Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, January 30, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
This past week, our community was reeling from the tragic news of the passing of two of our own. I want to commend our students and staff for their resiliency as well as our counseling staff for their continued supports. Given the news, we had social workers, psychologists, additional counselors and other MCPS supports on hand. This week, we will continue to support with any social and emotional needs we encounter. Should students need to speak with their counselor, they are available. For ways you can help each family, GoFundMe pages have been created. They are linked below.
For the Jones' family, the page is linked here.
For the Nichols' family, the page is linked here.
The new marking period is underway and students have been running through their new schedules, meeting new teachers and being acquainted with new peers. It is truly an amazing sight to see. This week is one day shorter as there is no school for students on Tuesday, February 1. It is a professional day for staff.
Please continue use this FORM to report positive COVID-19 cases in students or staff. Any individual who tests positive MUST isolate for 10 days (regardless of vaccination status or symptoms). Please view the isolation and quarantine calculator to determine return to school date.
In this week's newsletter, you can find this week's college and career information, the HBCU college fair, an important update from MCPS which came out on Thursday, January 27, important updates regarding Athletics and extracurricular activities and this week's athletics/activities calendar.
There are also some important reminders including public transit supports for on-going MCPS bus disruptions, common sense media program, AP exam information, academic advisement information, the Choose Respect PSA video contest, obtaining second semester parking spots for students, this month's message from the Student Member of the Board, a way to say thank you to staff, how to report bullying/harassment and a few other items.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Information
College Career Information Center e-NEWS Bulletin
Week Ending: January 28, 2022
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
e-NEWS Bulletin Highlights:
REMINDER: HBCU Seminars continue. Link for registration is 'LIVE'
REMINDER: HBCU College Fair registration link 'LIVE'
REMINDER: HBCU College Fair on-the-spot admissions opportunities. For an updated list of colleges, see Google Form link in e-News Bulletin content.
REMINDER: Mid-Year Transcript process. Google form 'LIVE'
REMINDER: Grades 10-12: The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is coming to Northwest. February 16, 2022
REMINDER: Maryland Boys State is accepting applications from high school males in the Class of 2023
NEW Scholarship Posts:
OVER 20 new scholarships have arrived for Northwest High School students. They are published in the current edition of the Jag Scholarship 'Apply Now' Bulletin. The Bulletin is available to download from the College Career web page HERE. Look under Northwest Scholarship Resources.
e-NEWS Bulletin Content:
Transcript Processing Updates FROM OUR REGISTRAR’S DEPARTMENT:
The Registrar's Office & Transcript Requests:
- Authorization to Release Records Form must be completed and on file in the Counseling Office before any records (including transcripts) can be released.
- Transcript Requests Form for the 2021 College Application Cycle.
- REMINDER: Mid-Year Transcript Requests: Mid-year transcripts will be available to be sent from our registrar's office around the middle of February. Do not use this form for INITIAL transcript requests.
- Scholarship Transcript Request Form
NACAC Virtual College Fairs CONTINUE! Click HERE for more info!
Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair Seminar Series:
- HBCU Overview on Saturday, January 29, 2022. 10:00 am to 12 noon.
- HBCU Homecoming Edition. Tuesday, February 15, 2022. 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- To Be A Scholar-Athlete: The NCAA & You. Thursday, February 17. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Register HERE for the HBCU Seminar events.
A link to the Saturday, January 22 United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarship presentation can be found on the college career web site.
Thank you for helping the committee and MCPS make this an event that will benefit YOU! | Information updated 19 January 2022
Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair:
Friday, February 18, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Parents and students from all grades are welcome to attend.
Register HERE for the college fair only
(not including on-the-spot admission events)
Thank you for helping the committee and MCPS make this an event that will benefit YOU! | Information updated 19 January 2022 |
Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU On-the-Spot Admissions Interviews:
On-the-Spot Admissions Interviews offered to seniors.
The virtual on the spot admissions interviews for seniors will take place Monday, February 14 through Thursday, February 17. If you are in the school building you will come to the College Career Information Center at an appointed time for your interview.
Click HERE to download the On-the-Spot Admission Interviews PDF with links to important and required resources.
Northwest students interested in participating in the virtual college fair and/or the virtual on-the-spot admission interviews are asked to:
- Complete the HBCU College Fair Northwest Student Participation Google Form no later than February 4. The Google form lists the participating colleges and the specific requirements needed to be completed to participate in the on-the-spot admission interviews.
- In addition, students should complete the Naviance Survey to indicate interest in the on-the-spot admissions interviews. Click HERE to learn how to complete the Naviance Survey.
- Once a student has completed the Northwest Google Form and the Naviance Survey can view the Interview Schedule HERE.
Seniors who plan to interview must have completed their online college application (on the college platform) and submitted all supporting documents no later than February 4.
Thank you for helping the committee and MCPS make this an event that will benefit YOU! | Information updated 24 January 2022 |
NEW for Juniors: Electrical School-to-Apprenticeship Program. Earn while you learn by starting the Apprenticeship Maryland Program in high school. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the IEC Chesapeake partnership! Program application is junior year for senior year participation. Click HERE to download the program flyer. For information on the Apprenticeship Maryland Program, visit the Apprenticeship Maryland Program slide show and/or join us for an Information Session.
IEC Electrical School-to-Apprenticeship Information Sessions
- Wednesday February 23, 2022 from 6-7pm (VIRTUAL)
- Thursday March 10th, 2022 from 6-7:30pm (IN PERSON @ IEC Chesapeake Apprenticeship Training Facility, 8751 Freestate Dr, Laurel, MD 20723)
Register to attend a virtual and/or in-person Information Session by visiting the MCPS Apprenticeship Maryland Program website.
REMINDER for Juniors: Maryland Boys State is reaching out to high school juniors interested in Leadership, Government, Politics???
Eligibility:
- Male 2021-2022 High School Juniors with at least 1 semester remaining in Senior Year (Females apply for Girls State at https://www.facebook.com/ALAMDGS/)
- Not participated or planning to participate in any other Boys State Program
Maryland Boys State will be held June 19-25, 2022 at McDaniel College. Tuition is free to the student and family. A local American Legion Post will sponsor the student application. Apply by May 1, 2022. For additional information or help finding a sponsor call 410.752.1405 or email boysstate@mdlegion.org.
REMINDER: ASVAB testing for career exploration is coming to Northwest! Wednesday, February 16 @ 7:45 am. Parent/Guardian permission is required. Submission of the ASVAB Career Exploration Parent Permission form will act as parent signature. Submit the permission form by February 1.
ASVAB participants are not under any obligation to the Military as a result of taking the ASVAB. But a senior can use their scores from the ASVAB to enlist in the Military after graduation. The scores are good for two years. Many students take the ASVAB for career exploration and have no interest in military occupations.
To prepare for the ASVAB visit ASVAB Career Exploration Program at https://www.asvabprogram.com/student.
Job opportunities posted in the latest Jag JOBS Bulletin.
SUMMER YOUTH TEACHING ASSISTANT at the SMITHSONIAN Summer Camp. Held on the National Mall. Applicants must be 15 to 18 years of age. Position commitment is from June 21 until August 19. The deadline for applications is March 7.
Visit https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/adventures/yta/ to apply.
THE YMCA: CAREERS WITH A CAUSE. Frederick County. Before and After School Directors. Child Care Teachers. Child Care Aides. Apply by emailing your resume to humanresources@frederickymca.org.
SENECA CREEK STATE PARK & PATUXENT RIVER STATE PARK Now Accepting Applications for Seasonal Positions: www.jobapscloud.com/MD/ (search for Seneca). Positions available until filled. Park Ranger | Maintenance Technician | Park Naturalist | Boat Center Positions | Contact Station Attendant | Call 301.924.2127 or email senecacreek.statepark@maryland.gov with questions.
Scholarship Transcript Request Form on the web! Counseling & College Career Financial Aid & Scholarships pages. Requests by electronic submission @ https://forms.gle/dNp4SSPQvFN83mHE6
SCHOLARSHIP NEWS & ALERTS:
New opportunities will be posted HERE on a weekly basis! Remember to download the ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin for scholarship details. Below is just a snapshot of the opportunities available.
- UPDATE for seniors: Montgomery College Macklin Business Institute Scholar Program deadline EXTENDED to February 7. Application to MC required.
- New for ALL Grades: We the Students Essay Contest sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute. Apply by April 15.
- New for ALL Grades: American College Foundation (ACF) Visionary Scholarship. Apply by May 1.
- New for seniors: Future Leaders Scholarship. $1,000. Apply by May 1.
- New for seniors: Men’s College Scholarship. Apply by April 1.
- New for seniors: Zaching Against Cancer Foundation Spirit Award Scholarship. Apply by April 1.
- New for Black or African American seniors: Look Back Give Back Foundation Scholarship. Minimum 2.0 GPA. Apply by March 31.
- New for seniors: Wiser-DC Scholarship. Applicants must have a documented learning and/or accessibility need and demonstrated leadership. Apply by April 1.
- New for seniors: Student-View Scholarship Program. 15 minute survey. Random drawing. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. Type www.student-view.com directly into the browser. Apply by April 23.
- New for seniors: Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) DC Area Scholarship. 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale required. $1,000 award. Apply by April 9.
- New for female seniors: Lavinia Engle Scholarship. $1,000. Applicants must plan to attend a Maryland college or university. Visit the college career - Financial Aid & Scholarships page to download the application. Apply by April 15.
- + 10 additional NEW scholarship opportunities have been published in the Jag Scholarship ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin. Download the Bulletin HERE.
Financial Aid REMINDERS for the Class of 2022:
Resource REMINDER: Montgomery College Raptor Scholarship Series beginning February 16.
Resource REMINDER:
- How to Create the FSA ID for FAFSA (YouTube video)
- Line by Line FAFSA Completion Instruction Video
Resource REMINDER: Financial Aid Channel on YouTube. Supported by Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov).
Resource REMINDER: Northwest fall 2021 Financial Aid webinar. Click here.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing period for the incoming freshmen class Fall 2022 opened October 1! The deadline to file for the state of Maryland is March 1. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) @ studentaid.gov
MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application) is available to students who are graduating Maryland high school seniors and are ineligible to receive federal aid using the FAFSA. MSFAA application is through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) MDCAPS (Maryland College Aid Processing System) platform. MHEC is a resource for state financial aid. The MSFAA filing deadline is March 1.
Montgomery College FAFSA & MSFAA Days. Help with completing the FAFSA and MSFAA will be available by remote access. Registration is now open.
THE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE CAREER VISIT SCHEDULE: Currently our school buildings are open to current students and staff only. Virtual and in-person visits currently on the schedule are published on our Google Event Calendar.
NEW: MCPS Community Message from Thursday, January 27
Dear MCPS Community,
Here are ten things you need to know for Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. They include next steps following the gun violence at Magruder High School, information about KN-95 masks, a list of schools entering 10-day virtual learning, the expansion of in-school PCR testing, information about the 2022-2023 school calendar and more.
Safety and security remain our top priority.
On Friday, Jan. 21, there was an incident of gun violence at Magruder High School. We are grateful for the support of the Montgomery County Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue for their quick response and commitment to keep our communities safe.In the months ahead, MCPS leadership will collaborate with school-based staff, students, parents, county officials, community partners, and others to:
- conduct a comprehensive review of all school safety and security practices;
- address ongoing concerns regarding police presence on school campuses;
- provide social-emotional support for students and staff;
- review the staffing of school-based security personnel and emergency response procedures and training;
- implement updated safety and security training for staff;
- and communicate clearly about our ongoing efforts.
MCPS is grateful for the community wide support of students, staff, community members and many key stakeholders who have provided time, talent and critical supports following the incident at Magruder High School.
Four MCPS schools will enter virtual learning beginning Jan. 29.
After a review of multiple key factors and input from a multi-stakeholder group, four schools, as well as the autism program at Westover Elementary School, will move to virtual learning for 10 calendar days. In the interest of the overall school community’s health and safety, these schools will participate in a period of virtual learning from Jan. 31 through Feb. 9. They will return to in-person learning on Thursday, Feb. 10.The schools are:
- Harmony Hills ES
- Loiederman MS
- Pine Crest ES
- Wheaton Woods ES
MCPS is planning for the possibility of virtual learning on days when schools are closed due to inclement weather.
It is important that students experience as little learning disruption as possible, so we are asking for your input to inform our initial planning. Please complete this survey and share your thoughts. We will share more on this in the coming days.Survey: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
All staff and students will continue to be offered KN95 masks.
KN95 masks for younger children began to arrive at elementary schools this week. MCPS will continue to procure and distribute these masks for the remainder of the school year. We strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities, where masks are required.Masks distributed by MCPS meet KN95 standards for face coverings and are considered acceptable for this use. The masks being distributed by MCPS are constructed well with multiple layers of material, designed for good fit and comfort, and do not present safety/health hazards.
In-school PCR testing will expand.
One critical mitigation tactic to fight COVID-19 is in-school random PCR testing. MCPS is beginning to use an additional testing vendor. Starting next week, 20/20 Gene Systems will begin testing in at least six of our schools, with plans for further expansion. Because this is a different vendor, parents will need to give consent separately from the permission that was already obtained for our initial vendor, CIAN. Schools using this new vendor will share information about how to consent for testing.Please continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. Any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test, or 10 days from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earlier.
On a case-by-case basis, we will be expanding the availability of quarantine instruction to students who are not in quarantine but have concerns about attending school due to COVID-19.
Families interested in this option should contact their child’s school, and the absences will be excused. This option has been extended through Friday, February 11.Spectators will be welcomed back for extracurricular activities in MCPS facilities at 25 percent capacity.
Effective Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, spectators will be welcomed back to MCPS facilities, at 25 percent capacity, for athletic events and other extracurricular activities. All spectators must continue to wear masks at all times.The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved school calendars for the 2022-2023 school year.
For the traditional year calendar, the first day of school will be Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, and the last day of school will be Friday, June 16, 2023. The Traditional School Year Calendar has 182 instructional days.For the innovative schools calendar, which Arcola and Roscoe R. Nix elementary schools follow, the first day of school will be Wednesday, July 6, 2022, and the last day of school will be Friday June 16, 2023. The Innovative School Year Calendar has 210 instructional days.
The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to a student discipline policy until Feb. 7.
The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Board Policy JGA, Student Discipline, to provide a philosophy of behavior intervention that is rehabilitative, restorative, educational, and implemented fairly and equitably with clear, appropriate, and consistent expectations and consequences to address student behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct in MCPS.All bus routes have been able to run so far this week.
This week the MCPS Transportation Department has had no unstaffed bus routes. Staff in the MCPS Department of Transportation are continuing to recruit, hire and train bus drivers. Staffing challenges due to COVID-19 are generally on the decline throughout the district.
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Extracurricular Activities Update!
Welcome Back Spectators at 25% Capacity
Beginning Saturday, January 29, 2022, spectators at Fine Arts and extracurricular activities in MCPS facilities will be limited to 25% of venue capacity.
While capacity restrictions are in place, please note the following:
Some events may require ticketing dependent on the activity and the facility capacity to ensure compliance.
For non-MCPS facilities, operations will comply with the procedures and protocols of the host facility and/or jurisdiction.
There are no limitations for outdoor events or competitions.
Fine Arts Performing Ensembles - School-based performing ensembles may continue to rehearse and perform during and outside the instructional day following established mitigation practices. Audiences for performances are limited to 25% of the venue capacity.
Countywide ensembles (Honors groups, all-county, etc.) will continue to rehearse while following established mitigation practices. Any performances are limited to 25% of the venue capacity.
Co-curricular Field Trips -
Local (within 100 miles of CESC) field trips during instructional time may continue.
Co-curricular field trips beyond the instructional day, that do not require OSSI approval, may be approved by the principal on a case-by-case basis.
Overnight Field Trips - All overnight travel is cancelled through February 17, 2022. Updates will be provided when confirmed.
NEW: Athletics/Events Schedule for January 31 - February 6
REMINDER: Public Transit Supports for On-going MCPS Bus Disruptions
If your school bus route is cancelled due to MCPS bus driver shortages, please remember that many MCPS schools are accessible by public transit, especially by Ride On or Metrobus. To identify a bus route that may substitute for your school bus route, there are many tools available to you.
Google Maps includes transit route and schedule information. Use Google maps as you normally would but select "By Public Transit" to use public transportation for your trip. You can also select a future date and time by clicking the "Show options" button. Metro service is also available on Google Maps so your trip planning request will show connecting Metrobus or Metrorail service.
Get the Google Maps app for your phone or tablet.
Ride On's System Map shows Ride On service, and other Montgomery County transportation including Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC commuter rail, and MTA commuter bus service.
View/download System Map (PDF) | Get printed System Map
Metro's Trip Planner provides information on service for the entire Washington metropolitan area including Maryland, DC and Virginia.
Currently Ride On is free for all riders through at least July 2, 2022. When fares return, remember that kids ride free.
Metrobus routes in Montgomery County (C2, C4, C8, F4, J1, J2, K6, L8, Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5, Q6, T2, Y2, Y7, Y8, Z2, Z6, Z7, Z8, and Z11) are also free for children from ages 5-18. You may use your student ID or the YouthCruiser SmartTrip card (available at most middle and high schools) to board.
REMINDER: Common Sense Media Program
Now in 2022, realistic expectations and understanding of the impact of technology use is important for all families. Our students are tech savvy but still need direction and practice making positive choices with technology and social media. Whether they are 8 years old or 18 years old, finding a way to connect and check-in on a regular basis about technology use, screen time, actions online, and overall social media access and use is important.
Common Sense Media has several tools available to support families and students on having conversations. This is a link to the Family Media Agreement: https://www.commonsense.org/education/sites/default/files/tlr-asset/document-common-sense-family-media-agreement.pdf Please take a moment to review and adjust to your families’ needs. Students will receive a variety of lessons on these topics through the school year in 9th and 10th grade. If you have any questions or would like more resources, please reach out to our media specialist at Northwest High School, Ms. Autumn Myers.
In addition to a Family Media Agreement, here are links to some tip sheets in English and Spanish to support families in having important, ongoing conversations about digital citizenship. Links below.
News and Media Literacy Spanish
NEW: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Student AP exam payments must be paid in full by March 25th. Each exam is $96. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify. For information about online payment, and fee reductions, please click on the AP Exam Payment quick link on the Northwest website. Payments can also be made in person at the business office. If you have any questions, please contact one of the Northwest AP Coordinators; Amy Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org) or Autumn Myers (autumn_k_myers@mcpsmd.org).
REMINDER: Choose Respect PSA Video Contest
MCPS is currently hosting the annual Choose Respect Montgomery 2022 PSA video contest. The contest is an opportunity for students to share their ideas by creating a 60-second video about dating violence. The top five videos will be awarded with prizes and be voted on by middle and high school students for a Fan Favorite Award and viewed on the Montgomery County Public Schools and Choose Respect Montgomery webpage (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/chooserespect/). The deadline to submit videos on the Chose Respect Webpage is February 28.
REMINDER: Second Semester Student Parking
As a reminder, beginning Tuesday, January 25th, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2021-2022 Full Year or Semester 2 parking permit and must be parked in their assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Students who purchased a first semester parking permit, plan to drive the remainder of the school year and have not yet purchased a second semester permit, should go to the business office, Room 322, before school, during lunch, or after school. A new application is not necessary. Any student who currently has a first semester parking permit and does not purchase a second semester permit by the due date will forfeit their spot effective Tuesday, January 25th. Students who do not currently hold a parking permit but would like one for the second semester may apply by filling out an application also located in the business office. As a reminder, students must be cleared of all obligations and have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be eligible for a student parking permit.
REMINDER: January Message from Student Member of the Board
Happy New Year! My name is Hana O'Looney, the current Student Member of the MCPS Board of Education emailing again this month to share my monthly message. Please see below and linked.
Google Drive (Only Accessible Through MCPS Accounts): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NEwFtYTbcW0XrBClSUMvYDHsAoKvWTJI/view?usp=sharing
YouTube: https://youtu.be/MoK-RdzU7Kc
REMINDER: Thank a Staff Member!
Please take a moment to send a note and let the staff at Northwest know how much you appreciate them. You can complete this google form to say Thanks Snow Much! The form can be completed as many times as you would like. The staff member will receive an email with your note of appreciation.
REMINDER: Parents, we need YOU!
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.
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: Edward_Pegues@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 $4: 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 $4) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2025 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2024 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2023 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2022 (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