Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter
August 28-September 1
Dear Silver Creek Families
Welcome Back Huskies! On behalf of the Silver Creek Staff, welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I would like to extend a special welcome to our new Huskies and their families. We are so excited to begin another school year with each of you! I hope everyone had an enjoyable, restful and safe summer. It was great to see many of our families at the Back to School Bash last week. It's hard to believe that the first day of school is tomorrow, Monday, August 28.
The weekly newsletter will be sent out every Sunday evening at 7PM and posted on our website. The newsletter serves as a comprehensive communication tool that will provide updated school news and information. Families can also use the translation tool on the side bar to translate to other languages. If you have not had the opportunity to read the welcome back letter sent out on August 17, you may do so here: SY24 Welcome Back to School Letter (English). SY24 Welcome Back to School Letter (Spanish). The letter has all the back to school information you will need to know.
I would like to thank our staff for all of their hard work last week preparing to welcome our Huskies back to school. I look forward to seeing all of our students tomorrow. I continue to feel fortunate to serve as the principal of Silver Creek. As we approach the start of the school year, I want to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. Our school community thrives because of the collaborative effort among our dedicated educators, enthusiastic students, and engaged families. Your involvement in your child's education makes a significant difference, and we are thrilled to have you as a part of our school family. Together, we will make this a great school year.
Let's make it an awesome week, Huskies!
First Week of School Bell Schedule
A few reminders:
School hours- First period begins at 8:15 a.m. School ends at 3:00 p.m. Students can enter the building beginning at 7:50 am and will report to their grade-level designated areas. The 6th grade students report to the cafeteria, 7th grade students report to the tennis courts, and 8th grade students report to the basketball courts.
Students who ride the bus: Typically bus arrival to school is between 7:40-7:55 AM. Once students arrive, they go to their grade level reporting areas above.
Parent Drop Off: Parents please drop off at the main entrance of the building and not the bus loop in the back of the school. School staff will monitor student drop off and dismissal areas. Parents, thank you for your cooperation with following directions of school staff to keep the flow of traffic moving.
Parent Pick up: Parents may begin to pick up their child at 3:00 pm. Please follow the driveway up to the front/main entrance and follow the directions of the staff.
Bell Schedule the First Day of School
Husky P.A.W.S (Advisory Period)
On Tuesday, September 5, we will begin our Husky PAWS/advisory period. Advisory is a 30-minute support period three times per week called Husky P.A.W.S (Providing Academic and Wellness Supports). The purpose of the support period is to create a learning space that responds to the needs of our students' academic, social, and emotional needs. During this time, students will have opportunities for academic support, social/emotional and well-being activities.
Students will also participate in advisory lessons dedicated to inclusivity, social justice, and MYP. The lessons encourage students to engage in open dialogues about acceptance, respect, and empathy. These lessons cultivate a sense of belonging and unity, fostering a school environment where every student feels valued and heard.
Please see Regular Bell Schedule with Husky PAWS
Chromebook Expectations
All students will have access to chromebooks in each of their classrooms this year. All rising seventh and eighth graders should have turned in their chromebook and charger to their homeroom teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
- If your child has not turned in their chromebook or charger, please return these to the main office.
- If you would like to request a chromebook to keep and use at home, please click here to request one. You will be contacted once the chromebook is ready to be picked up.
- Students are expected to use their chromebook appropriately as outlined in our Student Chromebook Expectations/Agreement document. Your child will receive a paper copy of the agreement to take home and sign.
Immunization Records for 7th Grade Students
As a reminder, all entering 7th grade students must provide documentation that they have received one dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) and one dose of Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccination.
- If your child has already received the required immunizations but you have not submitted documentation, parents/guardians may contact their healthcare provider for a copy of their children’s vaccination records to verify which vaccinations have been received to date.
- Parents/guardians can also access their child’s vaccination record online at no cost on the Maryland Department of Health’s web portal (https://myirmobile.com/). Users can view and print official copies of vaccination records without a request to their health care provider.
- If you have not already had your child’s vaccinations updated and submitted documentation to Silver Creek, please make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician.
If you have any questions regarding how to submit updated immunization records, please contact Ms. Latonya Abrom, SCMS registrar, at 240-740-2211 or via email at Latonya_N_Abrom@mcpsmd.org.
You can also contact our health room staff at Desiree_G_Speicher@mcpsmd.org (school nurse) or Tigest_Teshome@mcpsmd.org (health tech).
Counseling Department News & Updates
- The September Counseling Newsletter is available now: Check it out here : https://www.smore.com/jcp0w.
- You may also check out resources about middle school children on the Counseling Website
- 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 below: https://forms.gle/gdTDMCSSgmU5pVQp9
If you have questions related to registration/enrollment or transcripts, please contact Latonya Abrom at Latonya_N_Abrom@mcpsmd.org
Silver Creek Athletics
Middle School Athletics for the 2023-2024 school year is open to all 7th & 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.
Practices/Games occur every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday after school from 3:10-4:30 or later on game days.
Registration for the upcoming middle school athletics Fall season (boys’ and girls’ softball and cross country) will be submitted through the ParentVue Portal, which opened on August 14, 2023.
Tryouts will be held on September 12th, 13th, and 14th. Complete the Middle School Spring Athletics Online Registration located on ParentVue. Click here for helpful tips on accessing the registration form.
If you have any questions, please email Mr. Sean Brennan, Athletic Coordinator, at sean_p_brennan@mcpsmd.org
Husky Drama
Interested in Husky Drama? There will be a parent information meeting for new and returning families via zoom on September 11th at 7pm. The link will be posted on the Husky Drama Website soon. The website is located here: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/huskydrama/home
Student interest meeting: There will be a Husky Drama interest meeting for any student interested in auditioning for the Fall Play on Tuesday, September 12th and an interest meeting for stage crew on September 14th in the cafeteria from 3:00-4:30pm. September 13th anyone who wishes to read through the play as a group will meet in the cafeteria from 3-4:30pn
This year, our Fall play is (pending rights) a fantasy adventure: Still Life With Iris by Stephen Dietz. Auditions for the play will be held on September 19th and 20th in the cafeteria from 3:00-4:30pm. Call Backs will be held on Thursday September 21th 3:00-4:30pm. Click on the form on the website to sign up for the interest meetings and the audition days.
Any questions about Husky Drama, please email Ms. Alison Gee, Drama Director, at Alison_C_Gee@mcpsmd.org
PARENT RESOURCES
Principal Coffee
We are excited to have principal coffees once a month on Fridays from 8:30-9:10 am. Principal Coffees will begin Friday, October 20 and will all take place over zoom.
This is a great time to hear about school-wide happenings and events related to students' academic and social well being.
More information will come out soon.
Parent 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
Latest MCPS Updates
Here is the Back to School edition of 5 things to know. Get information about bus routes, school meals, how to receive emergency information, athletics safety and more.
Free and Reduced Meals
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.
Gratitude Corner
- Bekah Bennett, Susan Hage & the PTSA for planning another incredible Back-to-School Bash. We had a nice turnout and it was exciting to see so many of our new and returning families.
- Amy Lerman, Allison Muller & the PTSA for providing our staff with a delicious lunch on Friday. It was certainly a great treat!
We are grateful for such an amazing PTSA and appreciate your commitment to our students, staff, and school community.
Important Dates to Remember
September 4- Labor Day Holiday- Schools and Offices Closed
September 21- Back to School Night- 6:30 PM
September 22- Early Release day for students
September 25- Non-Instructional Day—No school for students
September 28- Parent Information Meeting: Family Life & Human Sexuality Unit for Health Education, 6:00 PM (Via Zoom) More details soon.
October 9- No school for students
Link to MCPS Calendar
Student Absence
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
Important Contacts
Silver Creek Middle School
Principal: Dr. Tiffany N. Awkard
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kimberly Heidler
Assistant Principal: Mr. David O'Shell
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
Twitter: @SCMSDrAwkard