 Parents, teachers, and administrators working together 
Friday, January 31, 2014
Administration
National School Counseling Week will be celebrated to focus public attention on the
unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful counselors who contribute so
much to the lives of our students: Ms. Brown-Miles, Ms. Clark, Ms. Fetzer-Munoz,
Ms. Greger, Ms. Lisker, Mr. Overton, Ms. Sanford, and Ms. Shin.
We are happy to report that Springbrook High School has been recognized by the
Maryland State Department of Education as one of MCPS high schools’ with the biggest
one-year gain in graduation rate: Rockville (up 4.8 percentage points), Springbrook (4.0
points), Clarksburg (3.7 points), Northwest (3.7 points), and Northwood (3.6 points). We
had the highest gain in graduation rate among our Hispanic and FARM students. In
addition, our SAT scores, for the past two administrations, have gone up by a mean of
over 80 points. SAT scores have gone up for every demographic group and so has our
participation rate.
Finally, our very own Ms. Morales, Assistant Principal, has been selected as a guest
speaker at Latino Leadership Conference which will take place on Monday, February 10
in Rockville, MD. She will represent our school and talk about international education.
Congratulations Ms. Morales!
Calendar
Tuesday, February 4
o Music Boosters meeting at 7:00 pm
o Special Program and Elective Course Fair (for
students) during lunch
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Wednesday, February 5
o NEC Incoming 9th Grade Registration Night,
7:00pm in the Auditorium
o Course registration forms for the 2014-2015
school year will be distributed via English/ESOL
classes.
Friday, February 7
o 9th Grade IBDP Cohort response packets due with
course registration forms to middle schools
Monday, February 10
o Rising 10th – 12th grade course registration cards
and course recommendation appeal forms due to
Counseling Department
Tuesday, February 11
o "Friends of the Arts" - Theatre & Choir Parents
Meeting at 7 pm in D107
Monday, February 17
o Presidents’ Day Holiday – No School for students
and staff
Tuesday, February 18
o PTSA meeting at 7:00 pm in the Media Center
Wednesday, February 19
o Historically Black College Fair at Richard
Montgomery High School, 6 - 8 pm
Friday, February 21
o Middle School Theatre Night in the Auditorium,
3:30 - 8 pm
Sunday, February 23
o After-Prom Online Auction ends at 10 pm
Thursday, February 27
o Swim and Dive Team Awards Dinner at 6:30 pm in
the Cafeteria
Friday, February 28
o Career Expose 7:30 am - 12 pm (during school
day)
o Early Release Day
o Thailand Dinner at 7 - 9 pm in the Cafeteria,
Details: Dress to impress attire. Tickets in
advance: $50 per couple, $30 per person, $10 per
student. At the door: $60 per couple, $35 per
person, $15 per student. A full course dinner with
entertainment will be enjoyed.
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News from the PTSA
The Springbrook High School PTSA After Prom Celebration Online Auction fundraiser
has begun! Here’s your chance to get great bargains while donating to a very important
cause – keeping our kids safe on prom night! Bidding begins on Friday, January 31,
2013 at 8 am and ends on Sunday, February 23, 2013 at 10 pm.
Go to www.biddingforgood.com/springbrook to take a look at the great variety of
items to be auctioned off (180 and growing) – from sports tickets, salons, top notch
personal training, restaurants, counseling services, ski tickets, laser tag, travel
packages, homemade gourmet food items, to some one of a kind totally fun
experiences. You have to see this auction to believe it. Please share this website with
friends and family locally and across the country.
Next PTSA Meeting is on Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00 in the Media Center
Counseling Department

Counselors are visiting middle schools through February 5th to share course
registration information.

Counselors will be meeting with students in grade level assemblies on February
6th to discuss course registration information.

Free help for parents, guardians and students who need assistance in
completing the 2014-2015 online FASFA application on Sunday, February 9th at
the Montgomery College Takoma Park campus on the first floor of the Charlene
Nunley Student Services Center from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Seniors interested in Montgomery College Scholars program should see Ms.
Patterson in the Career Center for details. The application deadline is Friday,
January 31st. Students can also visit the MC website for application information.

Please visit the College and Career Center for information regarding The Howard
P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant for seniors who have an unweighted GPA
of 2.5 or higher. The application deadline is March 1, 2014. For more
information, please visit (www.MDgo4it.org).
Scholarship Opportunities:
B'nai B'rith International Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge: High School students
of any grade level are invited to write and illustrate a children's book that discusses the
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topics of tolerance and diversity. First Prize is a $5,000 college scholarship. Deadline
is March 7, 2014.
Further information about the above and other scholarship opportunities can be found in
the Springbrook Career Center or by contacting Tammy Patterson
at [email protected]
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme (IBDP)
Please help support Springbrook’s IB Service Trip to Thailand, June 14 – 24, 2014.
Twenty-four students and four staff need your help. Listen to the students' reasons for
committing to this learning adventure: http://www.gofundme.com/4s8ezk
How to support? Make a donation to the “SHS International Service Trip Fund”. There
is an in-house staff auction with items donated by colleagues; accepting donations
through this Friday. The list is on the following googledoc:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsqfxjHYd09VdGhyNWU1QUsydVlnS3
UwX0JRTDhXREE&usp=sharing
Send your bid to Chris Yep [email protected], Or, put your name and
donation amount in the binder in the Media Center.
Why? Support our IB students’ travel to northeast Thailand, where they will teach
children, work on community improvement projects, engage in cultural exchanges, and
contribute to green initiatives, while taking on some adventures in a fascinating Asian
country.
Social Studies Department
The “Justice, Law, and Society” (JLS) Program at Springbrook
Here are some interesting facts about this exciting program at Springbrook:
1. Springbrook is currently only one of four schools in the county to offer this program
AND it is the ONLY school in the Northeast Consortium to have it.
2. The JLS program consists of four (4) credits. This is basically a three year program
and students may start it in 9th grade. The first course to be taken is: "Introduction
to Justice, Law, and Society A and B". The other required class is: Law and the
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Administration of Justice A and B”. The other two credits can be achieved by taking:
“Sociology”, “AP Government”, “AP Psychology”, “Forensic Science”, “Theory of
Knowledge”, and/or “Internship”. (Possible intern sites include but are not limited to:
The States Attorney Office, the Montgomery County Police, etc.)
3. The "Justice, Law, and Society" program is directed primarily to those students
interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement, Homeland Security,
Criminology, Forensic Science, etc. Also this a great program if you are interested
in becoming a lawyer.
4. This is an exciting program. Over the years students in the program will learn a
great deal through both classroom and out of classroom activities. Students will
learn about the ins and outs of our legal system and of a variety of law related
careers.
5. In addition, Springbrook is the ONLY school in the world to have a partnership with
the legal department at Discovery Communications, located in Silver Spring.
6. We are also one of only three schools in MCPS to have a partnership with the
Montgomery County Bar Association.
7. AN IMPORTANT POINT: A student does not have to be in the "Justice, Law, and
Society" program to take the courses. They are open to everyone.
If you have any questions please send me an email: [email protected]
Journalism Department
Save the Date! Save your junk!
The staff of The Blueprint newspaper is hosting a garage sale. That’s right. Organize
your home and help the newspaper staff meet its financial obligations. The event will be
held in late April. Stay tuned for more information.
Did you know?
The newspaper staff operates its own website. Please visit
www.theblueprintnewspaper.com for news about the school and community.
According to a recent study by the National Newspaper Association entitled “High
School Journalism Matters”, students in a high school journalism program had a higher
overall GPA while in high school and a higher first-year college GPA, scored
significantly higher on the ACT college exam than students who did not take journalism
courses and participated in leadership roles more frequently than students not in a
journalism program in high school. Remember this as you and your child discuss
registration choices for next year.
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A picture of the cover of the yearbook has been posted in the windows at the main
office, and it has been attracting a lot of attention from students and staff. Now is the
time to reserve a copy of the book before the inevitable sell out. Go to
www.jostensyearbooks.com to get started.
Journalism adviser Tim Hibberd is looking for interested parents to serve as members of
a booster organization for the journalism students at Springbrook High School. Please
email him directly at [email protected] with your questions or an
indication of interest.
Music Department / Music Boosters
The Springbrook String Orchestra will be attending a concert at the Strathmore
Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 1st to hear the Baltimore Symphonic
Orchestra perform. The String Orchestra members were selected to attend the concert
as part of a partnership with MCPS and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
The Symphonic Band was selected to participate in the National Band Association
Symposium at Oxon Hill High School on February 15th. This event is designed to help
prepare the Symphonic Band members for the upcoming concert seasons with
performance clinics presented by music educators from colleges, universities and
professional music organizations.
The Music Boosters holds its monthly meetings the first Tuesday of each month.
Please drop by, we would love to see more supporters of the program. Next meeting is
Tuesday, February 4th in the Band Room. Stay tuned for information about future
music events and fundraisers, which will be sent through this forum. You can check us
out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookHsMusic. You can also
contact us by email at: [email protected]
Athletic Department
Announcements and upcoming dates and events:

Springbrook will host the Bocce East Division Championships on Saturday,
February 1st. Bowling starts at 10am!

Poms will be competing in the MCPS PomPoms competition on Saturday
February 1st at Richard Montgomery High School at 10am. Contact a Pom to
purchase a ticket for $5. The ladies have been working extremely hard and
need your support!
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
Swimming and Diving will be competing at Divisionals at KSAC on Saturday
February 1st. Diving at 4pm, Swimming at 6pm. Go Devils!

Congratulations to seniors Quy Tran and Elmer Villeda for winning their
respective weight classes in the 16th annual Grapple @ The Brook wrestling
tournament. The Devils finished 5th as a team.

Springbrook is excited to announce plans to induct the first ever class into the
Springbrook Athletic Hall of Fame next fall, and we are currently taking
nominations. Visit our website www.springbrookathletics.org to nominate a
former athlete, coach, administrator or community member.

Tuesday, February 4th is Devils at Dominic’s night! Stop in and mention you are
from Springbrook and the athletic department gets a portion of the proceeds.
Spring sports start March 1st. All athletes must have a current physical on file to
participate. Make those doctor’s appointments now!

Academic Internship Program
Attention Juniors! Enroll NOW for the Academic Internship Program!
WHAT: Internship is a highly competitive program for high school seniors.
WHY: The internship program allows students to explore their career interests, gain
valuable work experience, and earn credit towards their high school
diploma. Internships can greatly enhance their college application. Internship
students will receive academic credit during their release periods 1, 2, or 1, 2, 3 AM
Interns or 5, 6, and 7 or 6 and 7for PM Interns.
HOW: Students in the Internship Program participate in a paid or unpaid internship
where they become actively involved in business, government, industry, research, or
social services. Students also participate in weekly seminars where they explore career
and workplace issues.
WHERE: Students Interested in being considered for the internship program for 201415 should see Mrs. Lowe in G-202 to pick up an application.
WHEN: Apply now and make sure to select Internship on the Student Schedule Card
Questions: Contact Sheri Lowe, Internship Coordinator
[email protected] 301-989-5789
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Blue Devil Career Expose
February 28th 7:30 am to 1:00 pm
Attention All Springbrook Blue Devil Alumni! Springbrook is holding its first Career
Exposé. This opportunity will allow you to speak to students about your career. We
want you to tell them about how you decided your career, why you chose it, and
words of wisdom to those who may be interested.
If you are can make this event and/or future events, please complete this survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2WNPMBS. It will only take 3 minutes and will
place you into our Alumni Database. Once you are in our database, we can send you
detailed information about the event and the invitation to confirm your attendance.
College Career Research Department
Grade 10 and 11 families!
College Starts……HERE! Register for College Career Research and Development.
Course Description:
Students research current career information for successful career planning and
management. Students develop self-awareness, career awareness, financial literacy,
communication and indispensable work-related knowledge and skill sets.
We use a variety of career and interest assessments, as well as portfolio development,
demonstrating workplace and academic readiness, preparing students for college and
careers.
Grade Levels 11-12
If not used for a Career Plan of Study (POS), students may take either semester or
both.
Units of Study include: Goal Setting, Personality Surveys, Career Exploration, PostSecondary Plans, Job Applications, Ethics, Resumes and Cover Letters.
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Web News
Roses Go On Sale (for students):
Is there a special teacher, friend, or loved one that you’d like to send a rose to on
Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day Roses will be on sale starting on FEBRUARY 3rd through 11th at
lunchtime outside the cafeteria. Just let us know the full names and their first and
second period locations and we will deliver the fresh roses and cards.
Sponsored by the class of 2017. Each order is $2.00.
Academy of Information and Technology
Santiago Romero Wins National Advertising Competition
H&M and Mentor Foundation USA
conducted a national T-shirt slogan
campaign to encourage high school
students to express what motivates
them to stay drug free now and in the
future.
Santiago Romero submitted the slogan
“Success is My Addiction” and won
first prize!
The winning T-shirt design by senior
Santiago Romero is available online for
10 bucks: Great Valentine’s day
gift. Get 30% off if you use code 4848
before 2/3. It doesn’t include $5.95
shipping or tax.
Ladies sizes http://www.hm.com/us/product/26870?article=26870-A
Mens sizes http://www.hm.com/us/product/26869?article=26869-A
Please don’t get too distracted by the David Beckham adds…..(sigh)
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Above photo is Santiago receiving his award at the Embassy of Sweden in front of his
peers. Ms. Nelson took a group of kids. So cool!!!!
Thanks to Ms. Lynn Nelson for pushing her Marketing students to enter! It takes a
teacher 
Submitted by Ms. Nicole Brown, CCRD Teacher
News from the Brook - Upcoming Publication Schedule
Publication Date
Deadline for Submission
Friday, February 21
Friday, February 14
Friday, March 7
Monday, March 3
Friday, March 21
Monday, March 17
For any time sensitive information between now and February 21,
please send to [email protected]
News from the Brook, point of contact: [email protected]
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