Springbrook Weekly Digest

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Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,

As we continue to honor the contributions and enduring legacy of Black Americans throughout February, we also look forward to observing Presidents' Day on Monday, February 17th. Many U.S. presidents were lifelong learners who recognized education as a cornerstone of success. Their commitment to knowledge serves as an inspiring reminder that academic perseverance and diligent effort can unlock boundless opportunities.

This week, we also have numerous reasons to celebrate the achievements of our Blue Devils! Be sure to explore the latest edition of the Springbrook Weekly Digest for exciting highlights and updates, including:

• Exceptional athletic team performances in upcoming competitions and championships
• Important information for the Class of 2025 regarding Cap and Gown Package orders
• Springbrook's Makerspace Club's impressive win in the NASA TechRise Challenge
• The Mock Trial team's undefeated streak
• Details about the Music Boosters Fundraiser and visiting artist
• A wealth of information on Scholarships, STEM Academies, and much more!

Athletic Events

Let’s continue to support our athletes this week! Come out and cheer on our Blue Devils. Purchase tickets by clicking GoFAN.

• Tue, Feb 18 - Girls Varsity Basketball Wheaton Home (6:00 PM)

• Fri, Feb 21 - Boys Varsity Basketball Einstein Home (6:00 PM)

• See the athletic calendar in the SWD for away games.

SSL Opportunity - Month of Service at The Brook

• Donate gently used t-shirts and blankets; drop off items in room F104.

Upcoming Events

• PTSA Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

  🔗 Click Here to join the Zoom link
  📌 Meeting ID: 831 9932 7054

• ✔ Springbrook Special Education Programs (LFI, SCB, Autism, Transition Services)
  ✔ Springbrook's Social Worker Insights
  ✔ TV Production Program

• Dinner Night Out Fundraiser - Wed, Feb 19th from 2:45 PM - 8:00 PM at Dave's Hot Chicken at 12255 Prosperity Dr. Silver Spring, MD

Warm regards,

Stephanie Valentine

Principal

Springbrook High School

February is recognized as Black History Month, a time to celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of individuals who have fought for justice, equality, and civil rights, and to acknowledge their impact on shaping the cultural, political, and social landscape of the United States.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the groundbreaking achievements of Shirley Chisholm, a true pioneer in American politics. In 1968, she shattered barriers by becoming the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, a historic milestone that forever changed the landscape of political representation.

Fearless, unapologetic, and driven by a passion for justice, Chisholm dedicated her career to fighting for equality, education, and civil rights. Her legacy extends beyond Congress—she made history once again in 1972 as the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, boldly declaring she was “unbought and unbossed.”

Shirley Chisholm’s courage and leadership continue to inspire generations, making her a key figure to celebrate this Black History Month and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the fight for a more inclusive democracy.

Spring sports start on March 1st and registration is open NOW! Athletes must register on ParentVUE and also have a valid MCPS physical on file to participate. Some teams are doing preseason conditioning as well, as noted on this calendar. Spring sports include baseball, softball, allied softball, lacrosse, volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, and track & field.

Last week, the Springbrook Blue Devils took on the Paint Branch Panthers in an electrifying NEC matchup, delivering a thrilling performance that had fans on their feet!

Leading the charge 🔵 Jordan Garner, who was nearly flawless from the free-throw line, racking up an impressive 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. The offensive firepower didn’t stop there—🔵Cade Campbell (11 pts)

🔵Devin Desruisseau (12 pts)

🔵Roman Redder (13 pts)

All contributed key baskets to propel the Blue Devils to a 65-53 victory over our rivals.

A true team effort and a well-earned win—Go Blue Devils! 🏀💪

After compiling an impressive 4-1 record during the regular season, the team performed exceptionally well at the division championship, earning a spot as one of the top 8 teams to advance to the MCPS County Championship Tournament.

Despite weather delays, the team showed resilience and determination, enduring a long day of competition to finish in 6th place in all of MCPS! 🏅

Great job, Blue Devils, and congratulations on an incredible season! 💙🏆

Shown below: Jonathan Luna Lopez, Kayla Alcorn, Lyndon Johnson, and Eyuel Daniel

Congratulations to Coaches Bryan Steele, Liz McMillan, and Alex Mayo, as well as the Springbrook indoor track and field teams, for qualifying for the 4A State Championship Meet! The competition will take place on Wednesday, February 19th, at 1:00 PM at the PG SportsPlex.

This is an MPSSAA playoff event, and tickets are available exclusively on GoFan for $10 (plus a $1 convenience fee) for spectators ages 7 and older. Please note that only MPSSAA state passes will be accepted—Springbrook season passes cannot be used for this event.

Good luck to our Blue Devils! 💙🏆

Indoor Track 4A State Championships

When: Wednesday, February 19th at 1:00 pm

Where: Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex (8001 Sheriff Rd, Landover, MD 20785)

Please click here for all state championship information!!

Girls State Qualifiers:

• 55m Hurdles
• Malak Fadlalla, Funmilola Ayoku, Aniyah Harris
• High Jump
• Funmilola Ayoku
• Shot Put
• Shakira Moumban, Christella Leukeu, Chika Elekwachi
• 4x200m Relay
• Vynou Philogene, Malak Fadlalla, Anjolaoluwa Akanni, Aniyah Harris
• 4x400m Relay
• Vynou Philogene, Anjolaoluwa Akanni, Malak Fadlalla, Minda Coulibaly

Boys State Qualifiers:

• 300m Dash
• Etornam Agbonyitor
• 500m Run
• Etornam Agbonyitor
• High Jump
• Clark Fuhwni
• 4x400m Relay
• Etornam Agbonyitor, Ian Tsafack, Johnathan Tchamdja, Darly Philogene
• 4x800m Relay
• Kaosisochi Nwankwo, Jonah Mays, Christ Bonito Njawah Kamta, Darly Philogene

Shown above, left to right, 1st Row: Awa Beyai, Christella Leukeu, Ian Tsafack, Malak Fadlalla, Nwaamaka Agwu, Keymiyah Garner.

2nd Row: Chika Elekwachi, Vynou Philogene, Emmanuel Nembot Dabou, Shakira Moumban, Isaiah Wright, Clark Fuhwni. Not Pictured: Liliana Ramirez

Congratulations to coaches Rob Wendel and Jensen Lorea and the #5 seed varsity wrestling team on defeating #4 Richard Montgomery HS, 44-32 in the 4A North Region Quarterfinal

Please click here for the state championship tournament information and follow the 4A bracket.

Springbrook Wrestling Team Seniors: Francis Gomes, Roy Banegas, Noal Demisse, Djorkenson Jean, Jalil Kouyate, Christopher Mendoza Marquez, Tinsu Molugata, Somoy Rozario, Sean Torrez Somarriba and Lincoln Wendel.

02/18/2025 Tuesday 6:00 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Wheaton Home

02/18/2025 Tuesday 6:00 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Wheaton Away

02/18/2025 Tuesday Indoor Track 4A STATE CHAMP - PG Sports & Learning Complex Away

02/21/2025 Friday 6:00 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Einstein Home

02/21/2025 Friday 6:00 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Einstein Away

Take a moment out of your busy schedule to sit back, relax, and dive into a great read. Each week, we feature a new, enjoyable book for you to explore. Don’t miss this week’s pick—start reading today and rediscover the joy of a good book!

Built From the Fire: The epic story of Tulsa's Greenwood district, America's Black Wall Street is multigenerational saga of a family and a community in Tulsa's Greenwood district, known as "Black Wall Street," that in one century survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, urban renewal, and gentrification. In Built from the Fire, journalist Victor Luckerson tells the true story behind a potent national symbol of success and solidarity and weaves an epic tale about a neighborhood that refused, more than once, to be erased.

Continue your learning by reading Black Wall Street by Hannibal Johnson and other works available in the library.

Graduation cap and gown packages are available for students and families to purchase. Choose from a variety of options designed to fit your budget. For more details, refer to the flyer shown below.

How to Purchase Packages

• Packages can be purchased online using the QRcode below.
• In addition to purchasing, families must complete the Google form to ensure we have the correct cap and gown size for each student.

For more information about, senior packages, please contact Mr. Michael Wyche at Michael_J_Wyche@mcpsmd.org.

Let's get ready to celebrate this milestone in style! 🎉🎓

Who Can Apply?
Montgomery County High School Students (both public and private).

Exciting Prizes Await!
Participants have the chance to win a MacBook Air, an Apple Watch, an $800 Visa gift card, and much more! Additionally, all students who enter the contest will earn 5 SSL hours.

How to Apply:
Visit our website: Heads Up Phones Down Content

Contest Details:
Students are challenged to create a 30-second video PSA that raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and walking. Participants can use platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube, or their phone's film feature to create their submissions. Sharing your work on social media is encouraged! Both individual and group submissions are welcome, though prizes will vary.

Important Dates:

• Contest Opens: February 1st
• Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025, by 11:59 PM

Visit Our Website for More Information:
Heads Up Phones Down Content

Remember: 5 SSL hours + amazing prizes = a step towards safety!
Grand Prizes: MacBook Air & $800 Visa Gift Card!

Questions?

Email us at pedestrian.safety@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The Music Boosters are seeking donations from the Springbrook HS Community for their upcoming fundraiser! Please consider donating clothing, household items (plates, cups, towels, sheets), books, and media. Your support helps keep our music programs thriving—thank you!

Donations may be dropped off in D-108. The fundraiser runs until Friday, February 21st.

Springbrook's Makerspace Club has been named one of just 60 teams nationwide to win the NASA TechRise Student Challenge! As a winning team, Springbrook will have the exciting opportunity to develop and test our experiment aboard a high-altitude balloon, with NASA’s support.

The makerspace project, Seed Temperature and Radiation Shielding (STARS), explores how radiation and extreme cold affect seeds. We’ll also assess the radioprotective and thermal insulation properties of various materials by analyzing seed quality and germination after exposure to high-altitude conditions.

Stay tuned later this year as we prepare to launch our payload for its test flight! 🚀

Members of the Makerspace Club: Chidera Odidika, Andrew Nguyen, Rael Desta, Ishatta King, Halal Gebrewold, Sophie Lim, Sebastian Lim, Anthony Diaz, and Steven Loi. Also shown, Principal Valentine, Mr. Tyler Young (Club Sponsor), Ms. Yvetter Edwards (Resource Teacher of Career Technology and Engineering).

Through physical education classes, Blue Devils embarked on an immersive journey, exploring the skills and roles within the Army National Guard. Springbrook is the first school to embark on this opportunity in MCPS. This dynamic experience featured a series of interactive stations, offering hands-on opportunities to engage with real-world scenarios. Our scholars were actively involved in a Tactile Operation Center, where they encountered captivating simulations, including:

• Emergency Hazmat Response
• Fire Fighting Search and Rescue
• Triage Nursing Center
• Night Vision Mission

A special thank you to Ms. Tammy Patterson (CCIC) and Mr. George Greenhow (PE/Health Resource Teacher) for their with the Army National Guard to coordinate this amazing event.

Congratulations to our Springbrook Mock Trial Team for an undefeated season, securing an impressive 2nd place finish countywide! Their hard work, dedication, and sharp legal skills have earned them a top seed in the playoffs, which kick off next Thursday, February 13th, at the Rockville Courthouse.

This week, our Defense Team will take the stand, ready to showcase their courtroom expertise in the first round of playoffs. We couldn’t be prouder of their outstanding performance so far and can’t wait to see them continue their journey toward championship glory!

👏 Thank you for your support and enthusiasm! Let’s go, Springbrook! ⚖️💙

The Springbrook Orchestras had the honor of welcoming Gregory Kuperstein, first violinist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, this past week. A graduate of both the Juilliard School and the Odessa Conservatory in Ukraine, Mr. Kuperstein worked closely with our Concert and Symphonic Orchestras, offering individual and ensemble coaching to help prepare for the MCPS High School Orchestra and Emerging Ensemble Adjudications. We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Kuperstein for sharing his time and expertise with our talented students!

Students complete their application on a computer, as the process takes time due to required documents. All applicants must submit their materials by April 1, 2025. Click here to access the application.

Key Points for Students:

Before you begin, ensure you have the following documents ready:

1. Academic Documentation – A recent (unofficial) transcript (High School or College) OR a Statement of Satisfactory Progress if enrolled in a non-credit course.
2. Recommendation Form – You must obtain one (1) completed Recommendation Form from someone who knows you academically or professionally (this cannot be a relative or personal friend). Email the 2025 Recommendation Form link to your recommender for submission.
3. Rental Subsidy Provider Information – Provide the name and contact details of your Rental Subsidy Provider Agency. Your permanent address must be in Montgomery County, Maryland.
4. HOC Tenants Only – Complete and upload the Release of Information - HOC - 2025.pdf.

🔹 Be sure to provide clear, detailed responses to all application questions.

Calling all young men interested in energy and sustainability! Embark on a free electrifying week of energy, climate change, and leadership at the Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy. Unleash your curiosity through hands-on projects, a weeklong energy challenge, and immersive experiences that blend STEM with essential leadership skills. Explore sustainable energy solutions and become part of a community shaping the future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore, learn, and lead towards a sustainable future!

The Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy is a free week-long, residential leadership program for young men at the University of Maryland, College Park. The program runs July 27th to August 1st, 2025.

Who should apply? Current 10th and 11th grade boys

All applications are due by Tuesday, April 1, 2025. | Informational webinar February 20, 2025.

Learn more and apply, go to: www.exelonstemacademy.org | Questions? Contact Tyler Cvitkovic at tcvitkovic@need.org.

Come participate in a free program designed for young women interested in energy & sustainability! Ready to dive into an exciting field and make a difference in the world? Join us for the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy, a free, week-long, residential leadership program at the University of Maryland, College Park! Designed just for young women curious about energy and sustainability, this program offers hands-on workshops, interactive field trips, and small group discussions with inspiring women leaders from across the region. You’ll build leadership skills, collaborate on real-world energy projects, and even compete for prizes in an exciting energy challenge! Plus, each participant will receive an iPad for program activities—yours to keep after the Academy wraps up.

Come participate in a free program designed for young women interested in energy & sustainability! The program runs July 27th to August 1st, 2025.

Who should apply? Young women currently in 10th or 11th grade

All applications are due by Tuesday, April 1, 2025. | Informational webinar: February 20, 2025.

Learn more and apply, go to: www.exelonstemacademy.org | Questions? Please contact Evelina Juarez at ejuarez@need.org.

We are thrilled to invite your student to take part in the MoCo CAP College Tour Experience—an enriching journey designed to inspire and prepare students for their future academic paths. This experience will provide valuable exposure to college campuses, insightful interactions with admissions representatives, and a firsthand look at the opportunities awaiting them beyond high school.

Check out the key highlights and important details below—we can’t wait for your student to embark on this incredible adventure!

As part of the continuing "Meet a Pro" Series from the Springbrook MoCo CAP Champion Team, students are invited to come on Tuesday, February 18 during lunch in E202 to meet professionals from the University of Maryland's Fire Risk Alliance - Department of Fire Protection Engineering

Genesys Works is seeking motivated high school juniors eager to explore careers in business and technology while gaining valuable real-world experience. This paid internship begins with an 8-week summer training program that includes:

• College & career preparation
• Industry-recognized certification
• Professional networking opportunities

Upon successful completion of the summer training, students will be placed in corporate internships that provide hands-on learning and mentorship.

For more information, visit Ms. Brown in G202 or email Nicole.B.Brown@mcpsd.net.

Apply now: Genesys Works Application

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to jumpstart your career!

Need extra time to complete assignments or Edmentum coursework? Power Hour is here to help! Now available every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, this dedicated work session provides students with a quiet, focused environment to stay on top of their studies.

Whether you're catching up on missed work, tackling challenging assignments, or simply need structured study time, join us in the Career Center from 2:45 – 4:20 PM. Take advantage of this opportunity to stay on track and set yourself up for success!

Take a break from cooking and support the National Honor Society's fundraiser at Dave's Hot Chicken located at 12255 Prosperity Dr., Suite 113, Silver Spring, MD on Wednesday, February 19th from 2:45pm-8:00pm. Please mention Springbrook or show the flyer and Springbrook will receive a portion of the funds raised. Please contact Mr. Younghans at barrett.younghans@mcpsmd.net or Mrs. Thompson at Catherine_M_Thompson@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting NHS's mission to elevate a culture of scholarship, service, leadership, and character!

Stay engaged and informed at our next PTSA Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to hear important school updates, learn about key programs, and connect with our school community—all from the comfort of your home!

Presentation Topics:

✔ Principal Valentine’s Welcome
✔ Springbrook Special Education Programs (LFI, SCB, AUT, Transition Services)
✔ Springbrook's Social Worker Insights
✔ TV Production Program

🔗 Join the Zoom Meeting: Click Here
📌 Meeting ID: 831 9932 7054

The PTSA is now in action, aimed at supporting student success.

All families, students, and staff are invited to join the PTSA.

Increasing membership allows us to provide educational resources, advocate for key issues, and strengthen our school community.

Membership requires only the annual dues, and how you choose to contribute—through time or money—is up to you. Every bit helps support children's potential.

REMINDER -The class with the most memberships will receive a reward! Join now and check your status at: Givebacks Membership.

Safety is extremely important to our Blue Devil Community!

Blue Devils, please remember the SBHS See Something, Say Something Initiative. If you've seen something concerning at school (e.g., student in crisis, harrassment, illegal substances, weapons, etc.) please use the QR code to report the incident. Providing details, location, and timeframe is 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
Twitter: @SBHSPrinc