Springbrook Weekly Digest

Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,

Welcome back to another edition of the Springbrook Weekly Digest! I hope you're enjoying Memorial Day weekend! This is week 8 of marking period 4. Please review student grades in StudentVUE and ParentVUE while doing the following:

• Continue to encourage students to complete and submit all assistants and seek assistance from teachers or the school counselors.
• Contact teachers and/or counselors via email with academic or attendance concerns or questions.

Remember, schools are closed for Memorial Day on Mon, May 27, 2024.

CLASS OF 2024

GRADUATION REHEARSAL

Graduation rehearsal will be held on Mon, Jun 3rd at Springbrook High School.

• All graduating seniors who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony should report to the cafeteria at 7:30 AM.
• Seniors will receive their cap and gown after rehearsal; seniors will receive their cap and gown after all financial obligations are satisfied. Obligations include:
• Chromebook and charger

• textbooks
• athletic uniforms
• Seniors who have not ordered their cap and gown, may bring cash to rehearsal and pay Herff Jones on-site, or pay online at highschool.herffjones.com.

Graduation
Graduation will take place on Fri, June 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

• All participating graduates should arrive to UMBC at 8:00 AM.
• All guests attending graduation must have a ticket unless they are one year of age or younger and can sit on the lap of another guest.
• Strollers are not permitted in the seating area of the stadium.

Graduation location:

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena University of Maryland, Baltimore

County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

LIVE STREAM LINK to GRADUATION

• Please click here to access the SBHS Class of 2024 Graduation on June 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM.

PTSA ELECTED OFFICERS FOR SY2024-2025

Please join me in congratulating and welcoming our newly elected PTSA leadership team:

• Robin Appia, President
• Kendra Harris, Vice President
• Tamieka Thomasson, Secretary and Communications Director
• Terrence Jamison, Delegate
• Heinz Weverink, Springbrook Cluster Coordinator

We sincerely thank our former leadership team for their incredible service to the SBHS PTSA:

• Leslie West-Bushby, President
• Heinz Wevering, Vice President and Springbrook Cluster Coordinator
• Alison Nelson, Membership Coordinator
• Carl Nelson, Delgate and Secretary
• Gabriela Philippon, Treasurer,
• Blain Tekeste, Delegate and NAACP Represenatative
• Tamieka Thomasson, Communications DIrector

Review the 2023-2024 PTSA accomplishments here.

SUMMER SCHOOL 2024 INFO

MCPS offers Regional Summer School and Central Summer School. Please read the segment on summer school and contact your student's counselor for more registration information.

Please click English or Spanish versions to access more details regarding summer school and contact your student's counselor for additional information.

Please view the Table of Contents to review what's in this issue of the SWD.

Warm regards,

Stephanie Valentine

Principal

Springbrook High School

@springbrookprinc

As the nation approaches Memorial Day, Americans prepare to honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country. Observed annually on the last Monday of May, this occasion holds signicant cultural and historical importance, serving as a reminder of bravery and selfishness displayed by countless inidividiuals throuhout Unitied States history. As a reminder schools are closed for students and staff on Monday, May 27, 2024.

This month we recognize the achievements and the influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans whose ingenutiy, courage, and perseverance have contributed to the great American experiment.

When Kim Shui graduated from Duke University with a degree in economics in 2011, she had no intention of being a fashion designer. When Shui, who was born in the U.S. and raised in Rome, graduated from college she intended to go into international finance. Instead, she worked in merchandising at Rick Owens and Helmut Lang. In her first design gig as a womenswear designer for Two New York, she began to stitch her namesake line on the side. Her big break was winning VFiles Runway for Autumn/Winter NYFW in 2016, which gave her brand the tastemaker seal of approval and exposure to fashion icons.

Shui is available to help the next generation of fashion enthusiasts and professionals on all things brand development and sustainability in fashion.

Ms. Nicole Brown, Internship Coordinator, consistently thinks of creative ways to advantage our Springbrook students. Ms. Brown connects hundreds of students each year with apprenticeships and internships. However, many students must apply for their Maryland state driver's license or take the Maryland permit driving test. To mitigate this challenge and provide opportunities for students to be eligible to drive to apprenticeships and internships, Ms. Brown has partnered with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to provide onsite permit (pen/paper) examinations at the Brook.

• Interested Apprenticeship and Intership students and additional students should see Ms. Brown in G202 to pick up a field trip form.
• Students must be 15 and 9 months by May 20, 2024
• The opportunity is limited to the first 60 internship or apprenticeship students (first come, first served)
• Examination will take place on Wed, May 29 at 2:30 PM in TR2

Juniors interested in the Urban Alliance paid full-year internship must register here and attend the following virtual information sessions:

• Monday, May 28 - 4:00 - 4:30 PM

Zoom Information:
Meeting ID: 823 5175 9746
Passcode: 495403
Link:https://theurbanalliance-org.zoom.us/j/82351759746?pwd=a09yeXh4Y3RJOGlrTkp1UElwbFFsQT09&from=addon

Congratulations to Coaches Bryan Steel, Sherryta Campbell, Alex Mayo, Rebekah Harrison, Liz McMillian, and the track and field team on their finished at the two day North Regional Championship on Tues, May 21st and Thurs, May 23rd. The girls team finished 2nd place and the boys team finished 5th place, with many outstanding performance by our Blue Devils.

REGION CHAMPIONS & STATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

• Girls High Jump: Funmilola Ayoku
• Girls Shot Put: Shakira Moumban
• Boys 4x800 Relay: Bisrat Aleligne, Etormam Agbonyitor, Jonah Mays, Darly Philogene

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – SCHOOL RECORD HOLDER! AND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER

• Girls 4x400 Relay: Vynou Philogene, Minda Coulibaly, Funmilola Ayoku, Nwaamaka Agwu

OTHER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

• Girls 4x200 Relay: Vynou Philogene, Malak Fadlalla, Aniyah Harris, Nwaamaka Agwu
• Boys 4x200 Relay: Ian Tsafack, Terefe Ormsby, Tarique Wright, Joel Gyeke Aboagye
• Girls 4x100 Relay: Malak Fadlalla, Anyiyah Harris, Tiffany Egwin, Nwaamka Agwu
• Boys 4x100 Relay: Terefe Ormsby, Devin Desruisseau, Tarique Wright, Joel Gyeke Aboagye
• Boys 4x400 Relay: Etornam Agbonyitor, Terefe Ormsby, Suleiman I. Garba, Darly Philogene
• Boys Triple Jump: Etornam Agbonyitor
• Girls Triple Jump: Vynou Philogene
• Boys High Jump: Jordan Garner
• Girls 100m Hurdles: Malak Fadlalla
• Boys 300m Hurdles: Devin Desruisseau
• Boys 100m: Tarique Wright
• Girls 400m: Nwaamaka Agwu
• Boys 200m: Tarique Wright
• Boys 800m: Darly Philogene
• Girls Shot Put: Shakira Moumban & Christella Leukeu

Pictured left to right: Coaches Alex Mayo, Rebekah Harrison, and Bryan Steele.

Pictured: Tarique Wright - 3rd Place MPSSAA 4A Boys 100m & 4th Place Boys 200m

Pictured: Shakira Moumban - 2nd Place MPSSAA 4A State Girls Shot Put.

On Mon, May 20, 2024, Springbrook hosted the Annual Athletic Banquet and Awards program. We extend our gratitude and generous support to the Athletic Boosters for making the Athletic Banquet evening a memorable event. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious Maggiano's Italian dinner and desserts. We express sincere appreciation to Mr. Dan Feher, athletic specialist, Ms. Melissa Turowoski, assistant athletic specialist, and Ms. Renatta Rickford, athletic administrative team member, for their scrupulous planning of the Athletic Awards program as their efforts ensured all fall, winter, and spring coaches and sports teams were celebrated and honored (See a few pictures from the evening below.).

Pictured left to right: Parents Kristen Wendel, Yeka U., Jill Peralta, Eliza Hughes, and Nikki Guyton.

Pictured left to right: Parents Shana Cook, Lauren Crooke, Anthony Ramirez, and Debbie Black.

Mr. Dan Feher, Athletic Specialist, in conjuction with Ms. Melissa Turowski, assistant athletic speciaiist, and Ms. Renatta Rickford, athletic admin team, coordinate and organize the evening of recognition for Athletic Booster parents, coaches, and sports teams.

Kristen Wendel, Athletic Boosters Concessions Chairperson, addresses the audience expressing her love for Springbrook, and encouraging parents to join the boosters to further support the Springbrook High School athletic program.

Principal Valentine honors and recognizes the SY2023-2024 coaching staff for their mentorship, guidance, encouragement, and support of Blue Devils athletics.

Pictured: Field Hockey team.

Pictured: Varsity Football team.

We look forward to welcoming incoming 9th graders and new students to Springbrook High School next year. The fall sports season begins on August 14th (before school starts). If you’re interested in participating in a fall sport, please plan to attend the Fall Sports Information Night next Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30pm to meet our coaches and learn more about our program. Please see the attached flyer for more information. A valid physical is required to participate, so try to get it done NOW!

NOW - ONLINE REGISTRATION for summer conditioning & practices (ParentVUE)

July 15th – Online registration for fall sports opens (ParentVUE)

August 14th – First day of fall sports

Esperamos darle la bienvenida estudiantes entrantes de noveno grado y nuevos estudiantes a Springbrook High School el próximo año. La temporada de deportes de otoño comienza el 14 de agosto (antes de que comiencen las clases). Si está interesado en participar en un deporte de otoño, planee asistir a la Noche de información sobre deportes de otoño el próximo miércoles 29 de mayo a las 6:30 p. m. para conocer a nuestros entrenadores y obtener más información sobre nuestro programa. Por favor vea el volante adjunto para más información. Se requiere un examen físico válido para participar, ¡así que intente hacerlo AHORA!

AHORA - INSCRIPCIÓN EN LÍNEA para prácticas y acondicionamiento de verano (ParentVUE)

15 de julio - se abre la inscripción en línea para los deportes de otoño (ParentVUE)

14 de agosto - primer día de deportes de otoño.

In honor of Memorial Day Weekend and National Military Appreciation Month, the Book of the Week is Men of the 65th: the Borinqueneers of the Korean War by Talia Aikens-Nunez. This action-packed account introduces readers to the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment, a military unit consisting of native Puerto Ricans. Initially created in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War, the unit originally acted as the police force in Puerto Rico. They’ve also fought in overseas American conflicts, including WWI and II and through the War in Afghanistan. The majority of this offering concentrates on their contributions during the Korean War, and extensive background information, numerous sidebars, maps, and archival photos help make the action historically and politically accessible. A fitting tribute to the Borinqueneers, a brave (and almost forgotten) regiment awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2014.

Graduation rehearsal is a part of preparing for the big day. All graduating seniors who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony are are asked to report to the cafeteria on Mon, June 3, at 7:30 AM.

SPRINGBROOK HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATION CEREMONY
Graduation will take place June 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

• All participating graduates should arrive to UMBC at 8:00 AM unless they are one year of age or younger and can sit on the lap of another guest.
• Strollers are not permitted in the seating area of the stadium.

Graduation location:

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena University of Maryland, Baltimore

County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Senior Jason Shelburne received the select undergraduate president's scholarship from the University of Maryland. An Academy of Information Technology Signature Program and Visual Arts Pathway Program recipient and distinguished scholar, Shelburne is excited to experience all that UMD offers. This fall, Shelburne will major in Immersive Design, a new technology program at UMD that allows students to combine innovative research, digital art, and computer science while augmenting virtual reality and human-computer interaction. Additionally, Shelburne plans to minor in Cybersecurity. We are Blue Devil proud of Jason and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

On Sun, May 19, 2024, Senior Anais Jordan was named a NAACP scholar at the 49th Annual NAACP Gala. Senator William C. Smith of District 20 awarded Jordan with this prestigious honor. Jordan also received a partial ride to McDaniel College, where she plans to major in kinesiology in the fall. Jordan looks forward to becoming a collegiate athletic trainer in the future. We are ecstatic to learn of this Blue Devil's accomplishments!

Pictured: Senator William Smith with Anais.

Pictured left to right: Senator William Smith, Board Education members, Brenda Wolff and Shebra Evans with Anais.

Nathan Zion is the Breakthrough Student of the Year. Nathan is a Business Finance Intern at Children's Hospital. Zion broke through professional and personal challenges to excel in all areas as a Genesys Works Young Professional. His dedication, openness to feedback, and self-confidence contributed to his growth and success as an intern.

Morever, Each Genesys Works Cohort is highlighted for its achievements in breaking through barriers and having access to professional work-based opportunities. Students share their "breakthrough" stories while being recognized for their remarkable growth in the corporate world with community partners who supported them during the experience.

Pictured: Ms. Nicole Brown, internship coordinator, with Nathan Zion, Breakthrough Student of the Year.

On Thurs, May 23, 2024, over 140 students were honored at the Annual Senior Awards program. This prestigious event recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of students who excelled in their studies and contributed positively to the school community. The evening began with Principal Valentine receiving the Principal of the Year Award. Thank you to Mr. Heinz Weverink, MCCPTA Cluster Coordinator for the presentation of the MCCPTA award and to Mr. Francis Gyimah, assistant principal, and the members of the Senior Awards Program for meticulously organzing this celebratory event! See a few pictures from the event below.

Students, presenters, parents and caregivers, filled the auditorium for the Senior Awards program.

Mr. Gyimah presenting Principal Valentine with flowers while Mr. Heinz Weverink, MCCPTA Cluster Coordinator, (not shown) shared remarks and gave Principal Valentine the MCCPTA Principal of the Year Award.

Ms. Kerrie Olenick , Math Resource Teacher, with math honorees and administrators.

Ms. Maria Peterson, World Languages Resource Teacher, with Seal of Biliteracy honorees and administrators.

Ms. Leslie West-Bushy, President of the PTSA, and Mr. Heinz Weverink, Vice President of the PTSA, with PTSA scholarship honorees, and administrators.

Mr. Michael A. Durso, fourth principal of Springbrook High School, and former President of the BOE, with the Michaeal Durso scholarship honoress, and administrators.

Becoming a senior is an important milestone in your high school. Be sure to capture your senior memoires and create a lasting keepsake. Your senior portrait will be featured in the senior yearbook pages.

How to sign up for portraits:

1. Click here to access the website

2. Choose your preferred time on May 28th or May 29th.

3. Complete the required information.

If you are unable to find a suitable appointment time, please contact the customer care department at 716.512.6336 or email customercare@legacystuidos.com

The All-Springbrook Chorus concert on Wed, May 22, 2024, was an amazing culmination of students’ musical learning this school year. Students performed 13 songs that they learned and refined during Semester 2 in Chambers Singers and Chorus class. Traditional choral pieces included Omnia Sol (Stroope), O Yo Yo (Hatfield), and Non Nobis Domine (Powell). Students also sang 4 songs with powerful messages of love and justice: Love Has Broken Down the Wall (Miller) and I Lift My Voice, Love Is Love & Rise from the Justice Choir Songbook. Popular selections included Golden Hour (JVke), Let the River Run (Carly Simon), and Long Live (Taylor Swift), the Senior song honoring 2024 graduates Scout Calderon and Wunmi Ayoko-Kassim. The accompanist for the evening was Mr. Henderson of Page ES, who taught general music and chorus for several now-Blue Devils. Special thanks to Mrs. Scheer, paraeducator, for her support of our LFI Best Buddies this school year, both in the classroom and on the stage. The choral concert was a stunning testament to Ms. Hairston's dedication, expertise, and passion for musicality and impactful work with students.

Ms. Amy Hairston, choral and instrumental music teacher, opened the evening and narrarated throughout the concert, introducing the various chorus.

Dr. Noah Ryder, Chief Operating Officer of Fire & Risk Alliance visited Ms. Itwaru's Forensic Science classes on Mon, May 20th to simulate fire analysis and findings. Dr. Ryder discussed how fire and risk analyst determine point of origin and shared how burn patterns are created from different materials. See video below.

The PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) recently recognized the outstanding contributions and leadership of several PTSA leaders. Ms. West-Busby and Mr. Weverink were honored for their dedication to fostering a supportive educational environment, promoting parental involvement, and enhancing student success through various initiatives and programs. Their commitment and hard work have significantly impacted the school community

In need of tutoring. Please click the English or Spanish link to contact teachers who support tutoring opportunities at Springbrook High School.

Safety is extremely important to our Blue Devil Community!

Blue Devils if you've seen something concerning at school, please use this QR code to report the incident. Providing details, location, and timeframe is really helpful.

Email: Stephanie_Z_Valentine@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/springbrookhs/
Location: 201 Valley Brook Drive, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-3800
Instagram: @springbrookprinc