Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, March 20, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone after what we are hoping was a relaxing, rejuvenating and restful weekend. This weekend was the opening weekend of our spring musical, The Lion King and Saturday, March 19 was the intracounty Minority Scholars Retreat. We are so proud of our student performances, crew and all who are excelling in and out of the classroom.
We have a busy week ahead with SAT School Day on Wednesday, March 23, a half day for students on Thursday, March 24 as well as our Class of 2022 Top 25 celebration the evening of Thursday, March 24! . Spring Athletics contests start this week so check out the schedule in the newsletter and our Spring Pep Rally is this Friday, March 25th!
*Please note that while we are not having a delayed opening schedule for Wednesday, March 23rd's SAT school day, only 11th graders are expected to attend and test. All 9th, 10th and 12th graders, unless specifically required for transportation purposes, are able to come to school late. Lunch begins at 12:00 noon.*
In this week's newsletter, you will find a lot of new information including this week's college and career center updates, information regarding the Maryland State Schools Survey, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), really important information for the Class of 2022, a Prom Dress Giveaway event coming this weekend, the Gaithersburg Book Festival High School Poetry Finalist from Northwest, this week's athletics and events schedule, a reminder about our Spring Spirit Week this week, a way to help out for our PTSA sponsored After Prom Party, things to know from MCPS on Thursday, March 17 and an update regarding ways for students to volunteer to work the Maryland Primary Election.
You can continue to find a celebration for a few of our talented students in honor of their work with the Lancome "Write her Future" campaign, the update from MCPS regarding the Board of Education's mask vote, MCPS' Antiracist Family Survey, the Choose Respect PSA video contest voting and the SMOB"s message for March. There are also some important reminders including tutoring opportunities, Junior Parent Night regarding the College Application Process, an opportunity for seniors to volunteer, after prom opportunities, the Northwest Mulch fundraiser, AP exam information, how to report bullying/harassment and a call for parents to get involved!
Please continue use this FORM to report positive COVID-19 cases in students or staff. Any individual who tests positive MUST isolate for 5 days (regardless of vaccination status or symptoms).
As always, we thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Information
College Career Information Center e-NEWS Bulletin
Week Ending: March 18, 2022
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
e-NEWS Bulletin Highlights:
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship Information Session. Virtual. Saturday, March 19 at 10:00 am. Join via Google Meet or by phone. Session sponsored by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. meet.google.com/gir-snsg-vdd | (US) + 929-367-6918 (PIN: 718343373)
- MORE ASSISTANCE WITH FINANCIAL AID. Financial Aid Workshop for Northwest seniors. Tuesday, March 22 during lunch. Location: Staff Lounge. All seniors are welcome. Seating is limited due to space limitations. Nicholas Boyd, Recruitment & College Access Specialist, with Montgomery College will also be available to answer questions specific to MC and next steps for those who have applied.
- College & Career Planning Seminar: Attention Class of 2023 students and families! Please mark your calendars for a college planning Zoom webinar hosted by the Northwest Counseling Department on Tuesday, March 22, at 7:00 pm.
- Post-Secondary Planning Seminar: Your Major Decision is a Minor Factor. Presented by Dr. Dedra Eatmon, founder of Tassel to Tassel. Wednesday, March 23, at 6 pm. Virtual event. Register on EventBrite.
GET READY!! National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) College Fairs. NACAC fairs link you to hundreds of colleges and universities in one location. Montgomery County National College Fairs. Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse (formerly known as Discovery Sports Center). Free and open to the public, Tuesday, April 5. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Register and find updated information at nacacattend.org/fairs.
FIELD TRIP... GET READY!! Northwest is on the road again and taking buses to the NACAC MCPS College Fair on Tuesday, April 5. School bus departure will be 9:45 am. Students attending will be asked to report to the Auditorium at the beginning of period 3 bell. Students are encouraged to bring a bag lunch or they may request a lunch be provided for them. College fair registration will be required to attend. There will be no cost to attend this field trip for the 2021-2022 school year. Registration instructions along with the field trip permission forms will be available on the new College Career ‘College Fairs Information’ web page. The deadline to return permission forms and register is March 28 by the end of student lunch (11:45 am). Return forms and proof of college fair registration to the College Career Information Center, Room 126.
NEW updates in the Summer Programs and Opportunities section of this College Career e-NEWS Bulletin!
e-NEWS Bulletin Content | e-NEWS on the Web
College Career ‘School Specific’ NEWS
NEW: Washington University in St. Louis Acceptances! Congratulations Northwest seniors accepted to Wash U!! Washington University in St. Louis has released a YouTube video to help you understand your financial award letter. Click HERE to view (4:56m).
NEW: Miami University Ohio regular deadline admissions decisions were released on March 15. Students who applied to Miami U OH should check their application status portal.
NEW: TEST-OPTIONAL IN 2023 The University of South Carolina will be test-optional for the spring, summer and fall 2023 terms. This applies to general university and South Carolina Honors College admission, as well as merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Full policy details are available on our website.
REMINDER: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Explore Your Future Summer Program (EYF) is a five-day, on-campus summer program for college-bound deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students who will enter their junior or senior year in fall 2022. During EYF, students learn how their interests can lead them to a career, and they explore career options in various fields. They participate in EYF with other deaf and hard-of-hearing students from around the country. Students who attend EYF receive an application fee waiver to apply to RIT at no cost, and those who enroll at RIT for college will receive a scholarship. There are two EYF sessions. Session I: July 9-14 Session II: July 16-21
REMINDER: Morehouse has a program called Codehouse and they just launched this amazing program for graduating seniors who are planning to attend Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, NC A&T or Howard. It's up to a $20,000 scholarship and includes a summer bridge program at Morehouse for this summer. Apply by Apr. 8.
College Career Calendar
THE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE CAREER VISIT SCHEDULE:. Virtual and in-person visits currently on the schedule are published on our Google Event Calendar. All visits will take place in the College Career Information Center, Room 126. Students will need to bring their Chromebook and headphones for the virtual visits. Students must register in Naviance to attend each visit with the exception of visits held during lunch.
A snapshot of our calendar is below:
- Simmons University (virtual). Thurs., March 31 @ 9 am. The virtual visit URL.
Jag Jobs
All job opportunities are published in the latest Jag JOBS Bulletin available to download at any time from our College Career web page ‘Jag Jobs’.
Montgomery Village Foundation Department of Recreation & Parks is hiring for summer. Positions for students ages 14 & up. Summer jobs @ montgomeryvillage.com (MVF and click on Job & Volunteer Opportunities). For more information, contact Petra Padilla at 240-243-2363 or email ppadilla@mvf.org.
Eaman Physical Therapy is hiring Physical Therapy and Rehab Aides (Tech) in their Germantown, Gaithersburg and Rockville locations. Training is available. Full and Part-time positions.
Money Matters
Financial Aid Reminders & Resources available on the Northwest College Career ‘Financial Aid & Scholarships’ web page. Select ‘Financial Aid Resources’ at the top of the page.
Scholarship Information & Alerts
For a complete list of available scholarships, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. No time to download? In the building visit the QR-Code Board just outside the College Career Information Center (Room 126) and scan the ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin QR-Code for immediate access on your mobile device!
REMINDER: NAACP Scholarship. $1,000. Opportunity is available for all MCPS seniors. 3.0 minimum GPA. Apply by March 25.
THREE NEW scholarship opportunities have been published in the Jag Scholarship ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin. For details on all the above with links to applications, download the Bulletin HERE.
- Dunkin Scholarship. Seniors. 3.0 min. GPA (4.0 scale). $2,500 award. Apply by April 15.
- Joshua Snyder Memorial Foundation Scholarship. Seniors. $2,500 award. Apply by April 22.
- Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) Scholarship. Opportunities available for all seniors with some opportunities available specifically for members of the Jewish community. Awards range from $1,000 to $6,000. Financial need considered with one exception. Apply by May 3.
Transcript Information
From our Registrar’s Office (located in the Counseling Department suite):
- Authorization to Release Records Form must be completed and on file in the Counseling Office before any records (including transcripts) can be released.
- Transcript Requests Form for the 2021 College Application Cycle.
- Mid-Year Transcript Requests: Mid-year transcripts will be available to be sent from our registrar's office around the middle of February. Do not use this form for INITIAL transcript requests.
- Scholarship Transcript Request Form
Summer Programs & Opportunities
College career related summer programs and opportunities are too numerous to mention them all! Highlights will be posted in our e-News Bulletin. Visit college websites where there is interest to search for summer programs.
- University of Southern California (USC) Summer Advantage Program webinar. Thursday, March 24, 2022; 4 to 5 pm (Pacific Time). Register HERE.
- Ball State University Youth Interior Design Forum
- GRAMMY Camp. University of Southern California. Apply by March 31. Camp dates August 2-6.
- Gettysburg College Summer Programs
- Landmark College (VT) Specialized Summer Programs for students who learn differently.
- American University Summer Programs: Community of Scholars | High School Summer Scholars
- National Park Service President’s Park, Summer 2022. 3-week summer program for students to learn photography basics while capturing and exploring the National Parks in our area. Now accepting students entering 9th - 12th grade. Program takes place in-person at the White House Visitor Center. 20 slots available to fill. Free program. Program runs July 11 - 29, Monday through Friday. Visit https://www.nps.gov/whho/getinvolved/youth-photography-program.htm for more information. Access the application HERE. Apply by April 15; 10:00 pm or once 30 applications have been received.
- REMINDER! OPPORTUNITY for Juniors: Maryland Boys State is reaching out to high school juniors interested in Leadership, Government, Politics???
Apply by May 1, 2022. For additional information or help finding a sponsor call 410.752.1405 or email boysstate@mdlegion.org. Information regarding Girls State can also be found on the Maryland Boys State website (linked above).
NEW: Maryland State School Survey
Maryland requires that all public schools survey students about school climate as a part of our accountability system. The purpose of the survey is to gain valuable information about the quality and character of the learning environment in each school so that they can promote a climate that supports student learning. Northwest High School students in grades 9 through 11 will take the survey in their Social Studies classes between March 21st through April 1st. The survey will take about 30 minutes and will ask students about topics such as student engagement, interactions with adults and with other students in the school, the school environment, bullying, and safety. The survey will not ask about a student’s personal experiences and will not ask the student to provide any information that might violate his or her privacy. For more information about the Maryland State survey, please read the memo linked here.
NEW: Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)
Northwest High School will be conducting the Spring Administration of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). The MCAP provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student growth and achievement. We will begin assessing all 12th grade students who have not yet met this state requirement in April. Students in grades 9 through 11 will take the assessments in May. For more information about the MCAP assessments, please read the memo linked here. If there are any questions, please email Dayo Banjo (Temidayo_O_Adia@mcpsmd.org) or Edward Pegues (Edward_Pegues@mcpsmd.org).
NEW: IMPORTANT Senior (Class of 2022) Information!
Due to a technical error on the Jostens website, we are extending the deadline to order a cap and gown package to Friday, March 25, 2022, to ensure that families have ample time to purchase packages once the issue is resolved. If you/your senior has not yet ordered a cap and gown package, please find the link to the Jostens flyer below. Check this site periodically in the event that the technical issue is resolved. We will also send notification to everyone once the website is accepting orders again. Click on the cap and gown package image to access the ordering site from the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OMUoVIRoQTe7nRDPW7f4p675YPA-2YQk/view?usp=sharing
Another important deadline is approaching for seniors, and that is the deadline to submit Student Service Learning (SSL) hours on Friday, April 22, 2022. All students in the state of Maryland are required to complete as many as 75 SSL hours as a graduation requirement. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this requirement was waived for the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021, but no waiver was instated for the graduating class of 2022. Therefore, all seniors are required to fulfill the requirement before their diploma is confirmed this year.
If you/your senior needs to earn SSL hours, there are many in-person, virtual, and project-based opportunities accessible to them that are approved and/or sponsored by MCPS or Montgomery County. You are also able to seek your own opportunities (must be pre-approved) which meet the guidelines articulated by MCPS. Please review the presentation linked below for resources, Northwest-specific opportunities, and much more. One upcoming opportunity for seniors will take place this Wednesday, March 23rd, during SAT testing (7:45am - 12:00pm). Counselors and other staff members will be available in rooms 175-179 to support seniors as they develop and implement an action plan to navigate earning their remaining required hours. Students with a large number of SSL hours left to earn will receive a direct invitation to attend and all others are welcome. (Note: most SSL-earning activities provided on the morning of March 23rd are also available virtually now and can be found in the resource within the linked presentation.) https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1f5hJAvqV-x6xuJCCh89R57nyGtVswMlKbjw3x1Wrye0/edit?usp=sharing
Additionally, the following link connects you with the Montgomery County volunteer resource center: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/
As a reminder, you can find all of our senior class information on the Northwest website homepage in the "News" section, "Senior Class Resource Bank." Click here for the Northwest High School website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/northwesths/
If you have any questions or concerns about your senior's graduation status or requirements, please contact their counselor. Stay tuned for more information, as the junior/senior prom and after prom, senior class awards, and graduation will be here before we know it! If you have any questions at any time, please contact us at Northwest (240-740-7100).
NEW: Gaithersburg Book Festival Announces 2022 High School Poetry Contest Finalists
NEW: Athletics/Events Schedule for the Week of March 21 - March 27
NEW: Help the PTSA raise money for the After Prom Party!
Join the PTSA to support the Northwest After Prom Party!
Order from Paisano's in Germantown on Thursday, March 24, 2010 from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. Mention Northwest to your cashier when you place your order or type in the Notes section when ordering online and 20% will be donated back to NWHS PTSA for the After Prom Party! Thank you for supporting After Prom!
18313 Leaman Farm Road
Germantown, MD 20874
(301) 528-8000
NEW: Things to Know from Thursday, March 17
Here are seven things to know for Thursday, March 17. They include important COVID-19 reminders, information about mental health and crisis resources, a reminder to complete the Antiracist Audit survey, Prekindergarten and Head Start registration, information about the upcoming RespectFest event and opportunities for activities available during upcoming out-of-school time.
Remain Vigilant: The COVID-19 Pandemic is Not Over
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies Montgomery County as low in terms of community level of COVID-19. This is due to high levels of vaccination, testing and other mitigation efforts in schools and across the county. The numbers of positive cases have dropped regularly over the past few weeks since the COVID-19 Omicron variant surge. Despite this, we must remain vigilant as the pandemic is not over.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations Remain Important
Vaccinations: Individuals 5 and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. They are free, safe and readily available. The vaccine is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and to keep COVID-19 from surging in the community. Learn more.
Testing in Schools: MCPS has in-school random testing for asymptomatic students and rapid testing for students who show symptoms. Parents must give permission for this testing by completing this form. Learn more about in-school COVID-19 testing.
Testing at Home: MCPS continues to distribute rapid COVID-19 test kits to all students and staff every three weeks through March. The next distribution is planned for the week of March 21. To help you use the tests correctly and to know when to use them, we provide the following resources:
VIDEO: Directions for use of COVID-19 rapid test kit
Learn more at this website and review the flyers:
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
(Reminder: these are nasal (nose) rapid test kits; please refer to the directions included in the kits prior to use.)
- Masks: On or Off, It is Just Me
Masks have been optional in MCPS schools and facilities since March 8. It is understandable that some welcome the new mask policy, while others continue to worry about this change. On or Off, It’s Just Me is a reminder that wearing masks is an individual choice and we must respect each other's choices.
MCPS promotes acceptance of masking choices by promoting this message through posters, flyers and other important resources.
Complete the Antiracist Audit Survey by March 31
We encourage you to fill out the survey, which is open until March 31. You can use your mobile device or computer. Learn more about the MCPS Antiracist Audit here. The survey is anonymous and available in seven languages.
Family letter in all languages
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
Prekindergarten/Head Start Registration Now Open
Registration is open for Prekindergarten and Head Start for the 2022-2023 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2022, and families must be income-eligible to apply. Families can register their children online. Additionally, weekday and weekend locations are open through March 31 for families that want to register in person. For more information about eligibility guidelines, required documents and how to register, call 240-740-4530 or visit the MCPS website.
RespectFest to Discuss Teen Dating Violence and Prevention
Choose Respect Montgomery's annual event, RespectFest, will hold a week of online activities from March 21-27, culminating in an in-person event from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 27 at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. Students and parents will learn about dating violence and prevention. Students can earn Student Service Learning hours. Learn more
Mental Health and Crisis Support Resources Online
MCPS has direct online information and links to support students and families seeking mental health and crisis support resources. Every school has a student support team that includes a counselor, a school psychologist, a pupil personnel worker and a school nurse.
Resources:
Student Psychological Services (Guide to School Psychologists Español | Français | 中文 | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ)
Are You Looking for Things to Do When School is Not in Session?
MCPS has gathered a list of in-person, live and on-demand opportunities that are available to elementary and secondary students on days when school is not in session.
Some of these activities are not affiliated with MCPS. If you are interested in any of those programs offered, please contact those organizations directly.
NEW: Maryland Primary Election Update
The Montgomery County Board of Elections seeks high school students to serve as poll workers for the 2022 Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, July 19. Volunteers can earn up to $210 or up to 25 SSL hours for their service. Students with bilingual capabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals must be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years of age or older, and registered to vote in Maryland. Training is required and will be provided to all poll workers. To apply, students should submit their MD Voter Registration Application, the Election Worker Application & Permission Slip to our SGA Sponsor, Ms. Ledrick or our SSL Coordinator, Ms. McCarthy-Redd.
REMINDER: NW Students Featured in Lancome's Write Her Future
Three students, Tenin Dembele, Northwest High School; Danielle Gonyoe, Northwest High; and Consuela Watts, Northwood High School from the NAACP Montgomery County Maryland’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) were selected to participate in the Lancôme and the NAACP Write Her Future campaign.
These students participated in the promotion empowering young women that includes an opportunity to apply for an exclusive scholarship offered only to ACT-SO female high school seniors by Lancôme. The fourth student, Music Miranda is a Prince George’s County student. https://www.lancome-usa.com/write-her-future.html
Lupita Nyong’o, Lancôme’s Global Ambassador (actress in Black Panther movie) presented the Write Her Future Campaign for Lancôme and the NAACP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WME6iOwljnA
ACT-SO is a high school initiative of the NAACP that promotes excellence in the arts and academics in thirty-three different categories including STEM, Humanities, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Entrepreneurship. Students work year-long on projects that are presented at ACT-SO Competition Day, Sunday, April 10, 2022, 9:00 AM at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Theatre Arts Building.
REMINDER: Board of Education Votes to Make Masks Optional in MCPS
During its March 8 business meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted to make masks optional in all MCPS schools and facilities. This new guidance goes into effect immediately.
This action follows the state of Maryland’s decision to end its statewide mask mandate in schools and aligns with revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines that no longer recommend universal mask-wearing in schools.
To maintain the safety of our staff and students, other COVID-19 mitigation strategies will continue, including in-school rapid and random testing, distribution of take-home test kits, improved HVAC systems and vaccination availability. Mask-wearing in MCPS will become optional indoors, outside and on school buses. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask may continue to do so, and your child may request a mask from their school if they want one.
While some will welcome the new mask policy, others may worry about the change. There will be students, teachers and administrators who wish to continue to mask in our schools. We must respect that. So, On or Off, It’s Just Me is a reminder that wearing masks may be an individual choice and we must respect each other's choices.
As a district, we expect our MCPS community to respect individual decisions about mask-wearing at this time. Our staff and students must model kindness, acceptance and inclusivity. MCPS will work with students, staff and families to promote a shared understanding of respecting each individual’s decision as valid.
MCPS will promote acceptance of masking choices by sharing this important message in posters, flyers, video public service announcements, community messages and through social media. Resources will be provided to schools to include in their own communications with students and families.
Parent Resources
Surprise: Students May be Nervous About Ditching the Mask
How to Deal with Bullying Over Face Masks
MCPS Form to Report Bullying and Harassment
MCPS Bullying and Harassment Information
Important Reminder: If you are sick, stay home. Any student or staff member who has COVID-19 like symptoms should remain home. Symptomatic individuals can only return to schools if free from COVID-19 symptoms, including fever of 100.4 or more, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of taste or smell. Use this daily health checklist to help you determine if you are healthy enough to come to school and work.
Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines Remain the Same
Current guidelines governing quarantine and isolation for both students and staff for positive COVID-19 cases have not changed. The policy is five days if certain health conditions are met. This aligns with the recommendations of the CDC, the Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
Learn more here https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/quarantine.aspx
Vaccination
As a reminder, vaccination is the best tool to fight COVID-19 and keep our schools safe for all our students. Children ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If your child is eligible but not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, you can find out how here https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/Coronavirus/Vaccinations/
Montgomery County Public Schools will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 data from the CDC, in collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and revisit the issue of masks in school buildings, facilities and on school buses, if needed.
REMINDER: Antiracist Audit Family Survey
Dear MCPS Families,
We need your help to better understand how our schools and the school district are doing as part of our ongoing work to address racial and systemic barriers in Montgomery County Public Schools.
We encourage you to fill out this survey before March 31. You can use your mobile device or computer. The survey is part of a larger process called the MCPS Antiracist System Audit. You can learn more about the audit here.
The survey, which is anonymous and available in seven languages, will ask you about your family’s experiences with your child’s school and MCPS. The goal of the survey is for us to better understand how racism affects teaching, learning and parent engagement.
Students in grades 4 through 12 will also take an age-appropriate, anonymous version of the survey in class between March 1 and March 31. Each school will schedule its own date. (add your date here)
Key information about the surveys and audit:
Parents, students and staff from these organizations were actively involved in providing input and feedback on the survey questions. Sample questions and more information about the surveys can be found here.
A report will be sent to MCPS by the end of June. The report will provide results for MCPS as a whole and by each school.
MCPS will communicate the report’s findings to the community.
This website will provide updates.
NEW: Choose Respect PSA Video Contest Voting
This week in JagPaws homeroom Northwest students will be viewing the top 5 videos submitted by MCPS students in the annual Choose Respect Montgomery 2022 PSA video contest. The contest is an opportunity for students to share their ideas by creating a 60-second video about dating violence. All MCPS high school and middle school students may vote for their Fan Favorite Award. The winning video will be available for viewing on the MCPS website and Choose Respect Montgomery webpage (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/chooserespect/). In addition, the RespectFEST virtual festival (March 21-26, 2022) and in-person festival (March 27, 2022) serve as opportunities for students to earn SSL hours for student participation and advocacy.
REMINDER: March Message from SMOB Hana O'Looney
Happy March! My name is Hana O'Looney, the current Student Member of the MCPS Board of Education sending along my March message. Please find the links below.
Google Drive (Only Accessible Through MCPS Accounts): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XebWV9b-Lk3LSIk61MIlJPQzVwK_OOQu/view?usp=sharing
YouTube: https://youtu.be/sEn1cyQlUt0
REMINDER: Tutoring Opportunities
We are pleased to announce that our honor societies have tutoring programs to assist students in their different courses. Students should fill out the google form or contact the sponsor directly to receive this service. Students will have access to this information on our school website as well.
Below you will find the tutoring schedule:
Math Honor Society
Ms. Schuler - Arielle_E_Schuler@mcpsmd.org
- Tutoring will be in math teachers classrooms at lunch or after school everyday.
- Math Tutoring Request
National Honor Society
Ms. Fowler - Samantha_L_Fowler@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Pruchniewski - Sarah_J_Hinkey@mcpsmd.org
- NHS tutor and student must arrange to meet in a teacher’s classroom by appointment only
- NHS Tutoring Request
National English Honor Society
Mr. Bolesta - John_W_Bolesta2@mcpsmd.org
- English Honor Society will have tutoring on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in room 263
- English Tutoring Request
Rho Kappa - Social Studies Honor Society
Mrs. McDermott - Emily_F_Mcdermott@mcpsmd.org
- Social Studies Honor Society will host tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch in room 229
- Contact Sponsor
French Honor Society
Mrs. McKenna - Kathryn_McKenna@mcpsmd.org
French tutors will be available based on the level of the course:
- French 1, 4, and AP: Available on Tuesdays room 202
- French 2: Available on Thursdays room 214
- French 3: Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays room 219
- Email Mrs. McKenna
Spanish Honor Society
Mrs. Cardona - Yomar_S_Cardona@mcpsmd.org
Spanish tutors will be available at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 204. All levels welcome.
CARES Tutoring
Ms. Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring available after school in person or via zoom
Contact sponsor
REMINDER: Junior Parent Night on Navigating the College Application Process
REMINDER: Interested in the QuestBridge Scholarship?
Might your child qualify for a full scholarship to college? Please learn about the QuestBridge Scholarship and how to apply. Juniors can apply now to QuestBridge’s Prep Scholar Program. Students who become Prep Scholars increase their chances of winning full scholarships as seniors. The Prep Scholar application is due March 24th.
For more information, please have your child attend a lunch meeting in room 264 on Wednesday, March 9th.
REMINDER: Attention Seniors!
If you have a half day schedule and you are interested in becoming a mentor at Great Seneca Creek Elementary, please email Mrs. Abdelsalam @ Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org.
REMINDER: NWHS Mulch Fundraiser
Two Ways to Support!
1. We have partnered with Potomac Garden Center for those who are interested in buying mulch and supporting NW. They have graciously offered a program where we will receive 15% of all mulch sales when you mention Northwest at the registers during checkout throughout the month of March. This includes bulk mulch by the cubic yard in natural, dyed brown and dyed black and bagged mulch (Master Gardener 3 cu ft, Dyed Brown and Black 2 cu ft, Cedar Mulch, Mini Nuggets and Silver Dollar Nuggets).
They do offer delivery ($50 charge to 20878 and 20874), and also offer a subscription service called PGC+ for $129/year, which gives subscribers free delivery with a $100 minimum purchase for the year as well as a 20% discount on most products (excluding bagged Master Gardener mulch and other items as listed at pgc.plus).
Unfortunately, website sales will not be credited to the NWHS Boosters. We encourage you to stop in to the store as they have a great selection of items Plus, you get to support a local business!
2. We do realize that you may have other mulch plans this year, but you still want to help Northwest. We have set up a direct donation form if you would like to support our community.
REMINDER: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Student AP exam payments must be paid in full by March 25th. Each exam is $96. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify. For information about online payment, and fee reductions, please click on the AP Exam Payment quick link on the Northwest website. Payments can also be made in person at the business office. If you have any questions, please contact one of the Northwest AP Coordinators; Amy Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org) or Autumn Myers (autumn_k_myers@mcpsmd.org).
REMINDER: Parents, we need YOU!
We hope that you and your family will join us for future events and that you will consider becoming a part of the Northwest Hispanic Parent Council, African American Parent Council and the Asian American Parent Council. Please take some time to respond to this questionnaire and let us know how you would like to become involved.
Please contact the following administrators for more information about the Hispanic, African American, and Asian Parent Councils at Northwest High School.
Hispanic Parent Council: Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org
African American Parent Council: Edward_Pegues@mcpsmd.org
Asian American Parent Council: Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org
Northwest Class Spirit!
It's a long-standing tradition at Northwest for each grade to wear their assigned CLASS COLOR on Pep Rally days! Each class sits in a designated section at the rallies so make an impact for YOUR CLASS by wearing your grade level color and make your presence known! Although participation with wearing class colors is optional, we hope you will join in the FUN!
The grade level colors are as follows:
Freshmen (Grade 9): YELLOW
Sophomores (Grade 10): GREEN
Juniors (Grade 11): RED
Seniors (Grade 12): BLUE
You can wear any clothing and/or accessories in your assigned color as long as you adhere to the school dress code. You can opt to wear clothing that you already own in your grade level color, you can purchase a shirt from the PTSA/Booster Club website for $4: http://www.nwhsptsa.org/shop (available sizes and quantities are limited), or you can purchase a T-shirt in your color at Michael's or Joanne's (the cost is usually around $4) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2025 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2024 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2023 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2022 (12th Grade): Blue
Northwest High School
Email: Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://northwestjags.org
Location: 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-7100
Twitter: @NorthwestJags