Silver Creek Weekly Newsletter

We look forward to another great week of school. Our 6th grade students returned from a great outdoor education experience last week. I would like to thank our staff who supported with Outdoor Education and to our families who served as chaperones. This is no easy feat- so thank you for making this a great experience for our students.

We also enjoyed having our 7th & 8th grade families join our open house this past Monday, 11/11. We would like to hear feedback from our families about open house. Please fill out the survey linked HERE. As a reminder, our open house for our 6th grade families is scheduled for Monday, December 9th.

Q1 report cards will be handed out tomorrow, Monday, November 18 through homeroom. The date is modified from last week due to a change in the report card arrival from central office.

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. Note: There was no SCN this past week due to Outdoor Education.

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!

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

Additional information about conferences will be sent to families this week. We look forward to seeing our families on Monday, November 25.

Students will participate in an SGA- led town hall meeting this week during their P.A.W.S/advisory period. Students will hear about grade-specific student celebrations, school expectations, and will be able to ask questions.

Nov. 19- (8th Grade Town Hall)

Nov. 20 (6th Grade Town Hall)

Nov. 21 (7th Grade Town Hall)

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 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

Updated Thanksgiving Holiday Food Drive Message: Please READ.

Donate to the Husky Fund!

The PTSA’s Husky Fund supports our great teachers and administrators with Teacher Appreciation meals, classroom grants, special events, and other needs throughout the school year. Every donation to the Husky Fund helps with these efforts, and the PTSA thanks everyone who has contributed this year. Unfortunately, we are still only 1/3 of the way to our goal of raising $36,000 to support these activities. We need your help now, so we don’t have to make difficult budget cuts this winter. 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

Click on the Link to read more information for each.

• Mindfulness at SCMS: How to Achieve Mental Wellness & Improve Academic Success
• Update Your Info in the Online School Directory

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.

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.

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 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)

December 9 - Winter Concert, Chorus, Orchestra & Jazz Band, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
December 10 - Winter Concert, Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced Band, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
December 12 - SCMS STEAM Night, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
December 16- MP 2 Interims
December 24 - Holiday, Schools and Offices closed
December 26 & 27 - Winter Break, No School for Students & Teachers
December 30 & 31 - Systemwide Closures, All Schools & Offices Closed

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