Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 27, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone well on this rainy Sunday evening. As we return from our short Thanksgiving holiday break, I hope everyone feels ready for what is going to be a great December. A reminder that the interim for marking period 2 is fastly approaching.
Meet the Coaches Night for Winter Sports is tomorrow evening, Monday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m in the auditorium. We hope to see you there!
Students who received Straight A's in Quarter 1 will have their photos taken in the auditorium on Friday, December 2.
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.
Purchase Senior Group Panoramic Photograph
The FINAL date for paying and ordering is Monday, November 28.
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
Victor O'Neill Studios will be back for the last opportunity for senior portraits on December 5, 2022. This session will be for yearbook portraits only in order to accommodate more students. Please use this link to sign up for your slot: https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/Northwest2023.
Please see the attached letter with additional information. For questions regarding pictures, please contact Victor O'Neill Studio directly @ seniors@vosphoto.com.
In this week's newsletter, the only new item is an update from our College and Career Center.
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including important information about student password changes, all the after school tutoring opportunities for Northwest students, ways for you to provide input into the 2023-2024 school calendar, a way you can donate Warm Winter Clothes, information on our upcoming community fundraiser at Five Guys on December 1, the upcoming Key Club events/dates, ways to support our new "Our Closet" Club, the upcoming Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich making event, upcoming events at the Black Rock Center for the Arts PTSA Fundraiser for After Prom on December 3, a special congrats to our QuestBridge Scholarship Finalists, information about our school's project pantry, the NW Jewelry and Trinket giveaway, 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:
NEW! Find out about How First Gen Students Can Navigate Paying for College: A resource sponsored by Citizens Bank @ https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/first-gen-students-preparing-for-college.aspx.
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.
NEW! Save the Date for the 15th Annual HBCU College Fair. Friday, February 17, 2023, from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. During the fair, workshops will be provided on financing college, college life and more.
College Career Calendar & Events:
REMINDER Princeton Review is hosting Cracking the Test Week. From December 4th to December 8th. Experts will show students what they need to do to crack the SAT®, ACT®, PSAT®, and AP® Exams. Access the Cracking the Test Week flier here, including links for students to register for each event.
Sunday, December 4, 2022
8PM ET
Monday, December 5, 2022
10PM ET
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
8PM ET
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
8PM ET
Thursday, December 8, 2022
8PM ET
College Career High School Visit Calendar: (End of Semester I)
December 5
Savannah College of Art + Design (SCAD)
9:00 AM
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:
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).
From the Maryland Higher Education Commission:
2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) visit: https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES OR The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) visit: https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will review the information that you provide on your FAFSA or MSFAA to determine your eligibility for certain state scholarships and grants for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Maryland priority deadline to submit the FAFSA or MSFAA is March 1, 2023.
To view a complete list of all state scholarships and grants we offer, please visit https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx
REMINDER: NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL will offer opportunities during the school year to help with the FAFSA process!
Workshop opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as help with the Maryland State Financial Aid process:
- REMINDER: 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
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!
REMINDER: IMPORTANT Student Passwords
As you know, students now have the ability to set and change their passwords for their MCPS accounts. Because this practice started last November, there are large numbers of students (about 50,000) whose passwords are going to expire by November 30th.
myMCPS Classroom (Canvas) Course
To help alert students to change their password, we have created a new district-wide Canvas Course (Student Password Reset) that the central technology teams will use to target students whose passwords are about to change. During the month that students need to reset their password, students will be enrolled in the course and will be assigned a no-submit assignment to change their password. This will trigger an alert as well as an action item on the student’s to-do list in Canvas. This, in conjunction with the email, will help create an awareness for students using Canvas regularly as part of their school experience.
Chrome PopUp
In addition to the email and myMCPS Classroom course assignment alerts, we have created a chrome popup for students. When students log into their chromebook, this message will pop up in the corner reminding them to reset their password.
Directions for Student Password Changes
As was shared with the students in the email notifications, they simply need to go to https://SPM.mcpsmd.org and log in with their current username and password. That will allow them to reset the password.
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: Donate Warm Winter Clothes!
DO YOU HAVE WARM WINTER ITEMS TO DONATE? As the season of gratitude has arrived and the Winter holidays are just around the corner, the Student To End Poverty club is in need of winter clothes for local and surrounding communities. We are accepting new or gently used warm winter clothing in "good, clean condition" for toddlers, young children and adult. We appreciate donations of any in-season clothing, especially if they are for children such as gloves, hats, scarves, coats, warm sweater and pants, diapers and wipes (in unopened packages) and new packages of new underwear and socks.
Items will be donated to "Clarksburg Closet" in December, 2022.
When: November 18, 2022 - December 14, 2022
Drop off locations: Media Center, Main Office, and Counseling Office
Find more information on Instagram posts @nwstepoverty.
REMINDER: Upcoming Key Club Events/Dates
- The Canned Food Drive continues but ends on Monday, November 14.
- As in years past, we are making Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches on the afternoon of the half day, Wednesday, December 7. These sandwiches will benefit a local food pantry.
- We have an upcoming Blood Drive that takes place on Friday, December 9. If you want to participate, you should submit forms to Mr. Maradei by Thursday, December 8.
REMINDER: Support our New Club "Our Closet"
The Northwest " Our Closet" Club would like your help to keep our community members warm this winter. Please bring coats, jackets, gloves, mittens, hats, and/or warm socks to Room 261 anytime from November 14th- December 16th. All items will be donated to local shelters.
REMINDER: 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
REMINDER: Congratulations to our QuestBridge Scholars!
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