 Parents, teachers, and adm inistrators working together 
Friday, November 21, 2014
Administration
Dear SHS Community,
We would like to encourage you to talk to your children about Cybercivility and using
social media and other digital tools in a responsible, respectful manner that allows
individuals to communicate freely and share ideas without the threat of intimidation,
harassment or abuse. Failure to practice Cybercivility can have detrimental effects on
children, their peers, their families and their school. When speaking with them ask if
their postings are hindering or enhancing the overall school environment and
reputation. Cybercivility will be discussed with students during Advisory in the near
future and we would like your help in engaging students in this important conversation.
On another note, we would like congratulate the 44 students who were inducted into the
National Honor Society (“NHS”) on Thursday, November 20. All NHS members must
have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average since 9th grade and must have
completed a minimum of 60 service hours. The prospective members submit a short
essay explaining their commitment to service, scholarship, character and leadership
with examples of each during their freshman, sophomore and junior years of high
school.
We also want to congratulate Senior Monica Chica-Valdez for being The Children’s
Defense Fund’s 2014 Beat the Odds Scholarship Winner. See the Student
Achievements section for a photo and link to a video of her story.
Please remember that because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, Wednesday, November 26
will be an early release day.
Finally, we invite you to follow us on Twitter at @Springbrook_HS to learn more about
the great happenings taking place at The Brook!
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Garcίa, Assistant Principal
Calendar
Sat., November 22
o Holiday Bazaar – 9am-2pm
Mon., November 24
o Music Boosters Fundraiser – Panera – 6-9pm
Mon., November 24 &
Tues., November 25
o Winter Sports Team Portraits
Tues., November 25
o After Prom Fundraiser – Calif. Tortilla, 3-9pm
Wed., November 26
o Early Release Day
Thurs., November 27 &
Fri., November 28
o No School – Thanksgiving Holiday
Tues., December 2
o Music Boosters Meeting – 7pm – D108
Wed., December 3
o Athletic Boosters Meeting – 7pm - Cafeteria
Fri., December 5 &
Sat., December 6
o Fall Play – Dracula – 7pm – Auditorium
Sun., December 7
o Fall Play – Dracula – 2pm Matinee - Auditorium
Thurs., December 11
o Winter Choral Concert – 7pm – Auditorium
o After Prom Meeting – Tentative
Sat., December 13
o ACT Testing
o Drum Line Competition – 4pm – Main Gym
Wed., December 17
o College Readiness Meeting for Parents of 9th &
10th Graders – 7pm - Auditorium
Thurs., December 18
o Community Art Show – 6:30pm
o Winter Band/Orchestra Concert – 7pm
Fri., December 19
o National Honor Society Alumni Tea – 2:30pm
o IB DP Extended Essays Final Drafts Due
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News from the PTSA
The PTSA Will Not Have its Regularly Scheduled Meeting in December
Should you have any PTSA related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact its
president, Antoinette (Toni) Hinds by email: [email protected].
Congratulations to Orma Mooreman, new Springbrook Cluster Coordinator!
Orma Mooreman who has been elected by the MCCPTA (“Montgomery County Council
of PTAs”) Delegates Board as Springbrook Cluster Coordinator. As Cluster
Coordinator, Orma will advocate for Springbrook High School and all of its feeder
schools with the MCCPTA, the Board of Education (“BOE”) and the Montgomery County
Council. Many thanks to Orma for stepping up to represent us.
Earn CASH for Springbrook When You Shop
Your purchases can earn CASH for Springbrook! All you need to do is register your
grocery cards and Target REDcard, and designate Springbrook as your school. Your
friends and family can register too! Please see the flier attached to the previous issue
of this newsletter for information. It is quick and easy to register or give us the
information to do it for you. The sooner you do it, the more CASH goes to support our
kids’ educational needs. Please contact Spring George for more details,
[email protected]. Many thanks to Spring for leading this effort. Thanks for your
support!
The Northeast Consortium Surveys the Community
The Northeast Consortium (NEC) Cluster Coordinators are still collecting feedback,
even though the BOE hearings for the Capital Improvement Program Budget were last
week. Please consider taking the survey; it takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s the link:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ea1ghefoi1s4sb92/start
Thank you for your participation!
*****
Please visit the Springbrook High School PTSA page for more information on our PTSA
and to view our newsletter archives.
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After Prom Fundraiser Night!
California Tortilla will donate a portion of our proceeds from 3-9pm Tuesday,
November 25 if “Springbrook” is mentioned when placing your order. Join us and
enjoy fresh, delicious, award-winning, signature burritos, quesadillas, salads and other
Cal-Mex favorites. Where: Burnt Mills (near Trader Joe’s), 10721-A Columbia Pike,
Silver Spring, MD 20901. Thanks for your continued support!
The After Prom On-line Auction is Collecting Donations Now!
Starting Friday, February 13, 2015, the Springbrook High School
PTSA After Prom will be auctioning off many fun and unique items to raise money for
our 2015 After Prom celebration. Help us build our catalog by adding personalized
items from the Springbrook community. These items are often the ones that create the
most excitement among our bidders. So we are reaching out to YOU to help us make
our catalog plentiful and exciting. Here are some suggestions of items that you or your
student might be able to contribute:
Do you like to cook or bake? We would love to auction off your home baked desserts,
breads, muffins, etc. or a home cooked meal.
Do you make jewelry, pottery or other artwork? Do you knit, quilt or crochet? We would
love to auction off one of your creations.
Do you have an area of expertise or other talent you would be willing to share with a
winning bidder, such as career coaching, legal advice, personal training or closet
organizing? How about a lesson or series of lessons in music, art, cooking,
photography or scrapbooking?
Could your Blue Devil donate snow shoveling, gardening or lawn care time?
Do you own a local business that you would like to publicize? Donating a gift certificate
to our auction is a great way to market and advertise your store, restaurant, salon or
other business.
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These are just a few suggestions. We are open to anything! Contact us and let us
know what you would be interested in contributing.
After Prom Meeting
Please be on the lookout for confirmation details on our next meeting. We are hoping to
hold it on Thursday, December 11 at Springbrook. It’s an opportunity to showcase your
talents and interests – whether they be organizational, analytical, fundraising, creative,
culinary or social. Jobs are available to fit your time constraints. Light refreshments will
be provided.
*****
After Prom is a safe, drug- and alcohol-free celebration immediately following Prom. It
keeps our students safe during those often dangerous hours between midnight and
5am. Click on this link to see photos from After Prom 2014:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/687p1lpid2vcuvc/AAB0toykF7xdAhmv3o_PGu2Xa?dl=0
Points of Contact: Bessy Cabrera, [email protected] and Nora Robles,
[email protected]
Counseling Department
Counseling News
We have been busy finalizing course selections for the 2015-16 school year and are
working on the creation of a course bulletin. The bulletin will include descriptions of all
of our signature programs and all of the courses we will be offering. The bulletin will
also include valuable information for our rising seniors concerning the college
application process. Current Springbrook students will receive their course bulletins
and registration forms earlier this year and will be able to register for courses in early
January.
The College and Career Center has many scholarships available. Seniors should be
visiting the Center on a regular basis to hear from college representatives and to learn
about the many scholarships that are available. Here are some wonderful programs
available to our students through the Center:
•
Preparing for Success: Ladies Day Out on Saturday, November 22, 10am4:30pm. Flyers are available in the College and Career Center. For more
information please visit: www.preparing4success.com.
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•
FAFSA/Financial Aid Information 2015-16: Information will be distributed to
seniors in late November/early December.
•
Please mark your calendars for the HBCU College Fair at Einstein High School
on February 18, 2015 at 7pm.
The Counseling Department would like to wish you and your family a wonderful and
safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Point of Contact: Eileen Lisker, [email protected]
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme (IBDP)
IB DP Registrations
All subject registrations became final on November 15, 2014. The $160.00 registration
fee is no longer refundable. Late registration costs increase to $214.00 until January
15, 2015. Any changes in subject registrations (subject, level) will incur a $35.00 fee.
IB DP Service Trip
Springbrook’s IB Diploma Programme will be sponsoring a service trip to the beautiful
Dominican Republic from June 16-23, 2015. There are 24 slots available to all juniors
and seniors taking one or more IB DP courses, with preference given to students
pursuing the IB Diploma. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about other cultures,
experience life in another part of the world, and provide service to others in need.
Springbrook High School IB 11th and 12th grade students will have the opportunity to
experience Dominican culture, learn about Dominican history and support local schools.
While there, they will work on service projects such as teaching local school children
and promoting environmentally sustainable projects needed in the local villages. The
total cost of the trip will be $2,000 per student, which includes airfare, local
transportation, lodging, food and activities. An informational student meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 in room F307 (please check school
announcements for time.) An evening information meeting is being held in the Media
Center on Tuesday, December 2 at 7pm. Please contact Mark Pim for more information
([email protected] or 301-989-5792) or any of your/your child’s IB teachers if
you have questions about this incredible trip.
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Extended Essays
All seniors pursuing the IB Diploma are working on revisions of their extended essays.
Students will be working through advisory to check subject criteria and learn how to
properly format all parts of their essays. Final drafts are due by December 19, 2014.
Point of Contact: Mark Griffiths, [email protected]
Academy of Information Technology
Cindy Greenwood, Manager of the Cyber Scholars Program at UMBC, Speaks to
Women in Technology Club
Cindy Greenwood, from the Center for Women in Technology (“CWIT”) at UMBC, spoke
to our Women in Technology Club about its programs and scholarship opportunities.
Cindy is the Manager of the Cyber Scholars Program, a program for students who want
to major in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Information Systems and have
an interest in the field of Cyber Security. Her office also houses the CWIT Scholars
Program for students who want to major in the 3 computing majors mentioned or in
Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Our students really enjoyed her and learning
about opportunities available to them in STEM-related classes at UMBC.
Point of Contact: Michael Price, [email protected]
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Drama Department
Dracula – Fall Play
“Dracula” is coming to Springbrook! Our cast and crew have been working hard and we
are just 2 weeks away from opening night! Dracula show dates are Friday,
December 5 at 7pm; Saturday, December 6 at 7pm, and Sunday, December 7 at 2pm.
Adult tickets are $10.00 and student tickets are $7.00. Student tickets may be
purchased in advance for a discounted rate of $5.00. Tickets will go on sale December
1 and may be purchased during lunch or at the door. You don’t want to miss this show!
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 9am-2pm in our cafeteria. This is the major fall fundraising event for
the staff of the school’s newspaper, The Blueprint. If you 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!
The Blueprint, Springbrook’s Newspaper!
Newspaper and journalism students are working hard on The Blueprint newspaper and
web edition! Are you receiving your newspaper copy? Be sure to become a patron so
you can learn what’s in the hearts and minds of our kids. With a donation as small as
$20, The Blueprint will be mailed to you. This is the first step to helping support the
journalism program at Springbrook. Please see the Patron form sent with the previous
issue of this newsletter.
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In addition to publishing 6 issues per year, the kids are actively involved in various
fundraisers to earn the money needed for printing and supply costs. Our kids solicit
patrons and advertisers, hold bake sales and manage the Holiday Bazaar. These are
valuable real world experiences easily transferred to both career and academic
opportunities.
The Blueprint staff is dedicated but small so we need your help too. Please consider
joining “Friends of The Blueprint” – a small but growing group of family members,
friends, local businesses and others with an interest in seeing The Blueprint
succeed. Please like us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookBlueprintFriends and/or contact Leila Collins at
301-625-3386 or [email protected] to learn more.
Yearbooks on Sale
Don’t forget to reserve a copy of this year’s yearbook for your child by going to
www.jostensyearbooks.com.
Point of Contact: Tim Hibberd, [email protected]
Science Department
Cardboard Boat Race Report
Mr. Abrams conducted an IAPS lesson on Newton's 3 laws of Force and Motion. This
was the 3rd lesson using boats. In the first lesson the students attempted to float as
much weight as they could using tin foil boats. The second lesson called for students to
build small cardboard boats, powered by a balloon. Then the third lesson asked the
students to face the biggest challenge -- to build and race a boat made entirely out of
cardboard, duct tape and hot glue. After the boat races, students reflected on their
experiences and wrote about how they used the teachings of Newton's 3 laws to help
them succeed with each challenge.
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Please click on the following link to watch a news report on this project:
http://www.myfoxdc.com/clip/10842803/springbrook-high-school-students-get-physicslesson-by-building-makeshift-boats
Point of Contact: Jacob Abrams, [email protected]
World Languages Department
18 New Students Inducted into the French National Honor Society
La Société Honoraire de Français held its annual induction ceremony on Thursday,
November 13. There are 18 current members, and 18 new members were inducted for
the 2014-15 school year. The club is sponsored by Madame Willetts.
The criteria for membership are: Level 4 French and above; an A- average or above in
French; a B- (3.0) GPA or higher in all other subjects; and teacher recommendations.
The aims of the organization are to: stimulate interest in the study of French, promote
high standards of scholarship, reward scholastic achievements, create enthusiasm for
and an understanding of francophone culture and civilization, and promote and
perpetuate international friendship.
Activities of the Society include tutoring at Springbrook and at middle schools;
participating in francophone festivals; competing for travel grants from various
organizations; holding regular meetings; participating in fundraising activities for
charitable organizations; and promoting the study of the French language and cultures.
Current Members: Mercy Akede, Tamia Baker-Johnson, Tai Bikamba, Zoe Braddock,
Sophia Cote, Julie Dang, Iko-Esombe Esemoto, Cheyenne Gaima, Kiev Gambrell,
Nicole Kalitsi, Henri Kavusa Ndemere, Baldric Nguena-Papdo, Edna N’Guessan-Gbe,
Sandra Ngatcheu-Nganpe, Thomas Petrick, Marie Saint-Louis, Andy Truong and
Alexandra Yetley.
New Members: Jonathan Arias, Lydie Agbomson, Carol Canales, Shirley During, Kate
Futrowsky, Kevin Goodwin, Maxence Jouard, Kevin Kakesa, Marie Lise Levry, Loic
Ngassam Nya, Ricki Nguyen, Vanessa Ntungwanayo, Mabintou Ouattara, Brooke
Pohly, Camille Soré, Mckenna Stratton, Rose Stutz and Mia Yuka Taguchi.
CONGRATULATIONS!
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Music Department / Music Boosters
4th Annual Drum Line Competition and Showcase – just 3 weeks away!
The Springbrook High School Instrumental Music Department will host its 4th Annual
Drum Line Competition and Showcase on Saturday, December 13 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. The Music Boosters are seeking volunteers to help with
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this exciting event. They need help with marketing/advertising, concessions (gathering
prior to and selling at the event), and providing meals to the University students who
graciously donate their time to entertain us. If you are interested in helping, please
contact Mr. Jones. More details are below.
Point of contact: Wyman Jones, [email protected]
Music Boosters News
The Music Program/Boosters are as always 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 in the Band Room. The next one is Tuesday,
December 2. We really could use your support.
Successful Citrus Fundraiser Held!
The citrus fundraiser was successful and a great way for students to earn money
towards their spring trip. The citrus was delivered on Tuesday, November 18 for
families to pick up and a donation was made to Manna as well. Thanks to all who
supported this important fundraiser and opportunity to help those in need!
Opportunities to Support the Music Program
The Music program is filled with exciting events as well as opportunities to help.
· Your last chance to see the Marching Band in action is the Silver Spring
Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, November 22. Plan your calendar and come show
your support for your Marching Band. As always you will be able to see highlight
pictures and videos at our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookHsMusic.
· Restaurant Night: The next restaurant night is at Panera Bread on Monday,
November 24 from 6-9pm. Please plan to support the music program and stop by to
have some dinner. A portion of the sales will be directed to the program.
· Drum Line Competition: One of the most significant events the Boosters support/
facilitate is the Annual Drum Line Competition. This event is just around the corner. It
focuses on community engagement while providing a very entertaining show for all who
attend. If you are a student who would like to earn SSL hours please contact us
through our email below.
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Upcoming Events
Saturday, November 22 - Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade
Monday, November 24 - Restaurant Fundraiser Night at Panera Bread, Tech Rd., 69pm
Tuesday, December 2 - Music Booster Meeting (@7pm in the band room)
Saturday, December 13 – Drum Line Competition
Show your support and purchase a Booster T-Shirt or a re-usable Music Program water
bottle.
Point of Contact: Email us @: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @SHSMusicBoosters
See us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookHsMusic
Athletic Department /Athletic Boosters
Winter Sports Have Begun!
Parents if you have not yet joined the Athletic Boosters Club, now is the time! The
Athletic Boosters Club helps promote our athletes by helping to fund athletic programs
and purchase athletic equipment (e.g., lighting for the field, weight room equipment,
video cameras, sport camps and much more!) The most important contribution you
can make is to attend your child’s games.
Thanks to Our Volunteers!
Thank you to everyone who helped clean out the outdoor concession stand and got the
indoor concession stand ready for winter games. We really appreciated it! We hope to
see our volunteers from the fall as well as some new faces at our indoor concession
stand during our winter sports games. Concession stand volunteering is a wonderful
way to get to know others in the Springbrook community and it helps the Boosters raise
much needed funds to support our student-athletes. You may sign up to volunteer by
clicking on the sign up Genius link on the Athletic Boosters page on Springbrook's
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website:
http://springbrookathletics.org/index.cfm?action=main.otherbooster&id=34877157
Fall Bazaar
We will be selling Spirit Wear at the Fall Bazaar on Saturday, November 22 from 9am2pm. Come out and buy holiday gifts for all of your Springbrook fans!
The next Boosters meeting will be held Wednesday, December 3 from 7-8pm in
the cafeteria.
For more information on Boosters activities visit our webpage on the Springbrook
Athletics page, click on “Boosters”, or by clicking on this link:
http://springbrookathletics.org/index.cfm?action=main.boosters
Please join our boosters listserv by clicking on the following link:
[email protected] or contact Rachel
Spangenberg at [email protected] to be added to our email list.
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]
College Career Research Department
2nd Annual Career Expose to Be Held in February 2015
Our first expose was such a success that we will be hosting our second Career Expose
on February 27, 2015! We will invite alumni to come back to Springbrook and speak to
current students about their careers, schooling, challenges and everything in between!
See attached flier for more information. If you are in touch with Springbrook alumni,
please spread the word!
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Senior Monica Chica-Valdez for being The Children’s Defense
Fund’s 2014 Beat the Odds Scholarship Winner.
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You can see her story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p9t2XD3z8g
Preview YouTube video Monica Chica: 2014 DC Beat The Odds® Scholarship Recipient
Monica Chica: 2014 DC Beat The Odds® Scholarship Recipient
Community Tidbits
Presents
Who:
All are invited
Location:
Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veteran’s Plaza,
Downtown Silver Spring 20910
Time:
11am-5pm ~ Thanksgiving Day
Admission:
FREE FOR ALL Download your Free Ticket
HopeRestoredInc.org
Want to Volunteer:
Sign up at: HopeRestoredInc.org (SSL Hours available)
Questions:
Ann Coletti: [email protected]
HopeRestoredInc.org Please see attached flier.
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News from the Brook - Upcoming Publication Schedule
Publication Date
Submission Due Date/
Deadline for Submission
Friday, December 5
Wednesday, November
26/Monday, December 1
Friday, December 19
*last issue of 2014!
Friday, December 12/
Monday, December 15
Friday, January 16,
2015
Friday, January 9, 2015/
Monday, January 12,
2015
News from the Brook, point of contact: [email protected]
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