 Parents, teachers, and adm inistrators working together 
Friday, December 5, 2014
Administration
Dear SHS Community,
For several years now we have challenged our students to take rigorous courses, in an
effort to make them college ready. We are so proud of our students because it is clear
they have risen to the challenge. This week we learned that 15 MCPS high schools
saw an increase in the percentage of AP exams earning a college-ready score, with the
largest increases at Springbrook (+10.2 percentage points), Clarksburg (+7.1 points),
Sherwood (+6.5 points), Paint Branch (+6 points) and Wheaton (+5.9 points). Of course
this work could not be accomplished without a dedicated staff; to them we say – thank
you!
We would also like to congratulate senior Aaron Bloom for qualifying for the second
round of the University of Maryland High School Mathematics Competition. A total of
2,090 students took the exam and Aaron was one of 221 students who qualified for
round two. Excellent work Aaron! Juniors Sarah Rhim and Andy Truong had scores in
the top 35% and we recognize their excellent efforts and achievements. And speaking
of math, did you know that after 6 meets our Math team is still number one in the NEC?
Springbrook has accumulated 60 points, compared to 33 for Paint Branch and 6 for
Blake. Congratulations to Coach Price and his team!
Furthermore, Senior Jemima Estupinan, one of our Site Based Work Students, was
just recognized by Champs Sports in Prince Georges Plaza for being the third highest
earner of all part time sales associates in this entire region! And she is the highest
earner for all part-time women in the region. This is a huge accomplishment for her and
a big deal to us at Springbrook. For her accomplishments, she was visited, given gifts
and a promotion by the regional president of the company! Way to go Jemima!
Finally, after a 7 year hiatus, Springbrook’s fall production is back with Dracula! The
show will be performed Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at 7pm. and on
Sunday, December 7 at 2pm. Adult tickets are $10.00 and student tickets are
$7.00. The interest meeting for Springbrook’s spring production of Disney’s High
School Musical will be on Tuesday, December 9 from 2:30-4pm in the auditorium. We
hope to see you and all your family at the show!
And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @Springbrook_HS
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Garcίa, Assistant Principal
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Calendar
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
Fri., December 12
o After Prom Meeting – 7:30pm – G10
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 Orchestra/Band Concert – 7pm Auditorium
Fri., December 19
o National Honor Society Alumni Tea – 2:30pm
o IBDP Extended Essays – Final Drafts Due
Wed., December 24 to
Fri., January 2, 2015
o No School – Winter Break
Mon., January 5, 2015
o School Resumes
Tues., January 6, 2015
o Music Boosters Meeting – 7pm – Band Room
Wed., January 7, 2015
o Athletic Boosters Meeting – 7pm
Mon., January 12 to
Fri., January 16, 2015
o 2nd Quarter Final Exams
Fri., January 16 &
Sat., January 17, 2015
o Grapple at the Brook (Wrestling Tournament)Main Gym
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News from the PTSA
The PTSA Will Not Have its Regularly Scheduled Meeting in December – See You
in January 2015!
Our meetings are usually held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting will
be in mid-January; January 20, 2015 there is no school, so stay tuned for details coming
soon. Should you have any PTSA related questions or concerns, please feel free to
contact its president, Antoinette (Toni) Hinds by email:
[email protected].
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 November 7
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!
Please visit the Springbrook High School PTSA page for more information on our PTSA
and to view our newsletter archives.
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.
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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.
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 Restaurant Fundraiser!
Dominic’s Italian Grille will donate a portion of our proceeds from 11am - 10pm
Tuesday, December 9 if “Springbrook Prom” is mentioned when placing your
order. All orders count, dine-in or take out. Dominic’s is at 12854 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20904. Thanks for your continued support!
After Prom Meeting
Our next meeting will be held Friday, December 12, 7:30-9pm at Springbrook, Room
G110, first classroom on the right going down G Hall, first floor.
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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
We continue to finalize course selections for the 2015-16 school year and our work on
the creation of a course bulletin. The bulletin will include descriptions of all of our
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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 than in years past, and so they will be able to register
for courses in early January 2015.
Seniors should be visiting the College and Career 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:
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FAFSA/Financial Aid Information 2015-16: Information will be distributed to
seniors by early December.
Please mark your calendars for the HBCU College Fair at Einstein High School
on February 18, 2015 at 7pm.
Point of Contact: Eileen Lisker, [email protected]
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme (IBDP)
IB DP Service Trip
Springbrook’s IB Diploma Programme will be sponsoring a service trip to the 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 other parts of the world, and provide service to others in need. Total cost for the trip
is $2,000. An information meeting was held in the Media Center on December 2.
Please contact Mark Pim for more information ([email protected] or 301-9895792.)
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. A mandatory work session is being held on
December 9 or December 16 in C309 during lunch to allow students to receive help on
completing their essays. Final drafts are due by December 19.
Point of Contact: Mark Griffiths, [email protected]
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Academy of Information Technology
MONTGOMERY COUNTY STUDENTS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY F OUNDATION, INC.
12501 DALEWOOD DRIVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20906
301-929-2190 FAX 301-929-2192
www.itfcareers.org
December 3, 2014
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Montgomery County Public Schools Foundations Office
Contact: Kelly Johnson at 301.929.2197 or [email protected]
The Academy of Information Technology Students (AOIT) and Lenovo Kick-Off an
“App-”mazing Partnership
On Friday, November 21, 2014, Springbrook High School welcomed Lenovo
Executives, staff from the National Academy Foundation (the parent organization of the
Academy of Information Technology (AOIT)), staff from the Montgomery County Public
Schools’ Foundations Office, and staff and students into one of their advanced
computer classes. The purpose of this gathering was to celebrate the commencement
of Springbrook’s AOIT partnership with Lenovo and students’ participation in the Lenovo
Scholar Network, a program to enhance students’ technical and entrepreneurial skills.
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Earlier this year, Springbrook’s AOIT students, along with 9 other schools across the
country, won the opportunity to participate in this prestigious program where students
compete against each other in designing, developing and marketing mobile
applications. To aid in this competition, Lenovo donates ThinkPad Laptops and Yoga
tablets to the schools. As of November, students are currently in the design and testing
phase of their apps. As part of their partnership, Lenovo executives and AOIT staff
visited Springbrook to show support to students and see their progress.
As students showcased their apps, Steve Boden, coordinator of the Foundations Office
noted, “[t]his is a wonderful opportunity for our students. They are able to have a
rigorous curriculum and learn advanced computer skills. Students also learn how to do
product testing and marketing to consumers. They are putting their acquired skills to
use and are acting as entrepreneurs while having the guidance and expertise of MCPS
instructors and Lenovo volunteers. The experience provides them with an exciting
learning environment while allowing them to acquire skills that will benefit them in their
post-secondary education and in their careers.”
Drama Department
Dracula has Arrived!
“Dracula” has arrived at Springbrook! Our cast and crew have been working hard and
it’s 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. Tickets may be purchased at the door. You don’t want to
miss this show!
Point of Contact: Adrienne D’Orazio, Adrienne_M_D’[email protected]
High School Musical Auditions
On Tuesday, December 9 students interested in “High School Musical” are invited to
attend an informational meeting. The informational meeting will provide students with
the information and materials needed to audition for a role in this year’s Spring Musical.
The meeting will take place from 2:30-4pm in the auditorium. Dance auditions will take
place on December 11, and the rest of the auditions will be held December 16 and 17,
with call-backs on December 18!
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Journalism Department
The Blueprint, Springbrook’s Newspaper!
Dear Journalism and Newspaper Families:
Our kids are doing great things participating in journalism and the school newspaper –
learning about freedom of speech, how to share neutral views and improving their
writing and editing skills! This is a fabulous opportunity for our kids to learn and to have
fun!
The staff has set many goals for the year:
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Attend National Scholastic Press Association convention with students
Increase use of social media to inform the Springbrook High School community
Meet its budget of $4,600 through the sales of ads, patron subscriptions and
fundraisers
Publish more hard news stories that impact the student population of
Springbrook High School
Design a recruiting campaign to ensure full classes in Journalism 1 and
Newspaper classes for next year
Lay the foundation for a permanent parent booster group
Did you know that Journalism/Newspaper has a parent booster group? This is a
way for us to create a community to support our kids’ efforts. Please start by liking us
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookBlueprintFriends. This will help
spread the word to your family and friends about the goings on at Springbrook High
School and about topics of interest to your kids.
And, if you have not already, please become a subscriber to the paper. With any
donation, the newspaper will be delivered to your door. Patron levels:
$25 or more = Reporter’s Circle
$50 or more = Editor’s Circle
$75 or more = Managing Editor’s Circle
$100 or more = Editor-in-chief’s Circle
$200 or more = Publisher’s Circle
$1000 = Single Issue Sponsorship (includes back cover, full-page color advertisement)
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We look forward to welcoming you to Friends of The Blueprint!
For more information contact: Tim Hibberd, [email protected] or Leila
Collins, [email protected].
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]
Music Department / Music Boosters
2014 Winter Choral Concert – Thursday, December 11
On Thursday, December 11 at 7pm the choral department will be hosting a Winter
Concert. Students from choir, guitar and piano classes will showcase solo and
ensemble skills while performing both classical and holiday tunes. The concert is free
and open to the public. Donations will also be accepted in support of the choral and
general music departments. We appreciate your support!
Point of Contact: Emily Donaldson, [email protected]
4th Annual Drum Line Competition and Showcase – just 1 week 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, Baltimore County and the District of Columbia, and will Showcase
Bowie State University, Cheyney University and Lincoln University’s Drum Lines. Come
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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
this exciting event. Please click on this sign up genius link if you can help with the event
and/or donate food or drinks for the concession stand. Thank you!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c49a5a92ca5fb6-fall
2014 Winter Instrumental Concert – Thursday, December 18
On Thursday, December 18 at 7pm the instrumental music department will be hosting a
Winter Concert. Students from orchestra and band classes will showcase solo and
ensemble skills while performing a variety of musical pieces. The concert is free and
open to the public. Donations will also be accepted in support of the instrumental and
general music departments. We appreciate your support!
Music Boosters Next Meeting
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,
January 6, 2015. We really could use your support.
Show your support and purchase a Booster T-Shirt or a re-usable Music Program water
bottle.
Point of Contact: Wyman Jones, [email protected] and
[email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @SHSMusicBoosters
See us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringbrookHsMusic
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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 sell spirit wear at the Holiday Bazaar. 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 website:
http://springbrookathletics.org/index.cfm?action=main.otherbooster&id=34877157
The next Boosters meeting will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015 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]
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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
Springbrook Math Team Leads Region
Springbrook High School’s Math Team is still 1st place in the Northeast Consortium, and
1st among all the MCPS high schools in the region listed below! Team A consists of
Aaron Bloom, Sarah Rhim, Kaman Leong, Iko Esemoto and Andy Truong.
Springbrook
60
Watkins Mill
57
Walter Johnson
55
Gaithersburg
51
Paint Branch
33
Rockville
32
Wheaton
27
Seneca Valley
26
Northwest
21
Kennedy
18
Blake
6
Point of contact: Michael Price, Coach, [email protected]
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News from the Brook - Upcoming Publication Schedule
Publication Date
Submission Due Date/
Deadline for Submission
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
Friday, January 30,
2015
Friday, January 23, 2015/
Monday, January 26,
2015
News from the Brook, point of contact: [email protected]
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