SCMS Newsletter (Website Version)
Week of November 16-November 20
Dear SCMS parents/guardians
This is Dr. Awkard with your weekly message. As we begin Quarter 2, we would like to thank our parents and students for their feedback on the virtual learning experience. Based on your feedback, there were some patterns that emerged in the areas of Husky Huddle (Advisory), virtual check-ins, and instructional time. As such, we have modified the Husky Huddle class period. Students will continue to engage in social/emotional lessons once a week. On Fridays, students will use this time for relationship building, organization of academic work, completing class assignments, checking grades, and emailing teachers, as needed.
Many parents shared their preference for Wednesday to be another instructional day. As you know, the overall change to the secondary schedule comes from the county level. However, we did explore extending the time for virtual check-ins, but based on certain restrictions within the day, we will continue with our current Wednesday structure. All students are strongly encouraged to attend virtual check-ins; however, this day is mandatory for students who have a D or E in their class(es). This is the opportunity to check-in and complete assignments, re-assess, and for students to clarify and asks questions for re-teaching.
We understand that there are challenges that come along with teaching and learning in a remote environment. Please know that we are committed to students’ emotional well-being and to ensuring rigorous instructional learning experiences for all students. Thank you for your continued support of us as we all work together to provide the BEST learning for our students during this time. Let's make it another great week Huskies!
Weekly Assignment At a Glance
The Weekly Assignments At a Glance was sent via email ( since this has class zoom link information, it will only be accessible via email).
Adjusted Schedule: Week of November 16-November 20
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lnu2Jcq13mxHYcLyJT1LyCStWt1H3HIGM-3JnJmX5d8/edit
Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
Please note: The sign up will close on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 4PM.
Parent Vue Updates
ParentVue is the brand new, powerful, single location for all information about how your child is doing in school. ParentVUE is also a new tool we use to stay connected with you. It is built on the powerful Synergy platform. Teachers put their energy into Synergy, and we would like for you to see the benefits of this platform.
When you are logged into ParentVUE you can:
- See your child’s schedule.
- Check your child’s grades (and report card).
- Check your child’s assignments.
- Send a message to your child’s teacher.
- Update your contact information
In addition, soon, you will be able to see a report on Student Service Learning Hours (SSL). If you haven’t yet activated your account, please be on the lookout for an email and/or a notification via U.S. mail. MCPS will send you a new activation letter. Once you’ve received your activation letter simply visit www.MCPSParentVUE.org to activate your account. If for some reason you do not receive your MCPS notification in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you have already activated your ParentVUE account, you will not receive a notification and are already enjoying the benefits of ParentVUE.
Virtual Outdoor Education (6th Grade Students ONLY)
We are happy to announce our Virtual Outdoor Education program will begin the week of November 30. All sixth grade students will participate in outdoor education activities in their science, mathematics, and world studies classes from November 30 to December 4. Students will follow a regular schedule and report to all their classes at the regular times where they will participate in fun and unique outdoor education lessons. There will be a sixth grade Husky Huddle on Tuesday 11/24 where sixth graders will receive important information to kick off the week.
Please click the link below to view the schedule of activities. Sixth graders will not have a regular Wednesday Check-in on 12/2. They will attend additional activities in the morning and afternoon.The Zoom links for these will appear soon in the schedule linked below.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silvercreek-handbook/schedules/outdoor-education
Questions, please contact:
Mr. David O'Shell, acting assistant principal, David_O'Shell@mcpsmd.org
Virtual Outdoor Education Coordinators
Ms. Kelly Miller, Kelly_M_Miller@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Alexandra Kommel, Alexandra_L_Kommel@mcpsmd.org
Distribution of Library Book Holds
Career Cafe/Scoop of STEAM
Our Career Café/ Scoop of STEAM is scheduled for this Friday, November 20th from 12:00 pm-12:30 pm.
- Have you ever wondered what Lasers are made of?
- Have you ever wondered if there are different types of Lasers?
- Have you ever wondered where the word "Laser" comes from?
Our guest speaker for this Friday, Alex Newburgh- a Laser Physicist with the US Army Research Lab- will entertain us with a short presentation on Lasers and some of their applications. Students who are interested in attending the career cafe can do so by filling out the google form here. Attendance depends on registration on a first come first served basis and will be capped to a manageable number. A Zoom link to take part in the Virtual event will be sent to all participants the evening prior to the event.
Middle School Interscholastic Athletics Program Spring Season!
The middle school interscholastic athletics program is available for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade and consists of three virtual sport seasons, including fall (cross country and softball), winter (basketball), and spring (soccer). The middle school virtual athletic seasons consists of two student-athlete and coach engagement sessions per week, for a total of six engagement sessions over the course of approximately three to four weeks. The spring virtual season is scheduled to occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays after-school, beginning on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 to Thursday, December 17, 2020.
All students participating in the spring virtual season, must complete the online registration process. Registration is done electronically through the Silver Creek Athletics Registration form in English or Spanish, which is also posted on the school’s website. Students and parents/guardians who have difficulty with registration should contact the Mr. Ryan Bingaman at ryan_h_bingaman@mcpsmd.org.
We are excited to provide your child with the greatest education-based virtual athletics season during such unprecedented times. We Can, We Will, We R.A.I.S.E.
Husky Huddle
This week, Husky Huddle will focus on our No Place for Hate Initiative.
Tuesday, November 17, students will define and identify assumptions and stereotypes, reflect on their own experiences with stereotypes, and explore ways to diminish stereotype-based thinking. The lesson can be found here.
Friday, November 20, students will have their Fab Friday day where they will engage in activities to encourage peer discussions and foster relationships. They will also have the time to organize their work, check their emails from teachers, or send an email to a teacher.
Report Cards
On Tuesday, November 24, report cards will be posted to ParentVUE. Parents who do not have an active ParentVue account will receive report cards by November 24 via mail. If you need help activating ParentVue, please contact the school.
HUSKY DRAMA
The winter Drama Production Snow Angel by David Lindsay-Abaire is coming soon!
The performances will take place on: Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th both performances will be virtual beginning at 7pm. Tickets are free but reservations are required. There will be a reservation form on the Husky Drama website and then a link to the performances will be sent prior to the performances via email.
We hope you all can join this very exciting event and see the amazing talent of our students.
Want to learn more about SSL Hours?
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/84382739363?pwd=NjNZMXp4Uit3eTNUZWhrNWd0Z3gyZz09
Meeting ID: 843 8273 9363
Passcode: 398986
Please check out our SSL website for more information.
The Library Media Center is calling all artists, designers, creatives, and tech experts. Earn SSL hours by creating promotional materials that celebrate a love of reading, inquiry learning, and great books. We're looking for videos, slideshows, digital posters, hyperslides, and other creative media. See our flyer HERE. Contact Ms. Diskin at Trayce_Diskin@mcpsmd.org for more information.
Yearbook Sales
We are excited to announce that we will be selling the Silver Creek Middle School Yearbook this school year. Although school is a little different this year, let’s capture these middle school moments by purchasing a yearbook! To take advantage of the low price, go to yearbookforever.com to purchase the yearbook today! Prices will go up December 1, 2020.
We will use YOUR photos for the yearbook. Check out how to submit your photos for the 2020-2021 yearbook.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qkA9olGJNKHLGFgJ8DKywMDYIlrnSCChDgmP3jRb5QI/edit
Questions about the yearbook, please contact Ms. Jordan at: Cassandra-lee_E_Jordan@mcpsmd.org
Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County
The Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County has provided Thanksgiving meals and December holiday assistance to low‐income households for over 30 years. Please read the information here.
To be referred for assistance, you must fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/T4HGiXQFSh6zf6Fr7 by November 18 if you need assistance for December ONLY.
Return of Library Media Center Books
PARENT RESOURCES
Save the Date: December 10 at 6:00-6:45 PM
Save the Date for the next Thursday Tea Time with Dr. Awkard. This will be an open session for parents/guardians to ask any questions they may have related to virtual learning, what's new and next steps. The zoom link will be forthcoming.
Counseling Resources
Please check out the Counseling Website periodically for upcoming parent drop in sessions that focus on providing academic, social and emotional support strategies/practices for parents during virtual learning.
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/parent-resources
If you missed the last "Ask a Counselor" Session, you may find the Q&A here.
Parent Resource 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
Free and Reduced Meals Application Process
Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs).
The online application is now open for parents/guardians to complete and submit the 2020-2021 application for Free and Reduced Meals. https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/news-index/farms/
Wear Silver Creek School Colors on Fridays
Important Dates to Remember & Coming Attractions
November 20- Library Book Holds Pick up, 10-1 PM
Career Cafe for Students, 12-12:30PM
November 23- Early release day- Parent/Teacher Conferences (1-7:30pm)
November 24-Early release day
November 25- Early release day
November 26 & 27- Holiday. Schools and Offices Closed
November 30- Costume Pick-up (11-1 pm) for students in the drama production
November 30-December 4- Virtual Outdoor Education for 6th grade students.
Student Absence
If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 in 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
You can also email Ms. Rachel Distelhorst, attendance secretary, at Rachel_Distelhorst@mcpsmd.org.
Also, please use this form to document excused absences from live virtual lessons. The form must be completed for each day of absence from a live virtual lesson.
Important Contacts
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/staff/directory/
Silver Creek Middle School
Acting Principal: Dr. Tiffany Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Acting Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 8:15 am-3:45 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