Lake Seneca Family Newsletter

Dear Lake Seneca Families,

This week is a short one! School will only be open on Monday and Tuesday, and both days are early release. Dismissal is at 12:55 PM, so please ensure your child is picked up on time, as the school will be busy with parent-teacher conferences. Please note that there will be no Pre-K or PEP classes this week. If you haven’t already, please schedule your conference with your child’s teacher.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I want to share how truly thankful I am to serve as the principal of Lake Seneca. The past five months have been incredible, and I am excited to see the amazing progress we will continue to make together.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday!

Always Learning, Always Growing!

Mr. Henderson

Monday, November 25:

• Early Release 12:55
• No School Pre-K and PEP

Tuesday, November 26:

• Early Release 12:55
• No School Pre-K and PEP

In light of recent national conversations around immigration and deportation, we want to assure you that Lake Seneca Elementary and all MCPS schools are safe, inclusive spaces where every child and family is welcomed, respected, and valued.

Here are important reminders about our commitment to your family:

• Schools Are Safe Spaces: Immigration enforcement actions are generally not allowed on school grounds, ensuring a safe environment for learning.
• Access to Education Is a Right: Every child has the right to a public education, as protected by the U.S. Constitution and the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe.
• MCPS Does Not Ask About Immigration Status: Your family’s privacy is respected. MCPS does not ask for or share immigration status information.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Bullying: Bullying or harassment for any reason, including immigration status, will not be tolerated. Please encourage your child to report any concerns to a trusted adult.

It’s important to stay connected with us. To ensure we can reach you quickly during emergencies or share important updates, please keep your contact information up to date in ParentVUE or by completing this form.

If you or your child have concerns or need support, please reach out to school staff. Together, we will continue to ensure that Lake Seneca remains a safe and welcoming place for every family.

Thank you for being an important part of our school community!

This year, our theme is "Always Learning, Always Growing," a reminder of our dedication to continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

In the spirit of growth, we are excited to share that an MCPS employee from Waters Landing Elementary, who is currently pursuing their doctorate, is conducting important research on the pacing of the MCPS curriculum. They are seeking valuable feedback from families across the community to gain insights into experiences related to this topic.

As a doctoral student myself, I understand the importance of community input and support. I encourage you to take a moment to participate in their survey and contribute to this important research.

Please see the flyer below for more information on how to get involved.

Winter is coming and with it can bring inclement weather. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the color code statuses and don't miss our Superintendent's Video linked below as well.

• Green: Normal Operations
• Yellow: Delayed Opening
• Blue: Early Dismissal
• Red: Schools and Offices Closed
• Orange: Schools Closed Offices Telework

We're excited to announce this year's Yearbook Cover Contest! Our theme is Always Learning, Always Growing—a wonderful opportunity for students to create a cover that reflects this inspiring message. Encourage your child to get creative, perhaps with a design featuring elements like a tree or flower with students actively learning and growing together!

Important Details:

- All instructions for the contest are included in the attached flyer.

- All cover submissions are due by Monday, December 2.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Thank you for helping us make this yearbook memorable for our students!

We are excited to share a special opportunity with you! Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has partnered with Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc., to provide new grand, upright, and digital pianos for our schools. As part of this partnership, MCPS families and staff can also purchase these and other in-stock pianos at significantly reduced prices during an exclusive piano sales event.

This year's event will be held from November 16–24, 2024, at Schaeffer’s Piano Company, located at 105 North Stonestreet Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. Sales are by appointment only, allowing you the chance to purchase before the pianos are available to the public. Each piano comes with a 15-year transferable warranty, a bench, and one free in-home tuning.

For more information, please visit Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc. or call their appointment desk at 301-424-1147 to schedule your visit between November 16–24, 2024.

We are proud to collaborate with Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc., in supporting our school music programs and ensuring our students have access to high-quality instruments. If you have any questions, please contact them at 301-424-1144.

At Lake Seneca Elementary, we are committed to ensuring that all students have the tools they need for success, including access to a device and reliable Wi-Fi at home. To help us determine which students need these resources, we are asking families to complete a brief survey.

For students who need a device at home, families can submit the Student Home Use Chromebook Request form. Once submitted, the student’s information will be verified for take-home device eligibility, and a Chromebook will be sent to the school for the student to check out. Please note that students will not be required to bring the home-use Chromebook to and from school. The request form is available in both English and Spanish for your convenience.

If your family needs Wi-Fi access, you can also request a MiFi device by notifying a staff member, who will complete the Student MiFi Request form on your behalf.

We are here to support you and ensure every student has the resources they need. If you have any questions or need assistance with these requests, please contact the school office.

We understand that enrolling your children in before and after care can be a financial challenge. That's why Global Children's Center is committed to helping families access scholarship programs that make care more affordable. If you need assistance with enrollment or would like more information about our scholarship options, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Voucher Specialist, Ms. Naureen, at vouchers@globalchildrenscenter.com. We're here to help!