SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen/Mr. Smith's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
November 29, 2020 Edition
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/
NEW: Principal Intern Takeover - December 14 to January 28
Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff:
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with additional information regarding Mr. Scott Smith, our principal intern at Seneca Valley High School. As I informed you at the beginning of the year, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to develop a future MCPS principal. Mr. Smith has adjusted very well to our school and has provided incredible support to our students and staff. Over the last few months, we have been working side by side co-leading activities and ensuring that our students receive a quality education every day.
I am very confident in Mr. Smith's ability to lead our school during the practicum. This practicum allows the principal intern an opportunity to serve in the principal role from December 14, 2020 to January 28, 2021. In order to make this experience more authentic and beneficial, I ask that parents, students and staff direct all school-related communications to Mr. Smith during that time frame.
In this virtual school setting, I will be preparing and planning for our student’s potential return to the school building. During the intern practicum, I will also support the principal intern not only during times of reflection, but also when the principal intern may need a sounding board to address a specific situation in the school. As a principal developer, I am committed to ensuring Mr. Smith an opportunity to develop into a highly effective school leader.
As always, I thank you for the trust you place in us to educate your children. While I will miss our interactions, I also believe that we all have to work together to continue to develop highly effective aspiring principals in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Respectfully,
Marc J. Cohen, Principal
NEW: This Week's Notes from the College & Career Center
Attention Students of all Grades!!
If you think you may qualify for Free/Reduced Meals, please apply. FARMS status can qualify you for College Application Fee and/or testing waivers.
Naviance - All Grades
Please make sure you can log into your Naviance account. Many students are starting Naviance lessons or will be soon. There are two methods to login: using a password and Single Sign On.
We are encouraging students to use the Single Sign-On (click here to see how) as you do not need to enter your password to login. You need to be logged into your MCPS Google Account for this to work and for you to access the icon on your Google waffle. You may also sign into your account via the Naviance Link. If you have forgotten your password, you should be able to reset using your MCPS ID number or MCPS Google email.
If you are having issues logging in, please reach out to Mr. Nalda.
College Testing - Juniors
I am getting questions from Juniors about the SAT and/or ACT. For Juniors, we are encouraging them to wait and take the PSAT later in the school year. Hopefully, depending on the status of schools, we will be able hold PSAT testing. If not, students could certainly take the SAT and/or ACT at some point in the spring if locations are available.
In the meantime, check out Khan Academy and other sources which provide free test prep. Those resources can be found on the SVHS Site using the link below:
Which Test Should I Take?
· Should You Take the ACT vs. SAT? (Kaplan)
· ACT vs. SAT Comparison (Princeton Review)
College Applications - Seniors
If applicable, please keep working on your College Application Packet. Everything you need to do for submitting college applications, including instructions, is on this document.
If you plan on applying or have applied to Montgomery College, please also add MC to your list of schools in Naviance. This helps me and counselors keep track of where students are applying in case they need assistance. Thank you!
COLLEGE APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS! - Seniors
See the link below for fee waiver codes for a few Maryland Colleges or Universities (and 1 Virginia University). These codes can be used regardless of FARMS status. Some deadlines may have passed, but others are still active.
- 2020 VIRTUAL MARYLAND COLLEGE APPLICATION CAMPAIGN (VMCAC) - Waivers*
- Morgan State University has extended the deadline to use their code FREE20 to December 31, 2020.
Upcoming Scholarships
· November 30 - MoreWithUs Fall 2020 Scholarship Competition - 1-$300 award; senior; must sign up for a MoreWithUs profile to be eligible; in one standard double-spaced page, talk about an Everyday Job or volunteer position you’ve had; see link for specific essay prompt and full guidelines.
· December 01 - Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team - College Scholarship - 2-$1,000 awards; senior; min 2.8 GPA; submit an essay of 500-750 words on how you are driven to innovate, how you plan to influence progress on any level in any space or how you have already affected positive change with creative thinking; transcript; chosen finalist essays may be posted on our website and voted on via social media; see link for full details.
· December 01 - Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team - Nursing Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; senior; submit an essay of 500-750 words on how what drives you and why you want to pursue a nursing degree or why you want to go to nursing school; transcript; chosen finalist essays may be posted on our website and voted on via social media; see link for full details.
· December 06 - Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards - multiple awards of up to $1,000; senior; U.S. permanent resident, U.S. citizen, or qualify under the DACA; be of Hispanic heritage (includes Spain, Brazil, Philippines); enter school in Fall of 2021; min 3.0 GPA; essays; letter of recommendation; transcript; if selected, attendance to the virtual ceremony is mandatory.
· December 15* - BURGER KING Scholars Program - multiple awards ranging from $1,000-$50,000; senior; min 2.5 GPA; must enroll at a school full-time next Fall; recipients are selected based on their grade point average, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service.
- *Scholarship closes on Dec. 15 or when 50,000 applications are submitted, whichever occurs first.
· December 15* - 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 Dec. 15 or when 10,000 applications are submitted, whichever occurs first.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Next Week's College Visits - Juniors & Seniors
· Flyer for Week of Nov 30 - Dec 4
· Full List of College Visits
Upcoming Virtual Events
College Admissions Process (CAP) - Free Monthly Workshops
§ A FREE monthly workshop for high school boys & girls in grades 9-12. (Click here for the flyer)
§ First Fridays, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
§ Dec 4
USG Information Night for MCPS Families
§ Tuesday, December 8, 6pm - 7:30pm
§ Learn how to save thousands on a degree from a top Maryland university!
§ Learn how with the MCPS-MC-USG Pathway
§ Click here for the flyer / Click here to Register
FAFSA - Seniors
The FAFSA is now open for eligible seniors to start filling out! The FAFSA is the financial aid form to request financial aid to go to college. Please see the SVHS College & Career Financial Aid Page to for more information about the FAFSA:
Montgomery College's FAFSA Days - Seniors
November 30 is the last date remaining until they start sessions again in February!
Please sign up to get assistance completing the FAFSA. The remote sessions are available every Monday from 1 - 4 pm & Tuesday from 4 - 7 pm starting the week of October 12th through November and then again in February 2021.
NEW: Parent/Teacher Conference Thank You and Feedback
NEW: Culture of Respect Lessons
Montgomery County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our students are equipped with the information needed to be able to recognize signs of bullying/cyber bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), hate-bias incidents, hazing, intimidation, and student gender norms. An online student training lesson, entitled "Culture of Respect," has been developed for students in grades 6 through 12. This online training lesson provides critical information that will help students better recognize the signs of inappropriate behaviors, including the various ways to report alleged/concerning incidents. The training includes a student survey that will provide school leaders with valuable data to assess the current culture and climate of respect at their schools and determine potential next steps to plan for improvements. Students will earn two SSL hours to complete the training.
The objectives of the training module are for students to know and be able to:
• Review collective responsibilities in promoting a positive school culture and ensuring the physical, social, and emotional safety for all students in alignment with the MCPS Be Well 365 initiative. Define bullying, cyberbullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), hate-bias, hazing,
intimidation, and student gender norms.
• Recognize signs of hazing, bullying, and harassment, including sexual harassment/assault.
Identify reporting procedures to inform school administration of potential concerns and incidents.
• Analyze different scenarios and discuss possible consequences per the MCPS Student Code of Conduct Complete a feedback questionnaire, including an activity to help school administration gauge the level of concern in each of the areas addressed in the training module.
The training should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and will be accessible to all students via their myMCPS Classroom homepage beginning December 1, 2020. Students are asked to complete the training by
January 29, 2021.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics that will be covered, please contact your student's administrator or counselor.
______________________________________________________________________
Montgomery County Public Schools se compromete a asegurar que nuestros estudiantes estén equipados con la información necesaria para poder reconocer las señales de acoso/ciberacoso, acoso (incluyendo el acoso sexual), incidentes de odio-prejuicios, ritos de iniciación, intimidación y normas de género de los estudiantes. Una lección de preparación en lÃnea para los estudiantes, titulada "Cultura de Respeto", ha sido desarrollada para los estudiantes en los Grados 6 al 12. Esta lección de preparación en lÃnea proporciona información esencial que ayudará a los estudiantes a reconocer mejor los signos de conductas inapropiadas, incluyendo las diversas formas de reportar incidentes presuntos o preocupantes. La capacitación incluye un cuestionario para los estudiantes que proporcionará datos valiosos a los lÃderes escolares para evaluar la cultura y el clima actual de respeto en sus escuelas y determinar los posibles pasos siguientes para planificar mejoras. Los estudiantes obtendrán dos horas de SSL por completar la capacitación.
Los objetivos del módulo de preparación son que los estudiantes sepan y sean capaces de:
• Revisar las responsabilidades colectivas en la promoción de una cultura escolar positiva y asegurar la seguridad fÃsica, social y emocional de todos los estudiantes en consonancia con la iniciativa Be Well 365 (Estar Bien 365) de MCPS.
• Definir el acoso/intimidación (bullying), el ciberacoso, el acoso (incluido el acoso sexual), el odio prejuicios, los ritos de iniciación, la intimidación y las normas de género de los estudiantes. Reconocer los signos de ritos de iniciación, acoso y hostigamiento, incluido el acoso/agresión sexual.
• Identificar los procedimientos para reportar a la administración escolar posibles preocupaciones e incidentes. Analizar los diferentes escenarios y discutir las posibles consecuencias de acuerdo con el Código de Conducta de los Estudiantes de MCPS.
• Completar un cuestionario de comentarios, que incluye una actividad para ayudar a la administración
escolar a determinar el nivel de preocupación en cada una de las áreas abordadas en el módulo de capacitación.
La capacitación tomará aproximadamente 30 minutos para ser completada y estará accesible a todos los estudiantes a través de su página inicial de MyMCPS Classroom a partir del 1ro de diciembre, 2020. Se pide a los estudiantes que completen la capacitación antes del 29 de enero, 2021.
Si tienen alguna pregunta o inquietud sobre los temas que se tratarán, comunÃquense conmigo o con el consejero escolar de su hijo.
NEW: IB Spotlight
As we focus on IB each month, we will provide quotes to support the ATL skill category, ATL skill cluster, and LP of the month.
ATL Skill Category Quote for THINKING SKILLS:
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."—Albert Einstein
At the heart of all Thinking skills, is curiosity and questioning. We must question all aspects of our lives from the information we read, our own assumptions and bias, to our current solutions and processes. This constant state of curiosity ensures that we activate critical and creative thinking to question current knowledge, build new knowledge and solutions, and transfer our knowledge across disciplines and into our everyday lives.
ATL Skill Cluster Quote for CRITICAL THINKING:
"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider." ~Francis Bacon
We hope to develop critical thinking skills that encourage us to be reflective on new information- to avoid quick conclusions and leave time to weigh different perspectives. We aim to look at information objectively and to avoid starting with the ultimate goal of refuting or contradicting it so that we may evaluate it or as Mr. Bacons states, "to weigh and consider" it.
Learner Profile Quote for RISK-TAKER:
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. “ ~Pablo Picasso
We encourage our students to be Risk-Takers by trying new experiences and facing challenges with bravery, resiliency, and resourcefulness. Without being a risk-taker, we cannot find innovative solutions and achieve new goals, but most importantly, we cannot grow as human beings. Through this process, we must both work independently, but also realize the importance, strength, and wisdom of working with others.
Don’t forget to recognize a staff member or student for doing a great job with ATLs or the LP in class. Recognize a Student or Staff Member
IMPORTANT IB EXAM REGISTRATION INFORMATION: IB Exam Registration is now open!
All IB Registration Google Forms & payments are due by Friday, Nov. 6th!
· IB Registration Information Video: This video includes an explanation of the benefits of taking IB exams, as well as an overview of the registration and payment process.
· IB Registration Google Form (include MCPS Fee Waiver Request Form): This is the formal IB Exam registration form. It includes a section for student’s to request an MCPS Fee Waiver and digitally sign.
· Link to Online School Payment system to pay for IB Exams
As always, please contact Kim Becraft, IB MYP coordinator (Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org) or Natasha Ezerski, IB DP & CP Coordinator (Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org) with any suggestions or questions.
REPEAT: Boosters Engraved Bricks Campaign
About one more month to order your custom engraved brick for the new stadium concourse!
December 31, 2020 is the deadline for the first order. It's possible that there will still be available spaces in the spring but most are sold!
Please visit www.engravedbricks.com/campaign/svhs and choose up to 23 characters of personalized text on three lines.
Payment of $50 is through PayPal, credit or debit cards.
For questions, email eaglesboosters21@gmail.com
REPEAT: IMPORTANT REMINDER: ParentVue Information and Access
Many parents have reached out regarding issues around their ParentVue accounts. For a tutorial on troubleshooting at home or frequently asked questions, check out this presentation. Otherwise, for additional information, please go to this website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/. There, you will find a parent guide to classroom recordings, ParentVue information and other virtual learning supports.
Did You Forget?
You may have forgotten to sign up for ParentVUE!
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.
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
Soon, you will even 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 because soon, we will send you a new activation letter. Once you’ve received your activation letter simply visit www.MCPSParentVUE.org to activate your account.
If you have already activated your ParentVUE account, you will not receive a notification because you are already enjoying the benefits of ParentVUE. Parent Vue is built on the powerful Synergy platform; ‘Teachers put their energy into Synergy, and so should you!’
If for some reason you do not receive your notification in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to contact us.
REPEAT: PSAT Administration on January 26, 2021
- Based on College Board guidance and group size protocols, this PSAT administration would be offered to interested Grade 11 students only.
- Note that the January PSAT administration will have the same benefits as the October PSAT/NMSQT, including eligibility for programs administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
- As in previous years, interested Grade 11 students would register through an internal process at their local school, including paying the $17 testing fee for the assessment. Fee waivers from the College Board also are available through the school PSAT ordering process. Information on fee waivers can be found here.
- It is not expected that all Grade 11 students participate in the assessment, as the SAT School Day is also being planned for Grade 11 students in spring 2021.
- For the PSAT, interested Grade 11 students, students seeking SAT practice and official score reporting, and students interested in National Merit are encouraged to register.
- PSAT for Grade 10 students—PSAT 10—will have testing windows available later in spring 2021 and will not be part of the January administration.
More information forthcoming!
REPEAT: Project LIT
On October 14th, we hosted our first Project LIT book discussion. Students and staff met via Zoom to talk about the book Dear Martin by Nic Stone, a powerful story about race relations and social justice. Project LIT is a grassroots literacy movement through which hundreds of schools & communities across the country are encouraging readers and leaders to read, discuss, and celebrate books that make us feel seen, heard, affirmed, and valued. You can learn more on Twitter @ProjectLITComm and Instagram @projectlitcomm
Last week, student participants helped select our next read, Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian, a coming-out and coming-of-age story set in New York City in the 1990s. We will meet to discuss this book on Wednesday, December 16, at 2:00 pm. Students who want to participate should sign up in the myMCPS Classroom Virtual LMC (click on Discussions from the left navigation menu) or email Ms. Little so that she can ensure we have enough copies of the eBook and audiobook available on Sora, our online reading platform.
REPEAT: Black-Eyed Susan Book Club Meetings Scheduled
The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award honors outstanding books chosen by Maryland students. Members of Seneca’s Black-Eyed Susan Book Club commit to read at least 3 of the 10 nominees from the high school category by April 15, 2021, and then vote to help select this year's winner.
Beginning on Monday, November 30th, the BES Book Club will begin to meet every two weeks. Our first 2 meetings will be on 11/30 and 12/14, from 2:45-3:30 pm. During the first meeting, we’ll discuss ALL the books and share our favorites. Then, we’ll choose which books we want to have more focused discussions about throughout the year. All meetings are optional, but a great opportunity to connect during the quarantine.
For more information, students should click on the BES Book club flag in the myMCPS Classroom Virtual LMC or email Ms. Little.
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: Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2021
REPEAT: Chromebook Damage Financial Responsibility Information
Students and their families are now financially responsible for any intentional or accidental damage of any Chromebook loaned out to the student. The Office of Technology and Innovation has created a technical document outlining the Chromebook obligation process. This document identifies the costs associated with each type of repair or replacement, as well as where students and families can go to have a repair performed. While 45 West Gude is the only available repair site at this time, additional sites will be identified and added.
To see the Chromebook Obligations document, please click here.
This document links out to four relevant articles.
REPEAT: Student Chromebook Issues? Need a Wifi Hotspot?
If students have a broken chromebook, they should also be brought to 45 W. Gude Drive in Rockville between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. any weekday.
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