Gradebook Symbols and their Meaning
WIth interims that just were released, it is important to remind parents/families of what some symbols in ParentVue and StudentVue represent. Please see below some important examples of these symbols.
- A "0" means:
- That assignment can no longer be made up.
- That assignment does NOT show up as a missing assignment.
- There has been two-way communication regarding the fact that the assignment was never completed.
- The letter "z" or "Missing" in the comments menu means:
- That assignment CAN still be made up.
- That assignment calculates in the final grade as a zero until it is made up.
- That assignment shows up as a RED MISSING in parent and student Vues.
- An assignment left BLANK means:
- The assignment does NOT get reported as missing.
- The assignment does NOT show up in the student or parent Vues at all.
- The assignment is not weighted in the student's grade at all.
REPEAT: Senior Portraits Available
Seneca Valley High School Senior portraits, including make-up day portraits are now online for viewing and ordering! You should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received this (check your spam too), please contact them at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452.
REPEAT: Ask your Librarian" Zoom Office Hours
- Do you need help troubleshooting a tech problem?
- Are you looking for a good book to read?
- Do you need help with research for a class assignment?
- Are you confused about APA or MLA styles for citing sources?
- Could you use an extra set of eyes to look at your EE, IA, or college essay?
- Do you just want to drop by to say "Hi"? 👋
Ms. Little, our school library media specialist, hosts weekly Zoom Office Hours to support students with all of the above and more! She has “drop in” office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-3:30 pm and Wednesdays from 12:00 - 1:30 pm, and is also available by appointment. The link for the Zoom and more information are available in the Virtual Library Media Center in myMCPS Classroom/Canvas.
REPEAT: Technology Reminders for SVHS Students
Do you need a Chromebook?
If you do not currently have an MCPS Chromebook and would like one so that you can participate and engage in your classes, please call the main office at 240-740-6400 or email Mr. Johnson, our Media Services Technician, at michael_t_johnson@mcpsmd.org. We will make arrangements for you to pick one up at school. When picking up your Chromebook, please arrive prepared with your student ID# and don’t forget to wear a mask.
Do you need to replace a broken Chromebook?
If your MCPS Chromebook is not working, you will need to take the broken device to 45 W. Gude Drive in Rockville for a replacement. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. No appointment is necessary. Effective 11/11/20, distribution moved to the left side of the building - look for the black gate between the loading dock and reserved parking spaces. Arrive prepared with your student ID# and don’t forget to wear a mask.
Do you need a MiFi for Internet Access?
Ask a SVHS staff member to request a MiFi on behalf of a student. Once approved, the MiFi will be delivered to SVHS and a staff member will contact the family to make arrangements to pick up the device at the school. Parents/guardians will need to sign a permission form (English|español) when picking up the device. Directions for setting up the device are available in English and español.
Do you need tech support?
Please email Community Tech Support at CommunityTechSupport@mcpsmd.org or call 240-740-7020 or 240-740-7022 between 7am - 8pm, M-F. NOTE: Seneca’s own ITSS, Mr. Josh Dillow, answers calls placed to 240-740-7022 between 5:30-8:00pm M-F.
REPEAT: SVHS Cybersecurity Club - Join Now!
REPEAT: Free Online Access to the New York Times for Students
On Friday, November 20th, all students whose families completed the SVHS Combined Technology Consent Form, giving permission for the use of MCPS-approved 3rd party apps, should have received an invitation from The New York Times newspaper to create a free account. These invitations were sent to school gmail accounts (studentID@mcpsmd.net). Students who did not receive an invite but would like a New York Times account may complete the form now. Students whose families completed the form but still did not receive an invite may email Ms. Little for assistance.
REPEAT: Mindfulness Mornings
Attention ALL students,
We invite you to participate in a series of morning meetings focused on learning and engaging in mindfulness practices.
Join us every morning starting Nov. 10 at 8:30am! Find the zoom link and other details in the flyer below.
Thanks!
The Counseling Department
REPEAT: Dual Enrollment Registration for Spring Term is underway!
Is your student interested in taking Montgomery College courses for credit while they're in high school? Registration for spring term Montgomery College courses through Dual Enrollment is currently underway and classes are filling up. Current Dual Enrollment students should login to their Dual Enroll account to register for their classes. Interested prospective students or families who have questions should contact the Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Mr. Yarmus, at Ian_J_Yarmus@mcpsmd.org.
REPEAT: Who do I go to for help?
If you need assistance or support with anything leading up to the school year or once virtual learning has begun, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the following staff. They are here to support you in any way they can.
Main Office Telephone Number: 240-740-6400 (This is a new number)
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with A - C
- Class Support - Class of 2022
Mr. Davidson (Ms. Rahmati - Long Term Substitute until Semester 2)
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with D - J
- Class Support - Class of 2021
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with K - P
- Class Support - Class of 2024
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with Q - Z
- Class Support - Class of 2023
- Business, Finance, and Operations
Counselor Student Support Assignments
Counseling Telephone Number: 240-740-6420
Ms. Fellows - Students with last names beginning with A - Card
Ms. Patel - Students with last names beginning with Cardi - Del Mar
Ms. Murray - Students with last names beginning with Del Pilar - F
Ms. McCarthy - Students with last names beginning with G - King, C.
Mr. Matthews - Students with last names beginning with King, D. - Nunez Enriquez
Ms. Teixeira - Students with last names beginning with Nunez Rodriguez - Shad
Mr. Yarmus - Students with last names beginning with Shah - Z
Ms. Rina Chaves ESOL Transition Counselor
Ms. Rosa Santos ESOL Parent Community Coordinator
Ms. Rogena Parrish Secretary
Ms. Linda McCabe Registrar
Mr. Carlos Nalda College-Career Information Coordinator
Mrs. Margaret Drew School Psychologist
Mr. Tony Maturana Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW)
Mr. Daryn Moore Aces Coach (11th-12th grade)
Class Sponsors
Class of 2024 - Freshman Class
Class of 2023 - Sophomore Class
Class of 2022- Junior Class
Class of 2021 - Senior Class
REPEAT: Wellness Resources
The safety and wellness of our students remains a top priority. Below are resources to support the physical, social and psychological well-being of our community. If you believe your child is in crisis, please contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. Students can also reach out to their counselor and school psychologist to set up a confidential appointment.
Waymaking Video Series
- Suicide Awareness
- Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
- Managing Stress and Anxiety during Social Distancing
Tips on Addressing Student Grief
Tips for Preventing Youth Suicide
REPEAT: Community Resources
Below is information regarding food/grocery access beyond the MCPS school meal sites:
Food Assistance Resource Map: The Montgomery County Food Council created an interactive map of food assistance providers and benefits application assistance sites in Montgomery County. It is searchable by location, food assistance type, accessibility and many other special features. This resource can give principals and families a quick view of local resources in their area. The information indicates where, when and how to access the resources. **We would caution parents and staff supporting parents to pay particular attention to how one qualifies to access food as some sites state requirements.
Weekend Bag Program: MCPS, Manna Food Center, and Women Who Care Ministries are distributing weekend backpacks with groceries to the families of MCPS students each Friday. The location of distribution sites and times are listed at the bottom of the webpage.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/sheppard-pratt-hosts-virtual-lunch-learn-series-for-mental-health-awareness-month/
VIRTUAL CRISIS WALK_IN CLINIC
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/virtual-crisis-walk-in-clinic/
https://dominionhospital.com/covid-19/access-to-care/behavioral-health.dot
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WEBSITES
1. https://www.caringmatters.org/resourcesforschools
2. https://learn.mindwise.org/social-distance
3. https://www.therapistaid.com/
4. https://www.mindfulschools.org/
5. https://www.educatingmindfully.org/
6. https://www.stressedteens.com/
7. http://mindfullifeproject.org/
8. https://centerforadolescentstudies.com/
GRIEF RESOURCE
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!
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-353-8000
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS