Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
May 3-May 7
Dear SCMS Parents/Guardians
Welcome to May! I can't believe we have only six weeks left of school. We have successfully transitioned all of our cohort students back to in-person learning and are excited to continue the great momentum with hybrid learning. We have a regular 5 day week this week. As always, Wednesday is a virtual day for ALL students (except on the following dates where there is a 4-day week- May 13 & June 2).
We have Wednesday check-ins as well as Focused Student Intervention (FSI) in the morning (8:15-8:55 am). Please encourage your child to take advantage of both supports to maintain their academic success; interims are fast approaching next week, Thursday, May 13.
Let’s make it a great week Huskies!
Hybrid Bell Schedule
This is an A week. Please find the Adjusted Hybrid Schedule here for the remainder of the school year. Please review the schedule in great detail.
**Please note: Students who attend in-person learning will come to the building Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. On Wednesday, ALL students will have a virtual day.
Students who attend in-person learning, please review the Rotation Weeks here. Make sure students know the weeks they come for in-person learning.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (May 3-May 7)
This week is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! In honor of this special week, please join me in recognizing our wonderful Silver Creek teachers & staff for the tremendous work they do for our students daily. I am so grateful to work with such an amazing staff. I am impressed by their ingenuity, resilience and strength as they have navigated through some very high tides! I am honored to lead a school with such collective commitment towards empathy & excellence.
To celebrate this week, please take a moment to fill out the google form to share a shout out to a staff member. The message will be sent to that staff member during the week of May 3-May 7.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWoEYMMjfwmCJ5c0GU9F-iHZSYLq5qXbaeSsuZpQmCNDSlfg/viewform
Thank you for being such a supportive school community.
In-Person Learning Updates/Reminders
We are so excited to have transitioned back all cohorts to school successfully. We look forward to seeing our A cohort students this week.
Reminders
- Afternoon Dismissal- Dismissal will begin at 2:45 pm. We will have a staggered dismissal, so please be patient when waiting for your child to exit the building. Please follow the guidance of staff to drive up to the end of the building to avoid crowding of vehicles.
- The virtual/hybrid schedule can be found here. We are very excited to see our students return to school as we continue to provide an optimal learning experience for both virtual and in-person students.
Please see updated Information in regards to Wednesdays virtual, updated quarantine/isolation guidelines, and plans for the fall return to school located HERE.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The MCPS COVID-19 dashboard helps the community keep track of key health metrics and positive cases in our school communities. All school notification letters are posted on this webpage: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/dashboard/. The dashboard will be updated to display the cumulative number of positive cases reported for students and staff.
COVID POOL TESTING: To Begin Friday, May 7, 2021
Silver Creek Middle School will begin COVID Pool Testing on Friday, May 7, 2021.
We must all do our part to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in our schools. This includes participating in school-provided COVID-19 testing to identify cases where the student or staff member may not be showing symptoms. MCPS families were notified about this new effort in February and March. Tests will be provided for all students and staff on a weekly basis. Each swab will be placed in a common tube for that classroom or group and sent to a central testing laboratory. The test detects whether the virus that causes COVID-19 is present in that pooled sample. Schools will receive results within 2-3 days and families will be notified of next steps if there is a positive case in the classroom or pool. Please read additional information here.
CONSENT: You must sign the following consent form to give permission for your child to participate. You can send in the consent form by doing one of the following:
- You can print the form, sign and have your child return to school by May, 5, 2021.
- You can print the form, sign and take a picture of the consent form and email a copy to the attendance secretary at Rachel_Distelhorst@mcpsmd.org.
- You may use the following link https://kami.app/P26-gvU-28p to automatically make a copy and sign using Kami. You can save the document and then email the consent form to Ms. Rachel_Distelhorst@mcpsmd.org.
If you do not complete the consent form, your child will not be able to participate in testing.
Summer School Program: Registration to OPEN tomorrow, Monday, May 3!
MCPS will be offering both virtual and in-person summer school opportunities this summer. All summer school programs are free of charge for all students. Virtual opportunities will be managed by central office, and the in-person summer school program for your rising 7th or 8th grader will be held in person at Silver Creek Middle School from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. beginning July 6, 2021 through July 30, 2021. All rising 9th grade students will need to register with the high school they will attend.
Programs will help address learning loss, with a focus on mathematics, literacy, electives and preparing for the next grade level. If interested, please click the following link to open our Summer School flyer with information about the classes we are offering. The flyer contains a link to register your child for summer school. Please note: The link for registration does not go live until tomorrow, May 3, 2021. More information about summer school offerings is available here.
Registration for virtual summer school is done through ParentVue. Please email Mr. David O'Shell at David_O’Shell@mcpsmd.org, if you have any questions.
SPRING MAP TESTING: May 19 & May 26
Spring MAP testing is coming soon. All students will take the MAP-R on May 19 and the MAP-M on May 26. Students should use a school-issued chromebook to take the test. If your child's chromebook needs to be replaced or if you were never issued a chromebook, please email Mr. David O’Shell at David_O'Shell@mcpsmd.org to schedule a time to pick one up from school.
All testing will be given virtually through Homeroom using students' Husky Huddle Zoom link on the following dates and times ( Please note: Testing will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Please make sure your child arrives on time to testing)
- MAP Reading: Wednesday May 19 from 9:00-11:15 a.m. Students must arrive promptly by 9:00 AM
- MAP Mathematics: Wednesday May 26 from 9:00-11:15 a.m. Students must arrive promptly by 9:00 AM
Students who receive testing accommodations will take the test through a different Zoom link. All information, including the link for testing, will be shared with you and your child in a separate email soon. A more detailed schedule for May 19 and 26 is available in the Parent Handbook linked here:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/silver-creek-parent-handbook/testing/spring-map-testing-2021.
To learn more about the MAP assessment please see the link below
https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/family-toolkit/
8th Grade Promotion
As you know, the pandemic has made us rethink our engagement activities for 8th grade promotion. Please know that we want to make this a very special event for our 8th grade students. We are working in partnership with the PTSA to make this celebratory given the parameters from MCPS. We are currently waiting on guidance on the extent of this celebration for our 8th grade students. Information will be coming soon. We greatly appreciate your patience and partnership as we navigate this unprecedented time.
As a reminder, information was sent out to all 8th grade families in reference to a slide presentation for the 8th Grade Promotion to recognize our 8th grade students. In doing so, we would like a picture of your 8th grader. Please email a picture of your 8th grade child to Ms. Dinger at lorelei.dinger@mcpsmd.net no later than May 14th. If we do not receive a picture, we will use the picture your child uploaded for the yearbook.
Please stay-tuned for additional details regarding the 8th Grade Promotion. Also, you may read the MCPS message that was sent to families in regards to MCPS promotion ceremonies.
I am very hopeful that we will be able to have a nice recognition for our 8th grade class!
Parent Town Hall Meetings Next Week May 10, 11, 12
All meetings will be from 8:15 am-8:45 am
Grade 8- Monday, May 10, 2021
Grade 7-Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Grade 6- Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/96796806372?pwd=UjhWeVY5dmNxN3NJTmRleGRmNGFJZz09
Meeting ID: 967 9680 6372
Passcode: 333716
One tap mobile
+13017158592
MARKING PERIOD 3 GRADES
Silver Creek News from April 30, 2021
Husky Huddle
During Husky Huddle on Tuesday, May 4, students will participate in a NPFH Lesson that debriefs the George Floyd trial by exploring multiple perspectives on what the verdict means related to racial justice. You may view the google slides here.
On Friday, May 7, students will participate in their Friday Fab lesson. They will have the opportunity to organize their assignments from the week, and email their teachers with questions/request for support in their classes.
Attendance Reminder: Students are expected to attend all 8 of their classes. Attendance is taken in all classes including Husky Huddle (8th period/Homeroom).
Spring Athletic Season: Parent Meeting on Thursday, May 6 at 6PM
We CAN, We Will, We R.A.I.S.E – Welcome to the Silver Creek MS 2nd Semester Spring Athletic Season consisting of Basketball & Soccer. The spring season is May 11-May 27, 2021 and is available to all students in 7th & 8th grade. If you registered your child to participate in our up-coming basketball or soccer season, there will be a virtual parent meeting via zoom on Thursday, May 6 at 6:00 PM.
During the meeting, our Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Bingaman, along with the coaches will share information regarding the season and provide time for questions & answers. Mr. Bingaman will send a zoom link via email to all of the parents who registered for basketball or soccer. This link will be sent out prior to the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!
Virtual Library Media Center
Did you know there are now THREE ways to access books and other resources from our library media center? Both virtual and in-person students can use our Holds-to-Go system by reserving books in our Destiny catalog and picking up outside the media center or in our entryway. In-person students can visit the LMC during the wellness break to read, browse, and relax. And all readers can borrow from our extensive collection of ebooks and audiobooks on SORA. Finally, remember to stop by Book Bites every virtual Wednesday at 12 pm for updates on new books, socializing, games, and lots of other book-related fun! Visit our website for more information.
NPFH Art Show: Thursday, May 20 at 7PM
PARENT RESOURCES
Save the date for the next Thursday Tea with Dr. Awkard
The next Thursday Tea is scheduled for Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 8:30-9:00 am. This will be the last Principal's Tea of the year. During this time, we will share updates, events, and tentative plans for the upcoming school year. The zoom link will be forthcoming.
You may find the google slides for each month's "Thursday Tea" on our website.
Counselor News & Updates
Please check out the April newsletter.
The counseling team is looking for parents to join the counseling advisory committee.
What is it? An Advisory Council is a representative group of stakeholders selected to review and advise on the implementation of the school counseling program. The Council meets at least twice a year.
When is the next meeting? May 20th at 3:00 PM
How do I get involved: Email susan_a_levine@mcpsmd.org of your interest. You can attend every meeting or just one; there is no long term commitment. We are stronger with parent partnership. If possible, please have your child attend with you. We need their voices too!
Please check out our Counseling Website periodically for upcoming parent drop in sessions https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/scmsmcpscounseling/parent-resources
Parent/Guardian 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
SSL at Silver Creek
Students with completed SSL forms can submit their completed SSL forms to Ms. Hill at renee_s_hill@mcpsmd.org by either sending a picture of the completed form or sending an attachment. Also, be sure to check out "All Things SSL" & monthly opportunities in our SSL resource document (Spanish Version)
A message from the PTSA
Interested in serving on the PTSA? SCMS PTSA positions are available for the 2021-2022 school year!
Our families all play an essential role in making Silver Creek the wonderful community that it is. The staff at Silver Creek are committed to working with you to support your children and provide the most enriching learning environment possible. The PTSA is a vital part of making that happen.
There are still a number of positions available on the PTSA Executive Committee and the Board for the 2021-2022 school year, particularly related to Diversity/Inclusion and Communications. Please consider volunteering and please contact any of the Nominating Committee members if you are interested in serving and/or have a recommendation: Susan Hage (susan.hage@redcross.org), Juliana Horowitz (julianahorowitz@gmail.com), or Dana Peterson (danapeterson94@gmail.com).
Thank you!
Online Homework Help
MCPS has announced a new, free student online tutoring and homework help service. Tutorme.com is a secure, online resource that will be easily accessible through MCPS student Canvas and StudentVUE accounts and will offer on-demand assistance on any subject from grade 3 through grade 12. More information is available here.
Social Media
We know that many students use social media applications such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. It is imperative that students use these social media applications appropriately. Technology should be not be misused for the purpose of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. I will address any acts of misuse accordingly. The MCPS Policy can be found here.
Thank you for being vigilant and monitoring your child's social media use. Here is a resource for parents on social media.
Wear Silver Creek Colors on Fridays!
Important Dates to Remember & Coming Attractions
May 3-May 7- Staff Appreciation Week
May 10- 8th grade parent town hall meeting
May 11- 7th- grade parent town hall meeting
May 12- 6th grade parent town hall meeting
May 13- Q4 Interims; No School for students; Professional day for teachers
May 26- Career Cafe
May 31- Memorial Day Holiday
June 16- Last day of School
Student Absence & Class Recordings
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.
Students are expected to attend the live meetings for all classes listed on their schedules. If students are not able to attend one or more live class meetings on a given day, they should access the recording of the class that is posted in myMCPS Classroom. These recordings will only be available for 72 hours after the live class meeting. After watching the recording, please complete the Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form found here. After the form has been submitted and processed, the absence will be removed from the student’s record. (Please note that it may take several days to process the form after it has been submitted.) If a student is absent from a live class meeting and not able to access the recording within 72 hours due to an extenuating circumstance (e.g., hospitalization, death in the family, etc.) or has questions regarding attendance procedures, a parent or guardian may email a note to Ms. Rachel Distelhorst, attendance secretary, at Rachel_Distelhorst@mcpsmd.org
Important Contacts
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/staff/directory/
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Acting Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
School Hours: 7:55 am- 3:25 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