Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, May 21, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone enjoying this beautiful Sunday! We are looking forward to a full week ahead with seniors finishing this Thursday, May 25 and the senior sunset celebration on Friday, May 26. With testing behind us, we are continuing with hall sweeps daily to remind every student the importance of being in class, on time and ready to learn. Let's continue to prioritize school and finish the school year strong.
A reminder to all students that it is imperative conflict be handled properly with communication and not by putting hands on one another. If you are need of support and do not know how to best handle specific situations, any adult can support. Fighting and/or physical aggression will not be tolerated.
On May 26, MCPS will be post the anti-racist audit results. While Northwest has already engaged in analyzing this work and sharing it with the parent community, you can find out more information around next steps linked here. For any questions regarding the survey and how our school has been engaging in the work, please reach out to one of the school administrators or our staff development teacher, Ms. Amy Mason.
We are thrilled to celebrate our student-athletes competing at the college level. Tomorrow, Monday, May 22 we will officially celebrate them with a special ceremony in our auditorium beginning at 3:30. Congratulations to our student-athletes for their accomplishments!
Congratulations to our Division Champion Boys & Girls Track teams for their outstanding performance at the regional meet this past week. Special congratulations to region champion Gage Orborne for winning the 3200M and 800M! The team has qualified to compete in several events at the State Championships this coming weekend at the PG Sports & Learning Complex. More information about the state meet can be found at https://www.mpssaa.org/state-championships/track-and-field/mpssaa-track-and-field-state-championships-central/.
The Ulysses Signature Program is hosting its graduation ceremony on Monday, May 22, at 6 pm in the NWHS auditorium. The purpose of the graduation ceremony is to celebrate Ulysses seniors who have successfully met the academic and extracurricular requirements of the Ulysses program for graduation. Ulysses seniors and their families are invited to attend the ceremony, and Ulysses teachers and NWHS administrators will also attend to join the celebration! For more information, please check the emails from Doona Kim, the Ulysses Program Coordinator, or contact her at doonachristi_kim@mcpsmd.org with any questions.
Celebrate the end of AP testing by donating your old test prep books to the Free Store in room 264! Please donate through May 26th. Pick up free test prep books for next year beginning on June 1st. Come to room 264 during lunch. Get the best selection on the first day. Thank you for helping support Northwest!
Got extra calculators? In preparation for AP and other end-of-year exams, please donate unwanted calculators to The Free Store. Need a calculator? Check the Free Store in room 264.
Is your family experiencing hardship?
If you need assistance accessing food, diapers, and other resources, please contact our Parent Community Coordinator, Ms. Patricia Santos, at 240-506-6536 or via email at Patricia_ubiera@mcpsmd.org.
¿Está su familia experimentando dificultades?
Si necesita ayuda para tener accesso a alimentos, pañales y otros recursos, comuníquese con nuestra Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres, la Sra. Patricia Santos, al 240-506-6536 o por correo electrónico a Patricia_ubiera@mcpsmd.org.
In this week's newsletter, there are only a few new items including this week's College and Career Updates, information regarding five (5) things to know from MCPS from Thursday, May 11, information regarding fall athletics information night upcoming on Thursday, June 1 and a chance for students to submit essays and art for a contest from the caucus of African American leaders.
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including information graduation information for the Class of 2023, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, all the after school tutoring opportunities for Northwest students, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear!
Thank you for your continued support and trust. We are looking forward to a great week!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
COLLEGE CAREER e-NEWS BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS: View the complete e-NEWS Bulletin on the college career web page and click on the e-NEWS link for all details. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org. Highlights include:
- NEW! NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE CLASS OF 2023… The Senior Exit Survey is ready for you! Complete the survey before May 30. Be Ready with college, career, and scholarship information readily available. Click HERE for instructions on how to complete the survey. Survey data is used collectively for end-of-year reporting to our Superintendent of Schools. No names will be attached to Northwest reporting.
| Post 12 May 2023 |
- REMINDER! United Christian Fellowship Activities. Register for all activities on the unfinc.org website!
- SAT/ACT VIRTUAL Boot Camp (May 21, 22 & 23) Register at www.ucfinc.org. Spring SAT/ACT Boot Camp Virtual will be conducted using the Zoom platform. SCROLL down to the center page, and click on Register HERE for ALL UCF Activities, (SAT/ACT Boot Camp, including Parent Waiver Form).
- VIRTUAL UCF Monthly Youth Engagement Meeting. Saturday, MAY 20, 2023. USTEM/NSBE @ 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics career fields. YOUTH MEETING Starts @ 11:00 a.m. ALONG WITH Parents Workshop (Academic Warrior with Mr. Donald Wharton).
- UPDATE! Berkeley Research Group “BRG” Leg Up Summer Program is still accepting applications for summer 2023. A FREE 4-day summer seminar for grades 9-12. Program dates are July 23 - July 26. Students will work on-site at the Washington DC headquarters and will have exposure to career options in the world of business, economic, and related industries. Transportation options will be available. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale), consistent attendance, and take the most rigorous course load available. To learn more about the "BRG" Leg Up Summer Program and register to attend, click HERE. The BRG Application portal is open until June 1. Questions should be directed to AmandaGray @ AGray@thinkbrg.com| Dir. of Human Resources | BRG | D 202.909.2809 | O 202.480.2700 | M 571.286.9331 | Repost 9 May 2023 |
- NEW! CHECKMATE YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION with the Admissions Gambit Scholars Program. Admissions Gambit is proud to provide FREE expert college admissions and essay development services to rising seniors who will be the first in their family to attend college and have a family income below $75,000. Scholars will participate in virtual sessions led by a former executive director of admissions and various guest speakers. Parents will also receive information about financial aid and scholarships. The program will run from July through December of this year. Apply HERE by June 15. We will notify all applicants by late-June and will formally begin July 10th with those selected. | Post 17 May 2023 |
- REMINDER! The Princeton Review is offering a free SAT® Practice Test for students who wish to get in some prep before their next official College Board Exam. Students can take this test anytime over the summer; registration can be found here. Directions for completing the exam will be emailed, and students will receive a full-length score report upon completion of the exam. Offer dated: 4 May 2023. Questions should be directed to Nacy Veach | The Princeton Review, Outreach Specialist, High School Programs, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pronouns: she/her/hers, 202-851-6320.
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’ under College & Career Quick Links. https://bit.ly/3sKZRVw.
- NEW! JOB FAIR. Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Rock Creek Forest Elementary School, 8330 Grubb Road, Chevy Chase, MD. Click HERE to download/view the flier. For more information or questions, contact Liliane Cherrick (240-447-9236) | Cynthia Rowry Sadur (301-838-1225) | Samantha Steinberg (240-551-4110) | Davis Gysberts (240-551-4128) | Post 16 May 2023 |
College Career High School Visits LAST CALL:
- University of Maryland College Park presents The College Search & College Applications. Audience: Rising seniors. Monday, May 22 @ 1:15 PM. Auditorium. Naviance registration required.
Money Matters:
- REMINDER: TRiO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is available for assistance with FAFSA completion. EOC can also provide financial aid award package(s) review. To schedule an appointment or sign up for a workshop:
- Complete an intake form
- Contact the office by phone 240-567-5644
- Email us at mceoc@montgomerycollege.edu
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights & Reminders:
For a complete list of scholarships, including details for those listed below, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. Post date refers to the first date published in the Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin. No time to download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web? 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!
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: National Naval Officers Association, DC Chapter (DC NNOA) Scholarship. SENIORS. Awards up to $2,000. Financial need is considered. Please note: the best supporting document for the “Financial Needs” requirement is a personal letter from the high school senior explaining their family situation. (IE. multiple siblings in the family, parents make just enough for federal standards but not enough for reality, my financial aid only covers a small percentage, etc.) If students are unable to complete their application by May 26, 2023, please contact us at (703) 695-8664 / (703) 644-2605 or via email to Scholarship Program Chairman LCDR Stephen Williams, USN (Retired) at stephen.b.williams10.civ@us.navy.mil and include CDR Rich Borden, USN (Retired) at (757) 769-5700 and/or rab94usa@gmail.com prior to our deadline. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 26 | Post 17 May 2023 |
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: Montgomery College Board of Trustees ACADEMIC POTENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS. A one-year full time cost of tuition and fees (at the county resident tuition rate) award. The award requires high school nomination and is based on academic achievement and potential, not financial need. Minimum 3.0 high school weighted GPA required. Applicants must plan full time enrollment at Montgomery College in the fall following graduation. Request nomination @ https://bit.ly/42LGDyG. DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: MAY 22 | Post 10 April 2023 |
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: AMERICAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION (ACF) VISIONARY SCHOLARSHIP. Eligible grades: 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026. Our Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline - with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. The application is free and the student does NOT need to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify. ACF Visionary Scholarship complete details. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JUNE 1 | Post 9 May 2023 |
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: W. EDWARD BOHRER MEMORIAL CHARACTER COUNTS! SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS residing in the City of Gaithersburg. Check residency HERE. The scholarship program is designed to recognize and support graduating high school seniors in the City of Gaithersburg who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, community service, and leadership qualities. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students must also submit a completed application form, proof of household income, official high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an essay. The scholarship award varies and may be awarded to multiple applicants. Awards can be used to offset the costs associated with attending an accredited college, university, or trade school. For more information and to download the application form, please visit the W. Edward Bohrer Memorial CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Program webpage. Questions or concerns about the program or the application process, please contact Mary Armbruster at mary.armbruster@gaithersburgmd.gov or 240-805-1827. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JUNE 1 | Post 11 May 2023 |
- SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE!: The POSSE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP. JUNIORS. Full-tuition scholarship to attend ONE of the Posse DC partner institutions. Nomination required. Juniors requesting nomination should be able to demonstrate leadership within their high school, community, or family. Applicants must be willing to apply Early Decision to one of the six Posse DC schools and attend a mandatory large group interview in the fall of senior year. Posse DC partner institutions: Bucknell University (PA), Lafayette College (PA), Lewis & Clark College (OR), University of Rochester (NY), Sewanee The University of the South (TN), University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI). DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: APR 28 extended to MAY 22 | UPDATED Post 26 April 2023 |
NEW: Five (5) Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, May 18
1. MCPS Implements New Regulation Allowing Students to Carry Narcan at School
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced new guidance for responding to medical emergencies in schools for suspected opioid overdoses.
The new regulation includes detailed guidance on naloxone (also known by its brand name, Narcan), its use and access in MCPS schools. Narcan is a potentially life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. The new guidance allows students to carry Narcan in schools and during school-sponsored activities without fear of disciplinary action. Students should continue to seek assistance from school or health room staff in the event of a medical emergency on campus.
You can learn more about Narcan and other educational resources during an MCPS Health and Wellness Fair from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 20 at Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.
2. Antiracist Audit Action Plan Now Available
The Antiracist System Action Plan was shared with the Board of Education on Thursday, May 11. The district’s action plan is designed to address five recommended areas to successfully implement a racial equity vision. Those critical areas are coherence, accountability, equity centered capacity building, continuous data collection and relational trust.
The action plan is organized into three sections:
- System-level actions
- Domain-specific actions
- School-level actions
The action plan has been developed to guide the antiracist actions of Central Office and schools to remove barriers impacting the most marginalized students.
Visit the Antiracist Audit website to learn more and to read the full audit report.
3. Parent Academy TO GO Virtual Workshops Still Available
Parent Academy TO GO is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready. Workshops addressing active parenting, understanding the college admissions process, self-care and more are available through June 6. Language interpretation may be available upon request.
4. Deadline for Required SSL Forms Is Friday, June 2
The deadline to submit Student Service Learning (SSL) forms is Friday, June 2. SSL service hours completed after June 1, 2022, must be submitted to middle school or high school SSL coordinators by June 2, 2023, to count for this school year.
Please remember that all MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. The summer break is a wonderful time for students to participate in SSL opportunities.
5. Bright Spots This Week
Students Honored at Dual-Enrollment Ceremony
More than 279 students, the largest number in the state, were honored in a dual-enrollment recognition ceremony earlier this week at the Universities at Shady Grove. These students are dually enrolled at MCPS and Montgomery College. The majority of the students will receive associate degrees from Montgomery College. See the list of students who were recognized.
Seven Locks Elementary School Student Named Northeast Region History BEE Champion
Fifth grade student Ava Gerson is the 2023 Who Was? History Bee Champion for the Northeast Region.
In January, more than 200 third, fourth and fifth graders at Seven Locks Elementary School competed in the first round of multiple-choice questions on people and events from the Penguin Press’ "Who Was?" history series. The top two students in each class then competed in a formal bee assembly. Ava beat 17 students and moved on to the individual essay competition. Her work was selected as the winner for the Northeast region.
REMINDER: IMPORTANT Graduation Information for the Class of 2023!
For the commencement exercises for the Class of 2023, each graduating senior will receive five (5) tickets for their family and friends to attend the graduation ceremony at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Every guest, with the exception of children under 2 years of age, must present a ticket in order to enter the ceremony. Tickets will be distributed Wednesday, May 31; Thursday, June 1; and Friday, June 2, based upon students' last names and can be picked up between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm in the counseling lobby on those dates. Tickets not picked up on those dates can be picked up on Monday, June 5, following graduation rehearsal. No student or parent/guardian is permitted to sell graduation tickets. All obligations must be cleared in order to receive graduation tickets. (Please note that graduating seniors do not need tickets.)
Dates of Ticket Distribution:
Wednesday, May 31: Last Names Beginning With- A - G
Thursday, June 1: Last Names Beginning With- H - N
Friday, June 2: Last Names Beginning With- O -Z
We will distribute up to two (2) additional tickets to the graduation ceremony based on requests from parents in the order that requests are received. To effectively allocate these additional tickets, we are requesting that the parent/guardian of each graduating senior complete the ticket request form. If you know that your family will not need all five (5) of the allotted tickets, please indicate that on the form as well so that other families may use them. All requests and information must be received by Monday, May 15. Requests must be receiving using the electronic form, linked below, OR the paper form.
Electronic Ticket Request Form
Paper Version (obtain a copy from the main office or print out and return to the office):
Finally, please make sure your students mark their calendars for the mandatory graduation rehearsal on Monday, June 5, 2023. All graduates must report to the Northwest cafeteria to sign-in by 7:45am. Cap and gown packages will be distributed following rehearsal. All graduating seniors must attend the rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Dofflemyer, graduation liaison. We look forward to celebrating the momentous occasion of your/your child's graduation with you!
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
REMINDER: Tutoring Opportunities
Below you will find the tutoring schedule:
Math Honor Society
Ms. Schuler - Arielle_E_Schuler@mcpsmd.org
Mr. Mahaney - Chris_W_Mahaney@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring will be in math teachers' classrooms at lunch Monday - Thursday.
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
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
Rho Kappa - Social Studies Honor Society
Ms. 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 2, 4, and AP: Available Tues, Weds, & Thurs in room 219
French 1: Mme Fowler, Available Tuesdays in room 214
French 1, 3, and 5: Mme Malingo, Available Tues & Thurs in rm 207
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. The following student groups are supported:
English speakers with their Spanish class (all levels)
Spanish speakers with their academic classes (math, science, social studies, etc.)
CARES Tutoring
Ms. Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring available after school in person or via zoom
Contact sponsor
Science National Honor Society
Peer Tutoring in all “core” science classes available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch (11:25-11:55).
- Biology Help: Room 351
- Chemistry Help: Room 302
- Physics Help: Room 377
REMINDER: Join the PTSA and Boosters!
The PTSA and Booster Club are instrumental in providing the school with advocacy, outreach, financial support, and building school spirit for our students, staff, and community. In order for us to be able to support these ongoing efforts, we need our families and staff to join us now! You can join at nwhsptsa.org/membership. Thank you!
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 $8: 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 $5) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2026 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2025 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2024 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2023 (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