Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, October 23, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening after a beautiful weekend. As a reminder, there is no school for students tomorrow, Monday, October 24th. We are getting closer to the end of the marking period 1 on November 4th so keep working hard to finish strong!
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.
Attention Seniors! Please see some important messages and links below.
Senior portrait make-ups are November 2.
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, and baby pic ad info:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit?usp=sharing
In this week's newsletter, you will find information like this week's College and Career Center Updates, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 20, the athletics and activities calendar for the week, information about our Manna Food Pantry, an important AP exams update, information about our school's project pantry, the NW Jewelry and Trinket giveaway, a way to support the class of 2024, and a way to enter a video for the Choose Respect video contest.
There are a few important reminders including the the Maryland General Assembly Page Program, the Northwest Cluster Event at the Home Football Game on Friday, October 28, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, Montgomery County's Holiday Giving Project, opportunities for students to serve on Election Day, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, information about our school's 5K in October, 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: United Christian Fellowship (UCF) GAME CHANGER CONFERENCE Youth Mentoring - Youth Leadership: Universities at Shady Grove Conference & Event Building II. October 22 from 8 am until 12:30 pm. Pre-Registration Required @ TheGameConference.org.
REMINDER: Attention all seniors! If you are interested in government or history and you’re looking for an opportunity to learn more about the Maryland State Legislature, apply to be a Page for the Maryland General Assembly 2023 Legislative Session! This is a great opportunity to experience and learn more about the legislative process. The page program is a two-week program, which takes place during two non-consecutive weeks between January 2023 and April 2023. For more information about the program and how to apply go to: https://bit.ly/MGAPageProgram23. Applications are due by 5pm on Monday October 31st, 2022.
REMINDER: Request nomination to attend the spring Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Program! Northwest will pay your $250 fee to attend. The spring seminar will be a three-to-four-day event typically held on a college or university campus. Learn how to be an effective leader, network with state leaders - from CEOs to business owners to doctors to media experts - participate in panels and group discussions about real-world issues. To learn more and express interest, complete the HOBY Interest Form no later than November 1. One Northwest sophomore and one alternate will be selected.
College Career Calendar & Events:
NEW: Thomas Edison High School of Technology Information Session at Northwest High School. Thursday, October 27 at 11:15 in Room 100. Learn more about the amazing Edison programs and understand the timeline for application. Auto Tech * Cosmetology * Architecture * Construction * Network Operations * Cybersecurity * Health Professions * Graphic Design * Law and Leadership * Auto Collision * Restaurant * Hospitality *
NEW: Maryland State Police presents Family Friendly Fall Job Fair. October 29 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. (1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville MD 21208). For more information regarding careers with the Maryland State Police, visit mdsp.org/careers.
REMINDER: Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair. Saturday, November 5 from 9:30 am until 2:00 pm. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 608 N. Horners Lane, Rockville MD. Registration required @ mtcbc.org/hbcu. Option for on-site admissions for current high school seniors.
College Career ‘School Specific’ NEWS
NEW: Towson University invites high school students and their families to a bilingual Admissions Information Session. The application process as well as financial aid and the student experience will be discussed. The session will be delivered in Spanish followed by Q&A in both English and Spanish. October 27 at 7 PM at Collegiate Directions, Inc. (4827 Rugby Avenue, #001, Bethesda, MD). Register HERE.
REMINDER: Miami University is removing barriers for students who want to earn a Miami degree. That’s why we’re waiving our application fee for students who apply by Nov. 1.
College Career High School Visit Calendar:
The college career high school visits are currently using both a virtual format and in-person setting based on the college/career school admissions preference. Students in all grades are welcome to attend. Priority seating will be given to seniors on a space available basis. 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 MUST come to the visit location prepared with headphones and a Chromebook. BRING A CHROMEBOOK AND HEADPHONES for virtual visits!
October 24 - 28 Calendar
October 25 - Marshall University 9:00 AM
October 25 - University of South Carolina-Columbia 1:00 PM
October 26 - Virginia Commonwealth University 10:00 AM
October 26 - Allegany College of Maryland 1:00 PM
October 27 - St. John’s University-New York 8:00 AM
October 28 - Virginia Tech University 10:00 AM
October 28 - Seton Hall University 1:00 PM
Visits continue to be scheduled through November. 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
NEW: American Pool will be hiring during lunch on Wednesday, October 26. Look for their table display in the Gym Lobby area.
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: Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing period for the Class of 2023 is from October 1 - June 30. Northwest will offer opportunities during the school year to help with the FAFSA process!
- Help starts with the Class of 2023 completing the Financial Aid Planning Form. Let us know if you plan to complete the FAFSA and what help you may need. Click HERE to access the form!
- Northwest will be offering opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as Maryland State Financial Aid:
- Thursday, October 20 from 2:30 until 3:30
- and on Tuesday, December 6 from 2:30 until 3:30
- 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 Registration Form and event details.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights for New Posts & Reminders
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: CARSON SCHOLARS. FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, & JUNIORS. High school nomination required. ONE student selected from invited high schools will compete for a $1,000 scholarship. Nominees must have a minimum 3.75 GPA (4.0 scale). Nominees must display strong humanitarian qualities with community service above and beyond what is required. Selected nominee will complete the online Carson application that includes an essay and teacher recommendation. To request nomination, click here. More information about the Carson Scholars Program is available at carsonscholars.org/scholarships/. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: NOV 15 | Post 19 Oct 2022 |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: The Elks National Foundation’s “MOST VALUABLE STUDENT 2023” Competition. SENIORS. Applicants must be US citizens. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,500 per year. To apply visit https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm. Questions should be directed to Suzanne Noonan, via email to scholarships@washington-rockville-elks.com or by phone to 301.908.8706. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: NOV 14 | Post 18 Oct 2022 |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: Montgomery College MONTGOMERY SCHOLARS. SENIORS. Students selected for the Montgomery Scholars program for the fall 2023 semester will be offered two-year (four academic semesters), full-tuition (30 credit hours per year at the in-county rate*) merit scholarships. Students must complete the MC Online Credit Application no later than December 1. Program Information | Application Guidelines | Information Session October 29, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Theatre Arts Arena on the Rockville Campus. Register for the session here. DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION: JAN 8 | Post 18 Oct 2022 |
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP: COCA-COLA SCHOLARS. SENIORS. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA and meet additional requirements listed at CokeURL.com/Scholarships. School and community activities, grades, and service hours are required to list as part of the application. Initial application does not require essays, recommendations, or transcripts. Awards up to $20,000. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: OCT 31 | post 20 Sept 2022
REMINDER: 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: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 20
Here are six things to know for Thursday, Oct. 20. You will find information about sports championships, an updated bus information dashboard, a celebration of our transportation staff, a news feature about how one school tackled football team recruitment and some reminders.
Bus Transportation Dashboard Updated
Want to know if your child’s route is delayed or canceled? Visit the MCPS Transportation Updates dashboard and type in your child’s four-digit route number. The dashboard has been redesigned, information is now updated every 15 minutes. Canceling a bus route is a last resort, but when it occurs, affected families are automatically contacted by a system ConnectEd email.
If your child’s route is delayed or canceled, here is how we let you know:Impacted routes are published the day before or the morning of by 6:15 a.m.
Information published on MCPS website and ConnectEd message is sent to families
Department of Transportation continues to identify possible drivers for impacted route
Bus route information dashboard updated every 15 minutes until 9:30 a.m.
Updates for afternoon routes
Bus route information dashboard updated by 1:30 p.m.
Principals and MCPS leadership are also notified of any route disruptions.
See the Bus Route Information Dashboard.It is National School Bus Safety Week–Meet Some of The Great Staff from Our Transportation Department
MCPS transportation staff are, first and foremost, extraordinary people, who are also dedicated, professional and eager to serve students with a safe, efficient ride to school.
You can meet a few of the hard-working staff we have featured on social media as we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week.
Meet: Driver Bertha Reyes, Attendant Barbara Busby, Mechanic Jose Lopez
Want to join this great team? We have openings! Visit this site to applyAthletics Championships Season Begins for Many Sports
The fall sports season is almost over and championships are beginning.. It’s an exciting time for student-athletes and spectators. From soccer to field hockey, volleyball, cheerleading, golf and more, there is a full schedule of events for all sports lovers. Check out this abbreviated listing here.Latino Health Equity Workgroup to Host Adolescent Mental Health Panel Tonight, Oct. 20
The Latino Health Equity Workgroup is hosting a virtual conversation in Spanish to address common misconceptions and stigma related to mental health in youth and provide information on community resources. The conversation will be tonight, Oct. 20 from 6-7 p.m. Parents can register to join the Zoom webinar or watch live on Facebook on MCPS en Español, Montgomery County en Español, Latino Health Initiative or Identity.
Participants can ask questions during the live event or in the Zoom webinar.In The News:
Featured in The Washington Post: Washington Post reporter Michael Errigo tells the story of the unique approach coaches at Clarksburg High School took to tackle the loss of experienced players. Many students from the football program graduated earlier this year.
See how they did it by reading the article here.Closing Notes: Reminders
Anonymous Safe Schools Tipline
To support a safe environment, we frequently say, “If you see something, say something. The Maryland Safe Schools Tipline is an anonymous and free reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents and the general public to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233)
Learn more.Mental Health Awareness Week a Success
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association hosted free virtual events Oct. 10-15 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on issues that are important to them. Review all the great resources presented.Free Tutoring Available to All MCPS Students
FEV Tutor
More information in English and Spanish
Offers tutoring without cameras for students in grades 3-12 who learn best without a camera.
To set up tutoring: mcps@fevtutor.comTutor Me Education
More information in English and Spanish
To set up tutoring: MCPS@tutormeeducation.com or 240-618-2549
Earn SSL Hours by Supporting Emancipation Day in Maryland
Emancipation Day celebrations will take place at Button Farm Living History Center on Oct. 29, from noon–3 p.m. and at Sandy Spring Slave Museum on Nov. 5, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Students can earn Student Service Learning hours for attending.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Activities and Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, October 24 - Sunday, October 30
NEW: 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
NEW: AP Exams Update!
All AP students must register for their respective AP exams by Friday, October 28th in order to have an exam ordered for them to take in May. Registration took place in AP classes throughout October. Students should check their College Board accounts (https://myap.collegeboard.org/login) to ensure that they are registered for their exam(s). AP teachers can provide specific exam registration codes for their respective courses. Exam payment information will be provided in December. There is a $40 late order fee for any registrations after Friday, October 28th. If you have any questions about registration please contact our AP coordinator Ms. Mason (Amy_M_Mason@mcpd.org).
REMINDER: Maryland General Assembly Page Program
For students who would like more information, check out this document, which includes the Maryland General Assembly Page Program flier, the Student information sheet, and application process. There are two applications that must be completed electronically by Monday October 31st, 2022 at 5pm.
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
REMINDER: Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County
Each year the Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County provides food at Thanksgiving and food and gifts for the December holidays to low-income households. The Holiday Giving Project Coalition coordinates this seasonal program in conjunction with a variety of religious, business and nonprofit organizations. Families can be referred by School Counselors. All Northwest students will receive a paper copy of the Holiday Giving Consent Form to bring home this week in their 2nd period class. If you are interested in receiving these services, completed forms should be submitted to the Northwest Counseling Office by Friday, October 21, 2022 to meet the Thanksgiving deadline. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. Please contact your student’s School Counselor if you have any questions.
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!
REMINDER: Get Ready for the Northwest 5K on 10/29!
The Booster Club is excited for the first ever Northwest 5K on Saturday, October 29th! Runner registration is now open and we are seeking event sponsors. Please visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/5k for more information. Go Jags! 🐾
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