Springbrook Weekly Digest

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Greetings, Students, Staff, and Families,

🌟 Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through Service

As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his commitment to equality, service, and community.

At Springbrook, we extend this spirit of service beyond just one day by observing a Month of Service. This initiative allows us to carry forward Dr. King's vision through meaningful acts of kindness and community engagement. Please read the SWD to learn about service-learning projects a "The Brook."

As we reflect on the MLK holiday, many individuals and organizations participate in the MLK Day of Service, dedicating time to uplift and support those in need. At Springbrook we continue to recognize MLK with our month of service. Be sure to check out the various ways to give back through service learning opportunities.

MLK Holiday

As a reminder, schools and offices are closed on Monday, January 20th.

MP 2 Ends Soon

• Now is great time to check students grades on StudentVUE and ParentVUE to ensure that assignments that may be submitted are turned in.
• MP2 ends January 28th
• January 29th is a Professional Day; No school for students
• MP3 begins January 30th
• Report cards will be distributed February 6th

Assessments

• During January and February, students receiving emergent multilingual services, as well as those whose parents have declined these services, will participate in the required Maryland State Department of Education’s WIDA ACCESS assessment.
• All scholars are encouraged to aim for a composite score of 4.5 or higher, which signifies English language proficiency.

Athletic Events

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

• Wed, Jan 15 - JV and V Girls Basketball v. Magruder HS - Home (5:30 PM/7:15 PM)
  

• Tues, Jan 21 - JV and V Boys Basketball v. Watkins Mill - Home (5:30 PM/7:15 PM)

• Wed, Jan 22 - V and JV Wrestling v. RM HS - Home (6:15/7:15 PM)
• Thurs, Jan 23 - V and JV Wrestling v. Blair - Home (6:15 PM/7:15 PM)
• Fri, Jan 24 - JV and V Boys Basketball v. Rockville - Home (5:30 PM/7:15 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.
• Donate your new or gently used books to Ms. Campbell, SGA Sponsor, as we work to contribute to building home libraries for students in need.

Be sure to explore this issue of the SWD for the latest updates, news, and highlights from Springbrook High School. As always, thank you for your continued support of our Blue Devil community. 💙

Stephanie Valentine

Principal

Springbrook High School

Dr. Martin Luther King Day, observed on the third Monday in January, honors Dr. King's birthday on January 15, 1929. Throughout January, we at Springbrook HS, celebrate his life and legacy by reflecting on justice and compassion, embracing his teachings, engaging in community service learning experiences, and promoting meaningful action for the betterment of all.

Join Springbrook’s MLK Month of Service this January by making a meaningful impact on animals in need! Students and families are invited to support local animal shelters by donating old t-shirts, blankets, and towels. Donations can be dropped off in room F104.

On January 31st, students will repurpose the donated t-shirts into tug toys for shelter animals, adding a creative and caring touch to their contributions.

For any questions, please contact Ms. Lindsey Lipinski, IB MYP Resource Teacher, at Lindsey_E_Ruhle@mcpsmd.org. Thank you for helping make a difference for animals in need! 🐾

Be a part of Springbrook’s MLK Month of Service by helping to collect new or gently used children’s books!

• Bring your donations to your first-period class and contribute to building home libraries for students in need.
• As a bonus, the first-period class with the most donated books will win a FREE pizza party sonsored by the SGA!

Let’s come together to make a difference and spread the joy of reading. For questions or more information, please contact Ms. Folasade Campbell, SGA sponsor, at folasade.campbell@mcpsmd.net. Let’s make this initiative a huge success!

Blue Devils, join us on Wed, Jan 22nd in Room TR2 during lunch to help create superhero capes that will inspire and encourage patients undergoing cancer treatment at St. Jude’s facility. This is a meaningful way to give back to the community while earning SSL hours!

For questions or more information, please contact Folasade Campbell, SGA Sponsor, at folasade.campbell@mcpsmd.net.

Let’s make a difference together!

A select number of students from each MCPS middle and high school vote to select the top 2 finalists for the Student Member of the Board every year.

• As a delegate, you will be excused to travel to the SMOB Nominating Convention at Watkins Mill High School on Wednesday, February 19th, along with the other delegates at your school.
• There, you will learn more about all the candidates running for SMOB from around the county and then participate in a multi-round voting process to select the top 2 finalists for the Student Member of the Board election held later in the year.

Spots are LIMITED! If you are interested in applying, please click here.

Be sure to wear your favorite as we create a Color Explosion! We hope to see you at the game.

Tickets may be purchased on GoFAN. Lets go get the win!

The Springbrook Varsity Girls Basketball Team delivered an exciting finish on Wednesday, January 15th, earning a show-stopping 45-44 victory over Magruder on their home court. The packed gym erupted in cheers as the Blue Devils showcased their tenacity and teamwork in a game that went down to the wire.

Leading the charge was sophomore sensation Brielle Gilliam, who dazzled the crowd with an impressive 13-point performance, demonstrating skill and poise beyond her years.

Congratulations to the Blue Devils on this unforgettable win! 🏀💙🏀💙

Let's keep it up Blue Devils!

This past weekend, the Springbrook Swim & Dive team delivered an electrifying performance in their meet against Gaithersburg, exemplifying resilience, skill, and outstanding teamwork.

The boys’ team powered their way to an impressive victory, finishing with a commanding score of 108 to 62. The excitement didn’t stop there—the combined team score turned into a nail-biter, with Springbrook clinching the win by a razor-thin margin of just one point, 158 to 157.

A standout moment came from Junior and team captain Tiffany Egwim, who shone in the pool and earned her spot at the Metros in the 50M freestyle. Congratulations, Tiffany, on this remarkable achievement!

The entire Springbrook Swim & Dive team should be proud of their remarkable effort! Way to go, Blue Devils! Go Blue Devils! 🏊‍♂️✨

The Springbrook High School Indoor Track teams delivered a week to remember as they competed in both the Montgomery County Invitational on Saturday, January 11th, and the Montgomery Developmental 3 Meet on Monday, January 13th. The athletes showcased their determination and speed, but one name stood out above the rest—Vynou Philogene, who delivered a phenomenal performance that will go down in Springbrook history.

On Saturday, Vynou shattered records and expectations alike by setting an all-time Springbrook record in the triple jump—a remarkable feat that underscores her raw talent. But she wasn’t done yet. On Monday, she dominated across the board, clinching first place in the 300m dash, the long jump, and was a key member of the 4x4 relay team. Vynou’s incredible versatility and drive make her an undeniable force to be reckoned with!

Monday also saw an array of spectacular first-place finishes from other talented Blue Devils, including Etornam Agbonyitor, Shakira Moumban, Anjolaoluwa Akanni, Minda Coulibaly, and Malak Fadlalla. Their outstanding performances highlighted the team’s depth and collective strength, proving that Springbrook's Indoor Track program is a powerhouse of excellence.

Congratulations to the entire coaching staff and track team! Let's go Blue Devils!

The Springbrook High School Wrestling team delivered an unforgettable performance this week, securing a thrilling victory over Paint Branch with a nail-biting final score of 41-38! This monumental win cements their dominance in the Northeast Consortium, as the team proudly sweeps their rivals in wrestling once again. Even more impressive, the seniors on the squad have never tasted defeat against Blake or Paint Branch throughout their entire high school careers, which is a testament to our dynamic coaching staff.

The excitement didn’t stop there! A truly historic milestone was achieved as senior Sean Torrez was celebrated for earning his 100th career individual match victory. Reaching 100 wins is no small feat and speaks volumes about his leadership and drive.

Congratulations to the entire Springbrook Wrestling coaching staff and team for their unwavering teamwork. Go Blue Devils!

The Springbrook High School Corollary Bocce team hit the road this week and delivered a stellar performance, securing an impressive 2-1 victory over Paint Branch! With remarkable precision, the team showcased exceptional skill.

Congratulations to our outstanding players and coaches for their hard work, commitment, and inspiring representation of our school!

Team Members:
💙 Kayla Alcorn

💙 Ava Cook,

💙 Eyuel Daniel

💙 Lyndon Johnson

💙 Jonathan Lopez Luna

Way to shine, Springbrook! We are incredibly proud of you!🏅

Attend this important interest meeting to learn about the Varsity Boys & Coed Volleyball Programs.

When: Wed, Jan 22, 2025

Where B103

When: During lunch

Contact Coach Brian Molina for additional questions at brian.d.molina@mcpsmd.net

Remember, spring sports registration begins in ParentVUE on January 27, 2025.

01/21/2025 Tuesday 3:30 PM Bocce Gaithersburg - Home

01/21/2025 Tuesday 5:30 PM Boys JV Basketball v. Watkins Mill - Home

01/21/2025 Tuesday 7:15 PM Boys Varsity Basketball v. Watkins Mill - Home

01/21/2025 Tuesday 5:30 PM Girls JV Basketball v. Watkins Mill - Away

01/21/2025 Tuesday 7:15 PM Girls Varsity Basketball v. Watkins Mill - Away

01/22/2025 Wednesday 3:30 PM Indoor Track PG Sports & Learning Complex - Away

01/22/2025 Wednesday 6:15 PM Varsity Wrestling v. Richard Montgomery - Home

01/22/2025 Wednesday 7:15 PM JV Wrestling v. Richard Montgomery - Home

01/23/2025 Thursday 6:15 PM Varsity Wrestling v. Blair - Home

01/23/2025 Thursday 7:15 PM JV Wrestling v. Blair - Home

01/24/2025 Friday 5:30 PM Boys JV Basketball v. Rockville - Home

01/24/2025 Friday 7:15 PM Boys Varsity Basketball v. Rockville - Home

01/24/2025 Friday 5:30 PM Girls JV Basketball v. Rockville - Away

01/24/2025 Friday 7:15 PM Girls Varsity Basketball v. Rockville - Away

01/25/2025 Saturday 9:00 AM Poms SBHS Poms Invitational - Home

01/25/2025 Saturday 1:00 PM Poms SBHS Poms Invitational - Home

01/25/2025 Saturday 4:00 PM Poms SBHS Poms Invitational - Home

01/25/2025 Saturday 5:15 PM Coed Varsity Swimming & Diving Magruder and Springbrook - MLK

01/25/2025 Saturday 1:00 PM Varsity Wrestlingv. Sherwood - Away

01/25/2025 Saturday 2:00 PM JV Wrestling v. Sherwood - Away

01/27/2025 Monday 5:30 PM Girls JV Basketball v. Blair - Home

01/27/2025 Monday 7:15 PM Girls Varsity Basketball v. Blair - Home

01/27/2025 Monday 5:30 PM Boys JV Basketball v. Blair - Away

01/27/2025 Monday 7:15 PM Boys Varsity Basketball v. Blair - Away

01/28/2024 Monday 3:30 PM Bocce v. Magruder - Away

01/31/2025 Friday 5:30 PM Boys JV Basketball v. Northwest - Home

01/31/2025 Friday 7:15 PM Boys Varsity Basketball v. Northwest - Home

01/31/2025 Friday 5:30 PM Girls JV Basketball v. Northwest - Away

01/31/2025 Friday 7:15 PM Girls V Basketball v. Northwest - Away

The Springbrook High School Art Department and art teachers from our community's elementary and middle schools warmly invite you to a special showcase of our students' incredible artwork on Thursday, January 23rd.

This year, you'll view our combined Art Show with our Winter Cluster Choral Concert, featuring unforgettable performances by elementary and middle school students. This collaboration promises to be a wonderful celebration, honoring the artistic and musical talents of our young scholars.

🎨 Look Forward To:

• stunning displays of student artwork from across our community
• inspiring choral concert featuring the voices of elementary and middle school students
• delicious cake to enjoy while mingling with fellow attendees
• special buttons for our talented student artists
• a lively and joyful atmosphere filled with proud parents and enthusiastic students

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🖌️🎶

Springbrook's Jazz Band earned an Excellent rating at the MCPS Big Band Adjudication on January 16th! The band impressed the judges with their skillful performance of three charts and gained valuable insights during a clinic led by a professor emeritus from Shepherd University.

A special round of applause goes to Band Director, Irene Guggenheim and to Lead Trombone Simao Amaya Molina, who was awarded the Best Soloist Trophy for his outstanding performance—what an incredible honor!

Mark your calendars:

The Jazz Band’s next public performance will take place at the Spring Instrumental Music Concert on April 9th, 2025.

Be sure to come out and support these talented musicians.

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!

Clayborne Carson, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Papers Project, brings together selections from King's writings, speeches, and recordings to create this fascinating "autobiography" of the famed civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The writings trace King's struggles with religion, philosophy, and the racial politics of the U.S. They reveal his youthful attraction to Henry David Thoreau's stance on the moral obligation to resist evil as much as to cooperate with good, and Mahatma Gandhi's teachings on nonviolent resistance to oppression.

We’re thrilled to announce that senior Kelly Gomez Carreto has earned a highly sought-after paid internship for the spring semester with Teens Engaged and Empowered in Nature Stewardship (TEENS)! This program, developed for Montgomery County students, provides an invaluable opportunity to explore exciting green careers in nature and environmental science.

As an intern, Kelly will receive an hourly stipend while gaining hands-on training and real-world experience, preparing her for future employment opportunities within the parks department and beyond.

Congratulations, Kelly, on this outstanding achievement! Your dedication and passion for environmental stewardship inspire us all. 🌿💚

Here are few opportunities offered by the TEENS:

• Training in parks careers such as ecologist, naturalist, and horticulturalist
• Hands-on experiences in multiple divisions of the parks department
• Leadership skill development
• Paid stipend and future paid employment opportunities
• Mentorship and networking partnerships with Parks staff

Honor your student’s achievements and milestones this year with a personalized Recognition Ad. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate their hard work and success—act now before the deadline!

Offer ends January 31st.

Ready to purchase your Recognition Ad? Click here to order now!

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! 🎉🎓

We are excited to announce that junior Nathi Mncube has been accepted into the highly competitive Department of the Navy's Science and Engineering Summer Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)! This esteemed program provides high school students with the extraordinary opportunity to engage in cutting-edge Naval research at Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country.

Over the course of eight weeks this summer, Nathi will work alongside top scientists and engineers, contributing to real-world research projects that drive innovation and national defense. With only around 300 placements nationwide in more than 38 laboratories, SEAP is an incredibly selective program. Participants are chosen based on their academic achievements, compelling personal statements, strong recommendations, and alignment of career and research interests.

Nathi’s acceptance into this program is a testament to his hard work and passion for science and engineering. Congratulations, Nathi, on this incredible accomplishment! We’re proud of you! 🌟⚓️🌟

For those inspired by Nathi’s achievement, applications for Summer 2026 will open on August 1, 2025.

The pre-sale for Class of 2028 shirts and hoodies is officially underway! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to showcase your class pride while supporting the Class of 2028.

📅 Pre-sale Deadline: Wednesday, January 17th
💳 Payment Options:

• In-person: Pay with cash or card to Ms. Campbell in B122.
• Online: Pay conveniently through School Cash Online (SCO).
  📲 School Cash Online Link: Click here to order now!

Check out the attached flyer for a preview of the designs and pricing details. Every purchase makes an impact, directly benefiting the Class of 2028 and their future initiatives.

Order your shirt or hoodie today and join us in celebrating our class spirit in style!

Thank you for your support,
Class of 2028 Council 💙

Planning for your future is important—and expensive. Join us for one or more of these virtual, and interactive sessions to help you prepare. Space is limited, so register today!

Event Details:

• Monday, January 20, 7:00-8:00 PM
• Saturday, January 25, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
  (Includes dedicated time to work on your FAFSA and ask questions.)

Topics Covered:

• Who Needs to Fill Out the FAFSA?
• Alternative Financial Aid Applications
• Step-by-Step FAFSA Walkthrough
• Live Q&A Session

📄 Click here for the flyer with more information
🖱️ Click here to register

Have questions? Contact dnuckols@umd.edu

Secure your spot and take the next step toward funding your education! 🎓

.Click here for the flyer with more information | Click here to register | Questions? dnuckols@umd.edu

The Montgomery Scholars Program is a highly selective, two-year interdisciplinary honors program designed for high school graduates as a stepping stone toward completing a four-year degree.

Why Choose Montgomery Scholars?

• Significant Cost Savings: Begin your college journey at a fraction of the cost compared to most four-year institutions.
• Generous Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to all students admitted into the program, covering full tuition and fees for two years of study at Montgomery College (30 credits per year at the in-county resident tuition rate).

Application Requirements:

Interested students must submit a general Montgomery College application in advance to obtain their Montgomery College 'M Number,' which is required for the Scholars Program application.

Important Deadline:

• Fall 2025 Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

📄 Click here for more information and application details
📋 Fall 2025 Application Guidelines

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to launch your college journey with the support and resources of the Montgomery Scholars Program!

Thirteen ambitious Blue Devils are currently participating in a FREE, 10-week Business and Leadership Academy, an incredible program sponsored by Girls With Impact. This transformative academy equips students with critical business skills and resources to turn their innovative ideas into actionable ventures.

What They’re Learning:

• Ideation: Developing and refining innovative ideas
• Business Plan Development: Crafting strategic and effective plans
• Pitch Presentations: Building confidence to present their ideas
• Prototype Creation: Turning concepts into tangible solutions

Led by professional coaches with MBAs, this program provides high-quality mentorship and guidance, empowering students to succeed in business and leadership.

Spring Session Starts in March!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting opportunity. Registration details for the next session will be available soon:
👉 MCPS Girls With Impact Registration

Let’s cheer on our Blue Devils as they build their ventures and prepare to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Students from all grades with an interest in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering are invited to join our new after-school club, ACE!

Through this program, students will connect with industry mentors, explore exciting career opportunities, and gain access to scholarships and internships. ACE is designed to inspire and empower our Blue Devils to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction, offering ongoing support for their advancement in these fields.

📅 Meetings: Every other Thursday, 2:45–3:45 PM
📍 Location: Room F215
🚌 Transportation: Activity buses are available on meeting days.
🎉 First Meeting: Thursday, January 30, 2025

For more information, visit Ms. Brown in G202 or email her at Nicole.B.Brown@mcpsmd.net. Don’t miss out—join ACE and start building your future today! 🏗️✏️

Student registration for the 2025 Summer RISE program will open at 8:00 AM on Monday, January 13, 2025, and will close at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 and can be accessed at http://bit.ly/SummerRISE2025.

This FREE program is open to 10th and 11th grade students and provides an opportunity for students to learn about various career opportunities during the summer. To learn more about the Summer RISE program, sign up for a Parent/Guardian and Student Information Session, visit the Summer RISE website at www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org.

• PTSA is no longer a noun; it's a verb - an action plan working to support your child or students’ success.
• It's an invitation to every family/staff member in every school to participate because we can do more together than we can do apart.

• We invite you to join the SB PTSA for the children because increasing our membership, by even one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community.
• The only thing required of you to be a member of PTSA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyond that, however you choose to support PTSA is up to you.
• Anything you can give, whether it's time or money, will support the children's potential. There is no wrong way to PTSA!
• The Advisory class with the highest amount of Parent, Teacher, and Student membership activations will be handsomely rewarded! Join Now! Login to Givebacks to review your current membership status here: https://fspta-00016148.givebacks.com/users/sign_in

Please join us for our January Virtual Meeting. The presenters will be providing valuable information to help the students with a successful second semester.

Join Zoom Meeting Link: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/87051977228?pwd=hYkoscNvdVFcnPMou7FqAbB6hhPMbe.1

Meeting ID: 870 5197 7228

Passcode: 289878

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