Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 6, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening after a beautiful weekend. Be reminded that you should have turned your clock back one hour last night as we "fall back." Additionally, there is no school tomorrow, Monday, November 7 for a professional day and no school on Tuesday, November 8 for election day. Go vote!
A special congratulations to all our Jag Student-Athletes for their performances in playoff contests this past week. While some of you are still advancing and some of you had season-ending losses, we are all so #JagProud of all you continue to do on and off the field/court of play.
Attention students in grades 9-11! You can order your student photos by visiting vosphoto.com/uc. Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
As a reminder, students and families seeking mental health resources and support for grief and loss can reach out to their School Counselor or administrator. Students may be connected to a variety of supports, both inside and outside of school. This year, we are happy to have additional wellbeing supports available at Northwest, including services offered by a School Social Worker and the staff from our new Bridge to Wellness Center. Assistance for a crisis is available 24-7 through the Montgomery County Crisis Center and also by calling/texting 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In addition, mental resources can be found on the MCPS website.
Registration for Winter Sports is open! Parents/Guardians should register their student in ParentVue. Students need a current physical. You can find more information at NorthwestAthletics.org. Registrations must be submitted by November 12 to make sure they have been processed in time for tryouts on November 15.
Purchase Senior Group Panoramic Photograph
*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 info:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit
In this week's newsletter, you will find information like this week's College and Career Center Updates, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 3, PTSA Mod-Pizza Kentlands Dining Day, Booster Club Silent Auction this Thursday, November 10, PTSA Fundraiser for After Prom on December 3, and a way to help us become a Gold School with Maryland Safe Schools!
There are a few important reminders including a special congrats to our QuestBridge Scholarship Finalists, a note about November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month, Matsunaga Elementary School's Veterans Day Concert, the information about our Manna Food Pantry, an important AP exams update, information about our school's project pantry, the NW Jewelry and Trinket giveaway, a way to enter a video for the Choose Respect video contest, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, 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: 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:
REMINDER: Salisbury University wants to meet and have a conversation with Northwest seniors who have applied to Salisbury during this college application season. The goal is for Salisbury to get to know their applicants! This admissions interview is a great way for the applicant to share information about themselves, their application, and ask questions. Northwest admissions counselor, Jenna Payne, will be conducting interviews the morning of November 28, starting at 9 AM. Use this On-Site Admissions Event Google Form to SIGN UP @ https://forms.gle/E7axsvAJRmvFjjaGA! Sign up no later than Monday, November 21, 2022.
REMINDER for the Class of 2024: West Point Society of DC is holding the 16th Annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference (WPLEC) for the National Capital Region. This will be an in person event on Thursday, March 16, 2023. You can expect a full day of great guest speakers, working in groups of fellow high school juniors from across the DMV to develop solutions to ethical challenges, learning from young military and civilian professionals, and bringing what you learn back to our school! Check out this link for video from the 2022 conference. If you are interested in attending, complete the Student Interest Google Form no later than Friday, December 16.
College Career ‘School Specific’ NEWS
NEW: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) invites students to join us for an information session with members of the Rensselaer community to learn about how they can begin their world-changing journey at one of the country's most prestigious and innovative universities. This is their opportunity to learn about our programs in architecture, engineering, business, science, humanities, arts, and social sciences.
Rensselaer Information Session - Tysons Corner
Tysons Corner Marriott
8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, VA 22182
Monday, November 7, 2022 | 7:00 p.m.
College Career High School Visit Calendar: (November 7 - November 11)
November 9 - Montgomery College Montgomery Scholars Information Session 10:00 AM
November 9 - Bryant University 1:00 PM
November 10 - University of Scranton 8:00 AM
November 10 - University of California - Berkeley 9:00 AM
November 10 - Moravian University 10:00 AM
November 10 - Mount St. Mary’s University 1:00 PM
November 11 - Pace University (NYC) virtual @
https://pace.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvduygpjoqG9H0tH6IzL8VY3ttEfdHPYw7
10:00 AM
November 11 - Wilson College 1:00 PM
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.
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: Financial Aid
NEW RESOURCES FOR COMPLETING THE CSS PROFILE:
- @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ekz8WCzqDU (2:20 minutes run time)
- @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_QX1LmyyHE (30 minutes run time)
The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. This financial aid application is completed in addition to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
REMINDER: NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL 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!
Workshop opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as help with the Maryland State Financial Aid process:
- Tuesday, December 6 from 2:30 until 3:30 pm
- 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 Event Registration Form and event details.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights for New Posts & Reminders
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: 2022-2023 Montgomery College BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) Academic Specialty. SENIORS. This is a full scholarship for MCPS graduating high school seniors and will cover the cost of up to 15 credits (at the in-county rate) with the opportunity for a second-year renewal. Note the important information:
- Students must be admitted to MC before they can access the online scholarship application. The link to the scholarship application will direct students to their MyMC login page. Please encourage inquiring students to complete the admissions application. Once a student has been admitted and they have claimed their MyMC account, they will be able to complete the scholarship application using their MyMC login.
- Students can complete the online scholarship application and submit both the required essays and academic transcript with the application; however, the letter of recommendation must be emailed directly from the person making the recommendation to botscholarships@montgomerycollege.edu.
- Students must submit a copy of their transcript that includes first-semester grades. They can complete the application and email transcripts separately if these grades are not ready at this time. The application will not be considered complete without it though. Transcripts should be emailed to botscholarships@montgomerycollege.edu.
DEADLINE(s) FOR APPLICATION: PRIORITY MARCH 1 | APPLICATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED THROUGH MAY 1 | NOTIFICATION Apply by priority deadline: APR 15 | Applications after March 1: MAY 15
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship. SENIORS. Criteria: Demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces; Display strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent); Be citizens of the United States of America; Be current high school seniors attending high school within the United States, (including any U.S. territories or commonwealths), and graduating in winter 2022 or spring 2023. Applicants living on a U.S. Armed Forces base and attending high school outside the U.S. are eligible. Plan to enroll in a full‑time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four‑year college or university in the United States for the entire 2023-2024 academic school year . DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JAN 5 | Post 3 Nov 2022 |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY National Alumni Association, Inc. Montgomery County Chapter SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS applying to Bowie State University for fall 2023. GPA requirement of 2.5 or higher. Official transcript required. One-time monetary award for freshman year only, based on academic success in high school. To apply, visit https://www.mccbsunaa.com/scholarships. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 15 | Post 3 Nov 2022 |
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: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 3
Here are six things to know for Thursday, Nov. 3. Get information about upcoming budget forums, how eighth graders can apply to high school programs, how to provide your input on the 2023-2024 school calendar, the STEAM showcase this weekend, something for your child to do on the upcoming school day off, reminders, and a special surprise from The Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation.
Provide Your Input on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
Please share your input for next year’s school calendar. This quick survey seeks to gauge the community’s opinions on the calendar scenarios developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will use your feedback to develop a final recommendation to be presented at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Let your voice be heard and share your input by Monday, Nov. 30.
Access the survey.Applications for Regional/Countywide High School Programs Deadline Extended
to Friday, Nov. 11Eighth graders who are interested in special programs offered in several high schools must apply by Friday, Nov. 11. These programs start in the 9th grade, but students need to apply now. Students can see all their options in StudentVUE. Applications must be submitted through ParentVUE by the deadline. Contact your middle school counselor with questions.
"Kids Day Out" Offers a Place to Take Elementary School Students When School is Out
If you need something for your child to do when school is out on Monday, Nov. 7, the Montgomery County Recreation Department is offering a fun day of supervised activities at several recreation locations.To register, visit activemontgomery.org. MCPS families can apply for a coupon code MCPSkid2022 to receive a full scholarship. Future “Kids Day Out” events are planned for Jan. 27, March 31 and April 21.
Operating Budget Information Sessions Begin
MCPS will host the first of three community budget forums on Nov. 12. This is an opportunity to learn about how Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight plans to build her recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The meeting will be held in person at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, 2425 Reedie Drive, 2nd Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Next forum: Monday, Nov. 28 (6:30 - 8 p.m.) Virtual
Students to Showcase Work in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
A STEAM Festival Showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Northwood High School. MCPS and educational partners will showcase opportunities for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) with hands-on activities and demonstrations. The event is free and open to all MCPS families and students. Northwood is located at 919 University Blvd., West in Silver Spring.
This Week’s Reminders:
- There is no school for students on Monday, Nov.7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8.
- Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour, Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 6.
- Winter 2022 middle school athletics online registration for girls and boys basketball is now live via the ParentVUE Portal. Check out MCPS Tech Shorts for additional information on registering students.
Complimentary Football Tickets! The Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation, through a partnership with the MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc., is generously providing 1,000 complimentary tickets to MCPS students and their families for the Washington Commanders game against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at FedEx Field. Tickets are first come, first served. Get tickets here.
Ongoing Reminders
- Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
MCPS offers numerous ways to learn about your student’s school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals when there is inclement weather. Learn more about weather decisions and how to stay in touch with MCPS here:
Stay Connected
How To Receive Emergency Information
- Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: PTSA MOD Pizza - Kentlands Dining Day: November 9, 2022
Join MOD Pizza-Kentlands in supporting the Northwest HS PTSA on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 10:30 am - 10:00 pm. Show the flyer or mention the NW fundraiser to your cashier, or order online through the MOD app or website and use the fundraiser coupon code: MODF9395. Thank you for your support!
NEW: Booster Club Silent Auction: November 10, 2022
Join us for the exciting Booster Club Silent Auction on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:30 pm at Bretton Woods Reaction Center (15700 River Road Germantown, MD 20874). The auction catalog and bidder registration will be posted by November 5, 2022 at https://www.nwhsptsa.org/silent-auction/. It's not too late to donate, please contact president@nwhsptsa.org if you wish to donate an item. We hope to see you at the auction!
NEW: PTSA AR Workshop-Frederick FUNdraiser for After Prom: December 3, 2022
Join us at AR Workshop-Frederick on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Pick your project and register using link below! Then look forward a great night with other NW staff and parents. All proceeds to benefit the Northwest HS After Prom Party. Let's fill 30 spots by 11/10 so we can have our own private party! Questions? Contact president@nwhsptsa.org. Thanks and we look forward to a fun event!
Register here: https://www.arworkshop.com/events/frederick/343261
NEW: Help us become a Gold School by Maryland Safe Schools!
Last year students and staff attended a presentation on Safe Schools Maryland Anonymous Reporting System. Northwest is on the way to becoming recognized as a gold school by Safe Schools Maryland. We need at least 50% of our parents/ guardians to also attend the presentation.
We are offering these group presentations as refreshers or as an opportunity for new parents to be acquainted with the Safe Schools Maryland Anonymous Reporting System.
Wednesday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 29th at 7:00 p.m.
This 30-minute virtual presentation for parents will teach attendees what Safe Schools Maryland is, how it works, and how they can help keep their schools safer. These presentations will be held on several dates each month, so choose the date that works best for you. Our Maryland Center for School Safety staff will be available for questions after the presentation.
You must sign up so your school receives credit for your attendance. Please be sure to include your school's name in the "Name of School" field. We hope you will join us to learn how each of us can contribute to a safe school environment. Register now!
REMINDER: Congratulations to our QuestBridge Scholars!
REMINDER: November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
The Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation was established by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in 2019 to promote a better understanding of its history and legacy of African Americans in the county.
In response, Montgomery County Public Schools will observe Remembrance and Reconciliation Month by supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations, providing schools with age-appropriate lessons on local historic African American communities, and virtual changemaker workshops for students and their families in English and Spanish on November 15 - 17, 2022. Register here to attend a changemaker workshop.
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Manna Food Pantry
The Key Club is once again holding their annual food drive for Manna Food Pantry. The food drive is being held through first period classes where you will find bags or boxes with attached fliers. It will run from October 25th through November 14th. We are challenging our school community to provide at least one can or non-perishable food item per student and staff. Our goal is to reach at least 2500 items to provide for the many individuals in Montgomery County through Manna Food Pantry.
Please help us fight hunger and continue to provide for those in need.
Thank you for your support.
Mr. Maradei and the Northwest High School Key Club
REMINDER: AP Exams Update!
All AP students must register for their respective AP exams by Friday, October 28th in order to have an exam ordered for them to take in May. Registration took place in AP classes throughout October. Students should check their College Board accounts (https://myap.collegeboard.org/login) to ensure that they are registered for their exam(s). AP teachers can provide specific exam registration codes for their respective courses. Exam payment information will be provided in December. There is a $40 late order fee for any registrations after Friday, October 28th. If you have any questions about registration please contact our AP coordinator Ms. Mason (Amy_M_Mason@mcpd.org).
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
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: 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!
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