Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, February 4, 2024
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone is doing well after what was a beautiful weekend! According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring will be here six (6) weeks early but we will see. It is the start of Black History Month when we celebrate and elevate Black culture, history, and excellence. Be on the lookout for specifics for which we will commemorate the month here at Northwest.
A special congratulations to our Pompons team and our Girls Swim team for both winning their respective division county championships! We are so #JagProud for their performances.
This week, we start Counselor Appreciation Week! We will celebrate each of them, every day because as we know, they do SO much for each and every one of our students. Drop a quick email, hand-written note, or just simply stop by to say THANK YOU!
Attention Parents! Booster Club needs your help with concessions for our athletic events. Please sign up using this link.
NWHS in partnership with the MD Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will be administering the Maryland Learners Permit Test at Northwest HS on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 2:30 pm. Any student interested in taking the test must be at least 15 years & 9 month of age or older. Students can pick up the permission slip in the main office starting Monday, February 5 and it must be returned to the main office by Friday, February 9, by 2:30 pm.
A reminder that our TENTATIVE Graduation date is Thursday, June 6 at 9:00 am at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Mark your calendars.
The application for the Middle College (MC2) Program, Class of 2028 at Northwest High School is now open! Interested incoming 8th graders and current NWHS 9th and 10th graders who live in the Northwest HS cluster are eligible to apply. The application can be found on the Northwest HS website, under quick links menu option for Middle College. The deadline to apply is Feb 16, 2024 at 11:59 pm. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Lisa Shapiro at Lisa_M_Shapiro@mcpsmd.org.
Yearbook Pictures are available for purchase. Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc use your student ID when prompted for the online code. For questions regarding school pictures, please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
The application for the Ulysses Signature Program Class of 2028 at Northwest is now open! Interested 8th graders who live in the Northwest cluster are eligible to apply. The application can be found on the Northwest website, under the Quick Links menu option for “Ulysses Signature Program.” You can also find the application linked here along with more information about the program. The deadline for submitting applications is February 16th, 2024. If you have any questions about the application process or the Ulysses Program, please contact Mr. David Parks david_p_parks@mcpsmd.org.
Hall Sweeps are continuing and if a student is caught in a hall sweep more than once, they will be assigned an after-school detention. Prioritize regular, prompt attendance to all classes.
Interested in donating to our community? Click this link to support any of our families in need.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as how to celebrate counselors this week for National School Counselor Week, this week's College and Career Center updates, a flyer about the upcoming HBCU college fair, the SGA town hall this Wednesday, February 7, free store updates, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, February 1, information about the MOCO Black History Month Knowledge Bowl, this week's activities and athletics events for the week, a way to support our SGA through a fundraiser, and a way to support our PTSA at Chipotle this week.
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Amharic]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Chinese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [French]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Korean]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Portuguese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Spanish]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Vietnamese],
There are some important reminders including information regarding a chance to nominate a student for SMOB, the bullying prevention forum at Kingsview MS on February 10, the MSP Intra-county Retreat in March, the advertisement for the spring musical, Mean Girls, MCPS' Girls Summit in March, a chance for tutoring/mentoring for free, second semester parking, our tentative graduation date for the Class of 2024, information regarding the MCPS financial aid workshops, a call from our Booster Club for Winter Sports Concessions help, school cash online, Yearbook sales information, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, a call for parents to join our parent councils, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and ways to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: National School Counselor Appreciation Week!
Thank you for supporting National School Counseling Week 2024 Feb. 5-9, 2024. Presented by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National School Counseling Week highlights the unique contributions of school counselors and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Northwest will be honoring and recognizing the amazing support our Counseling Department provides the Jaguar community. School Counselors make a powerful difference in our schools, communities and for our Jaguars! Say thank you to a school counselor today.
NEW: College and Career Updates!
COLLEGE CAREER Community e-NEWS BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS: View the complete e-NEWS Bulletin on the college career web page and click on the e-NEWS link for all details. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
NEW! REGISTRATION IS OPEN… The 16th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) College Fair. The fair date is scheduled to be Friday, February 16, 2024, from 6 pm until 8 pm. Universities at Shady Grove. Engineering Building. Workshops begin on February 12. Click HERE to view the workshop details! | UPDATED Post 31 January 2024 |
NEW! Summer RISE 2024 registration form is ready for YOU! Current sophomores and juniors can apply. Program dates are June 24-July 26, 2024. Download the program information flier HERE. | Post 22 January 2024 |
Summer RISE 2024 UPDATE: Attention 10th and 11th grade students and parents/caregivers, join the MCPS Department of Partnerships on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Seneca Valley High School in the cafeteria to learn more about the Summer RISE program. Register to attend a session at https://forms.gle/3H3EUBE2mr66n2zo7.
| UPDATED Post 31 January 2024 |
NEW! Scholarship RESOURCE: GoingMerry.com. Scholarships. FAFSA Info. College Cost Comparison and more. A FREE account may be required to access information. | Post 22 January 2024 |
NEW! Financial Aid RESOURCE: Workshop Recording!
TuitionCents 2024: New FAFSA Walkthrough + Aid Maximization Tactics
REMINDER! The 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is available at fafsa.gov as part of our soft launch. Students and families can visit StudentAid.gov/fillingout for resources about completing the 2024–25 FAFSA form—including information about creating a StudentAid.gov account without a Social Security number, how to complete the new 2024–25 FAFSA form, and what to do before and after completing the FAFSA form. Access the FAFSA form HERE.
NEW! The US Department of Education (ED) announced today that colleges and universities will receive Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applicant data beginning in the first half of March, up to six weeks later than the expected January 31 date, which was already delayed by the later opening of the 2024-25 FAFSA. Today’s statement said the delay was due to the need to update the federal processing system to include the recently revised data tables used in the Student Aid Index calculation. The updated tables account for inflation and will yield approximately $1.8 million in additional need-based federal aid, ED said.
REMINDER! FAFSA/MSFAA Completion Night. February 6, 2024, from 5:30 until 8 pm. Rockville High School Cafeteria.
Register HERE.
REMINDER! FAFSA 2024-2025 Soft Launch Information
REMINDER!! FAFSA Completion Resources & Video Tutorials
REMINDER! FAFSA Resource courtesy of the Maryland Higher Education Commission: FAFSA Simplification. A PDF document that may answer many of the questions students & parents may have.
REMINDER! The Paying for College Workshop events sponsored by Montgomery College. Please visit our website to register at bit.ly/FA_Help.
REMINDER! EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER SERVICES include assistance with financial aid applications. The Educational Opportunity Center program is sponsored by a TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education and Montgomery College. Visit their website to schedule an appointment (virtual, in-person and by email).
REMINDER! February 7, 2024
5:30-7:30pm
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
4301 East-West Hwy
Bethesda, MD 20814
Register Now! Visit the College Career web page for a list of participating institutions.
NEW! Student Request Form for Military Recruiter Meetings! Students are encouraged to pursue all postsecondary options. If a student under the age of 18 would like to meet with a member of the Armed Services during the school day lunch, parental permission is required. Please note: Students 18 years of age or older must have the ‘age of majority’ documentation on file to meet without parental permission. Use this Google Form to Request A Meeting! Confirmation will be sent to the student, parent, and recruiter. | 23 January 2024 |
REMINDER! The ASVAB will be offered at Northwest High School on Thursday, February 15, 2024 @ 7:45 am in the Auditorium. Permission is required to test. Access the permission form HERE.
The ASVAB is administered FREE to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students and is an excellent career exploration tool. ASVAB results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. Students who wish to use their test results as part of an enlistment post-secondary plan will need to have a conversation with military recruiters. The student can provide their scores to the recruiter. Taking the ASVAB at MCPS high schools in no way involves a commitment to the military. Visit the ASVAB Career Exploration Program website HERE. To learn more about the ASVAB and enlistment, click HERE and enter as an applicant for more information on testing and resources.
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. Please note: Various companies and organizations will visit Northwest during lunch to hire for summer. Look for hiring table displays in the Gym Lobby or Cafeteria Lobby over the next few weeks.
Money Matters → Scholarship Highlights & Reminders:
For a complete list of scholarships, including details for those listed below, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. Post date refers to the first date published in the Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin. Additional Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format).
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS & HIGHLIGHTS:
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: The Commissioner’s Engineering Scholarship Program (WSSC). Available to SENIORS planning to major in engineering. Up to $2,000 renewable over four years. Applicants must provide an official high school transcript. Essay required. Proof of Montgomery County residence required. Proof of acceptance into an accredited engineering program. Two letters of recommendation required. DEADLINE TO APPLY: FEBRUARY 15 | Post 1 February 2024 |
- NEW & UPDATED SCHOLARSHIP: MCPS Educational Foundation Current Scholarships. SENIORS with financial need planning to attend college or university. Awards range from $250 - $40,000. Click on the link and select Programs → Scholarships. In addition, a small number of awards are available for those who plan to become an MCPS educator and/or plan to pursue information & computer sciences, particularly cybersecurity. NEW: Click HERE to download the Information Flyer with scholarship details and contact information. | EXTENDED DEADLINE TO APPLY: FEBRUARY 17 FEBRUARY 20 | UPDATED Post 31 January 2024 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter 2024 Scholarship Program. SENIORS. Must reside in Montgomery County. This year we will be awarding multiple scholarships to Montgomery County, MD seniors. Multiple awards. Amounts vary with award. Minimum GPA 2.0 required. Available for graduates planning to attend a two or four-year college or university, trade or vocational school. Visit https://www.mcacdst.org/programs/scholarship-2/ for more information and to apply. Please note: To be considered for a scholarship, a completed application must be uploaded using the following Jotform link: Submission Form. DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 15 | Post 22 January 2024 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Ivy Vine Charities Scholarship. Available to Montgomery County (MD) high school SENIORS. GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale required. Applicants must plan to attend a four-year university of college, or a community college. Official transcript required along with a written essay (topic specific). Additional requirements are noted on the scholarship application which can be downloaded HERE. DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 2 | Post 31 January 2024 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: JOSHUA SNYDER MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Available to Northwest High School (Montgomery County, MD) SENIORS. Applicants must plan to attend a college (2 or 4-year), a university, vocational/trade school following graduation. Financial need considered. $2,500 awards (3). DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 22 | Post 31 January 2024 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: The Damascus American Legion Post 171 Scholarship. SENIORS. Applicants must be US citizens of the United States. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher with a plan to attend full time, in 2024, an accredited post-secondary institution, vocational, trade or business school. Essay required. Download this flier for the QR Code and essay prompt. DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 1 | Post 31 January 2024 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. College Scholarship. Available to high school SENIORS on track for graduation. $1,008.11 single-year scholarship. High school transcript (unofficial accepted) and essay required. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or technical school beginning in fall 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 2024. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 24 | Post 31 January 2024 |
- REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: The League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Available to graduating MCPS high school SENIORS of Asian descent who plan to major in the field of education. $3,000 award. Eligible applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in the field of education and show experience supporting the community and/or an organization. DEADLINE TO APPLY: FEBRUARY 10 | Post 11 January 2024 |
- REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship. Available to self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) high school SENIOR student-athletes. Awards up to $2,000 to offset the cost of educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded to self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) student-athletes who have contributed to the sport in which they participate and enhanced the perception of the LGBT community because of their contributions and involvement. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Candidates must demonstrate dedication to both academic and athletic excellence as well as show promise as an LGBTQ+ role model. DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 1| Post 11 January 2024 |
- REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: Lavinia Engle Scholarship. SENIORS. FEMALE. Applicants must plan to attend a college or university in Maryland. Applicants must be a resident of Montgomery County. Financial need and academics considered. High school transcript, two letters of recommendation and financial need information required. Essay required. Application Instructions | Application | DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 15 Post 16 January 2024 |
NEW: CAP & GOWN Onsite Purchase this Thursday, February 8
Attention, Prospective 2024 Graduates and Parents!
Graduation will be here before we know it. If you or your senior has not yet purchased a cap and gown package, please plan to do so before the cost of the package increases from $75.00 to $85.00 on Monday, February 12th, 2024. You can order your cap and gown package here: Northwest Jostens Class of 2024 Ordering Site. The package includes your senior’s graduation fees and all needed graduation regalia, including their cap, gown, 2024 Northwest stole, and 2024 tassel. Tax is additional.
Our representative from Jostens will be onsite on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, during lunch in the counseling office lobby to answer questions and to accept in-person orders for cap and gown packages. At this in-person opportunity, cap and gown packages can be purchased onsite at Northwest using cash or check payment (checks made out to Jostens). Otherwise, cap and gown packages must be purchased directly from the Jostens website.
Don’t forget to review all of the information shared for seniors on the Northwest website in the Senior Class Resource Bank and posted around school in the Senior Class Information QR codes. Prices will increase on Monday, February 12th, 2024, and all orders are due by Thursday, February 29th, 2024.
NEW: Free Store Updates!
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. As always, we accept all gently used school supplies, such as paper and binders, but right now we are in particular need of composition and spiral notebooks, and 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!
NEW: Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, February 1
1. End of Course Exam Reminder and Update on the Grading and Reporting Regulation
As a reminder, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) End of Course (EOC) exams for science and government will count as 20 percent of the final grade for ninth grade students (Class of 2027) in their respective high school level biology and government (NSL) courses starting this spring. This is due to changes to high school graduation requirements issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Read the full details.
2. Tell Us What You Think on Decisions Impacting You and Your Student
Share Your Input on the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program
Take this five-minute survey to share your feedback on the MCPS and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program.
Inclement Weather Communication and Make-up Days
Please provide your feedback on communication around inclement weather that may impact school operations. We would also like to hear your preferences on how MCPS approaches inclement weather make-up days.
Tell Us What You Think About Our Food
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) is collecting feedback on what you want to see on school menus. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Survey results will directly impact menu development.
3. Student Transfer Application Season Is Now Open
The 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is now open . The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school. All COSA request applications must be submitted no later than Tuesday, April 2. Read full details.
4. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources
MCPS to Host a Girls’ Summit on March 9
Join us for the Girls’ Summit on Saturday, March 9 at Northwood High School. This event will provide informative workshops geared towards students in grades 6–12 on a variety of current topics. Read more.
Choose Respect Video Contest Is Now Open!
Are you looking for an opportunity to display your creativity and earn Student Service Learning hours? The Choose Respect video contest is open!
Register Today to Attend the Annual HBCU College Fair
Registration is open for the 16th Annual HBCU College Fair. This free in-person event at The Universities at Shady Grove will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Read more.
Summer RISE 2024 Student Registration Open
Registration is now open for students to be part of Summer RISE 2024. Summer RISE provides hands-on, career-based learning experiences to rising juniors and seniors and helps employers cultivate a talent pipeline. Registration closes Feb. 27. Learn more.
5. MCPS News This Week
WATCH: Springbrook High School Students Help Students at Burnt Mills Elementary Learn Coding
The Microbits Masters Program brings MCPS high school computer science students to elementary schools to teach them coding and robotics.
Five MCPS Media Specialists Nominated for the Maryland Librarian of the Year
Five MCPS media specialists are nominees for the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award, which honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. Read more.
MCPS Student Selected for United States Senate Youth Program
Richard Montgomery High School senior Angelina Xu will represent Maryland during the U.S. Senate Youth Program Washington Week in March. Xu, who currently serves as the president of the Maryland Association of Student Councils, was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104-student delegation.
Hundreds of Students Participate in Out of School Time Activities
Dozens of students visited with representatives from more than 10 colleges and universities during Junior Day at Wheaton High School earlier this month. The event was open to rising seniors who are underrepresented minority students. Breakout sessions included discussions on researching colleges, making the most of a college visit, finding financial aid and scholarships, and having a productive summer before senior year.
NEW: Athletics and Events Calendar for the week of February 5 - February 11
REMINDER Northwest Interest Form: SMOB Nominating Convention 2024 (Due by Monday, 2/5!)
Each year, there is a Student Member of the Board (SMOB) who serves on the MCPS Board of Education. This student is a junior or senior in MCPS. They have a voice in making important decisions that affect all of us. This year’s SMOB is Sami Saeed.
The entire MCPS grades 6-12 student population will vote between two final candidates, but to select those two final candidates, there is a Nominating Convention (Nom Con) on Wednesday, February 14 where each candidate presents their plans.
Northwest is allotted 13 votes and 5 alternative votes (18 students total). This vote could be you!
Interested in attending and voting to decide the final two SMOB candidates? Fill out this Google form to indicate interest.
This must be submitted by 3pm on February 5th. You must be able, with parent/guardian permission, to attend a field trip on Wednesday, February 14. (It will be an excused absence.)
If there are more than 13 people interested, delegates will be selected at random (new this year).
Further questions? Contact Ms. Ledrick at margaret_m_ledrick@mcpsmd.org :)
REMINDER: MSP Intra-County Retreat is Saturday, March 16
The 13th Annual Intra-County Minority Scholars Program Retreat is right around the corner and already building up a buzz. Last year, MSP set the blueprint and reminded everyone to “be about it!” This year, the student leaders are calling on students across Montgomery County to join them in both “starting a new chapter” and “rewriting the narrative.” They are well aware of the forces that continue to try to deny progress. They are familiar with the efforts to whitewash U.S. history and erase the efforts of “minoritized” groups. They are aware of the many efforts to censor and remove books that deal with social justice issues. And so MSP stands ready to start a new chapter that firmly demands equity. They stand ready to rewrite the narrative - one that is truly anti-racist. So on Saturday, the 16th of March at John F. Kennedy High School, the 13th annual MSP Retreat will declare to the world that Montgomery County students plan to “Start a New Chapter and Rewrite the Narrative!”
Eighteen years ago, the Minority Scholars Program began organically as a student driven initiative aimed at tackling the opportunity gap. Through student voice, student leadership and student activism, it has served as both a vehicle, as well as a blueprint, for creating change. Over the course of this time, MSP has expanded to all MCPS high schools, over half of the middle schools, and now more than 8 elementary schools. But there have also been considerable interest from numerous other schools and school districts within the state of Maryland and beyond. The student leaders are more committed than ever to fight the insidious existence of the opportunity gap and inequity within our schools. And the 13th Annual Intra-County Minority Scholars Program Retreat aims to help usher that change along and to help move us definitively forward. Retreat events begin at 9:00am and continue to 3:30pm on Saturday the 16th of March, 2024 at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Come witness MCPS youth “start a new chapter,” outline their vision, design their manuscript for educational equity, and “rewrite the narrative” to create a truly anti-racist school system.
REMINDER: MCPS' Girls Summit - Saturday, March 9
Students grades 6–12 and caregivers are invited to the second MCPS Girls’ Summit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 9, at Northwood High School. This event will provide informative workshops geared towards middle and high school girls on a variety of current topics. Join us for a chance to network, participate in fun activities, learn valuable skills and enjoy a fashion show presented by White House Black Market celebrating diverse body types.
Sessions will be provided in English and Spanish and will be organized by grade level. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be available for students. Please see Ms. Morales or Ms. Henry if interested in attending this event or if you have any questions.
Topics and activities will include:
· Healthy relationships/dating violence
· Social media use and mental health
· Self-esteem
· Identifying symptoms of depression & anxiety
· How to get help
· Healthy eating
· Body image
· Gardening therapy
· Music therapy
· Zumba
· Kaiser spin bikes
· Kaiser health screening & flu shots
· And much more!
REMINDER: UPDATED Parking Information
Second semester parking permits will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, January 25, 2024, for $39.00 (processing fee included) payable by cash, check (made payable to Northwest High School), or online using a credit card through SchoolCash Online. To pay online, a link will be sent to the student’s school email address once the application has been received and approved for eligibility. Applications and payment can be brought to the business office, Room 322, before school starting at 7:25 a.m., during lunch and after school until 2:45 p.m. Applications (two-page document) are also available in the Business Office for students to pick up, as well as on the Northwest HS webpage under the Back-to-School Resource Bank. As a reminder, students must be cleared of all obligations (including but not limited to all current and past AP exam fees, textbook fees, and athletic uniforms) and have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be eligible for a student parking permit.
REMINDER: Our Booster Club NEEDS YOU!
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! Sign up here.
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! (Please note all volunteers must be adult volunteers.)
Thank you from your 2023-2024 Concessions Committee! Questions? Email Susan Strawser at strawserfamily@verizon.net or text 301-442-8278.
REMINDER: Important School Cash Online Access!
MCPS has transitioned to a new online payments system called SchoolCash Online (SCO). This will be the preferred method of payment for all school-related fees, excluding school lunches. SCO will help increase efficiency and security at schools by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. A processing fee will be included on all items available for purchase, regardless of the type of payment used on SCO or at the school.
As of Monday, August 21, 2023, parent/guardians will no longer need an SCO PIN number to add their student(s) to their SCO account. Guardians will automatically get emails from SCO (noreply@schoolcashonline.com) with instructions if the email address is on file with the school. For approved parent/guardians who do not currently have an SCO account, an automated email was sent out with an invitation to create an account. For approved parent/guardians who already have an SCO account but have not yet linked their student(s) to their account, an automated email was sent from SCO for each unlinked student. The email had an “Accept” button, that once clicked, will attach that parent/guardian’s child to their account automatically. If you need support with the registration process, please email the Parent KEV group support drop box at parenthelp@kevgroup.com, or can call at 866-961-1803.
MCPS ha hecho la transición a un nuevo sistema de pagos en línea llamado SchoolCash Online (SCO). Este será el método de pago preferido para todas las cuotas relacionadas con la escuela, excluyendo los almuerzos escolares. SCO ayudará a aumentar la eficiencia y la seguridad en las escuelas al realizar pagos directamente en las cuentas bancarias de las escuelas y eliminar la necesidad de que los maestros manejen dinero. Se incluirá una tarifa de procesamiento en todos los artículos disponibles para la compra, independientemente del tipo de pago utilizado en SCO o en la escuela.
A partir del lunes 21 de agosto de 2023, los padres/tutores ya no necesitarán un número PIN de SCO para agregar su(s) estudiante(s) a su cuenta de SCO. Los tutores recibirán automáticamente correos electrónicos de SCO (noreply@schoolcashonline.com ) con instrucciones si la dirección de correo electrónico está registrada en la escuela. Para los padres/tutores aprobados que actualmente no tienen una cuenta de SCO, se envió un correo electrónico automático con una invitación para crear una cuenta. Para los padres/tutores aprobados que ya tienen una cuenta de SCO pero que aún no han vinculado a su(s) estudiante(s) a su cuenta, se envió un correo electrónico automatizado desde SCO para cada estudiante no vinculado. El correo electrónico tenía un botón "Aceptar", que una vez que se hace clic, adjuntará al hijo de ese padre/tutor a su cuenta automáticamente. Si necesita ayuda con el proceso de inscripción, envíe un correo electrónico al buzón de apoyo del grupo de padres KEV al parenthelp@kevgroup.com, o puede llamar al 866-961-1803.
REMINDER: Yearbook Sale Information
We have a community upload spot for candids. Please upload any pics of your student(s) that may end up as features in the yearbook. Please add names and grades.
Pick up your 2023 yearbook supplement that features spring sports, graduation, prom, spring musical. If you purchased a yearbook, these are included in the price. Pick up in 250 or 261 before school, during lunch, after school until 2:45. Ask for Ms Koutsos.
The 2024 yearbook is available for purchase.
The first sale price is $90
The 2nd sale price is $95
Then the rest are $100
$105 in person at distribution
Senior only can purchase ad space in the back of the book. Personalized ad space is available for sale. And baby pics/quotes space can be purchased for a community page.
REMINDER: Join 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: Northwest Parents' Councils Questionnaire
We hope that you and your family will join us for future events and that you will consider becoming a part of the Northwest Hispanic Parent Council, African American Parent Council and the Asian American Parent Council. Please take some time to respond to this questionnaire and let us know how you would like to become involved. This questionnaire has been translated into Spanish.*
Please contact the following administrators for more information about the Hispanic, African American, and Asian Parent Councils at Northwest High School.
Hispanic Parent Council: Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org
African American Parent Council: Tara-dee_S_Henry@mcpsmd.org
Asian American Parent Council: Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org
Northwest Class Spirit!
It's a long-standing tradition at Northwest for each grade to wear their assigned CLASS COLOR on Pep Rally days! Each class sits in a designated section at the rallies so make an impact for YOUR CLASS by wearing your grade level color and make your presence known! Although participation with wearing class colors is optional, we hope you will join in the FUN!
The grade level colors are as follows:
Freshmen (Grade 9): YELLOW
Sophomores (Grade 10): GREEN
Juniors (Grade 11): RED
Seniors (Grade 12): BLUE
You can wear any clothing and/or accessories in your assigned color as long as you adhere to the school dress code. You can opt to wear clothing that you already own in your grade level color, you can purchase a shirt from the PTSA/Booster Club website for $8: http://www.nwhsptsa.org/shop (available sizes and quantities are limited), or you can purchase a T-shirt in your color at Michael's or Joanne's (the cost is usually around $5) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2027 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2026 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2025 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2024 (12th Grade): Blue
Northwest High School
Email: Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://northwestjags.org
Location: 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-7100
Twitter: @NorthwestJags
Northwest High School serves over 2400 students and is home of the Jaguars!