Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, December 18, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
A warm, winter welcome to all of Jag Nation on this Sunday evening! For those who celebrate, Chag Sameach! We have just a short week with winter break beginning this Friday, December 23. The next edition of Northwest News will be delivered the evening of Sunday, January 1, 2023. Our main office will be closed through Monday, January 2 and students return to school on Tuesday, January 3.
We will not have activities or activity busses this Thursday, December 22.
A reminder for 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.
Might your child qualify for a full scholarship to college? Please explore the QuestBridge Scholarship website and how to apply. For more information, please have your child attend a lunch meeting in THE MEDIA CENTER on Tuesday, December 20th.
Yearbook purchase link, personal ads info:
The FINAL date for reserving ad space is January, 27, 2023.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit?usp=sharing
In this week's newsletter, there are several new items including an update from our College and Career Center, information about our "Slide into Break" Spirit Week this week, the Gingerbread house making contest at lunch tomorrow, Monday, December 19, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, December 15, athletics and activities for this week, and a dining day at California Pizza Kitchen this Thursday, December 22.
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including information regarding our Middle College Program applications, our Science National Honors Society tutoring opportunities, the class of 2027 Ulysses Signature Program Application, a call for volunteers to run concessions during winter events, a congratulations to our two (2) Questbridge scholarship recipients, all the after school tutoring opportunities for Northwest students, information about our school's project pantry, 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!
Here's to a great week and holiday season!
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.
COLLEGE CAREER e-NEWS HIGHLIGHTS: View the complete e-NEWS Bulletin on the college career web page and click on the e-NEWS link!
ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is administered FREE to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students and is an excellent career exploration tool. It can help identify the student's interests and aptitude in the following areas: verbal, math, science and technical skills. When a student's score is interpreted, he/she will learn how their interests and skills relate to the demands of more than 400 occupations, helping students to identify suitable career options. ASVAB results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. Should students wish to use their test results as part of an enlistment post-secondary plan will need to have a conversation with military recruiters. The student can provide their scores to the recruiter. Taking the ASVAB at MCPS high schools in no way involves a commitment to the military. The test date for the 2022-2023 school year is February 9, 2023 @ 7:45 am. Parental consent will be required for a student to test at Northwest High School. Parental consent is granted by submission of this Google Form. The test will be offered once each school year. Testing and score interpretations will be during the school day. Visit the NEW Official ASVAB Career Exploration Program web site and enter as an applicant for more information on testing and resources.
College News:
Penn State is still accepting applications for fall 2023! Apply through the MyPennState or Common App. For students who visit one of the nineteen Penn Commonwealth campuses (virtually or in person) and apply through MyPennState, the application fee will be waived. Questions can be sent by email to admissions@psu.edu.
University of Maryland College Park (UMD) test-optional policy has been extended through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles. What does this mean for students?
- If students are applying for admission between now and Fall 2025, they will not be required to submit standardized test scores. Students can decide whether to include SAT/ACT scores with their application.
- As part of UMD's application, students will be asked if they intend to submit test scores.
- If a student chooses to submit test scores, they will be incorporated into our holistic review as one factor among many that are considered in our evaluations.
- Students who choose not to submit test scores will receive the same holistic review and will not be disadvantaged in our evaluations.
- This will not impact our review for limited enrollment programs, living-learning and other special programs, or merit scholarships.
University of Maryland will assess the impact of this policy on our students and the admission process to inform our standardized test score requirement for application cycles beyond Fall 2025. Additional information regarding this change to our admission process can be found on our Future Terps updates page. Go Terps!
Summer Programs:
A list of summer programs/opportunities is regularly updated in the NW Counseling Canvas classroom on the “Summer Opportunities” page.
Money Matters:
From the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC):
2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) visit: https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES OR The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA)
ALERT FROM MHEC REGARDING THE MDCAPS ACCOUNT CREATION: MHEC/MDCAPS is incompatible with all Apple devices including phones and MacBooks as well as Chromebooks. Students are receiving false success messages when they create their MDCAPS accounts and MSFAA applications, but in fact, the information is not being received by MHEC. Students must recreate their accounts using a Windows server – Laptop or PC using Chrome. Any updates or submissions must be made on Windows servers. Students can call MHEC to ensure their accounts are in place. Customer Service reps are aware of this issue but do not foresee a new operating system in place until at least next year.
WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES TO GET FAFSA HELP AS WELL AS HELP WITH THE MARYLAND STATE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS:
- REMINDER! Northwest High School Financial Aid Workshop evening virtual event on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 8:00 pm. Registration is required. 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.
REMINDER! The Write Start Scholarship Writing Workshop. Clarksburg Cottage. Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Space is limited. (23201 Stringtown Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871)
A hands-on workshop experience that provides proven writing prompts and professional help from an acclaimed editor to help differentiate your scholarship application essay from the rest! Please join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Pi Zeta Chapter for our Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop. Learn what it takes to make your essay stand out when you’re applying for scholarships. Upon completion of the workshop, you will receive access to apply to over $100,000 in scholarships. This is a hands-on workshop. Laptops or other mobile devices are recommended, but not required. This is a free event. Registration is required. Limited space availability.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights for New Posts & Winter Break Reminders
CORRECTION! SCHOLARSHIP: JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION. MINORITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS. See link for eligibility and details. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JAN 11 (not JAN 15)
REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS: SENIORS who have applied to UMBC. undergraduate.umbc.edu/meyerhoff. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JAN 15 |
REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship. SENIORS. Criteria: DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JAN 5 | Original Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin Post Date: 3 Nov 2022 |
UPDATE! SCHOLARSHIP: Montgomery College MONTGOMERY SCHOLARS. SENIORS applying/planning to attend MC. Students must complete the MC Online Credit Application no later than December 1. Program Information | Application Guidelines | DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION EXTENDED TO JAN 31 | UPDATED Post Date: 14 Dec 2022 |
REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: Montgomery College MACKLIN BUSINESS INSTITUTE (MBI) SCHOLARS PROGRAM. SENIORS applying/planning to attend MC. Students should have an interest in pursuing a career in business. Students must complete the MC Online Credit Application no later than December 15. Program information & link to apply | DEADLINE FOR MACKLIN SCHOLARS APPLICATION: JAN 31 | Original Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin Post Date: 15 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, December 15
1. COVID-19/Respiratory Illnesses Status Update
COVID-19 rates have been increasing in the Washington, D.C. region, according to the county health department. Within our school system, we have also seen the anticipated rise in COVID-19 cases since the return from Thanksgiving. As we head into winter break, here are a few reminders:
- Make sure to get the latest COVID-19 booster (now approved for kids as young as 6 months)
MCPS Vaccine Clinics this week
Montgomery County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics - Practice healthy habits that prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
- Wear a mask to prevent spread of infection when experiencing flu/cold like symptoms or in high-risk exposure situations.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or a possible exposure. Free COVID-19 Testing
- Additional information
2. MCPS Students Dually Enrolled at Montgomery College Will No Longer Be Charged Tuition
Due to a recent change in a Maryland law, students will not be charged to participate in dual-enrollment programs. Montgomery College will refund students who have paid tuition for college courses taken this fall. Students taking college courses during the remainder of this school year will not be charged tuition, but may be responsible for other college costs, such as textbooks or fees. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, all eligible students may take approved college courses at no cost. For additional information, please review the FAQ sheet.
3. Tune In to Operating Budget Presentation Live on Dec. 19
Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight will deliver a presentation on her Recommended Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 on Monday, Dec. 19. Hear how the district plans to invest in students’ academic experience, employee development, and look ahead to leadership’s priorities and goals for the next school year. Watch live via the MCPS homepage or MCPS TV Channels (en Español Comcast 33, Verizon 35, RCN 88).
4. SPOTLIGHT: New York Times Bestselling Author Kwame Alexander Visits North Bethesda Middle School
Students at North Bethesda Middle School enjoyed a visit from Kwame Alexander, poet, educator and New York Times bestselling author of 36 books. Students asked questions about his books, writing process and the new TV series Crossover that will be out on Disney+.
5. MCPS In the News
- Office of the System Medical Officer Races Awareness About Fentanyl Dangers
- El condado Montgomery ofrece recursos para tratar sobredosis de opioides, en especial por fentanilo
- MCPS poised to debut new mobile app ‘Student Strong’
- 2 Whitman Juniors Win Congressional App Challenge
- New student fellows announced by Montgomery County STEM-focused foundation
For the latest news and information, visit: MCPS News Center.
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Athletics and Activities Calendar for the Week of December 19 - December 22
NEW: California Pizza Kitchen Dining Day: December 22, 2022 from 11am-10pm
Must SHOW the digital/paper flyer or mention Northwest to the cashier/server prior to paying or USE CODE: BACK20% at checkout when you order online at cpk.com (Gaithersburg location only). 20% of all sales during the time period when Northwest is mentioned go back to NWHS PTSA AFTER PROM. Thank you for your support!
REMINDER: Middle College Program Application - Apply Now!
The Middle College Program (MC2) Application window is open. To apply to the Middle College Program, students must be in 9th or 10th grade at Northwest HS. The online application is due by February 21, 2023. Students and parents will be notified in March as to next steps.
For more information and to apply, visit https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/nw-middle-college/home or contact Mrs. Lisa Shapiro, MC2 coordinator, at Lisa_M_Shapiro@mcpsmd.org for further information.
REMINDER: Class of 2027 Ulysses Signature Program Applications
The Ulysses Program Application window for the Class of 2027 will open on Monday, December 5, 2022. To apply for the Ulysses Program, students must live in the Northwest cluster. Current 8th graders who are accepted into the Ulysses Program will be enrolled in the four-year program. Each applicant is responsible for submitting a complete and accurate online application by February 21, 2023.
For more information, visit Northwest High School Website or Ulysses Signature Program Website/Admissions. You can also contact Doona Kim, Ulysses Signature Program Coordinator
REMINDER: Volunteer for Winter Concessions: Season Begins 12.6.22
Come out and support the NW teams by helping in the Concessions Stand. Your time is crucial to the success of our All-School Booster Club, which supports ALL school-sponsored extracurricular activities. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other parents and to support the students at NWHS! Let's Go Jags! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044eaba87-winter2
REMINDER: Congratulations to our QuestBridge Scholars!
REMINDER: NWHS After School Tutoring Opportunities
CARES Tutoring
High Dosage Tutoring in All Current Classes, Credit Recovery, Original Credit, & Edmentum
All Students are Eligible
Assistance in All Subjects
Small Tutoring Groups Led by NWHS Teachers
Online & In-Person Tutoring Opportunities
Flexible Scheduling
Sign-Up Today! Fill-Out the Registration Form @ https://forms.gle/dGyfNwMDzfTsMvQj9
Reach out to CARES Lead Teacher - Emily Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
High School+
Focus on Credit Recovery for All Core Subjects (Math, English, Science, History)
All Students are Eligible
Small Tutoring Groups Led by NWHS Teachers
Support available after school; Activity buses are available for students with transportation needs
See your counselor to get more information and if you are interested in working on other subjects
Reach out to High School+ Coordinator - John Gordon - jonathon_m_gordon@mcpsmd.org
Available to all MCPS students
*On-demand and scheduled tutoring through FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education (virtual)
*School-scheduled in-class tutoring using FEV Tutor (virtual)
Access additional information here
FEV Tutor
*best for grades 3-12
*no camera for tutor or student; WHY???
FEV found that some students work best without a camera, the idea of being seen is a barrier
-privacy issues - some families do not want eyes into their homes
*highly interactive
*chat, two-way work space, voice to text, text to voice, 25 language toggle
*in-class tutoring
*virtual
*1:1
*sessions are recorded, progress notes taken each session
*Students access through logging into their Clever account
Tutor Me Education
*best for grades K-12
*camera for tutor and student
*highly interactive
*chat, two-way work space
*virtual
*1:1
*sessions are recorded, progress notes taken each session
*Students access through logging into their Clever account
MCPS Weekend Tutoring
*for students referred by the school
*families can choose the school closest to them
*Saturdays and Sundays
*8:00AM - 4:00PM - sites are open to schedule one hour sessions
*taught by MCPS tutors and, if needed, Tutor Me Education tutors
Available to all school-selected students
*MCPS staffed tutoring at local sites before/after school virtual and/or in-person)
*MCPS staffed weekend tutoring at Belmont, Eastern, Julius West, Little Bennett(in-person)
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
Science National Honor Society
Peer Tutoring in all “core” science classes available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch (11:25-11:55).
- Biology Help: Room 351
- Chemistry Help: Room 302
- Physics Help: Room 377
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