Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, October 2, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. A reminder that in observance of Yom Kippur, there is no school for students and teachers this Wednesday, October 5.
I encourage parents to check out this ParentVUE to Canvas App Support Guide. This will support all in setting up your ParentVue so that you can access our myMCPS classrooms, or canvas.
Attention Seniors! Tomorrow, October 3 and Tuesday, October 4 are senior make-up photo days.
*Sign up for "Seniors With Their Siblings" picture.
We will contact you and let you know when to come to room 250 for the picture.
Yearbook purchase link, personal ads, and baby pic ad info:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit?usp=sharing
In this week's newsletter, you will find information regarding our school-wide, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, updated information for our upcoming PSAT day on Wednesday, October 12, our upcoming open house for Monday, October 10, important information regarding Homecoming Week and Festivities, SchoolCash Online information, a call for parents to help at concessions, this week's College and Career Center updates, a note about our upcoming Financial Aid Webinar, Maryland Center for School Safety presentations, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, September 29, and this week's activities and athletics calendar and our school's Chipotle fundraiser for Tuesday, October 4. Additionally, we will be holding our school-wide assembly to hear the State's Attorney's Presentation of School Safety next Thursday and Friday mornings, October 13 and October 14.
Please note that MODEL UN will hold their first meeting this Tuesday, October 4 during lunch in room 250. All interested students should attend.
There are are a few important reminders including a reminder about information on how to join Rho Kappa, opportunities for students to serve on Election Day, an important message from MCPS about enhanced safety measures at Athletic Events, a reminder about the upcoming virtual Career Panel, information about the upcoming State's Attorney Sessions on School Safety, important information regarding AP exams, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, an opportunity to join the Principals' Advisory Council, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, information about our school's 5K in October, lunchtime expectations, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: Northwest Grading and Reporting
NEW: PSAT Day on Wednesday, October 12
This letter is to provide information regarding the modified schedule for October 12th, 2022. On this day we are administering the PSAT/NMSQT(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to all 10th grade students and 11th grade students that registered to participate. A revised bell schedule, highlighted in the letter, has been created for this day which accommodates the required testing environment as well as the additional activities taking place that day. If there are any questions regarding the testing day after receiving the letter, please do not hesitate to contact your student's counselor, administrator, or Ms. Henry, our PSAT administrator.
NEW: It's HOMECOMING Week!
We are so excited for our upcoming Homecoming week, starting with our school-wide Spirit Week and transitioning into our Thursday Float decorating competition, Friday pep Rally and Football game, and Saturday Dance!
Take a look at our Homecoming Court representatives here! Students from each grade were selected by their peers as representatives of what Jag Pride is. They will be honored at halftime of the football game on Friday, with two seniors being selected as Homecoming Royalty.
Take a look at our Spirit Week themes below! Students and staff are encouraged to participate and send photos to the SGA at @nwhs_sga or Ms. Ledrick at margaret_m_ledrick@mcpsmd.org.
HOMECOMING DANCE
We are so excited for our Homecoming Dance this Saturday evening! Tickets are $15 which includes food, music, a photo booth, and a great night with the Northwest community.
Want to get involved with all things Homecoming?
Join SGA here to get all of our updates- or just show up any time to Float Decorations after school until 9pm on Thursday evening in the Gym Lobby/Parking Lot OR Dance Decorations after school Friday until 10pm in the Gym Lobby! All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
College Career Information Center e-NEWS
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
College Career e-NEWS Highlights:
NEW EVENT: Career Council Inc. National Hispanic College Fairs, Inc. In-Person College Fair Field Trip
DATE & TIME: October 13, 2022; Northwest Bus departure at 9:40 am; return to school at 11:40 am
LOCATION: The Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg MD
This event is FREE to MCPS high school students. Northwest juniors and seniors MUST return the completed Field Trip Permission Form (including the additional information page) to the College Career Information Center no later than student lunch on Friday, October 7. ONE bus has been reserved. Permission forms will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all bus seats are filled. Students must attend this event with their schools.
EVENT UPDATE: REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the Alfred Street Baptist Church 20th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) Festival, a hybrid event being held October 7-8, 2022. The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs, and scholarship opportunities. Approximately 70 colleges and universities will be represented during the two-day event. Many will provide onsite admission decisions, conduct music auditions, and waive application fees. Additionally, seminars and exhibitor presentations will be held to help students navigate the college application process, seek financial aid opportunities, and acclimate them to campus life. Click HERE to register and for more details. | updated post 28 September 2022 |
College Career High School Visit Calendar:
The college career high school visits are currently using both a virtual format and in-person setting based on the college/career school admissions preference. Students in all grades are welcome to attend. Priority seating will be given to seniors on a space available basis. Visits will be held in the College Career Information Center (Room 126) unless otherwise noted. Naviance registration is required. If the visit is virtual, students MUST come to the visit location prepared with headphones and a Chromebook.
Please follow the instructions below to attend! Visits are scheduled to be about 30 to 40 minutes. For virtual visits, the link for the visit will be included in this bulletin.
- Register for the visit in Naviance so that I have an idea of student interest and who will be attending.
- Once you have confirmed your registration in Naviance, be prepared to show your confirmation to your teacher for permission to leave class (print or snapshot the 'View Details' screen.
- Register using the link provided below if you have interest in attending a virtual visit. Some of the college URLs may be direct links to the meeting, others will require registration first and the visit URL will come directly from the college/university.
- When attending each visit, you will be required to Scan the Attendance QR-Code located on the office door of Room 126.
- BRING A CHROMEBOOK AND HEADPHONES for virtual visits!
October 1 - 7 Calendar
October 6 - James Madison University* 8:00 AM
https://jmu-edu.zoom.us/j/89732610197
October 6 - York College Pennsylvania 9:00 AM
October 6 - University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown 10:00 AM
October 6 - Chestnut Hill College 1:00 PM
October 7 - Vanderbilt University 9:00 AM
October 7 - Lycoming College* 10:00 AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2667786625?pwd=Y2pJTjEzSXAzc1UyUjBlaElvd3NRQT09
October 7 - University of Georgia 1:00 PM
*Virtual
Visits continue to be scheduled through November. All visits are available to view in Naviance and on the Jag Events Calendar on the web. Additional information about high school college career visits can be found HERE.
College Application Resources
Northwest High School resources for the college application 2022-2023 cycle can be found HERE.
College Application Support will be available in the College Career Information Center on Wednesday’s from 2:45 until 3:30 pm!
JAG Jobs
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
REMINDER: Class of 2023 Financial Aid Webinar. Thursday, October 13 @ 6:30 pm. Rob Maddox, Director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be our host and presenter.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1 for the Class of 2023. Northwest will offer opportunities during the school year to help with the FAFSA process! Help starts with the Class of 2023 completing the Financial Aid Planning Form. Let us know if you plan to complete the FAFSA and what help you may need. Click HERE to access the form!
Northwest will be offering opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as Maryland State Financial Aid:
- Thursday, October 20 from 2:30 until 3:30
- and on Tuesday, December 6 from 2:30 until 3:30
- with an evening virtual event on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 8:00 pm
Registration is required to participate in any or all events. Registration includes completion of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Intake Form. The Intake Form is a confidential form for the EOC office. Completion of this form allows EOC to provide free financial aid support to our community. Events will be facilitated by the Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid and the Educational Opportunity Center. Click HERE to access the Registration Form and event details.
NEW SCHOLARSHIP POST: University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS PROGRAM. SENIORS planning application to UMBC. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a desire to pursue the STEM fields. $5,000 - $15,000 scholarship for in-state tuition. High school nomination is encouraged. Northwest HS UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Request for Nomination Form. DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCT 10 | Post 22 Sept 2022 |
REMINDER: OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC., Mu Nu Chapter, is proud to honor Black male achievement in Montgomery County at its 2022 Achievement Week celebration on November 16, 2022 at the Silver Spring Civic Center at 7 pm.
Achievement Week Honorees:
- The fraternity will provide 50 Black male students who have a minimum 3.0 unweighted or 3.5 weighted GPA a certificate of achievement and honor them if they complete the application and send a transcript. The top 50 students will be notified and invited to attend.
- 4 to 5 students who have the highest GPAs and leadership experiences will receive a minimum $3,000 scholarship funded by the Rudolph Snowden Scholarship Foundation.
- Students must send their application and a copy of their transcript to Shawn.Joseph@Howard.edu by Friday, October 21, 2022.
The Chapter also invites any high school senior to submit an essay to compete in the fraternity's national essay contest.
REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP Essay Contest:
- Students must address the theme of the essay contest: A world crisis has caused a paradigm shift for health disparities and social justice; what are your suggestions for positive change?
- The student must be a college-bound senior of any gender or race.
- A minimum $500 award will be given to the local winner on November 16, 2022, and we will submit the essay to be considered for the national $5,000 award.
- More information can be found by clicking the "Essay Contest" link.
Students should reach out to Dr. Shawn Joseph, Assistant Professor, Howard University, at Shawn.Joseph@Howard.edu if they have questions
REMINDER: UVA Jefferson Scholars. SENIORS planning application to the University of Virginia. Scholarships offered on the basis of leadership ability, scholarship ability, and responsible citizenship; Jefferson Scholarships provide the entire cost of attendance at UVA and many supplemental enrichment experiences; consideration is by high school nomination only; click HERE to access the Google form required for Northwest High School consideration; DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCT 10 | post 7 Sept 2022 |
UPDATED Scholarship Resource: C. D. Motes, Jr. Incentive Awards Program (IAP) with the University of Maryland College Park and MCPS UMD Accepted Students. If you are applying to UMD College Park and demonstrate qualities like leadership, being service oriented, committed to striving to be best and perseverance, you may want to learn more about IAP. Applicants must apply to UMD by November 1 and be accepted. The FAFSA must also be completed by January 1 and the applicant must be eligible for the Pell Grant. The IAP application is completed between February 1 and March 1. The program offers a summer bridge program, full tuition, room and board along with guaranteed housing and a study abroad component. Learn more on the IAP website. Click HERE to learn more about Becoming A Scholar. NEW! Attend the IAP Live Webinar on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Click HERE to download the flier with a direct link to register for this webinar. | web post 27 September 2022 |
REMINDER: For a complete list of available scholarships, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. No time to download? In the building visit the QR-Code Board just outside the College Career Information Center (Room 126) and scan the ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin QR-Code for immediate access on your mobile device!
NEW: Help Needed at Concessions
For the Homecoming Football Game vs. Sherwood on Friday, October 7th and the Football Game vs. Seneca Valley on Friday, October 14th, the Booster Club plans to open a satellite concessions stand by the visitor’s stands to help manage the crowds waiting for concessions. Therefore, we need more parent volunteers to work our concessions stands.
Please consider helping out at these and other games. Concessions helps to raise funds to support ALL extracurricular activities at NW including athletics and other clubs! We appreciate your time and commitment to making sure our students have an excellent extracurricular experience at Northwest! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044eaba87-fall
Activities and Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, October 3 - Sunday, October 9
NEW: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, September 29
Here are eight things to know for Thursday, Sept. 29. They include a follow-up letter from Dr. McKnight on athletics safety, a reminder about Family Physical Education Week, a survey about next year’s school calendar, mental health information and more.
Monitoring for Potential Severe Weather this Weekend
Weekend weather conditions are being closely monitored. Any decision to cancel weekend activities will be announced by 6 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, October 2, through the MCPS emergency communications network:The MCPS homepage, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
MCPS Cable Channel 34
MCPS Social Media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram)
MCPS News and Information Line 301-279-3673
Alert MCPS
ConnectED
MCPS Athletics Safety Plan—At Work and Working
In a community letter yesterday, Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight shared her appreciation for the positive community support as the new athletics safety plan was implemented last week. From her letter:
“This past Friday, I saw some good-spirited, high-energy games, where student-athletes competed at a high level and spectators enjoyed watching them. This positive outcome did not happen by accident. Our students called on their peers to uphold good sportsmanship and a respectful environment; staff, parents and volunteers modeled positive behavior and everyone enjoyed a safe and exciting series of athletic events, which are an important part of our school cultures.”
Read the full message.
Read the RAISE report (newsletter) focused on sportsmanship and safety.Understand the Dangers of Edibles
It is important that parents and students understand the dangers of edibles, an ongoing concern in many local communities, including Montgomery County. Edibles are food products infused with marijuana. They are often made to look like candy, but contain dangerous substances, including THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. They can cause serious health problems to children who may ingest them intentionally or unintentionally. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children can experience significant effects from ingesting THC, including intoxication, anxiety/panic, dizziness, poor coordination and excessive sleepiness. If a person is in distress, call 911 immediately. If you suspect your child may be using substances, contact the Montgomery County SASCA unit or call, text or chat 988.
Learn more at this U.S. government website, Just Think TwiceOct. 3-7 is Family Physical Education Week
October is Health Literacy Month, and Oct. 3-7 is Family Physical Education Week. Daily physical activity has many benefits; it can increase energy, focus and readiness to learn, and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activity benefits all of us, so helping students' families be active together is one of MCPS' physical education goals.
Participate together in the October Physical Activity Calendar (See the calendar in English and Spanish).Provide Your Input on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
The process for community input for next year’s school calendar begins now by asking for your input. This survey seeks to gauge the community’s interests as calendar scenarios are developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will present the scenarios at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Share your interests by Thursday, Oct. 13. Access the survey.Be Sure to Tune In to Mental Health Awareness Week, Oct. 10–15
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will host free virtual events Oct. 10–15 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on issues that are important to them. The weeklong expo will feature daily themes, dynamic speakers and informational videos, as well as two live events: a Waymaking Special on Student Mental Health, and a Resource Fair and Q&A session on Saturday, Oct. 15. Sessions will be available in multiple languages.
Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week.
See mental health information and resources.Literacy Council Offers Free ESL Classes for MCPS Parents
In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language classes for MCPS parents. Parents with questions regarding class availability and the sign-up process should email Kevin Ralph from LCMC at kevin@lcmcmd.org or call 240-665-0471.SSL Hours Available to Students on Election Day
MCPS supports the Montgomery County Board of Elections by encouraging students to participate in the election process. Students are eligible for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours towards their high school graduation requirement or a stipend (depending on the work).
Learn more about Election Day service opportunities.
There are no changes to Friday activities at this time
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County
Each year the Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County provides food at Thanksgiving and food and gifts for the December holidays to low-income households. The Holiday Giving Project Coalition coordinates this seasonal program in conjunction with a variety of religious, business and nonprofit organizations. Families can be referred by School Counselors. All Northwest students will receive a paper copy of the Holiday Giving Consent Form to bring home this week in their 2nd period class. If you are interested in receiving these services, completed forms should be submitted to the Northwest Counseling Office by Friday, October 21, 2022 to meet the Thanksgiving deadline. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. Please contact your student’s School Counselor if you have any questions.
REMINDER: Rho Kappa Opportunity!
Attention Juniors and Seniors. Applications for the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society are now open for new members. Criteria for membership is in the application. The application is due October 7th. Selected new members will pay a one-time membership fee of $15.
Here is the link to the application: https://forms.gle/YFE2y6FSM8kbEjfZ7
REMINDER: Election Day Service Opportunities
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, to serve as Election Day student aides. Its main goal is to increase civic participation and knowledge of the political process. Serving as a student election aide gives students their first exposure to the actual logistics of the democratic process in the United States. Students leave the program with experience in how elections are set up and a greater understanding of and trust in American democracy. Student election aides are not offered any monetary compensation, but they are given Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for every hour they work.
FAQ’s: Montgomery County Board of Elections: Future Vote FAQs (montgomerycountymd.gov)
To apply: Board of Elections (montgomerycountymd.gov)
Questions: Email future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov
NPR News: The midterm elections need workers. Teens, veterans and lawyers are stepping up | MPR News
Deadline: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
High School Poll Worker Program
The Montgomery County Board of Elections Future Vote Student Election Worker Program provides high school students with an exciting opportunity to serve as election workers. Depending on the number of days served, volunteers may choose to earn up to 65 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or up to $630 stipend for their service along with a great hands-on introduction to the democratic process. Students with bilingual skills in Spanish and other languages encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Interested students must meet the following requirements to participate as a student election worker:
• Must be at least 16 years of age by the time of registration
• U.S. Citizen of the United States
• Registered to vote in Maryland
• Must have parental consent for workers under 18 years old
Info: High School Poll Workers - Montgomery County MD
Video: https://youtu.be/IEFI7PlYEds
To apply: Board of Elections (montgomerycountymd.gov)
Questions: Email election.judge@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-8533
NPR News: The midterm elections need workers. Teens, veterans and lawyers are stepping up | MPR News
Deadline: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Questions?
Gilberto Zelaya, PhD, CERA
Community Engagement/Public Relations Officer
Montgomery County Board of Elections
18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(O) 240-777-8532
(F) 240-777-8632
(C/T) 240-508-4820
REMINDER: Enhanced Safety Measures underway at MCPS Athletic Events
MCPS Athletics Safety Plan
Dear MCPS Community,
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will implement a number of enhanced security measures at athletic events beginning this Friday, Sept. 23.
The move comes after an instance of unacceptable and abhorrent behavior during a recent varsity football game, including the inexcusable off-field altercations during the Sept. 16 matchup between Northwest and Gaithersburg high schools.
MCPS is committed to the safety and security of students, families and community members who want to enjoy various athletic contests, and will not tolerate the indefensible and violent behavior and actions that have occurred in the opening weeks of this fall season.
To ensure the safety of all spectators and game participants, beginning Sept. 23, the following tiered actions will go into effect at all high school games:
- Students of the participating schools will be allowed to attend with a valid ticket and with their student ID or Synergy verification of their schedule. All other school-aged spectators must be accompanied by an adult chaperone—this includes all elementary and middle school students and high school students from other schools. Adult chaperones must stay and supervise students for the duration of their stay at the game. Spectators are asked to be patient at the gate, as admission may take additional time.
- Students and spectators must sit in the stands during the game. While there will be potential gatherings at halftime and postgame, large gatherings will not be allowed during the game.
- There will be no re-entry and spectators will not be admitted after halftime.
- Backpacks will not be allowed.
- Only student-athletes, coaches, game officials, athletic department staff, and credentialed personnel and media are permitted on the sidelines.
- Event security personnel will use separate entrances, staggered exits and additional support in high-traffic areas.
- Inappropriate and unruly behavior may result in suspension from subsequent MCPS athletic activities.
These changes will be in effect for all high school athletic events for the remainder of the season.
Should other incidents occur, other tiered security interventions will be implemented. These could include spectator capacity limitations and game time/date adjustments. Additional actions will be based on the following criteria or guidelines:
- Level of anticipated spectator attendance.
- Historical rivalries between schools.
- Historical occurrence of incidents, including this year and previous years.
Facility layout, including lighting, spectator seating and parking lot layout.
- Incidents in the community that may impact school and athletic event operations, which will be communicated through a collaborative process with police partners.
Any teams that engage in severe or inappropriate behaviors may be excluded from postseason competition or suspended for multiple games.
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: MCPS Message about State's Attorney's Office Assemblies in High Schools
Dear MCPS High School Families,
We want to bring to your attention the concern we all share around the impact of guns on our communities, youth and schools and they present an increasing and significant danger nationwide. As a result, Montgomery County Public Schools in collaboration with Montgomery County State’s Attorney's Office and the Montgomery County Police Department are partnering to educate our high school students about how to keep schools and students safe. This important partnership importantly rests on awareness, knowledge, and education as key ingredients in doing so.
Here are the facts:
National data from the Gun Violence Archive reports that the number of teenagers killed or injured by guns has nearly doubled since 2014 and the number of teenagers involved in unintentional shootings has risen by 44 percent. There are alarming numbers in Montgomery County, too; 790 illegal guns have been seized this year as of Aug. 14, up nearly 75 percent since 2020, when there were 452 guns seized. In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone to possess a firearm until 21 years of age. In fact, anyone 16 or older found in possession of a gun will be charged as an adult.
What students will learn:
Through scheduled high school assemblies throughout the fall of 2022, students will be provided with information on the law and consequences if broken, strategies for youth to solve problems without weapons or violence, and the importance of vigilance and a “see something, say something” approach. The assemblies will also offer information on how to recognize signs that someone may choose violence to harm themselves or others, the anonymous Maryland Tip Line and the importance of a violence-free community.
What you need to know:
These assemblies will begin in the coming days and weeks. Schools will share specific information about when they are scheduled at your child’s high school. We appreciate your continued partnership with MCPS and as parents, guardians and caregivers, we ask that you echo these messages at home. Students must seek a trusted adult for support rather than choosing violence. Families can choose to opt-out their child from these lessons by simply contacting their school administrator.
As a reminder: there is a longstanding policy and discipline established concerning weapons brought to school. Essentially weapons of any kind may not be brought to any MCPS school. Any student found in possession of a gun or other weapon may also be subject to serious disciplinary actions in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct and potentially in violation of local, state and federal law.
We thank the State’s Attorney’s Office for its commitment and partnership; together, we can work for a safer, vibrant, thriving community.
Dr. Monifa B. McKnight
MCPS Superintendent of Schools
John McCarthy
State’s Attorney, Montgomery County
Important Resources:
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233), online at safeschoolsmd.org
In an emergency, call 911
Montgomery County Public Schools BeWell365
REMINDER: AP Exams Information
Students at Northwest High School will be registering online for the 2022-2023 AP exams. This registration will take a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access. Students will complete the registration process in their AP courses.
Online Exam Registration will continue through Monday, November 7th, 2022
To register, students should click on the link provided on the school website or visit: https://myap.collegeboard.org/.
To complete registration, students must create or log in to their College Board Account. ALL students will join the AP Classroom for their course(s). By joining their AP Classroom, students are registered for the corresponding AP exam. If a student does NOT wish to take one or more of their AP exams, a parent or guardian must contact Ms. Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org) by 3:00 pm on Friday, October 28th, 2022. If your student is unsure if they want to take their AP exam(s) they should speak to their AP teacher and/or couselor to discuss their decision.
If a student registers for an exam and does not test, they will be responsible for the $40 return fee for the unused exam(s).
If a student drops an AP course after exams are ordered on November 15th, 2022, they will be responsible for the $40 unused exam fee.
All exam(s) registrations after October 28th, 2022 will be assessed a $40 late order fee.
Each AP Exam is $101. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify, please complete this form. The form is also available on the Northwest Website via the AP Exam Information Quick Link.
Information about exam payment will be available in December.
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations only if they have been approved by the College Board. Students who have been approved for special accommodations with an eligibility letter from Services from Students with Disabilities and who already possess an SSD number should provide the number on the registration website.
For questions regarding test accommodations for an IEP, please contact our SSD coordinator Gabby Bezou (Gabrielle_Bezou@mcpsmd.org).
For questions regarding test accommodations for a 504 plan, please contact your counselor.
Please visit the AP website for complete information about taking AP Exams: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam. For further questions, please contact Ms. Amy Mason (Amy_M_Mason@mcpsmd.org), AP Testing Coordinator for Northwest High School.
**If you are not sure about whether your student(s) should take the AP exam, you can review this document which outlines the benefits.**
REMINDER: Great News from the Green Team!
NEXTrex Plastic film recycling is back. Reduce your plastic waste by bringing "plastic film" items to be recycled at our school. Check out the linked flier below for details about what can be placed in the NexTrex Bins.
Bin locations: Gym lobby, hallway outside the main office, and media center.
Acceptable Plastic Film List: https://recycle.trex.com/view/educate#materials1
Thank you for your Support --- NWHS Green Team
REMINDER: Free Store
Do you have any school supplies you no longer need? The Free Store would love your donations! We take all gently used school supplies, but at the start of the year, we especially need backpacks, composition books, calculators, and test prep books. Please bring items to the front office or to The Free Store in room 264.
The Free Store is open most days at lunch in room 264 and is available to all NW students and staff. Thank you for your support.
REMINDER: Tutoring Opportunities
Below you will find the tutoring schedule:
Math Honor Society
Ms. Schuler - Arielle_E_Schuler@mcpsmd.org
Mr. Mahaney - Chris_W_Mahaney@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring will be in math teachers' classrooms at lunch Monday - Thursday.
National Honor Society
Ms. Fowler - Samantha_L_Fowler@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Pruchniewski - Sarah_J_Hinkey@mcpsmd.org
NHS tutor and student must arrange to meet in a teacher’s classroom by appointment only
National English Honor Society
Mr. Bolesta - John_W_Bolesta2@mcpsmd.org
English Honor Society will have tutoring on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in room 263
Rho Kappa - Social Studies Honor Society
Ms. McDermott - Emily_F_Mcdermott@mcpsmd.org
Social Studies Honor Society will host tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch in room 229
Contact Sponsor
French Honor Society
Mrs. McKenna - Kathryn_McKenna@mcpsmd.org
French tutors will be available based on the level of the course:
French 2, 4, and AP: Available Tues, Weds, & Thurs in room 219
French 1: Mme Fowler, Available Tuesdays in room 214
French 1, 3, and 5: Mme Malingo, Available Tues & Thurs in rm 207
Email Mrs. McKenna
Spanish Honor Society
Mrs. Cardona - Yomar_S_Cardona@mcpsmd.org
Spanish tutors will be available at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 204. The following student groups are supported:
English speakers with their Spanish class (all levels)
Spanish speakers with their academic classes (math, science, social studies, etc.)
CARES Tutoring
Ms. Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring available after school in person or via zoom
Contact sponsor
REMINDER: Be a part of Mr. Smith's Advisory Council (PAC)
All students, regardless of previous leadership experiences or GPA, are invited to apply. In order for the PAC to be successful, we need a wide range of voices represented on the PAC. Most PAC meetings will be held during the school day through Jag PAWS time or during lunch. On some rare occasions, an after-school meeting may be required. If you would like to be considered for membership on the 2022-2023 PAC, please complete this brief application. Applications are due by October 3, 2022. All members will be notified by November 1, 2022.
Click Here to Apply: https://forms.gle/JU4tcBnS9EzQyKHH8
REMINDER: Join the PTSA and Boosters!
The PTSA and Booster Club are instrumental in providing the school with advocacy, outreach, financial support, and building school spirit for our students, staff, and community. In order for us to be able to support these ongoing efforts, we need our families and staff to join us now! You can join at nwhsptsa.org/membership. Thank you!
REMINDER: Get Ready for the Northwest 5K on 10/29!
The Booster Club is excited for the first ever Northwest 5K on Saturday, October 29th! Runner registration is now open and we are seeking event sponsors. Please visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/5k for more information. Go Jags! 🐾
REMINDER: 2022-2023 Lunch Expectations
The Northwest HS lunch plan for the 2022-2023 school year aims to maximize available seating options to reduce density at lunch in shared spaces. Students may eat lunch:
In a school hallway (Only on floors 1 and 2)
In a classroom under staff supervision
In the center school courtyard (weather permitting)
If students have any questions about our school lunch plan, please contact the Northwest HS main office at (240)740-7100.
Northwest Class Spirit!
It's a long-standing tradition at Northwest for each grade to wear their assigned CLASS COLOR on Pep Rally days! Each class sits in a designated section at the rallies so make an impact for YOUR CLASS by wearing your grade level color and make your presence known! Although participation with wearing class colors is optional, we hope you will join in the FUN!
The grade level colors are as follows:
Freshmen (Grade 9): YELLOW
Sophomores (Grade 10): GREEN
Juniors (Grade 11): RED
Seniors (Grade 12): BLUE
You can wear any clothing and/or accessories in your assigned color as long as you adhere to the school dress code. You can opt to wear clothing that you already own in your grade level color, you can purchase a shirt from the PTSA/Booster Club website for $8: http://www.nwhsptsa.org/shop (available sizes and quantities are limited), or you can purchase a T-shirt in your color at Michael's or Joanne's (the cost is usually around $5) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2026 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2025 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2024 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2023 (12th Grade): Blue
Northwest High School
Email: Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://northwestjags.org
Location: 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-7100
Twitter: @NorthwestJags