Thunderblast Weekly
November 1, 2020
Finish Strong
In any given year, just one of the things we have been dealing with would be a game changer. To undergo a shift in grading policy and a new digital platform in Schoology amidst a global pandemic that has moved us to distant learning are three major changes that we are facing all at once. How do you finish strong with these barriers? That leads us to next week’s theme- together. We can only finish strong together.
Together: On Saturday I chose to clean out the garage. It up-ended family plans to go hiking and Trick or Treating on the trails at Banshee Reek, which is awesome by the way! When I realized my efforts were in opposite directions of every other member of the team, I paused, reassessed and included the kids- they love power tools and demo work. We then decided to finish the evening strong with the fire pit, s’mores, and Hocus Pocus. When I went alone, we all lost. This is a call for all students, staff, and families to empathize with each other in this most difficult situation and reach out for clarification and support. It is truly the only path towards success.
Important Information
Town Hall: Following the November 10 School Board Meeting, all middle schools will be holding a town hall meeting on November 12. I was going to try to move this meeting to the evening, but there is a conflict, so I will keep the same format as our coffee and cocoa meetings at 11:45AM with the recording being available after and a Q and A form available in advance. I anticipate the focus being very similar to our meeting two weeks ago. We will be discussing hybrid options for the future. I will also be trying a new platform in Cisco Webex rather than Google Meet. If there are any issues, I will place a Google Meet link at the top of the Q and A form.
Grading: Parent/StudentVUE are the gradebooks of record. We know that there were issues (and may still be) with utilizing Schoology and syncing grades to our gradebooks. Please reach out to teachers with any questions as grades are being wrapped up by Tuesday November 3.
Turkey Trot: Last year after a small hiatus, we got our Turkey Trot Thanksgiving tradition back up and running… literally. Although it will look a little different this year, we want to continue to stay as close to normal as possible when it comes to offering extra curricular activities to families.
The Turkey Trot will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 10AM. It is a 1 mile fun-run around Seneca Ridge and Dominion. Registration will start at 9:30AM on the blacktop. First prize for each grade level is a frozen turkey. Second and third place receive a pumpkin pie. Families and staff are encouraged to attend and participate. All are welcome! Light refreshments will be served on the blacktop at the conclusion of the race. Please plan to wear a mask before and after the race. Students will not be required to wear a mask while running.
Any questions can be addressed to Jennifer Efigenio-jennifer.efigenio@lcps.org
Counseling and United Mental Health Team: Thunderbolts: We had a great response from our Healthy Connections request form. Starting next week, Seneca’s Counseling Team will be scheduling a time for those of you who completed the Healthy Connections Request Form during recess. Please remember to check your email for your invitation!
For more from our UMHT & Counseling team, please click here.
Winter Coat Drive: We are excited to begin our student-initiated joint Seneca-Dominion Winter Coat Drive this week. Check out the flyer below for more information!
Session 4: Grades- How Schoology & ParentVUE Work
Sesión 4: Como Schoology y ParentVUE trabajan juntos
الجلسة 4: الدرجات- كيف يعمل Schoology و ParentVUE
PBIS
Bolt Bucks: We had some major wins this week as we fight to finish strong in the last week of the quarter. We had over 600 Bolt Bucks earned by more than 400 different students. It’s also important to note that in a time when it is difficult to connect, 65 students were recognized for participating and demonstrating amazing Seneca Spirit! THANK YOU!
Students of the Week (October 26-30)
8th Grade, Ana Marchese, THANK YOU for showing OWNERSHIP and CONFIDENCE by emailing your teacher proactively!
7th Grade, Laila Clissold, THANK YOU for showing CONFIDENCE by being one of the first students in class to volunteer to read and answer questions!
6th Grade, Riley Hickey, THANK YOU for showing OWNERSHIP and CONFIDENCE by having your camera on and participating in our Hispanic Heritage Month activities!
Staff of the Week (October 26-30)
Ms. O’Donovan, THANK YOU, for demonstrating EMPATHY by being a great team player and bringing a growth mindset with a positive can-do attitude everyday!
Ms.Panning, THANK YOU, for being CONFIDENT to learn the ins and outs of Schoology, then being willing to share your ideas and teach others!
Attendance
How to Report Absences
In Parent VUE- Reporting an Absence in ParentVUE (preferred option)
Please submit before 8:30am
Click here (don’t forget to put your child’s first and last name)
Call Main Office- 571-434-4420 (least preferred option)
Important Reminders
Monday & Tuesday Schedule: Teacher Work Day/ Student Holiday
Email: Students are recommended to open their email at the start of each day in advisory and keep that window up during the day as they will be receiving communication from teachers about missing assignments and other reminders.
Student Connection: Hello new students to Seneca! Many students are feeling disconnected from their peers due to our new Distanced Learning format. If you're interested in joining a "Get to Know You" circle with some of your fellow Senecadians, please email Mr. Lucchesi (troy.lucchesi@lcps.org) for more information on how to join."
School Photos: Mark your calendars. School Photos will be January 27 and 28, 2021. Details coming as the date approaches.
PTO Corner:
Something to Ponder: Reliability is the precondition for trust. - Wolfgang Shauble
Thank a Teacher: Seneca's teachers and staff have been working so hard to make Distance Learning the best possible experience for our children. We've tried to show our appreciation in small ways throughout the first quarter and are excited to share two initiatives we have started - regularly providing snacks to the teachers and staff working in the school and providing gift cards for the teachers recognized by Mr. Cottone each week. It's for these two initiatives that WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please visit our sign up HERE if you're interested in participating.
Our Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, 6:00 pm
Support Your PTO:
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- Make a donation to the SRMS PTO and get your company to match it
- Download the Boxtops for Education app and scan your grocery receipts
- Link your Amazon account to Amazon Smile and earn free money for Seneca
- Order fun gear to show your school spirit
Technology Support
As we transition support to in our building (when possible) or at Dominion High School, the best way to reach out for support is to contact your grade level administrative assistant.
6th Grade- Jennifer.Ramos@lcps.org or 571-434-4426
7th Grade- Adity.Choudhury@lcps.org or 571-434-4427
8th Grade- Mimi.Chung@lcps.org or 571-434-4428
Check us out!
Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/30563
Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-4420
Twitter: @SRMS_Official