Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, October 8, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone is warm on this fall Sunday evening. A reminder that tomorrow, Monday, October 9 is a professional day for staff so there is no school for students. It looks to be a chillier week ahead so be sure to dress accordingly. Be sure to check out all the important updates and news items this week. Looking forward to a great Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week.
Note for those who are interested in trying out for Girls Basketball. There will be an interest meeting on Friday, October 13 during lunch in room 179.
NW HS in partnership with the MD Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will be administering the Maryland Learners Permit Test at Northwest HS on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 2:30 pm. Any student interested in taking the test must be at least 15 years & 9 month of age or older. Students can pick up the permission slip in the main office and must be returned to the main office by Friday, October 13th by 1:00pm.
This week, we will continue with hall sweeps. While we will start off warning students who are in the hallway after the tardy bell rings, we expect that every student is prioritizing their timely arrival to each class. We have been seeing a growing number of students who are not moving through the hallways as quickly as possible, and as a result there have been a growing number of tardies. After a few weeks of warnings, we will begin assigning detentions to those students who are late. Remember, the point of hall sweeps is to maintain the high level of importance with arriving to class on time, and prioritizing learning leading to high academic achievement.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as MCPS' Pathway to College and Career Readiness, our canned food drive, this Friday's Hispanic Heritage Month Showcase, the Speak Up, Save a Life Video Contest, information regarding the Seal of Biliteracy Exam, College and Career Updates, a Celebration of Belonging for Hispanic Heritage Month, Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, October 5, Independent Electrical Contractors' Open House opportunity, Five Guys Class of 2026 Fundraiser, the athletics and events schedule for the week, PTSA's call for Silent Auction Donations and a school fundraiser at Ledo Pizza.
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Amharic]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Chinese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [French]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Korean]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Portuguese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Spanish]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Vietnamese]
There are some important reminders including information regarding our upcoming PSAT Day on October 11, the NW Step Club, Hispanic Heritage Month information, yearbook information, ways for preschoolers to join our program, information for MCPS' Girls Summit, a call for free store donations, parking permit information, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, a call to support our Booster Club, the new face coverings policy in effect, a call for parents to join our parent councils, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and ways to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
MCPS Pathways to College and Career Readiness
NEW: Canned Food Drive
Northwest High School’s Key Club is initiating our yearly canned food drive. Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone. Every donation of food matters- which is why we are asking for your help on voicing our event.
The canned food drive will take place during all of October and November. Each classroom will have their designated box/bag and students are expected to bring non perishable, canned items and drop them off in their first period class. Some examples include canned soups, canned beans, canned fruit, powdered milk, and canned peanut butter. Last year, we came in third place based on the amount of cans collected out of all the Montgomery County Public Schools. Nonetheless, this year we are striving for first place!
NEW: Speak Up, Save a Life Video Contest - 10 SSL Hours
Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office of Montgomery County is hosting a contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. It is open to all 6th thru 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500 all donated by Magnolia Plumbing in honor of two young Montgomery County residents who lost to their lives to illicit fentanyl; Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudoun.
Students can enter the contest on their own or as a group; however, students may only participate in ONE entry. If a student in any way participates in more than one PSA video, all of those entries will be disqualified. Please see instructions for submitting video here.
NEW: College and Career Updates!
COLLEGE CAREER Community 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
REMINDER! Attention seniors applying to Montgomery College! Prepare to apply after October 1. Visit montgomerycollege.edu. You will find the steps to apply and resources for future students.
NEW! From the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program… A Parent Q&A Meeting. October 16 | 6:00 pm. Virtual. It’s not just a military test! Time: October 16, 2023@ 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Topic: ASVAB CEP Parent Q and A
Meeting ID: 160 122 2764
Passcode: Parent
NEW! OPEN HOUSE! IECC ELECTRICAL SCHOOL-TO-APPRENTICESHIP. Tuesday, October 10 from 6 - 7:30 PM. 8751 Freestate Dr. Laurel, MD 20723. For more information, contact Shawn Krasa, MCPS Supervisor for Work Based Learning at Shawn_E_Krasa@mcpsmd.org or Gwendolyn Filipiak at Gwendolyn_Filipiak@mcpsmd.org.
NEW! MCPS & Montgomery County Department of Fire & Rescue invite you to the High School Cadet Open House. Tuesday, October 17 from 6 - 7 PM at the Public Safety Training Academy. 8751 Snouffer School Road. Gaithersburg MD 20879
- Rising grade 11 and 12 students from all high schools are eligible to apply.
- Representatives from MCPS and MCFRS will be present to provide information pertaining to the Fire Science/EMS program for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Training facility tour and Q&A
NEW! ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC., ETA PI ZETA CHAPTER Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop. Clarksburg Cottage. Sunday, November 12 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. 23201 Stringtown Road, Clarksburg MD 20832. Questions? Contact etapizetascholarship@gmail.com. Get proven writing prompts to help differentiate your scholarship application. Register HERE.
NEW! GO TO HIGH SCHOOL, GO TO COLLEGE 18TH ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR. Presented by: ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., KAPPA EPSILON LAMBDA CHAPTER, ETA ZETA CHAPTER, KAPPA EPSILON LAMBDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC., SOUTHERN REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY & RECREATION COMPLEX, Saturday. November 11 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex. 7007 Bock Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Student Registration | Parent Registration | Click the HERE to Download the Flyer and see a list of confirmed colleges |
REMINDER! Career Council/National Hispanic College Fairs, Inc. 2023 Financial Aid Workshops. "Learn how to apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA for Undocumented Students)". Sessions will be in English and Spanish. Click HERE to scan registration QR-Code. | October 11th at Seneca Valley from 6-8pm | October 12th at Montgomery Blair from 6-8pm
REMINDER! Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair sponsored by Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Sat., Nov. 4 from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm with activities on Sunday at 11:00 am and 1:15 pm. Register online @ https://mtcbc.org/hbcu/. FREE event.
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. Additional Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format).
SCHOLARSHIP: Meyerhoff Scholars Program (Apply to UMBC Early Action) - Nomination opened July 1, 2023. SENIORS applying to UMBC. $5,000 to $15,000 award per academic year. Northwest High School seniors must request a nomination using this form. Once your request is received and your counselor is in support of your nomination, your request will be processed, and you will receive an email to your personal and mcpsmd.net accounts. DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCTOBER 10 | Post 6 July 2023 |
SCHOLARSHIP: The Jefferson Scholars Foundation offers Jefferson Scholarships for undergraduate study at the University of Virginia. SENIORS applying to UVA. Students must be nominated by their high school to complete. If selected as the Northwest nominee, you will be asked to complete the online Jefferson Scholar application, provide a recommendation, and upload a photo. The General Regulations can be found HERE. More information on the program can be found HERE. Submit this Google Form no later than October 10. The one nominee will be selected by the end of October and will have until Monday, November 13 to complete the UVA Jefferson Scholars application. | Post 21 September 2023 | DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCTOBER 10 | Post 21 September 2023 |
SCHOLARSHIP: OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST. SENIORS. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. All seniors eligible. Essay title:
With Politics gaining the bulk of discussion, what can the younger generation do to ensure that elected leaders understand the impact of gaining their vote?
CLICK HERE to download the essay and instructions. Essays must be submitted by email to Shawn.Joseph@howard.edu. DEADLINE FOR ESSAY SUBMISSION: OCTOBER 20 | Post 22 September 2023 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Prudential Emerging Visionaries. Awards up to $15,000. Available to students ages 14 to 18. Do you have a vision to transform your community—and the world—for the better? Where others see problems, do you see potential? Apply for Prudential Emerging Visionaries and tell us about your bold initiative to address a financial or social challenge in your community. An Info session to learn more will be held on October 11. Click HERE to learn more and apply. DEADLINE FOR ESSAY SUBMISSION: NOVEMBER 2 | Post 4 October 2023 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: B. DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP. Available to JUNIORS & SENIORS. $1,000. To apply for this scholarship, write an essay of less than 1000 words on the topic below. Send submissions to awards@studentawardsearch.com.
Describe the three characteristics of leadership you value most. Discuss why you believe that these traits are so important and how you feel that they are developed in an individual.
DEADLINE FOR ESSAY SUBMISSION: MAY 24 | Post 4 October 2023 |
College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
- Muhlenberg on Tuesday, October 10 @ 8:30 am
- University of Richmond on Tuesday, October 10 @ 9:30 am
- Rutgers University on Tuesday, October 10 @ 10:30 am
- Roanoke College on Wednesday, October 11 @ 10 am
- Juniata College on Wednesday, October 11 @ 11 am
- American University on Wednesday, October 11 @ 1 pm
- Marymount University on Thursday, October 12 @ 8:30 am
- Johns Hopkins University on Thursday, October 12 @ 9:30 am
- University of Louisville on Thursday, October 12 @ 10:30 am
- Frostburg State University on Thursday, October 12 @ 1 pm
Students register for all high school college career visits through their Naviance account. Once a student is registered for a visit an email is sent to the student’s mcpsmd.net account. This email should be shown to teachers requesting permission to attend (print or on your electronic device). Students should request to leave their current class AND let the teacher know they may be late to the class they will return to. Visits are scheduled based on the availability of our admissions representatives and not necessarily based on our class schedules.
When attending a visit, students scan a QR-Code linked to a Google form for attendance. This form lists the student’s information, the visit information, and the period teachers (from and to). This information goes directly to the attendance office.
For virtual visits, students can bring their Chromebook and headphones to the College Career Information Center (Room 126) to log on for the visit. Virtual visit links are sent the evening before the visit to students who registered. Students can request permission from a teacher to remain in class and log in. QR-Codes are scanned if the student attends a virtual visit in the College Career Information Center.
Students who attend Montgomery College and do not have a college class during the visit time are welcome to attend. Based on the honor system, there is no attendance taken for those students.
If there is ever a question or concern, please reach out to: Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.
NEW: Things to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 5
1. Applications Open Soon for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs
On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to apply for Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs. Information sessions will be available for students and families, and all dates can be found on the special programs webpage.
Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 3. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and October open house dates are available on this website.
2. Mental Health Awareness Week Set for Oct. 30–Nov. 4
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) will host free events the week of Oct. 30–Nov. 4 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. A culminating virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4.
From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Richard Montgomery High School, former professional football player turned mental health expert and advocate, Dr. Jay Barnett, will speak in-person to students about the importance of mental health, breaking down stigma and seeking help. Read more.
3. Save the Dates: Upcoming District Events and Opportunities
Gaithersburg Wellness Fair: Families are invited to a FREE wellness fair from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Gaithersburg High School. The fair will be hosted by the Gaithersburg community schools. Join us for family fun, health resources, yoga, face painting and more! The high school is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg.
Out-of-School Time Oct. 9: If you need somewhere for your student to go on Oct. 9 when school is out, KID Museum and MCPS are here to help. Students in Grades 2-5 can spend the day at the museum’s Bethesda Metro Center or Davis Library locations from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The cost is $5.
The Second Annual Latina Legacy Conference will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.14 at the Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. The free event empowers and inspires Latina female high school students. To register, interested students should reach out to their school’s representative on this list by Monday, Oct. 9.
The National Hispanic College Fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Bohrer Park Community Center in Gaithersburg. Students can register with their high school’s college and career information coordinator by Wednesday, Oct. 11. More information
4. Speak Up, Save a Life PSA Contest for Students
The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is hosting a contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. The contest is open to students in Grades 6-12. The top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500. Prizes are being donated by Magnolia Plumbing in honor of two young men who lost their lives to illicit fentanyl. Students can earn up to 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Visit the contest webpage for more information.
5. Good News This Week
The Leadership Training Institute Turns 30
For three decades, John F. Kennedy High School’s signature program, the Leadership Training Institute (LTI), has empowered students through rigorous interdisciplinary experiential learning, community service projects and leadership theory and application. Hear from current and past students on how this program is changing lives.
Stone Mill Elementary School National Blue Ribbon Win
Hear from the principal and district leaders about the recent recognition.
Walk to School Day
Students strolled to success at Brooke Grove Elementary School for National Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 4! These kids are helping Montgomery County’s Vision Zero goal to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries and contribute to a healthy planet.
Clarksburg, Walt Whitman High Chorus Students Perform at World Culture Festival
On Sept. 29, 250 chorus students from Clarksburg and Walt Whitman high schools performed at the 2023 World Culture Festival. Nearly one million people from more than 180 countries are estimated to have participated in the three-day celebration of unity, diversity and peace on the National Mall.
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, October 9 - Sunday, October 15
REMINDER: PSAT Day is Wednesday, October 11
On Wednesday, October 11th, all 10th grade students and 11th grade students who registered will take the PSAT at Northwest High School. 10th and 11th graders who are taking the PSAT must report at 7:45am for the test. Bus transportation will run at scheduled times in the morning and afternoon, and any 9th, non-testing 11th, or 12th grade student will report to the cafeteria for a study hall.
Reminder: As part of the pre-administration of the PSAT, students will have the opportunity to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire. All 10th and 11th grade test-takers must provide parent/guardian consent to complete the questionnaire. Please review the linked PSAT Student Questionnaire Consent Form letter for more information. You can print and return the consent form to the main office or provide consent electronically here.
As we get closer to the test date, additional information will be shared regarding the expectations for the day of the test and what students will need. If there are any questions or concerns prior to the test date, please contact Ms. Singleton, PSAT School Day coordinator.
REMINDER: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations at Northwest
REMINDER: Yearbook Sale Information
We have a community upload spot for candids. Please upload any pics of your student(s) that may end up as features in the yearbook. Please add names and grades.
Pick up your 2023 yearbook supplement that features spring sports, graduation, prom, spring musical. If you purchased a yearbook, these are included in the price. Pick up in 250 or 261 before school, during lunch, after school until 2:45. Ask for Ms Koutsos.
The 2024 yearbook is available for purchase.
The first sale price is $90
The 2nd sale price is $95
Then the rest are $100
$105 in person at distribution
Senior only can purchase ad space in the back of the book. Personalized ad space is available for sale. And baby pics/quotes space can be purchased for a community page.
REMINDER: Join our Preschool Program!
Attention Junior Jags! We are looking for Junior Jags to join our Preschool Program designed to provide an environment where children can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially! High school students are trained to provide individual attention that addresses the needs of each preschooler. They ensure a warm, loving, kind environment with an exciting and adventuresome atmosphere. We are committed to a safe, healthy environment where learning can take place. Students are provided with instruction in developmentally appropriate practices in accordance with guidelines established by the Montgomery County Public Schools.
The program’s curriculum is appropriate for the year before a child enters kindergarten. Children must be toilet trained and 4 years old by September 1. Since many different high school students will be teaching the preschoolers, the program is designed for the pre-kindergarten child who can cope with daily changes and flexible scheduling. Special education services are not provided through this program.
If interested, please reach out to Katherine_S_Skiscim@mcpsmd.org for an application.
REMINDER: Free Store Supplies are in Demand!
Many NW students visit The Free Store daily. Because of high demand, the Free Store has run out of composition books and spiral notebooks! If you have any gently used, no longer needed school supplies, please donate them to the Free Store, room 264. We also always need calculators, backpacks, and test prep books. We take donations all year long. We will also be collecting donations during Back to School Night. Thank you, NW community, for your support!
REMINDER: Parking Permit Information
Parking permit applications and payment will be accepted by the Business Office, Room 322, before school (7:25–7:40 a.m.), during lunch (11:11–11:56 a.m.), or after school (2:30–2:45 p.m.). Students must not have any outstanding financial obligations to the school and must be academically eligible (2.0 cumulative GPA with no more than one E) to be eligible for a parking permit. The price for a full year parking permit is $78.00 (processing fee included) payable by cash, check (made out to Northwest High School), or online using a credit card through SchoolCash Online. To pay online, a link will be sent to the student’s school email once the application has been received and approved for eligibility.
During the first three weeks of school (August 28-September 15), students may use any parking space in the lower parking lot. All approved parking permits will be distributed to students before school, during lunch, or after school in front of the Business Office, Room 322, on September 14 and 15. Beginning Monday, September 18, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2023-2024 parking permit and be parked in the student’s assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or that do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
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!
REMINDER: NWHS Boosters need your Help!
Are you Ready for FALL Sports? YES! YES! YES!
The NW Athletic Department and the Booster Club want to provide our athletes and fans an awesome experience at each and every home game. To make that happen, we need your help to VOLUNTEER at the concessions stand. Parent and community member support is crucial to have a successful year! If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to open the concessions stand.
Pick a slot or two or three...because WE NEED YOU! Click here to sign up.
There are multiple sports events to choose from. We want you to watch your athletes compete so please come help at other games so those parents can watch their athletes. Don't have a child playing a sport? Come out anyway. It's a great way to connect with other NWHS parents! Remember, concessions volunteers get into the games for free and all proceeds go directly toward supporting all of our students! Please put the sport/club you represent in the Comment section!
Thank you from your 2023-2024 Concessions Committee!
REMINDER: Face Coverings Policy is in Effect!
For the safety of our school environment, face coverings may be worn indoors only for health, religious and/or cultural purposes. When used for health protection or to prevent disease transmission, acceptable and effective face coverings are well fitting surgical masks, KN95-style masks or N95 respirators. With the exception of face coverings worn for
religious or cultural purposes, individuals will be asked to remove other types of face coverings (such as a ski mask, neck gaiter, or scarf over one’s face). If the alternate face covering is worn for health purposes, NWHS will provide surgical masks for student, staff or visitor use. If a face covering is needed at school for health purposes, NWHS will provide surgical masks for students, staff or visitors who do not already have access to one at school.
REMINDER: Northwest Parents' Councils Questionnaire
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. This questionnaire has been translated into Spanish.*
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: Tara-dee_S_Henry@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 $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 2027 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2026 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2025 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2024 (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