Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, August 27, 2023
NEW: A Welcome Back message from Mr. Smith
Dear Northwest Students and Families,
Welcome back to school for the 2022-2023 school year! We are thrilled to welcome our over 2,409 students tomorrow morning and are ecstatic for what we know will be a great year! As noted in my back to school newsletter, I will be sending the newsletter for the Northwest community, Northwest News every Sunday evening. This newsletter will detail important upcoming dates, schedules, information and pertinent information for families, students and staff.
As we return to school for the first day, it is important to note that car-riders should be dropped off through the lower, gym lobby entrance. Car drop-offs/pick-ups are not allowed in the upper, bus lot during arrival hours, 7:00 - 7:55 or dismissal hours, 2:20 - 2:55. Plan ahead! The earlier you arrive to school, the smoother and less congested both Richter Farm Road and the school lots will be. Be Safe! Keep your eyes open for both pedestrians and bike riders. Slow Down! Pay close attention to the posted speed limits and remember that there are thousands of students and staff for whom we want to arrive safely.
In this week's newsletter, there are a lot of important pieces of information to get us started off with a smooth week. You will find this week's bell schedule as we have homeroom for the first two (2) days of school, Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29, JagPaws on Wednesday, August 30 and a Pep Rally on Friday, September 1. Additionally, our seniors will be holding their Senior Sunrise celebration this Friday, September 1.
You will also find the updated counselor/administrator assignments, the updated administrative duties chart, a NEW face coverings policy, our continued College T-Shirt Tuesday tradition, a welcome back message from Dr. McKnight and MCPS, things to know from MCPS from Thursday, August 24, an ask from our Booster Club, information regarding Saturday School, a way to support our PTSA, information regarding important Tax Credit information, the activities and athletics events happening this week, important arrival/dismissal reminders, ParentVue information, a way for parents to get involved, information on our free store, and a way to buy class spirit gear!
Don't forget to mark you calendars for Back to School Night which is this Thursday, September 7. More details below.
Might your child qualify for a full scholarship to college? Please explore the QuestBridge Scholarship website and how to apply. The deadline for applications for seniors is Tuesday, September 26th.
For more information, please have your child attend a lunch meeting in room 264 on Wednesday, August 30th.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Northwest. We are looking forward to welcoming each and every one of our students back to school!
NEW: 2023-2024 Administrator and Counselor Assignments
NEW: 2023-2024 Administration Roles and Responsibilities
NEW: Face Coverings Policy
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.
NEW: A Welcome Back Message from Dr. McKnight and MCPS' BOE President
Dear Students, Parents, Staff and Community Members,
As President of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools, we are excited to welcome you back for the 2023-2024 school year! Our district is committed to excellence, and by working in partnership with our families, we will pave the pathway to a bright future for every student in our community.
At MCPS, our primary goal is to equip students with the necessary tools, skills and knowledge to thrive in their future college, career and community endeavors. We are excited for the opportunities this new school year presents for all students. As a system, we have identified priorities and key investments to fully support our educators, our schools and most importantly, our students. Our focus on student academic achievement and social-emotional and physical safety supports are foundational to an inspiring learning environment.
Supporting each student's educational journey is the focus of our MCPS staff, no matter their role in this great district.
One of the critical areas of focus continues to be the core academics of math and literacy teaching. We are making key investments in instructional staff, planning and professional development to ensure gains in student performance and well being.
We are also introducing the Pathway to Student Success in College, Career and Community. This pathway will help families, students and teachers identify a student’s strengths and opportunities for improvement so they can receive the support they need. The pathway will also determine critical competencies and experiences students should have to develop the foundational skills and competencies that will leave them college, career and community ready.
Additionally, we are doing key work in the areas of student attendance and social-emotional and physical safety. Students must be in school daily and in an environment where they feel emotionally and physically safe to learn. This week, we will release an Attendance Action Plan to tackle chronic absenteeism. In the coming weeks, we will share more information about a comprehensive plan for student safety.
This work demonstrates our commitment to the success and well-being of every student in MCPS. ALL TOGETHER NOW: We Are On A Pathway to a Bright Future. We value your partnership and look forward to continuing our journey toward excellence in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Karla Silvestre
Board of Education President, Montgomery County Public Schools
Dr. Monifa B. McKnight
Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: MCPS Thursday Things to Know from Thursday, August 24
Welcome to 2023-2024 School Year
We are so excited to welcome you to a new school year! On Monday, Aug. 28, close to 162,000 students will walk through our doors to begin the 2023–2024 school year. MCPS is committed to excellence, and by working in partnership with our families, we will pave the pathway to a bright future for all students in our community. Board of Education President Karla Silvestre and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monifa B. McKnight would like to welcome you with this video message.
Your Student's Bus Routes and Times
Parents and guardians can assist in a smooth school year opening by following simple guidelines and tips to ensure the safety of all students. You can access important information regarding school bus transportation including school bus routes and times (scroll to section labeled bus routes), Ride by the Rules campaign, and about riding the school bus on the MCPS website.
We are pleased to share that the Department of Transportation is fully staffed with bus operators and attendants, supplying 1,193 bus routes on 1,355 buses for our students. Eighty-six electric buses are currently in operation and MCPS is scheduled to receive more this fall.
Your Student’s Meals at School
Fifty-eight MCPS schools will operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) starting this school year. Students enrolled at these CEP schools may receive breakfast and lunch at no cost regardless of household income. A list of the participating schools can be found here.
We encourage all families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application. All meals are free for students who qualify for the program.
Visit the Division of Food and Nutrition Services web page for information on prices, updated meal menus, including new menu items representing “Taste of MCPS” student picks and vegetarian options, how to add money to your child's account and more.
Stay Up-to-Date with Holidays, Professional Days and More with the 2023–2024 School Year Calendar
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Staying Healthy, Reminders from the MCPS Chief Medical Officer
As we wrap up the summer and get ready to return to school, here are some health reminders and COVID-19 information.
New to MCPS? Sign Up For ParentVUE
Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more.
ParentVUE Quick Guides
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Get Ready for the Fall Athletic Season!
As we get ready for opening night, MCPS is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and our communities. The MCPS Athletics Safety Plan will continue to drive operations and procedures for athletic events in order to promote a safe and welcoming environment for all. Read more
This school year, MCPS announced a new partnership with Medstar Health to enhance the school system’s sports medicine program for athletics. Athletic trainers have been hired and have started working in all 25 MCPS high schools. A coordinator of health and safety, Mr. Shawn Hendi, has also been hired. Athletic trainers, now MCPS employees, will provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes and across the program.
Congratulations! Your Student-Athlete Has Made the Team…Now What – Quick guide for Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of MCPS Student-Athletes
How to Receive MCPS Emergency Information
MCPS uses color codes to indicate the six operational status options.
Visit the MCPS Operating Status and Color Codes webpage for more information on the colors and their meaning.
- MCPS Homepage
- Weather-related messages are posted in English and Spanish.
- Text and Email
- Alert MCPS provides you with emergency information about school operations. Weather-related messages are sent in English and Spanish. Sign up for Alert MCPS
- Social Media
- Twitter http://twitter.com/mcps, https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd, https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
- Instagram @mcps_md and @mcpsenespanol
- MCPS Cable Channels
- Emergency announcements are posted on the following cable channels:
- Comcast Channel 34
- Verizon Fios Channel 36
- RCN Channel 89
- Telephone Information Line: 301-279-3673
- Recorded emergency information.
- Tune in to local TV and radio stations
We Want to See Those Smiles, Share Your First Day of School Pictures!
MCPS invites parents/guardians to submit first-day-of-school pictures on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Pictures will be shared on the district’s website and social media pages beginning Monday morning. By submitting a photo, you are agreeing to publication on the MCPS website or social media channels. You may submit a photo by emailing us at pio@mcpsmd.org or tagging us on social media.
NEW: NWHS Booster Club needs 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!
NEW: Athletics and Events for the Week of Monday, August 28 - Friday, September 1
REMINDER: School Day Arrival/Dismissal Procedures/Reminders
If students are arriving by car, they must be dropped off at the lower gym lobby entrance until 7:45am. After 7:45 am, car riders must be dropped off at the upper main entrance. Students who walk to school may arrive at the main entrance or the gym lobby. All buses will drop students off at the upper main entrance. Please note that these procedures are the same for dismissal in the afternoon.
Families, please remember to adhere to the speed limit on Richter Farm Road. Additionally, please do not let students out of your vehicles on Richter Farm Road. We want everyone to arrive to school safely.
REMINDER: Back to School Night - Thursday, September 7
REMINDER: ParentVue Resources
What is ParentVue?
ParentVUE provides a way to view all school related information and data for all your students. Register for athletics, special programs, communicate with teachers and verify your student information annually. For more information, please check out the "quick guides" linked below in various languages.
ParentVUE Quick Guides for Parents
ParentVUE Support Guide (link to translated version is in the footer of every page)
REMINDER: Northwest Parent 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
REMINDER: The 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 ask your child to drop off them at The Free Store in room 264. We will also have a table at Back to School Night.
Once school starts, 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: 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