Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 13, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone warm on this chilly Sunday evening. It looks to be a cold week ahead so be prepared with proper clothing for safe travels to and from school.
A special congratulations to all our Jag Student-Athletes for their performances in playoff contests this past week. Our Boys and Girls Cross-Country Teams had impressive showings and while our football team lost their playoff match against Quince Orchard, it was a hard-fought battle and an impressive season overall. We are all so #JagProud of all our student-athletes.
Attention students in grades 9-11! You can order your student photos by visiting vosphoto.com/uc. Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
As a reminder, students and families seeking mental health resources and support for grief and loss can reach out to their School Counselor or administrator. Students may be connected to a variety of supports, both inside and outside of school. This year, we are happy to have additional wellbeing supports available at Northwest, including services offered by a School Social Worker and the staff from our new Bridge to Wellness Center. Assistance for a crisis is available 24-7 through the Montgomery County Crisis Center and also by calling/texting 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In addition, mental resources can be found on the MCPS website.
Registration for Winter Sports is open! Parents/Guardians should register their student in ParentVue. Students need a current physical. You can find more information at NorthwestAthletics.org. Registrations must be submitted by November 12 to make sure they have been processed in time for tryouts on November 15.
Purchase Senior Group Panoramic Photograph
*Sign up for "Seniors With Their Siblings" picture.
We will contact you and let you know when to come to room 250 for the picture.
Yearbook purchase link, personal ads info:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit
In this week's newsletter, you will find information like this week's College and Career Center Updates, upcoming parent sessions around effective habits, upcoming Key Club events/dates, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 10, ways to support our new "Our Closet" Club, the upcoming Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich making event, upcoming events at the Black Rock Center for the Arts, and a way to support the Class of 2025 this week at Noodles and Company.
There are a few important reminders including the PTSA Fundraiser for After Prom on December 3, a way to help us become a Gold School with Maryland Safe Schools, a special congrats to our QuestBridge Scholarship Finalists, a note about November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month, the information about our Manna Food Pantry, information about our school's project pantry, the NW Jewelry and Trinket giveaway, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
College Career Information Center e-NEWS
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
College Career e-NEWS Highlights:
REMINDER: Salisbury University ON SITE ADMIT event for Northwest seniors who have applied to Salisbury during this college application season. The goal is for Salisbury to get to know their applicants! This admissions interview is a great way for the applicant to share information about themselves, their application, and ask questions. Northwest admissions counselor, Jenna Payne, will be conducting interviews the morning of November 28, starting at 9 AM. Use this On-Site Admissions Event Google Form to SIGN UP @ https://forms.gle/E7axsvAJRmvFjjaGA! Sign up no later than Monday, November 21, 2022.
REMINDER for the Class of 2024: West Point Society of DC is holding the 16th Annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference (WPLEC) for the National Capital Region. This will be an in-person event on Thursday, March 16, 2023. You can expect a full day of great guest speakers, working in groups of fellow high school juniors from across the DMV to develop solutions to ethical challenges, learning from young military and civilian professionals, and bringing what you learn back to our school! Check out this link for video from the 2022 conference. If you are interested in attending, complete the Student Interest Google Form no later than Friday, December 16.
College Career High School Visit Calendar: (November 14 - November 18)
November 18
NewU University (Washington DC)
9:00 AM
November 18
US Coast Guard Academy Cadet
10:00 AM
November 21
US Military Academy West Point Cadet
10:00 AM
December 5
Savannah College of Art + Design (SCAD)
9:00 AM
All visits are available to view in Naviance and on the Jag Events Calendar on the web. Additional information about high school college career visits can be found HERE.
College Application Resources
Northwest High School resources for the college application 2022-2023 cycle can be found HERE.
College Application Support will be available in the College Career Information Center on Wednesday’s from 2:45 until 3:30 pm!
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
Money Matters:
To submit your FAFSA please visit: https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES
OR
To submit your MSFAA please visit: https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will review the information that you provide on your FAFSA or MSFAA to determine your eligibility for certain state scholarships and grants for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Maryland deadline to submit the FAFSA or MSFAA is March 1, 2023.
To view a complete list of all state scholarships and grants, please visit https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx
NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL will offer opportunities during the school year to help with the FAFSA process!
Workshop opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as help with the Maryland State Financial Aid process:
- COMING UP on Tuesday, December 6 from 2:30 until 3:30 pm
- with an evening virtual event on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 8:00 pm
Registration is required to participate in any or all events. Registration includes completion of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Intake Form. The Intake Form is a confidential form for the EOC office. Completion of this form allows EOC to provide free financial aid support to our community. Events will be facilitated by the Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid and the Educational Opportunity Center. Click HERE to access the Event Registration Form and event details.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights for New Posts & Reminders
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Eta Pi Zeta Chapter. SENIORS. Book and regular scholarships will be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 (subject to change). If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Eley, Scholarship Chair, at etapizetascholarship@gmail.com.
An applicant must:
- be a 2023 graduating high school senior
- be accepted at a two- or four-year not-for-profit college or university
- have a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.5
- live or attend school in Montgomery County, Maryland
- provide a photo authorization signed by a parent or guardian
Each scholarship application will be evaluated on the following criteria: personal essay, grades, extracurricular and community activities, community service hours, and letters of recommendation. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 31 (all required items must be received by) | Post 9 Nov 2022 |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: Leslie A. Ebert LEGACY OF LIFE SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. Essay/Video competition. Applicants must write an essay and/or produce a video that will convince the audience to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors. Visit http://www.beadonor.org/scholarship/ to apply and view the submission requirements and guidelines. DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION: APR 14 BEFORE 11:59 PM | Post 4 Nov 2022 |
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!
NEW: Upcoming Key Club Events/Dates
- The Canned Food Drive continues but ends on Monday, November 14.
- As in years past, we are making Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches on the afternoon of the half day, Wednesday, December 7. These sandwiches will benefit a local food pantry.
- We have an upcoming Blood Drive that takes place on Friday, December 9. If you want to participate, you should submit forms to Mr. Maradei by Thursday, December 8.
NEW: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 10
Here are six things to know for Thursday, Nov. 10. Get information about an upcoming budget information session, recent safety and security protocol training, how to provide input on the school calendar, Remembrance and Reconciliation Month workshops and what’s happening this week in athletics.
Join Us This Saturday to Learn About the District’s Budget Process
MCPS will host the first of three community budget information sessions this Saturday, Nov. 12. This is an opportunity to learn about how Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight plans to build her recommended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The meeting will be held in person at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, 2425 Reedie Dr., 2nd Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Please RSVP.
Next forum: Monday, Nov. 28 (6:30-8 p.m.) VirtualYour Frequently Asked Questions About Safety and Security Protocols Answered
Preparing for emergency situations often raises questions and concerns. All schools are engaging in updated safety and security protocol training. MCPS has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions to provide information and reassure families.Provide Your Input on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
Please share your input for next year’s school calendar. This quick survey seeks to gauge the community’s opinions on the calendar scenarios developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will use your feedback to develop a final recommendation to be presented at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Share your input by Wednesday, Nov. 30. Access the survey.Workshops to be Held for Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
MCPS is observing Remembrance and Reconciliation Month this month by supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations and providing schools with age-appropriate lessons on local historic African American communities. Virtual changemaker workshops for students and their families will be held in English and Spanish on Nov. 15-17. Register here to attend a workshop.BECOME A BUS OPERATOR- We Need You!
The Department of Transportation hiring office continues to screen applicants for the Bus Operator positions.This is an opportunity for you or someone you know to receive good pay, great benefits, and make a difference in the life of a child. How to applyThe Road to State Championships and High School Winter Sports Registration is Still Open
MCPS athletics is gearing up for the start of the high school winter season Tuesday, Nov. 15. Information regarding winter registration can be found on the MCPS athletics webpage. The road to state championships continues for field hockey, football, boys and girls soccer, and volleyball teams playing in semifinal games this weekend. In addition, cross country teams are running for a state championship on Saturday at Hereford High School. Follow the playoff action at State Championship Central.
Ongoing Reminders
- Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
MCPS offers numerous ways to learn about your student’s school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals when there is inclement weather. Learn more about weather decisions and how to stay in touch with MCPS: Stay Connected How To Receive Emergency Information
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Support our New Club "Our Closet"
The Northwest " Our Closet" Club would like your help to keep our community members warm this winter. Please bring coats, jackets, gloves, mittens, hats, and/or warm socks to Room 261 anytime from November 14th- December 16th. All items will be donated to local shelters.
REMINDER: PTSA AR Workshop-Frederick FUNdraiser for After Prom: December 3, 2022
Join us at AR Workshop-Frederick on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Pick your project and register using link below! Then look forward a great night with other NW staff and parents. All proceeds to benefit the Northwest HS After Prom Party. Let's fill 30 spots by 11/10 so we can have our own private party! Questions? Contact president@nwhsptsa.org. Thanks and we look forward to a fun event!
Register here: https://www.arworkshop.com/events/frederick/343261
REMINDER: Help us become a Gold School by Maryland Safe Schools!
Last year students and staff attended a presentation on Safe Schools Maryland Anonymous Reporting System. Northwest is on the way to becoming recognized as a gold school by Safe Schools Maryland. We need at least 50% of our parents/ guardians to also attend the presentation.
We are offering these group presentations as refreshers or as an opportunity for new parents to be acquainted with the Safe Schools Maryland Anonymous Reporting System.
Wednesday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 29th at 7:00 p.m.
This 30-minute virtual presentation for parents will teach attendees what Safe Schools Maryland is, how it works, and how they can help keep their schools safer. These presentations will be held on several dates each month, so choose the date that works best for you. Our Maryland Center for School Safety staff will be available for questions after the presentation.
You must sign up so your school receives credit for your attendance. Please be sure to include your school's name in the "Name of School" field. We hope you will join us to learn how each of us can contribute to a safe school environment. Register now!
REMINDER: Congratulations to our QuestBridge Scholars!
REMINDER: November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
The Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation was established by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in 2019 to promote a better understanding of its history and legacy of African Americans in the county.
In response, Montgomery County Public Schools will observe Remembrance and Reconciliation Month by supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations, providing schools with age-appropriate lessons on local historic African American communities, and virtual changemaker workshops for students and their families in English and Spanish on November 15 - 17, 2022. Register here to attend a changemaker workshop.
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Manna Food Pantry
The Key Club is once again holding their annual food drive for Manna Food Pantry. The food drive is being held through first period classes where you will find bags or boxes with attached fliers. It will run from October 25th through November 14th. We are challenging our school community to provide at least one can or non-perishable food item per student and staff. Our goal is to reach at least 2500 items to provide for the many individuals in Montgomery County through Manna Food Pantry.
Please help us fight hunger and continue to provide for those in need.
Thank you for your support.
Mr. Maradei and the Northwest High School Key Club
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
REMINDER: Great News from the Green Team!
NEXTrex Plastic film recycling is back. Reduce your plastic waste by bringing "plastic film" items to be recycled at our school. Check out the linked flier below for details about what can be placed in the NexTrex Bins.
Bin locations: Gym lobby, hallway outside the main office, and media center.
Acceptable Plastic Film List: https://recycle.trex.com/view/educate#materials1
Thank you for your Support --- NWHS Green Team
REMINDER: Free Store
Do you have any school supplies you no longer need? The Free Store would love your donations! We take all gently used school supplies, but at the start of the year, we especially need backpacks, composition books, calculators, and test prep books. Please bring items to the front office or to The Free Store in room 264.
The Free Store is open most days at lunch in room 264 and is available to all NW students and staff. Thank you for your support.
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
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