 Parents, teachers, and administrators working together 
Friday, September 26, 2014
Administration
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test) will be administered to all 10th and 11th grade students at
Springbrook High School on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. On this day, all 9th, 10th
and 11th grade students must attend their first period class which runs from 7:25 to 8:10
a.m. The testing period will begin at 8:15 a.m. and will last until 11:30 a.m. Students
should bring two sharpened #2 pencils and an eraser. Although no questions require
the use of a calculator, students are strongly encouraged to bring an approved
calculator. Ninth grade students who are interested in taking the test can register
between September 29th and October 8th by paying a $14 fee to the school bank. All 9th
grade students will be provided PSAT registration forms in their English classes. Ninth
grade students who do not register for the test will attend four workshops designed to
help with their transition into high school. Twelfth grade students are not eligible to take
the test and will not have to report to school until 11:30 a.m. Twelfth grade students who
report to school before 11:30 a.m. will be directed to a study hall session in the media
center.
The PSAT is administered once each year and is an important first step in making
college plans. The structure of the test is similar to that of the SAT I. The test measures
critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills. Scores and interpretive
booklets will be distributed at school by mid-January. It is important to note that a
makeup day will not be offered at Springbrook High School for the PSAT, therefore ontime student attendance in VERY important on the day of the test.
Why does MCPS and Springbrook High School pay for 10th and 11th grade
students to take the PSAT?
In an effort to improve students’ preparation for college level studies, Montgomery
County Public Schools will pay the test administration fee for all 10 th grade students.
Springbrook High School will cover the cost of the test for all 11thgrade students. The
PSAT provides:
 Feedback on academic performance & suggestions on how to improve
 Preparation for the SAT
 Information from colleges and universities through the Student Search
Service
 A free personalized online college planning kit based on test results
 A true measure of a student’s college readiness
 A true measure (predictor) of how a student will perform in future AP or IB
courses.
 Opportunities for 11th grade students to earn scholarships and academic
recognition—The PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
(NMSQT).
For more information we encourage you to visit the College Board’s website at
https://www.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt where you can find a link to the
Official Student Guide to the PSAT that will help your child prepare for the test.
If you have any questions about the upcoming PSAT administration, we encourage you
to contact your child’s counselor at 301-989-5710.
Daniel E. Garcia, Assistant Principal
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Calendar
Monday, September 29
o Senior Portrait Make-ups - Aud - 2:30-8:00 pm
Tuesday, September 30
o Senior Portrait Make-ups - Aud - 2:30-8:00 pm
o Underclass Portrait Make-ups
Wednesday, October 1
o Athletic Boosters Meeting – 7 pm
Friday, October 3
o Senior Class Photo - Stadium
o Progress Reports
o Yom Kippur Begins at Sundown
Saturday, October 4
o Yom Kippur
Monday, October 6
o HSA Testing – Government (by invitation)
Tuesday, October 7
o HSA Testing – English (by invitation)
o College Financial Aid Meeting – 6:30pm –
Auditorium
o Music Boosters Meeting – 7pm
Wednesday, October 8
o HSA Testing – Biology (by invitation)
o 2nd Annual Powder Puff Football Game – 6 pm
Thursday, October 9
o HSA Testing – Algebra (by invitation)
o Friends of the Arts Meeting – 7pm – Rm D-107
Friday, October 10
o HSA Make-ups (all contents by invitation)
Monday, October 13
o MCPS Open House Day
Wednesday, October 15
o PSAT: free of charge for ALL 10th and 11th
grade students. 9th grade students must pay a
$14 fee
Thursday, October 16
o Progress Reports
Friday, October 17
o No School – MD State Teachers’ Conference
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News from the PTSA
The Springbrook Parent-Teacher-Student Association provides a way for parents
to partner with school staff to create an environment where students can thrive
academically, socially, and emotionally.
These are but a few of the ways Springbrook PTSA made a difference last school year:
 Awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a student entering the University of Maryland.
 Awarded $2500 in education mini- grant money to programs in art, science,
journalism, music and leadership development.
 Hosted an outstanding and successful After-Prom party to keep our students
safe on Prom Night.
 Hosted staff appreciation events, such as a welcome back breakfast and a back
to school night dinner.
 Advocated for Springbrook in Montgomery County, such as delivering budget
testimony to emphasize Springbrook’s capital improvement and operating
program needs.
 Provided a forum for parents to stay informed and give feedback about
Springbrook issues, such as the launch of the school’s newsletter, News from
the Brook and publishing of the school directory.
JOIN US for our NEXT PTSA MEETING of the school year, Tuesday, October 21 in
the Media Center
All are welcome!
“Open” Committee Positions
We are still looking for a team of parents to fill some key Committee positions for the
upcoming year.
Shopping Rebates Chair
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Staff Appreciation Co-Chair (already has one Co-Chair and looking for a partner to
share the job)
Not sure what the job entails? Click for job descriptions.
Please contact Nominating Committee members: Reva Gambrell
([email protected]), or Evette Moore ([email protected]), if you are interested
or have questions.
Cluster Coordinators needed:
What is a Cluster Coordinator?
They serve as liaisons to MCCPTA and MCPS for the schools in their cluster, which
include their high school and all of its feeder schools.
Hierarchically, they are the next level up from the local PTA President and are members
of the Board of Directors of the MCCPTA.
They work closely with the Area Vice President. (The Northeast Consortium AVP
coordinates the Springbrook, Paint Branch, Blake and Sherwood clusters.)
Most importantly, CCs advocate for the schools in their cluster by testifying before the
Board of Education and the County Council several times per year.
Please contact Ann Coletti with any questions. She has served as a cluster coordinator
for Springbrook for the last two years. Ann is available to support you throughout the
year. [email protected].
Volunteer Opportunity:
Homecoming Dance – October 25, 2014: We are looking for volunteers to help with the
coat-check room. If you are interested, please email Carolyn Koudry,
[email protected] for further details.
Please visit the Springbrook High School PTSA page for more information on our PTSA
and to view our newsletter archives.
After-Prom Meeting
Our first After-Prom meeting will be held on Thursday, October 16 at 7:30pm in the
White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD. Our
primary goal is to provide a safe alcohol and drug-free after-prom celebration. Come
out and see what it’s all about.
Points of Contact: Bessy Cabrera, [email protected] and Nora Robles,
[email protected]
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You Are Invited to the NAACP Parent’s Council/MCPS Kick Off on Monday,
October 6
"Thinking Globally and Acting Locally"
Exchange Information on best practices and engage around issues related to the
education of our children
Richard Montgomery High School
250 Richard Montgomery Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
5:00-8:00pm *child care available
A Conversation Between:
Hilary O. Shelton, Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President
for Advocacy of the NAACP
AND
Dr. Ivory Toldson, Deputy Director, White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs)
Details, registration links and more info at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-parents-councilmcps-kick-off-registration12952736985
Counseling Department
Counselors are beginning to work on college recommendation letters for our 12th grade
students. It is important that students bring in the following to the counseling
department at least 1 month prior to the due date for their application: signed release of
information form, brag sheet and a completed transcript request form accompanied by
the $5.00 transcript fee.
Parent of seniors: Please encourage your child(ren) to visit the College & Career
Center for information regarding scholarship opportunities as well as hearing
presentations from various college and university representatives. There are also many
opportunities throughout this semester for on the spot admission interviews. Here are
some upcoming events and notable information from the College & Career Center:
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Meyerhoff Scholars/UMBC Deadline Friday, October 10
Student Information Session
Monday, September 29
Free SAT/ACT Preparation Workshop
Monday, September 29, 11:30am – 12:30pm Career Center
SAT Test October 11
Hampton University evening interviews Pending Date
Evening admission interview hosted by Springbrook HS
Wednesday, September 30 canceled
Free online application
Deadline: September 30
Parent Financial Night
Tuesday, October 7
Springbrook High School
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Presentation in English (auditorium) Spanish (Career Center)
Guest Speaker: Isaiah Ellis
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Montgomery College Career Center
If you’ve started wondering about college and how to pay for it, learn more during free
financial aid workshops that will be held throughout the fall at various MCPS high
schools. This one is at our high school on behalf of the NEC. Parents and students will
learn what financial aid is, what kinds of financial aid are available and how students
can apply for need-based financial aid during these sessions.
Montgomery College/Opportunity Knocks
Friday, October 10, 11:15am, Computer Lab E115
Free Online Application Begins October 1
College and University Onsite Interviews
UMES : Thursday, October 19, 9:00am
Lincoln University: Tuesday, October 21, 9:00am
Norfolk State University: Thursday, October 30, 8:30am
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Writing Smart Workshop
Wednesday, October 22, 11:30am, Career Center
Hispanic College Fair
October 29, 9:30am – 1:00pm
Permission slips are available in the Career Center.
Parent information Session
Tuesday, October 28, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Gaithersburg High School
Free Event
ASVAB Career Test
Permission Slips are available in the Career Center.
November 13, 7:30am – 10:00am, Team Room 2
Point of Contact: Eileen Lisker, [email protected]
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme (IBDP)
IB DP 2015 International Service Trip Announced!
All juniors and seniors involved in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
will have the opportunity to participate in a service trip to the Dominican Republic in
June 2015. Students will spend nine days helping improve infrastructure, teaching in a
kids’ day camp and experiencing island culture. Estimated cost for the trip is $2,000.
More information will be available to students and parents in the coming weeks.
IB DP Subject Registrations
All juniors and seniors who will be examining in subjects for the May 2015 session are
in the process of being registered with the International Baccalaureate Organization
(IBO). It is expected that students taking an IB DP subject will complete all
assessments pieces for the course. Invoices listing all fees, total costs, and payment
options will be sent home by mail in the next 2 weeks. Current fees set by the IBO:
Registration fee: $160 (one-time fee for students pursuing the IB Diploma); Subject
Fee: $110/subject; Core Fee: Theory of Knowledge - $43; Extended Essay - $85; CAS
- $10. Payment will be due by November 12, 2014. The registration fee is not
refundable after November 15, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Point of Contact: Mark Griffiths, [email protected]
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The International Baccalaureate Middle
Years Programme (MYP)
Welcome Parents! The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) teaches your children tools
for lifelong learning and fosters responsible attitudes that help them discover how to use
what they learn to take principled action. The IB MYP’s focus on independent learning
makes it the ideal preparation for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Teachers are hard
at work planning lessons that will engage your children and put them at the center of the
learning. We focus not just on what your child should know and be able to do but also
how best they learn. We want them to be able to evaluate information critically and
apply knowledge in complex, unfamiliar situations.
New to 9th grade parents is our IB MYP Progress Report that will come out at the end of
each semester. This report will tell you how your child is doing in light of the rigorous
learning objectives set forth by the International Baccalaureate Organization. New to
10th grade is our IB MYP capstone project called the MYP Personal Project. You will
see this on your child’s course card. It is listed as MYP Research Sem. I will be
meeting with 10th grade students at the end of September through NSL classes to
explain the process. All 10th grade students are expected to participate.
We are off to a spectacular year! Thank you for sending your children to Springbrook!
Point of contact: John Weinshel, IB MYP Coordinator, [email protected]
The IB MYP comprises rigorous learning objectives: • a student-centered approach to teaching
• international perspectives
• concern for the whole child
• sustained teaching and learning in
more than one language
• a focus on learning how to learn• the development of flexible thinking
that prepares students to evaluate information critically and apply knowledge in complex, unfamiliar
situations.
Academy of Information Technology
Springbrook Women in Technology
The Springbrook Women in Technology club (SWIT) was started 6 years ago with the
purpose of guiding our women interested in technology and to have fun and make
friends. We have guest speakers, learn new types of technology and applications, and
participate in contests and scholarship opportunities. We meet on Mondays during
lunch and welcome all Springbrook women. For more information contact
Point of Contact: Michael Price, [email protected]
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Fine Arts Department
Fall Production of “Dracula”: Important Dates!
Interest meeting for “Dracula”-Tuesday, September 23rd at lunch!
All students with an interest in participating in “Dracula” should attend this meeting in
the auditorium to hear all essential information regarding the fall Production.
“Dracula” audition dates:
Tuesday, September 30, 2:30-4:15pm (activity bus)
Wednesday, October 1, 2:30-4:15pm (activity bus)
Audition “call-backs”:
Thursday, October, 2:30-TBD (students may need
to arrange transportation)
Point of Contact: Adrienne D’Orazio, Adrienne_M_D’[email protected]
Journalism Department
Shop at the 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar!
Mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Saturday,
November 22 from 9:00am-2:00pm in our cafeteria. This is the major fall fundraising
event for the staff of the school’s newspaper, The Blueprint. Vendor tables are $20
each. See the attached flyer for more information and complete the attached form to
reserve a table. If you are a crafter, have items to sell or just love to shop for the
holidays, this is a can’t-miss event. Please share this information with your neighbors.
We’d love to have an even bigger crowd this year!
Be a Patron of The Blueprint and Get Free Delivery to Your Door
Speaking of fundraising, our newspaper staffers are pounding the pavement of their
neighborhoods searching for patrons to support our newspaper. Please consider
assisting these hard-working students in their endeavor. The newspaper staff receives
no money from MCPS to meet their publishing bills. Send in your donation with the
included flyer to help our newspaper. Thanks!
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Yearbooks are Now on Sale
Parents, have you reserved a copy of this year’s yearbook for your child? Now is the
best time to reserve a copy of the 2014-15 Trident, our school’s yearbook. The price of
the yearbook will not be lower, so order ASAP by going to www.jostensyearbooks.com.
All students, but especially freshmen and seniors, love having their own copy of the
yearbook for their friends to sign. Keep in mind that our book is one of the least
expensive yearbooks in the county and that early orders cost less than orders in the
spring.
Point of Contact: Tim Hibberd, [email protected]
Science Department
IAPS Boat Race
On November 12 from 11am-1pm we will be at MLK Aquatics Center to race cardboard
boats. The students will have 10 days to build the boats. These boats will hold 2
students each and they will be racing the boats.
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Music Department / Music Boosters
4th Annual Drum Line Competition and Showcase
The Springbrook High School Instrumental Music Department will host its 4th Annual
Drum Line Competition and Showcase on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 4pm in the
school gymnasium. The competition will feature Drum Lines from Montgomery County,
Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia, and will Showcase Bowie State
University, Cheyney University and Lincoln University’s Drum Lines. Come out and
enjoy watching these exciting Drum Lines battle for bragging rights and for the top
award as the best Drum Line in the Washington Metro area!
Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Student admission is $5
and adult admission is $10. There will be plenty of good food, fun and great
entertainment during the event. See you there!
Point of contact: Wyman Jones, [email protected]
Support Your Musician Children by Getting Involved with the Music Boosters
The Music Program/Boosters are hard at work performing for Springbrook High School
and community and preparing for upcoming events. Every student participating in the
music program has many activities throughout the year to enrich their musical
experience.
To all parents of the Music Program, please contact us using the email below. We
continue our work to prepare for all the events throughout this school year. Also, please
plan to attend the Music Boosters meetings on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm
(the next one is October 7.) We really could use your support.
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Upcoming events
Friday, September 26 - Marching Band music support during the Away Football game
vs Blair.
Saturday, September 27 – Burtonsville Day Parade.
Pizza Sales for October: Wednesdays, October 1 and 15
Thursday, October 2 - Home Football game vs Watkins Mills
Friday, October 10 - Home Football game vs Blair
Saturday, October 18 - Howard University homecoming parade, Washington DC.
Come see us at our table during the home games. Show your support and purchase
Booster T-Shirt or a re-usable Music Program water bottle.
Thank you to Faculty, Staff, Family and Friends for helping our students raise money for
their Spring Trip selling Claire Gourmet items. Students who took advantage of this
fundraiser and participated will be credited the profit of their sales to defray their own
trip costs. Students will have another opportunity to reduce their trip costs by
participating in the Annual Citrus Sales. The sales will begin in mid-October, exact date
is TBD.
Point of Contact:
Email us @: [email protected]
See us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookHsMusic
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHSMusicBooster @SHSMusicBooster
Athletic Department /Athletic Boosters
Athletic Boosters Club News
Thanks to all the Athletic Booster Club Members who have volunteered during the first
few weeks of school. We have had a successful start to our fundraising efforts through
concession sales at all fall games, including Field Hockey, Soccer and Football, and
spirit wear sales at Back to School Night and at football games. Concession sales are a
BIG part of our fundraising dollars, and you can help by volunteering, even if just once!
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Admission to the game is free for concession volunteers, so you can still watch your
child play while helping to raise money for needed equipment and uniforms. If
interested, please click on these links:
Fall Sports: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44a8a62da75-springbrook1
Varsity Football: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44a8a62da75-varsity
To receive notices of Booster Club activities, please join our boosters listserv by clicking
on the following link: [email protected]
We want to welcome and thank Monica Velasquez, who is stepping up to serve as our
new Treasurer. We are still in need of a Secretary to attend the monthly meetings and
type up the notes. This is at most a 2 hour commitment per month. We are also
looking for someone to oversee the concession orders and someone who can order
spirit wear. If interested in any of these positions, please contact co-presidents Rachel
Spangenberg at [email protected] or Tina Errigo at [email protected].
The next Booster's meeting will be held Wednesday, October 1st from 7:00 to 8:00
in the cafeteria. Join us to share your fundraising ideas, help devise a system for
receiving/reviewing requests for funding and help create a dazzling advertising plan to
promote our matching dollar campaign generously offered by a Springbrook alum to
purchase a new scoreboard. As usual, snacks and beverages will be provided. Hope
you will join us!
Questions? Contact co-presidents Rachel Spangenberg, at [email protected]
or Tina Errigo at [email protected].
GO BLUE DEVILS!!!
Point of Contact: Sarah Kestner, [email protected]
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College Career Research Department
Take Montgomery College Courses at Springbrook
Seniors with a 2.75 GPA or Juniors with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to enroll in a college
course here at Springbrook. The courses below are offered. Please come learn more
and apply on Thursday, October 16 at 12:00 noon in E202. Parents invited.
CS 210: Computer Security – 3 semester hours
Course Description: Surveys major topics in assessment and development of security
procedures for a variety of computer systems. The course emphasizes security needs,
risk assessment, and practical measures for security management. Topics include
Internet and Web security, LAN security, protection of personal computers, physical
security, hardware and software protection and products, virus countermeasures, and
the human aspects of computer security. PREREQUISITE: any of these Springbrook
High School courses: Computer Science I, Design Technology Solutions, Introduction
to Engineering Design and consent of Montgomery College.
CA 190: Intro to Game and Simulation – 4 semester hours
Covers the gaming industry, careers, and the basic terminology. Topics include history
of gaming; an industry overview; career paths, the state of the job market, and skills
needed for success in various jobs; genres and platforms; societal issues; the study of
games and "play"; the future of gaming; development of design, teamwork, business,
and production skills.
PL 180: Morality and Contemporary Law – 3 semester hours
An examination of some social issues that seem to be of current interest from the
legal/ethical viewpoint, e.g., privacy, crime and punishment, civil and human rights,
victimless crimes, police and court practice, sexual and medical practice, freedom and
authority. An attempt will be made to view these contemporary problems in a historical
perspective. The student is encouraged and expected to know facts, think logically, and
develop an independent sense of critical judgment.
Points of Contact: Mrs. Sheri Lowe, [email protected] in G-202 or call 301989-5789 or Ms. Nicole Brown, [email protected] in G-202 or call 301989-6092
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Student Achievements
On September 20, Springbrook’s Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) hosted
its first annual Color Run at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Known for their
character, scholarship, leadership and service to the community, NHS members
decided to organize the event to support the research performed at St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital. Not only did the Color Run promote unity in the Springbrook
community, it also successfully raised over $500 for the cause!
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17 MCPS Seniors Named National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists
Seventeen Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) seniors have been selected as
semifinalists in the 2015 National Achievement Scholarship competition. The
scholarship program, administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation,
recognizes academically promising African American students across the nation and
awards college scholarships to hundreds of students each year.
More than 160,000 students requested consideration for the National Achievement
Scholarship Program and 1,600 were named as semifinalists. Semifinalists are chosen
based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year. Approximately 80 percent of
the semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level and more than half of the
finalists will be awarded with scholarships next spring.
Springbrook’s semifinalist is Damali O. Rollins! Congratulations!
Community Tidbits
Opportunities at Montgomery County Board of Elections (“BOE”)
The BOE is recruiting voters to work the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4,
and bilingual voters to work at early voting centers and at polling places on Early Voting,
October 23-30 and Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.
The BOE also needs Student Volunteers (grades 16-12) to participate in its “Future
Vote'” Program and a variety of activities before Election Day. This is a great
opportunity for students to get involved in the democratic process and earn SSL hours.
For information, go to: www.777vote.org, or call 240-777-8532.
Earn SSL Hours by Helping Elementary Students with Homework
The White Oak Library is looking for high school students to work with elementary
students who attend its weekly "Homework Help" sessions, held 4:00-6:00pm each
Wednesday that MCPS is in session. Volunteers should have a good academic record
as well as like younger children, and have patience and good communication skills.
SSL hours are available. The White Oak Library is at 11701 New Hampshire Ave.,
Silver Spring. For more information and to apply, please contact Carolyn Maddox or
Judy Ehrenstein (email: [email protected]) at 240-773-9555
or 240-773-9565.
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News from the Brook - Upcoming Publication Schedule
Publication Date
Submission Due Date/
Deadline for Submission
Friday, October 10
Friday, October 3/
Monday, October 6
Friday, October 24
Thursday, October 16/
Monday, October 20
Friday, November 7
Thursday, October 30/
Monday, November 3
News from the Brook, point of contact: [email protected]
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