Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, January 23, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
The end of the second marking period has arrived and staff will use Monday as a Professional Day to begin the process reviewing and finalizing grades. There will be no school for students tomorrow, January 24. We recognize students may need more time to complete and submit assignments due to missed school days because of inclement weather, quarantine necessities, or absenteeism. As a result, teachers will accept assignments throughout the day, Monday, January 24. Maximum flexibility, patience and grace are expected of all (students, staff and families) during these challenging times. Report Cards will be available in ParentVue on Thursday, February 3 and we will distribute them via homeroom on Monday, February 7.
There will be a Homeroom at the beginning of the day on Tuesday, January 25 to begin the new Marking Period and Semester two. You can find the schedule, as well as every other bell schedule linked here. A reminder that activity busses have resumed and they are available for students to use on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Busses leave Northwest at 4:30 pm.
The incident that occurred Friday at Magruder High School has been resonating throughout the county. To show solidarity and support for the Magruder community, Northwest students and staff are asked to wear Navy and White on Tuesday, January 25. It is important that we take this time to remember the importance of school safety and security. Thankfully, while there were no lives lost, the proliferation of violence and weapons in schools is something to be taken seriously. It is important that every student reads and understands expectations regarding behavior and conduct. The MCPS Code of Conduct is linked here and MCPS' Student Rights and Responsibilities are also linked. At Northwest, we will continue to send these important messages and prioritize emergency preparedness.
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, there are some important updates from MCPS regarding the Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, January 20, a congratulations to our Poms Team for a first place finish this past Saturday, opportunities to be a part of our spring musical of "The Lion King," this week's college and career information, the HBCU college fair, non-athletic extracurriculars update and winter athletics schedule for this week. Additionally, underclass (grades 9-11) make-up pictures will take place on Tuesday, January 25.
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, incoming 9th grade parent night, the Choose Respect PSA video contest, last week's message from Interim Superintendent McKnight, 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: Congratulations to our Poms Team!
NEW: NW Drama Department presents "The Lion King"
NEW: Eleven Things to Know for Thursday, January 20
The ten things to know for this week include information about the shift of 16 schools to virtual learning for 10 days, declining transportation disruptions, substitute teacher compensation, a planned student walkout, maintaining current quarantine guidelines and more.
Sixteen MCPS schools have moved to virtual learning for 10 calendar days. After an assessment of multiple operational and health factors, the following schools will participate in virtual learning from Jan. 20 through Jan. 29. This decision was made with feedback from teams of school-based leaders and parent representatives. The schools will return to in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 31.
The schools are:
- Beall Elementary School
- Briggs Chaney Middle School
- Brookhaven Elementary School
- Clopper Mill Elementary School
- Capt. James E. Daly Elementary School
- Gaithersburg Elementary School
- Glenallan Elementary School
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School
- Lakelands Park Middle School
- Neelsville Middle School
- Paint Branch High School
- RICA – John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents
- Sargent Shriver Elementary School
- Twinbrook Elementary School
- Watkins Mill Elementary School
- Whetstone Elementary School
Moving forward, if any additional schools are going to transition to virtual learning, MCPS will make the announcements on Fridays, and then virtual learning will start on Mondays. No additional schools will be announced this week.
MCPS is expanding the availability of virtual instruction. MCPS has committed, on a case-by-case basis, to offer virtual 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 will be available through Monday, Jan. 31, and may be extended.
Transportation disruptions continue to decline. Unserved bus routes have declined from a high of 8% impacted routes to less than 0.5%. As of Jan. 19, there were 12 unserved bus routes (out of more than 1200). Thank you for your patience as we have worked to return to full service.
To address staffing challenges, MCPS has increased compensation and provided other guarantees for substitute teachers. In an important step towards continuing in-person learning, MCPS will increase salary rates for substitute teachers, effective this month. With these increases, MCPS leads the region in most categories of substitute teacher pay. Interested individuals can apply to be a substitute teacher here.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight shared COVID-19 management plans with the Montgomery County Council this week. On Jan. 18, Dr. McKnight provided an overview of the school system’s plan and responded to council members' questions. The session can be viewed here. On Jan. 19, Dr. McKnight and school system leadership engaged in a question-and-answer session with the Council’s Education and Culture Committee that can be viewed here. Topics in the sessions included mitigation measures to keep schools safe, the criteria that MCPS is using to decide whether schools should transition to virtual learning, the importance of focusing on addressing learning disruption that the pandemic has caused, and requests for additional testing and contact tracing support.
Equity Hubs will provide safe in-person experiences for PreK through Grade 5 students in schools that have transitioned to virtual learning. Virtual learning may pose a challenge for families whose children need a safe place to learn while their parents work, cannot access virtual learning from their home or who need a more structured learning environment. The Black and Brown Coalition and The Children’s Opportunity Fund have partnered with childcare providers to establish Equity Hubs as a solution.
Families whose children are engaged in virtual learning can register for all-day child care and support during virtual instruction at one of 103 Equity Hubs across Montgomery County.
Eight of the elementary schools entering virtual learning this week have partner childcare centers and will be registering students to begin on Friday, Jan. 21. MCPS pupil personnel workers will also reach out to families to help with information and the registration process. MCPS will expand these opportunities in the coming weeks to make this resource available to more families who need it. For more information, please follow up with your child’s school. Families who are interested in this opportunity can also contact their school counselor.
Student leaders in several MCPS high schools are planning walkouts on Jan. 21 to express their sentiments regarding COVID-19’s impact on their school experience. MCPS recognizes that the pandemic has dramatically affected students’ educational experiences and supports students’ desires to voice their concerns as part of engaging in civic life.
Students have been encouraged to work closely with their school’s administrators to develop a plan that will provide them an opportunity to express their views while remaining safe on campus.
Please speak with your child to let them know that leaving school property without permission or walking out of class outside of the designated time will be considered an unexcused absence.
All staff, including system leadership, are committed to engaging students in conversations regarding how to improve their educational experience; a recent example of this type of dialogue between Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight and Student Member of the Board Hana O’Looney can be found here.
KN95 masks are being provided for students. KN95 masks for students have been delivered to secondary schools, and child-sized KN95 masks for younger students have been ordered and will be delivered to schools as soon as they arrive. We strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities, where masks continue to be required.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight was featured on a live online question-and-answer session hosted by the NAACP of Montgomery County Parents’ Council and the Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence. On Jan. 19, Dr. McKnight addressed questions from the community regarding COVID-19 response, access to rigorous coursework, the antiracist audit, opportunity gaps, recovering learning from the pandemic, cultural competence and staff diversity. Dr. McKnight appreciated hearing the community’s experiences in MCPS schools and committed to working together to strengthen educational opportunities. You can watch a replay of that meeting here.
There is no change to student isolation or quarantine guidelines at this time. Although Montgomery County has revised recommendations concerning quarantine and isolation, MCPS is maintaining its current guidelines. As shared in a community message on Jan. 9, a decrease in the transmission or outbreak of the virus will guide whether the number of quarantine and isolation days may be reduced.
Make-up days have not been determined for recent inclement weather days. There have been four inclement weather days this month, and we will need to make up three of them based on the days of instruction in our school-year calendar. Plans for making up these days will be shared with the community in the coming weeks. The professional days scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 1, will continue as planned.
NEW: Grade 11 and Grade 12 students- Learn about careers in MCPS
Interested in learning about available jobs in MCPS right out of high school? Juniors and seniors are invited to learn about some of the entry-level opportunities that MCPS has and the various pathways you can access. Join Montgomery County Public Schools Office of Human Resources and Development and the Partnerships Unit for an informational session about MCPS careers on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 11:00-12:00pm. Register Now!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Information
College Career e-NEWS updates below:
- e-NEWS PDF attached
- e-NEWS Bulletin @ https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/northwesths/careercenter/enews-bulletin---google-docs---webpublication.pdf
- e-NEWS highlights below
- e-NEWS content captured below
e-NEWS Bulletin Highlights:
Updates to SAVE THE DATE: Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair
REMINDER: HBCU Seminar registration information. Seminar kick off date is January 22, 2022
NEW: 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.
REMINDERS:
- Grades 10-12: The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is coming to Northwest. February 16, 2022
- All grades: Elite Leadership Academy for Latinas. Apply by January 31
- Several scholarship reminders with upcoming deadlines
- Maryland Boys State is accepting applications from high school males in the Class of 2023
NEW:
- Mid-Year Transcript process. Google form 'LIVE'
- NACAC Virtual College Fairs begin January 30
- EIGHT scholarship opportunities just received
e-NEWS Bulletin Content:
College Career Information Center e-NEWS Bulletin
Week Ending: January 21, 2022
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
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.
- NEW! 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 start January 30! Click HERE for more info!
Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair Seminar Series:
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships. Saturday, January 22, 2022. 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- 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.
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)
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. Schedules with Zoom links should be emailed to participants by Monday, February 7.
Northwest students interested in participating in the virtual college fair and/or the virtual on-site 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-site admission interviews. Click here to access the Google form.
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.
For Sophomores: Registration is OPEN for the HOBY Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW). This FREE virtual event will be held on January 29 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Invitation to register is open to 10th grade students who identify as black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC)! A link to register is below.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and will close on Sunday, January 23rd at 11:59pm.
The January 29th program will take place from 10:00am-4:00pm EST via Zoom. The program is a partnership between the Connecticut and Maryland HOBY Chapters, so our students will get to meet peers from not only around their own state, but from another state as well. Students attending the program will receive an email a few days prior to the program with a Zoom link so that they are ready to go!
If you have any questions about this program, reach out to Natalie Gaudette @ natalie@hobymd.org! REGISTER HERE
ELITE Leadership Academy for Latinas who have a desire to lead the future. Latinas in grades 9 through 12 are invited to apply. Program starts in March and meetings will be using the Zoom platform. Session topics include business and social etiquette 101, netiquette, personal branding, resume development and interviewing skills and public speaking. Learn more here. Apply by January 31.
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.
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.
The Washington, DC Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Program now accepting applications for Apprentice Training for 2022/2023. Applicants must apply online at local5training.org. Questions should be directed to info@plumbersualocal5training.com. The application process is open year-round. The school calendar operates from September through July. Visit 602training.org for more information about the programs offered and to apply.
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:
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 opportunities will be posted HERE on a weekly basis!
- NEW for student-athletes in the Class of 2023: Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship. Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Apply by April 20.
- NEW for ALL seniors planning to pursue the STEM fields: African American Culture Club/Black Faculty and Staff Association (AACC/BFSA) Scholarship. 2.8 or higher unweighted GPA. School Acknowledgement Form. $1,500 award. Apply by January 31.
- NEW for seniors: Navy Family Scholarship sponsored by the Naval Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NOSC) of Washington DC. Applicants must be a dependent child of an active duty, activated reservist, retired from active duty, or deceased United States Navy (USN) service member and live in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Applicants must plan to pursue post-secondary education at a two- or four-year college or university, trade, vocational or technical school in the fall of 2022. Apply by April 1.
- NEW for seniors: Esperanza Scholarship Fund. Applicants must have been born outside of the US OR both parents born outside of the US. $5,000 to $20,000. Apply by April 1.
- NEW for seniors: Montgomery College Foundation Scholarship & Institutional Grants. Applicants must plan to attend Montgomery College in the fall of 2022. Financial need may be a consideration. Apply by June 30.
- NEW for seniors: AES Engineers Scholarship offered regardless of field of study in college. Apply by October 8, 2022.
- NEW for seniors: League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAPP) Scholarship. $2,000. Applicants must plan to major in education and show experience supporting the Asian American community and/or organizations. Apply by February 25.
Financial Aid REMINDERS for the Class of 2022:
Resource NEW: 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
- Maryland State Scholarship webinar hosted by Mount St. Mary's University. Click here to access the webinar on YouTube.
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. Please continue to check our Google Event Calendar for updates on college career visits.
NEW: Athletics/Events Schedule for January 24 - January 30
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.
NEW: Non-Athletic Extracurricular Activities begin Tuesday, January 18
We will begin to host our afterschool, in-person extracurricular and co-curricular activity program beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022. As a reminder, all students and staff involved in activities beyond the school day must continue to follow the MCPS mitigation strategies regardless of test results.
Students were asked to participate in the MCPS testing process and self report their results using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form by January 14, 2022.
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (English)
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (Spanish)
- The MCPS form provides the school administration a filtered list of any positive cases for their school.
- ECA sponsors can poll their students asking if they have completed the testing process and cross verify any positives with the admin list if needed.
For ECAs with rosters under 25:
Should there be an activity where there are 3+ cases of COVID-19 related to the activity, all in- person activity shall be placed on pause for 10 days.
For ECAs with rosters over 25:
Should there be an activity where there are 5+ cases of COVID-19 related to the activity, all in- person activity shall be placed on pause for 10 days.
Practices, meetings, performances, and other events related to the activity can be held virtually during this 10-day period. The 10 day pause begins from the last exposure (team activity).
(Updated on 1/14/22; aligned with MCPS Systemwide Athletics)
All overnight travel is cancelled through January 30. An update will be provided on or before January 29 regarding future overnight travel restrictions.
(Updated on 1/14/22; aligned with MCPS Systemwide Athletics)
In order to minimize indoor gathering sizes, account for potential reductions in staffing, and prevent the spread of COVID-19, spectators are still not allowed at contests in MCPS facilities through January 23. An update will be provided on or before January 22 regarding future spectator limitations.
Note the following:
- 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.
(Updated on 1/14/22; aligned with MCPS Systemwide Athletics)
In effort to keep our programs operating in person, there are several ways for our community to help:
- Get tested. If you suspect that you have been exposed or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test and stay home until you receive the results.
- Say Yes to the Test. Give permission for the random and rapid COVID-19 screening programs in MCPS schools. This is critical to identifying cases and reducing the number of students in quarantine.
- Get the shot. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and available for everyone aged 5 and older.
- Get the booster shot if you’re eligible for one. The booster shot to ensure you are sufficiently protected is now available for everyone 16 and above.
- Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whenever you are in an MCPS building or in public buildings.
- Wash your hands frequently before and after eating or touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Socialize outdoors. If you meet with others indoors, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. See more recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Important Resources
- Need the shot? Visit the Montgomery County Health and Human Services website to find a clinic and to register for a free vaccine. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/
- Do you have symptoms? Did you travel? Did you gather with others? Get a free test. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing.html
- Get the latest news and information about COVID-19 in Montgomery County. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/news/index.html
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).
NEW: Academic Advisement for the 2022-2023 School year
Course registration for the 2022-2023 school year kicked off for current Northwest High School students on January 5, 2022. The counseling department visited students through science classes to share information about the course registration process and course offerings. Starting January 12th, students are meeting individually with their counselor to review and finalize course selections. All registration materials are posted on the Northwest website on the Courses/Registration quick links tab. If students or parents have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor.
Important Dates:
- January 5 - January 11: Counselors visit Northwest science classes to give presentations on the course registration process and distribute the course offerings worksheet.
- January 11 - Deadline for Rising Grade 10 students to enter courses on StudentVue
- January 19 - Deadline for Rising Grade 11 students to enter courses on StudentVue
- January 30 - Deadline for Rising Grade 12 students to enter courses on StudentVue
REMINDER: Incoming Ninth Grade Parent Meeting
Class of 2026 students and families, please join us on Thursday, January 27 at 7:00pm for our Incoming Ninth Grade Parent Meeting via zoom webinar. Members of the Northwest leadership team will be sharing information about the course registration process for the 2022-2023 school year, including information about special academic programs, course offerings, and graduation requirements. The zoom information will be posted on the Northwest website on January 27th at least one hour prior to the meeting start time. All presentations will be recorded and materials posted to our school website.
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: January 9 Community Message from Dr. McKnight
Dear MCPS Community,
The past week has been extremely challenging for everyone in our community. Evolving COVID-19 guidance, bus staffing shortages and inclement weather caused disruptions to teaching and learning and school operations. While the circumstances leading to these disruptions are beyond our control, we should have done a better job communicating with you about these challenges and clarifying our response. I apologize for any stress this caused our staff, students, and community members.
The health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We continue to believe that in-person learning is the best way to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of our students and will continue to prioritize keeping our school buildings open. Switching any school to virtual learning—even for a short period of time—will be a last resort and that decision will be based on the best information available and the guidance of national, state, and local health professionals.
The remainder of this message outlines what steps we are taking to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families; updates to school operations; and when we will consider switching a school to virtual learning. This includes information about:
- The distribution of KN-95 masks and rapid test kits to all students and staff;
- New isolation and quarantine procedures for staff, based on revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and
- An update on school operations, including bus service and the resumption of extracurricular activities;
- An upcoming community conversation to discuss school system operations; and
- How you can help us make informed decisions about keeping schools open.
I know that many of our families are struggling with the impact of the pandemic right now, and that includes my family: I tested positive for COVID-19 early last week. Thankfully, my symptoms have been mild, and I am working at home while isolating. Together, I know we can make it through this difficult time. Our community is strong and our commitment to our students is unwavering. Thank you for your support of MCPS, our students, and our outstanding staff.
Sincerely,
Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
KN-95 Masks for All Students and Staff
Last week all staff members received KN-95 masks, and we will be providing KN-95 masks to all students over the course of the next two weeks. These masks provide a higher level of protection than most other masks, and we strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities as masks continue to be required.
Rapid Test Kits for All Students and Staff
Students and staff will receive take-home rapid test kits this week. Parents are asked to help students administer these tests at home and to submit whether their child has tested positive or negative using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. (You may also call your child’s school if you are not able to submit the information electronically.) Please report all results, both positive and negative, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools by this Friday, January 14. Please also 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.
Eleven Schools Currently in Virtual Learning
We have 11 schools that transitioned to 14 days of virtual learning last week. Out of recognition that many families have made plans based on the information provided, these 11 schools will remain in virtual learning this week. They will return to in-person learning effective Tuesday, January 18. Rapid test kits will be distributed at these schools this week; all students and staff are strongly encouraged to take the rapid test and report the results by this Friday, January 14.
Moving forward, MCPS will work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to examine schools on a case-by-case basis to determine if any particular school needs to transition to virtual learning for a designated period of time due to health or operational reasons. Factors considered will continue to include the number of students and staff who have tested positive; the number of students in quarantine; the number of staff absent for COVID-related reasons; and the level of spread of the virus in the school.
MCPS Bus Transportation
While we continue to work to respond to the COVID-19 related bus driver staffing challenges, we will take the following actions in an attempt to minimize disruption:
- Communicate specific routes and affected schools through updates on this page and on the MCPS homepage. The initial list for each day will be posted by 7:00 pm on the prior evening; however, there may be additions each morning.
- Prioritize routes that serve students with special needs.
- Continue to use available staff to drive multiple routes serving one school.
- Also, use available transportation support staff and supervisors to cover routes.
Additionally, we are exploring numerous recruiting strategies and a variety of other options to meet both short-and long-term staffing shortages in the Department of Transportation. Thank you very much for your patience. Apply here.
Virtual Community Conversation on COVID-19 Response
We value ongoing dialogue with our community and will be scheduling a virtual community conversation this Wednesday, January 12, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. More details will be shared in an update early this week.
Revised Isolation Guidelines for Staff
- Staff who test positive for COVID-19 or have suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home for at least 5 full days from the date of symptom onset if symptomatic or the date of the positive test if no symptoms.
- After Day 5, if the individual has no symptoms without the use of fever-reducing medication, the individual may return to school as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days, and as required by MCPS and MSDE guidelines regarding mask use in schools.
- If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least a full 10 days.
In the future, the number of isolation days may be reduced for students as community-level data regarding the transmission or outbreak of the virus decreases.
Revised Quarantine Guidelines for Staff
These quarantine guidelines apply to staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and are unvaccinated; adults 18 years and older who have completed the primary series of Pfizer vaccine over 5 months ago or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted; or have not had COVID-19 in the past 90 days:
- These staff must stay home for at least 5 full days after the last close contact.
- After Day 5, if the individual has had no symptoms, the individual is encouraged to get tested and may return to work as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days.
- If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least 10 full days.
- If the individual develops symptoms at any point, they should remain at home, get tested and follow the isolation guidelines above.
- All other staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine.
In-Person Extracurricular Activities May Resume Tuesday, Jan. 18
All in-person extracurricular activities may resume effective Tuesday, Jan. 18. All participants are required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit the result no later than Friday, Jan. 14. No spectators are allowed at extracurricular activities. These activities are assessed on a daily basis based on emerging public health science and data, and are subject to change over the next month in response to the Omicron variant.
How You Can Help
We need your help in keeping our students and staff safe and ensuring we have complete information. Here’s how you can help!
- Report results on the system-provided rapid COVID-19 test
Please report all results, both positive and negative, by this Friday, January 14, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. The way to report this information is by using this electronic form. - Keep children home if they have any symptoms of illness.
It’s important that students don't spread their illness to others. Please keep them home when they are sick and have them tested for COVID-19 as an extra precaution. - Say Yes to the Test.
Parents must give their permission for in-school testing and they can do so by completing this form. For more details, please visit our "Say Yes to the Test" website.
Social-Emotional Health and Well-Being
This is a difficult time for everyone in our community. The pandemic remains a source of anxiety for many, and MCPS is committed to providing resources to support students, staff and families as we move through the pandemic. Schools will have counselors and psychologists available, and all staff are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program for support and resources.
Important Resources
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) A Parent Resource
(English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic)
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