Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 19, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. As we enter a very short week, I want to wish all of the Northwest community a very Happy Thanksgiving. I wish everyone well wishes and a wonderful holiday with family and loved ones. I am THANKFUL everyday that I serve as your principal. A reminder that we are holding parent/teacher conferences virtually tomorrow, Monday, November 20. Both Monday and Tuesday this week are half days and there is no school on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
Important Reminder! Students should not be parking in neighborhood streets across from the school. We have received complaints and our neighbors are noting they will have to call tow trucks if the problem persists.
Attention Seniors! A reminder that the last chance for you to take your senior portraits are November 14, 27, and 28. These dates are FINAL.
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.
The Ulysses Senior Research class is hard at work preparing their culminating projects. Students will present their work to classes in December, and at the Ulysses Fair in January. We are launching our Tee Shirt Sale to help us raise funds for Ulysses activities and support the program. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please follow the link below. All proceeds will go towards things like the Ulysses Fair and graduation ceremony.
Ulysses Tee Shirt Sale - Fall 2023
Yearbook Updates!
Yearbooks are for sale here
Senior Baby Picture ads ($25) and Senior Memory Ads (prices vary) are due 1.26. Directions and examples are here.
Senior Baby Pic ads require two steps: Purchase an add-on on the Jostens site and then upload the content (picture and quote) on this google form. The Senior Memory pages are purchased and content added to the Jostens site.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as the on-site admission event being held at Seneca Valley High School in January, College and Career Updates, the MSP Anti-Racist Film Festival, the Free Store's Jewelry and Trinket Giveaway, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 16, Taco Tuesday this Tuesday for the Class of 2026.
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 school cash online, the upcoming community townhall meeting, the PTSA reflections program, a call for donations by our Latinos y Hispanos Unidos, the annual holiday giving project, MCPS' Pathway to College and Career Readiness, our canned food drive, a call for free store donations, 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: 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
REMINDER! ASVAB Parent Information Session Returns on NOVEMBER 20, 2023 at 6:00PM. This is an amazing opportunity for PARENTS to gain awareness of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program and all it has to offer. The virtual Q&A session will be held via Zoom. Details below.
Zoom Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601222764?pwd=K0I2bCtVODNwUHdNb3g2UFplSzhaZz09
Meeting ID: 160 122 2764
Passcode: Parent
REMINDER! Admissions Event @ Northwest High School! Salisbury University Admissions Interviews on Monday, November 27 @ 9:30 am. Application to Salisbury required prior to November 24. Register to participate HERE before Tuesday, November 21.
REMINDER! There is a College for Everyone: Tips for Finding the "Right Fit"...Even When Grades are Average Thursday, January 18th, 7:00 p.m. | With over 2,000 four-year colleges in the US, a “right fit” school is waiting to welcome your student. Topics will include: how recent changes in college admission impact students with “average” grades and test scores; the strategy your student needs to highlight their interests and accomplishments in essays and applications to really set themselves apart from the competition; why GPAs and test scores hold greater weight at certain schools and the meaning behind acceptance rates; and how to find less competitive colleges that have the exact environment (including services for students with IEPs and 504s) and areas of study your teen needs to be happy and successful. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
REMINDER! The Princeton Review offers FREE Digital Practice Test Events for the SAT & ACT. SAT: Saturday, January 20 | ACT: Saturday, February 24. 9 am until 1 pm. Register HERE. Registration closes two days prior to the event.
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.
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).
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: THE RON BROWN SCHOLARSHIP (RBSP) honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. RBSP competitively awards 45 – 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school SENIORS who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth. Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship MUST be Black/African American, US citizens or permanent residents, and a current high school senior at the time of their application. To apply click here: CLICK HERE. DEADLINE TO APPLY: DECEMBER 1 | Post 16 November 2023 |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP. Available to minority high school SENIORS; applicant must be a US citizen and be able to present evidence of financial need; applicant must be able to demonstrate a record of academic excellence; demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service; applicants plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a United States based college or university; have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college. Generous four-year scholarships available. JRF Staff will be hosting a Q&A session on Tuesday, November 28 to answer any questions you have about the application process. Drop by anytime using this link between 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 10 | Post 7 November 2023 |
REMINDER! Paying for College Workshop: to be held in person and virtually this year. Students get a chance to work one-on-one with Financial Aid Counselors on their 2024-2025 FAFSA or MSFAA! The Paying for College Workshop events will be held on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11am-2pm at the Rockville Campus in the Student Services Building and on Thursday, Feb. 1st, 2024 from 4-7pm at the Takoma Park Campus in the Student Services Building and virtually. Please visit our website to register at bit.ly/FA_Help.
College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
United States Military Academy, West Point: Tuesday, November 21 - 9:30 am
Delaware College of Art and Design: Tuesday, November 28 - 10:30 am
REMINDER! Military Academy West Point Cadet Allen Liu, USMA ‘25, MCPS ‘21, will be at Northwest High School on Tuesday, November 21 @ 9:30 am to share West Point experiences! Interested students should sign up to attend this visit in their Naviance account.
College Career High School Visits Info:
- Students register for all high school college career visits through their Naviance account.
- Once a student is registered for a visit an email is sent to the student’s mcpsmd.net account.
- This email should be shown to teachers requesting permission to attend (print or on your electronic device). Students should request to leave their current class AND let the teacher know they may be late to the class they will return to. Visits are scheduled based on the availability of our admissions representatives and not necessarily based on our class schedules.
- When attending a visit, students scan a QR-Code linked to a Google form for attendance. This form lists the student’s information, the visit information, and the period teachers (from and to). This information goes directly to the attendance office.
If there is ever a question or concern, please reach out to: Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.
NEW: Things to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 16
1. Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Get ready! Your student’s parent-teacher conference will be this month and MCPS wants you to get the best out of it. This is a great opportunity to talk with your student’s teacher(s) about how they are doing in school, academically and socially, and ask questions. Check out the guides below for how to prepare for parent-teacher conferences.
Elementary Schools (English)
español / 中文 / français / tiếng Việt / 한국어 / አማርኛ / PortugueseMiddle School (English)
español / 中文 / français / tiếng Việt / 한국어 / አማርኛ / PortugueseHigh School (English)
español / 中文 / français / tiếng Việt / 한국어 / አማርኛ / Portuguese
2. Share Your Feedback for Phase Two of Developing the MCPS School Year Calendar
As MCPS continues to develop the 2024–2025 school year calendar, the district is seeking additional feedback on two draft calendars from families, students, staff and community members. This feedback, survey #2, represents the second phase in the development process to further the educational interests and operational needs of the district.
Calendar Survey:
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
3. Attendance Matters: Monday, Nov. 20 and Tuesday, Nov. 21 are Instructional Days
MCPS is reminding parents/caregivers that Monday, Nov. 20 and Tuesday, Nov. 21 are early release instructional days for all MCPS students. Important teaching and learning will occur on both days, and they are a great opportunity for students to engage with their peers before Thanksgiving break. Please make every effort to ensure that your children attend. If your children are experiencing any barriers to regular school attendance, please reach out to a trusted adult at school, such as a school counselor or pupil personnel worker.
4. Reminder: COVID Test Kits Are Available
COVID-19 home test kits will be available to staff and students before Wednesday, Nov. 22. Since holiday activities like travel and large social gatherings can increase the risk of exposure to respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, we want to make sure everyone has access to home testing. If you receive a test kit, remember to look up the extended expiration date on this table under Covid testing.
5. Events and Opportunities
Learn About the Operating Budget and Let Your Voice be Heard!
Tune in to the MCPS en Español page Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m., for a Pregúntale a MCPS on the operating budget via Facebook Live. Division of Management and Budget Office Director Ivon Alfonso-Windsor will be in attendance to answer questions.
Fall Theater Productions Are Underway
The curtain is rising on fall theater productions at middle and high schools. Plan now to see these great performances, which run into early 2024. Read more
Awards Season Is Underway, Nominate Today!
Is there a staff member, administrator or teacher who deserves recognition? Nominations are open for several awards to honor exceptional staff, teachers and administrators.
6. Bright Spots
National Apprenticeship Week
MCPS, in partnership with Montgomery College, Worksource Montgomery and the Maryland Department of Labor hosted two events during National Apprenticeship Week geared towards students and the business community. Approved in 2019, the Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed to create compensated, high-quality youth apprenticeships that prepare students to enter employment in high-skilled, high-growth sectors.
MCPS Schools Give Back and Give Thanks
MCPS students and staff are spending the days before Thanksgiving break celebrating, serving and giving back to their local communities. From holding family-friendly parades and festivals, hosting food and clothing drives and spending time with senior citizens, check out a snapshot of activities happening around the district.
Celebrating Athletic Championships
As the winter fall sports season gets underway, check out a round up of the fall season championship season.
Some Highlights:
Northwood Athletics Earns National Honors
Poolesville Wins State Sportsmanship Award
Damascus High School cheerleading team 2A state cheerleading champions
Albert Einstein High School - boys’ 4A state cross country champions
Winston Churchill High School finished as 4A state finalists
Walter Johnson High School - girls’ cross country team to the 4A state cross country
Edison Students Donate a Computer Lab to the American Chinese School
The Network Operations program of the Montgomery County Students Information Technology Foundation, Inc. (ITF) at Thomas Edison High School of Technology donated a computer lab to the American Chinese School. The school focuses on providing rigorous and educational experiences for K-12 students in Chinese communities throughout Montgomery County. Read more.
Check out the MCPS News Center for news and information, the latest photo galleries and videos.
Montgomery County Public Schools
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: NWHS PTSA Reflections Program: Art Submission Deadline 12.1.23
We are excited to announce NWHS PTSA's participation in the National PTA's Reflections program. The Reflections Program is a national arts recognition and achievement program for students. Since 1969, over 10 million students across the nation have taken part in this popular PTA program.
NW students submit their works of art based on this year's theme" I am Hopeful Because..." and Northwest selects its top three entries in each category (listed below) to submit to the county PTA for judging (MCCPTA). From there the county recognizes the outstanding students in each category and submits the best to state, state winners move on to the national competition. Students may participate in the following categories:
•Visual Arts – Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
•Photography – Film or Digital
•Music Composition – Instrumental or Vocal
•Film Production – Live Action, Documentary, Animation
•Dance Choreography – Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
•Literature – Short Story, Essay, Poem
Visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/reflections/ for more information.
REMINDER: Holiday Giving Project
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. Contact your student’s counselor if you are interested in receiving these services. The deadline for requesting services for Thanksgiving is October 26th, 2023. The deadline for requesting services for the December Holidays is November 20th, 2023. 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.
MCPS Pathways to College and Career Readiness
REMINDER: Canned Food Drive
Northwest High School’s Key Club is initiating our yearly canned food drive. Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone. Every donation of food matters- which is why we are asking for your help on voicing our event.
The canned food drive will take place during all of October and November. Each classroom will have their designated box/bag and students are expected to bring non perishable, canned items and drop them off in their first period class. Some examples include canned soups, canned beans, canned fruit, powdered milk, and canned peanut butter. Last year, we came in third place based on the amount of cans collected out of all the Montgomery County Public Schools. Nonetheless, this year we are striving for first place!
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: Free Store Supplies are in Demand!
Many NW students visit The Free Store daily. Because of high demand, the Free Store has run out of composition books and spiral notebooks! If you have any gently used, no longer needed school supplies, please donate them to the Free Store, room 264. We also always need calculators, backpacks, and test prep books. We take donations all year long. We will also be collecting donations during Back to School Night. Thank you, NW community, for your support!
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 2500 students and is home of the Jaguars!