Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter

We look forward to another great week of school. We have a few exciting events this week. Our 6th grade students will be participating in Outdoor Education this week, November 11- November 15 at Camp Letts. We also have our Open House for our 7th & 8th grade families tomorrow, Monday, November 11 (see below for more details)

As we observe Veterans Day, we come together to honor the courage and dedication of our veterans. Their commitment to service and to our nation serves as an enduring example of sacrifice and resilience. On November 11, let us recognize and express our deepest gratitude to those who have bravely defended our country. To our veterans: we thank you for your service, and we are privileged to honor you.

In the newsletter, the section with an * has been updated with new information OR is a new section in the newsletter. Please make sure to review. As always, thank you for your continued partnership.

Let's make it an awesome week, Huskies!

Did you miss the latest Husky news. You may access the link below from Friday, November 8.

to hear upcoming news & events Click Link. You can see all of the news links located here.

Virtual Parent town hall meetings will take place on November 7, 8, & 13 (please see grade level schedule below). The parent town hall meetings are informal meetings to provide grade specific updates to parents and to answer any questions about activities and/or programs specific to each grade level. The team leader, grade level counselor, and administrator will be present and will facilitate these opportunities for families.

This will be a virtual opportunity. All meetings will be from 8:30-9:10 am

• Grade 7- Thursday, November 7- If you missed it, you may view video HERE.
• Grade 6- Friday, November 8- If you missed it, you may view video HERE
• Grade 8- Wednesday, November 13

Zoom Link:

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82374702813?pwd=SmdbMgnB4SFv1wxinqjGAuKFudlObe.1

Meeting ID: 823 7470 2813

Passcode: 287755

One tap mobile: 13017158592

Fall is here, and so are great new books, research lessons, and much more. Catch up with our November MEDIA MONTHLY: NEWS & NOTES from the LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM.

We are so grateful to the families who have donated to our library makerspace. Click HERE for our wish lists, and thanks in advance to all!

We are excited to announce that we will have an Open House for our Silver Creek Families. See dates below:

• November 11 (7th and 8th Grade families),
• December 9 (6th Grade families- This is an alternate date due to outdoor education for 6th grade beginning on 11/11).

The Open House provides the opportunity for you to visit your child’s classes and to observe their daily learning experiences.

Silver Creek will schedule two sessions:

• Morning Session (8:30-10:45)
• Afternoon Session (1:30-3:00)

Open House Procedures.

• To ensure the safety of all students and families, classes will have a maximum of 5 chairs per classroom. If a class is full, there will be chairs outside each classroom for you to wait until the next class begins.
• Please read Open House Expectations/Procedures.

We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your cooperation.

Please mark your calendars for Monday, November 25, 2024 for Parent Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be from 1:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m & 5:50-7:30 PM.

Our conferences will be "arena style" and teachers will be available to meet with parents/caregivers for 5 minutes at a time in locations based on grade level.

• Cafeteria- 6th grade
• Main gym -7th grade
• Large Auxiliary Gym - 8th grade

We look forward to seeing our families on Monday, November 25.

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation. You may read more HERE.

In honor of Emancipation Day in Maryland (November 1st) the Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation has declared November as Remembrance and Reconciliation month.

Students at Silver Creek will receive five short lessons through their World Studies classes in the month of November that focus on the history of local Black communities. This year’s lessons will focus on how life was unequal for African Americans in Montgomery County and what residents did to fight for equality.

Our November newsletter is out. Check it out here: https://secure.smore.com/n/gtjck5

The counselors would like to help support you with your middle school child. We are offering toolbox sessions, and would like to better meet your needs. As such, please fill out this very brief SURVEY so we are able to learn more about what you want to hear more about as we continue throughout the year:

• Check out the mental health support tab on our website for some workshops for grieving families put on by Caring Matters. All workshops are on zoom.
• If your family needs help with school supplies, food for the weekend, winter coats or other needs, we would like to help! Please fill out the following form: Sign up for Husky Help 24-25 (google.com)
  
• The HUSKY PANTRY is open. Please make sure to fill out the FORM above to ensure your child has access to these resources.

If you have questions related to registration/enrollment or transcripts, please contact Ms. Susan Levine, resource counselor at Susan_A_Levine@mcpsmd.org

We are excited to announce our first Middle School Career Fair on Friday, February 28, 2025. This event aims to expose our students to a variety of career paths and inspire their future aspirations.

• We invite parents and guardians to volunteer and share insights about your profession or career. Whether you’re in education, healthcare, technology, arts, trades, or any other field, we’d love to hear from you!
• Your participation will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to our students as they explore their future possibilities.
• For more information and to sign up, please visit this link.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping make this event a success. Questions, please email Ms. Ashley Rivera at Ashley_C_Rivera@mcpsmd.org or Ms. Meredith Lange at Meredith_A_Lange@mcpsmd.org.

We are excited to announce that SCMS Yearbooks are on Sale NOW. Ms. Jordan is our Yearbook sponsor this school year. Ms. Jordan and the SCMS Yearbook club have been meeting after school to start designing the 2024-2025 yearbook.

How to Order

• Reserve your copy now for $30.00 until February 1, 2025. To order online, scan the QR code or go to yearbookforever.com.

Questions? Please email our yearbook sponsor at Cassandra-lee_E_Jordan@mcpsmd.org

Middle School Athletics for the 2024-2025 school year is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. All athletes MUST be registered on ParentVue. Physicals (form SR-8) must be filled out by a medical professional prior to any type of participation. Physicals are valid for up to two years. Copies of the SR-8 form can be found HERE.

Winter Registration: Parent/guardians can register their student-athletes for winter athletics using ParentVue which began on October 28, 2024.

• Practices/Games occur every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday after school from 3:10-4:30 or later on game days.
• Tryouts will be held December 10th-12th. Information regarding middle school athletics registration can be found here. Below are some helpful resources to assist parents/guardians with the on-line registration process:
  
• Complete the Middle School Spring Athletics Online Registration located on ParentVue.
• Complete the Middle School Spring Athletics Online Registration located on ParentVue. Click here for helpful tips on accessing the registration form.

If you have questions about our athletics programs or registration, please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Sean Brennan at sean_p_brennan@mcpsmd.org

We have a range of after-school activities to choose from. Please click the link below to view our After School Activities Brochure which includes a description of each activity, the staff member who is sponsoring, the location, and the day of the week the activity begins. Please note that some clubs will begin later in the school year.

We ask that students register for their activity so that sponsors are aware of the number of students attending. The registration link is below. Buses will depart Silver Creek at approximately 4:20 p.m. to take students home. Each bus will take students to their regular bus stop or to a stop nearby. You may also choose to pick your child up from their activity. Please pick your child up at the front of the school at 4:20 p.m.

We look forward to seeing your child at one of our great clubs!
Afterschool Activities Brochure

Registration

Our school’s diversity is what makes us so special. In an effort to recognize the many cultures and backgrounds that make up our community, the PTSA Diversity Council will be hosting special recognitions/activities during lunch to celebrate this uniqueness.

On Friday, November 1 we celebrated Día de los Muertos. In some Latin American countries, it is a celebration of the life and legacy of the deceased. Students had Mexican chocolate and sweet bread. Mexican hot chocolate was a popular drink once only served to the wealthy during special holidays like Día de los Muertos. Students really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more and partake in this experience.

See the slides that were shown to students during lunch for the last two recognitions.

Thanksgiving Holiday Food Drive Message: Please READ.

PTSA Meeting & Mindfulness Program, Nov. 12 at 7pm in the Media Center. The PTSA invites all SCMS families, students, and staff to “Mindfulness at SCMS: How to Achieve Mental Wellness & Improve Academic Success,” a session on mindfulness techniques led by Jeffrey Donald, MCPS Mindfulness Coordinator, on Tues. Nov. 12, 2024 at 7:00pm in the SCMS Media Center. We will begin with a short PTSA general membership meeting to vote on amendments to our PTSA bylaws and share some updates from the SGA and PTSA before turning to Mr. Donald’s program. Please join us!

Update Your Info in the Online School Directory

Huskies, it's time to make sure your information is correct in the school directory! Please go to https://scmsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com, click register or login, and once you're registered, you can add or confirm your student's information and download the Membership Toolkit app and access the directory on the go. If you have any questions, please let the PTSA know!

Donate to the Husky Fund!

Have you donated to the Husky Fund? This year, you can personalize your donation in tribute to a Silver Creek faculty or staff member, student, or parent. You can honor birthdays, work anniversaries, special thank you’s, and more with your donation.

• Donating is easy: Log in to pay4schoolstuff.com
• Select “The Husky Fund: A Tribute Gift" - include the honoree’s name and the reason for your tribute in the donation form.

The PTSA will send a note of appreciation to all teachers, administrators, and others recognized with a tribute gift so they are aware of your generous donation in their honor. The PTSA’s Husky Fund supports our great teachers and administrators with Teacher Appreciation events and meals, classroom grants, special events, and other needs throughout the school year. Every donation helps with these efforts!

This school year, SCMS will be moving to a cell phone-free school. This means that phones are prohibited the entire school day (8:05 - 3:00 PM) The policy will take effect the first day of school, Monday, August 26. Please make sure you and your child review our new cell phone policy to ensure a smooth transition to the school year.

The application is now open for parents and guardians to complete and submit for assistance with the cost of school meals. Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can apply for this service. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Beginning this year, students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for breakfast or lunch meals.

• Apply here
• Learn more about the program

November 11- Open House (7th & 8th Grade Families)

November 11- November 15- 6th Grade Outdoor Education

November 25- Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 25 & 26 - Early release days for students

November 27- Systemwide Closure—Schools and offices closed

November 28 & 29- Thanksgiving—Schools and offices closed

December 9 - Open House (6th Grade Families)

Link to MCPS Calendar

If a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian is asked to call the attendance line at 240-740-2201 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

If you have any questions regarding attendance procedures, parents may email a note to Ms. Pamela Carroll-Sykes, attendance secretary, at Pamela_M_Carroll-Sykes@mcpsmd.org

Please find our school directory located on our School's Website with important contact information: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/silvercreekms/staff/directory/

Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly P. Heidler

Assistant Principal: Ms. Justine Pfeiffer

School Hours: 7:30 am- 4:00 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
X: @SCMSDrAwkard