Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, March 5, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
Happy Sunday! We hope everyone has enjoyed this beautiful weekend and is ready for a great week ahead. A special congratulations to our two (2) state champion wrestlers, Samire Brown and Ivan Carrillo! They are pictured to the left with our amazing coaching staff.
We are also proud to announce the recent participation of computer science students in some competition events. Jack Kraeger, Brian Olajec, Corbin Aquino, and Ben Osband participated on Feb. 25th in the UMD Java Programming Competition, placing 4th among 8 Montgomery Co Schools at the event, and 12th out of the 31 teams total at the competition. This is the highest ranking of a Northwest team in the history of this event. Jack Kraeger, Corbin Aquino, and Tyler Singleton participated on March 4th with the Lockheed Martin CyberQuest competition, finishing 7th out of 30 teams competing at the event. Congratulations to our teams and their achievements at these recent computer science events.
On Monday, March 6, we will have an assembly with speaker, Tony Hoffman, for all 9th grade students during periods 6 and 7. Tony Hoffman has a passion for helping individuals better understand the connection between mental health and substance use. For the past 13 years, Tony has devoted his life to removing stigmas associated with mental health & addiction by sharing his expertise at professional venues and schools across the United States. We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity for our students.
Students who are interested in getting their learners permit, you will have the opportunity to take the Learners Permit test at Northwest on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 7 and Tuesday, April 18. The test will begin promptly at 2:30 in room 100. You should stop by the main office to pick up a permission slip.
NW is looking for children (age 4) to join the junior jags program! It runs 4 days a week for about 3 hours a day! It is a great opportunity for children to learn social skills in an environment with high school role models. To find out more information, please review the Junior Jags section on the Northwest Website. It can be found here: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/northwesths/academics/childdevelopment/
In this week's newsletter, there are several new items including an update from our College and Career Center, the upcoming Class of 2024 Parent Night, our upcoming Pi Day celebration, five (5) things to know from MCPS for Thursday, March 2, the Mulch giveaway in partnership with our PTSA and Potomac Garden Center, a PTSA fundraiser at Tortacos this week, and a way to donate to the After Prom Party on April 28-29.
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including an opportunity to take our new AP African American Studies, a sponsorship with K&G for prom attire, a PTSA fundraiser for After Prom, free store and key club book giveaway, the 2023 Choose Respect Campaign, Prom Dress giveaway, a free store update, FREE SAT tutoring, upcoming SAT School Day information, 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 ahead!
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
NEW RESOURCE: Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter. This information is being provided by GoingMerry.com. No sign up is required to view the information. Free sign up may be encouraged to click on links for additional information.
NEW! The American Music and Dramatic Academy (NY & LA) AMDA College of the Performing Arts is hosting auditions for scholarships in Baltimore on March 11. Renaissance Baltimore Harbor Place Hotel, 202 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
NEW! The Princeton Review presents Cracking the Test Week. March 12 - 16. Click on the event to register. FREE.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
8PM ET
Monday, March 13, 2023
8PM ET
Monday, March 13, 2023
10PM ET
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
8PM ET
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
10PM ET
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
8PM ET
Thursday, March 16, 2023
8PM ET
NEW! RESOURCES for Undocumented Students.
REMINDER: Northwest High School NACAC/MCPS College Fair Field Trip Announced for the Class of 2024!
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Time: 9:45 am until 11:30 am
Destination: Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse (formerly Discovery Sports)
JUNIORS: Download the Northwest High School College Fair Registration & Field Trip Permission Packet. Return the permission forms to the College Career Information Center, Room 126 before March 30. Please note there are two pages to the permission form. There is no cost to attend. The fair’s daytime event is for MCPS high school students only. Students must attend with their school and on the school buses provided. Students may not drive to this event.
NEW! FREE College Fair Workshops on April 18 from 6:30 pm until 8 pm. College 101 – Simple Steps to Get You Started AND How to Finance College. Register @ https://forms.gle/P6VqCWEiHUH4oarG9. The fair is open to the public on April 18 from 6:30 pm until 8 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
REMINDER: Smokey Glen Farm New Employee Application Days. Saturday, March 11 between the hours of 10:00 am and 11:30 am OR 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Interviewing will also be held on Monday, March 13 between the hours of 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm and Thursday, March 16 between the hours of 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Interviews will be conducted rain or shine.
College Career High School Visits are BACK:
Visits will be held in the College Career Information Center (Room 126) unless otherwise noted. Naviance registration is required. If the visit is virtual, students should plan to come to Room 126 with headphones and a Chromebook.
March 13: SUNY Binghamton University (in person) - 9:00 AM
March 13: Allegany College of MD (virtual visit URL is: https://zoom.us/j/92697347636)
10:00 AM
March 14: University of East London (in person) - 8:00 AM
March 16: Rutgers University (in person) -9:00 AM
March 29: Johnson & Wales University (in person) - 10:00 AM
April 12: Towson University (in person) - 10:00 AM
April 13: Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (in person) - 8:00 AM
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
Federal Deadlines
2023–24 Academic Year (entering freshmen fall 2023)
The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2024. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2024.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights & Reminders:
For a complete list of available scholarships, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web.
JAGS Financial Aid & Scholarship Organizer - Organize all your financial aid and scholarship pursuits in one Google sheet. Make a copy of the sheet and Make it Yours!
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Alpha Wives Club of Montgomery County, Inc., Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter. SENIORS. One-time $3,500 award. Applicants must attend a high school in Montgomery County, MD and be a US Citizen. Minimum 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale). Applicants must plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Applicants must provide evidence of Student Service Learning (SSL hours). Applicants should be prepared to list participation in school activities. Official transcript and two letters of recommendation required along with a professional resume. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 15
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Masonic Charities of Maryland. SENIORS. Finalists receive a $500 scholarship with the opportunity to compete at the regional level for $1,500 + additional awards of up to $7,000. Original signatures required along with a handwritten personal statement and recommendation. Following the instructions on the application, final submissions will be sent by email to the Pentalpha Lodge #194 Secretary, Mr. James Kinnear at jkinn61@yahoo.com. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 31
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: Blacks In Government Department of Labor Chapter 2023 Scholarship Program. SENIORS. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA. One recommendation required. 350 to 500 word essay required. Official transcript required. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 15 | Post 7 Feb 2023 |
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: The Horatio Alger Scholarship. JUNIORS with plans to enter a college in the US no later than the fall after graduation. Applicants must meet critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income requirement). Applicants must be involved in co-curricular and community services activities and display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Minimum 2.0 GPA required. Applicants must be a US citizen. Applications are online @ scholars.horatioalger.org. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 15 | Post 6 Dec 2022 |
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: Women’s Board Scholarship Program at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. SENIORS. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must plan to pursue a degree in the healthcare field (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees). DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 15 | Post 4 Jan 2023 |
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: The Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter (MCAC-MD) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST). SENIORS (both male and female). Three scholarship programs are available with varying criteria. Minimum GPA 2.0. Awards available for two- and four- year college bound students and career/vocational/technical schools. Questions should be directed to scholarship@mcacdst.org. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 17 | Post 3 Jan 2023 |
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: The Patuxent River (MD) Chapter (PRC) of The Links, Incorporated Universal Scholarship. SENIORS living in Montgomery County, MD. Several scholarship opportunities with varying criteria and awards.
- The Delegate Pamela Queen Scholarship for Community Service, MD District 14 & high school specific
- The PRC G.E.M.S. Scholarship,
- The PRC Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Merit Scholarship, and
- The Delegate Lesley Lopez Community Service Scholarship. MD District 39
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION and supporting documents: MARCH 19 | Post 23 Jan 2023 |
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: 2023 NAACP SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS. $1,000. GPA 3.0+. Applicants must participate in extracurricular activities. Applicants must participate in faith-based, religious-based, or volunteer activities (if this is not possible due to paid employment, provide an explanation). Application includes official application form, unofficial transcript and two school references. 300-word essay required. Click HERE for application. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 24
NEW: Class of 2024 Junior Parent Night
Attention Class of 2024 students and families! Please mark your calendar for a college planning presentation hosted by the Northwest Counseling Department on Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 pm in the Northwest High School Auditorium. Northwest counselors will review the key components of college applications, discuss timelines, and provide resources to help students and families who are beginning the college search process.
NEW: Five (5) Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, March 2
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Peg Keiller, girls’ soccer coach at Quince Orchard High School, has been named the 2022 All Metropolitan Girls High School Coach of the Year by the Pigskin Club of Washington, Inc.
Last month, 51 student leaders from the Montgomery County Regional Student Government and the Montgomery County Junior Council, the countywide high school and middle school student government associations, traveled to Annapolis to meet with legislators that represent Montgomery County. The students advocated for bills and shared how those bills could impact them and their peers.
Karl Heimbach, former athletic director at Col. Zadok Magruder High School, will be inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Class of 2023 Hall of Fame at its convention in Orlando, Fl., later this month..
1. Prekindergarten/Head Start Registration Now Open
Registration is open for Prekindergarten and Head Start for the 2023-2024 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023, and families must be income-eligible to apply. Families can register their children online or in person. For families who want to register in person, weekday and weekend locations are open through March 31. Registration is also still open for the current 2022-2023 school year.
For more information about eligibility guidelines, required documents and how to register online, call 240-740-4530 or visit the MCPS website.
When and Where to Register, 2023-2024
2. Free SAT Prep for High School Students Available
MCPS is pleased to partner with FEV Tutor to provide students high-quality virtual tutoring sessions personalized for their needs. High school students can sign up for a free six-week course between now and May. Registration will close on Friday, March 10. Contact FEV Tutor at mcps@fevtutor.com or 855-763-2607 with questions.
Sessions are available:
3. Summer Rise 2023 Student Registration Ends March 7
Students are encouraged to sign up today to be part of Summer RISE 2023. Summer RISE provides hands-on, career-based learning experiences to rising juniors and seniors and helps employers cultivate a talent pipeline. The program runs for five weeks, from June 26–July 28. Student registration is available here. Registration is also open for Montgomery County businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to participate as hosts for the program. Host registration closes on Friday, April 14.
4. Supply Services Coordinator Wins Supporting Services Employee of the Year
Kimani Gray has been named this year’s Supporting Services Employee of the Year, an annual award given by SEIU Local 500. Gray is the supply services coordinator for the Supply and Property Management Unit, which isn’t always an easy job. Even though it regularly pulls him in multiple directions, he always remains calm and focused. Colleagues call him the “behind-the-scenes glue” that keeps schools and offices running.
Read more about why he was chosen in this week’s staff Bulletin.
5. Spotlighting Great Students and Staff
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: NW & Potomac Garden Center Mulch Sale: 3.1 - 3.31
Order bulk or bagged MULCH from Potomac Garden Center during the month of March. MUST mention NW to cashier at register or type NW Fundraiser in optional note during checkout. 15% of all mulch sales where NW is mentioned will be donated back to the Booster Club! Order here: https://potomacgardencenter.com/product-category/mulch/. Thanks!
NEW: Northwest After Prom Party: 4.28-4.29
Northwest will once again host an all-night after prom party on 4.28.23 to keep our kids safe, off the roads, and away from negative forms of entertainment on prom night! This incredible event includes food, games, DJ, entertainment, activities, tons of prizes and giveaways, and more!
We need to raise a significant amount of money and are in need of many volunteers to make this event successful!
It’s important for ALL grade levels to contribute in some way as these juniors and seniors are your children’s classmates, teammates, neighbors, and friends. Any amount appreciated. Suggested donation is $23 for 'the 23 After Prom Party.
Click here to donate: https://nwhsafterprom.com/donate/
Click here to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044ba4af2da75-2023#/
Thank you for your support!
REMINDER: AP African American Studies!
Next year, Northwest will pilot the new AP African American Studies course. We are one of only three MCPS schools that will offer the course. If your student would like to attend a brief information session about the course, or sign up to take the course please complete this google form. Any questions can be directed to our Social Studies Resource Teacher, Mr. Gordon (Jonathon_m_Gordon@mcpsmd.org), or our AP Coordinator, Ms. Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org).
REMINDER: Choose Respect Montgomery 2023
Montgomery County Public Schools participates in the annual Choose Respect program in collaboration with community partners to teach students how to have and maintain healthy relationships and access resources if they or someone they know is in an abusive relationship. Students are encouraged to enter a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Contest and attend a community event, RespectFest, on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The PSA video contest challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of dating violence/abuse among teens. The contest is open to all 6th - 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Students can earn 10 SSL hours for video submission. A judging panel will review all submissions, with cash prizes going to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and Honorable Mention prizes going to 4th and 5th place. Submissions are due by March 13, 2023. For more information about the Choose Respect Montgomery program, visit the MPCS Choose Respect webpage.
REMINDER: Prom Dress Giveaway!
Save the date & help us spread the word…just one month from today, on MARCH 11th from 12-4pm, Clarksburg Closet & Cedarbrook Community Church are proud to bring back our PROM DRESS GIVEAWAY EVENT at Cedarbrook (23700 Stringtown Road, Clarksburg, MD)!! Everyone is welcome & each girl can pick one FREE formal dress to take home. Last year was a huge success & we’re thrilled to host this once again this year!
Please help us make our event a success by donating formal dresses, shoes, handbags & other accessories. Drop donations to Susan Strawser in the Attendance office at Northwest. 👗👠👛
REMINDER: Free Store Update!
Thank you Northwest Community for all of your donations to the Free Store! We average several visitors a day, and as the new semester begins, students are looking for replacement school supplies for those that have worn out. As always, we accept all gently used school supplies, such as paper and binders, but right now we are in particular need of pencils, test prep books, and backpacks--especially backpacks. Cute trinkets are always welcome to make shopping at the Free Store an especially fun experience. Please drop off donations in the front office or have your child bring them to room 264. Thank you!
REMINDER: SAT School Day is Coming!
Attention all grade 11 students and students in the class of 2024!
The SAT School Day, without essay, will be offered in all Montgomery County Public Schools high schools on March 22, 2023. Students opting to take the SAT during the school day will automatically be registered. Students taking the SAT during the school day must adhere to the same testing protocols that take place on national testing dates, including approval of individualized accommodations. We will share more information in the next weeks and prior to SAT School Day. If you have any questions, please email Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.out
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