Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, December 11, 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! We are heading into the middle of marking period two (2) and while winter break is upon us, it is important that students keep their focus on academic progress.
This past Thursday, December 8 we held a Latino/Hispanic Parent Night. For those who attended, thank you! For those who could not make it, you can review the linked presentation.
Congratulations to Xavier Rivers who threw 50'2" in the shot put this past week which broke the school's previous mark of 47'8"!
Another Congratulations to Pacade Eng and Joshua Choo on their photography awards in the student competition component in the week long annual Mid-Atlantic Photo Visions events.
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 room 264 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 regarding our Middle College Program applications, our Science National Honors Society tutoring opportunities, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, December 8, this week's athletics and activities schedule and a chance to support the Class of 2026 at Chipotle.
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including information regarding the class of 2027 Ulysses Signature Program Application, a call for volunteers to run concessions during winter events, PTSA's annual staff appreciation gift wrapping and dessert bar on Friday, December 16, a congratulations to our two (2) Questbridge scholarship recipients, all the after school tutoring opportunities for Northwest students, a way you can donate Warm Winter Clothes, ways to support our new "Our Closet" Club, 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!
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.
COLLEGE CAREER e-NEWS HIGHLIGHTS: View the complete e-NEWS Bulletin on the college career web page and click on the e-NEWS link!
NEW: The NCAA Eligibility Center is hosting a webinar for college-bound student-athletes and their families on Wednesday, December 14. Event promotion with QR Code for registration. For International NCAA initial-eligibility information, view the November 22 webinar 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
Hiring for Summer during JAG lunch! Look for posters by the Gym Lobby after the new year!
NEW! SUMMER INTERNSHIP: NIH summer internship program application portal has opened! https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip. The application portal will close March 1.
Applying to the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP):
Webinar and Q&A
January 10, 2023, 3:00–4:00 pm (ET);
Register @ https://nih.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscOCtqzwvHdFNbAzqldWeCP_RxEbWIko
The 2023 Summer Internship Program is for students who
- are 17 years of age or older on June 15, 2023,
- are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, AND
- are enrolled at least half-time in an accredited college (including community college) or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at the time of application*, OR
- have graduated from high school but have been accepted into an accredited college or university program for the fall semester.
FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS:
- NEW! MCPS FAFSA/MSFAA Completion Event on Saturday, December 17 from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm. Clarksburg High School (22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871 (in-person)). Cafeteria. Click HERE for more information. Pre Registration is requested. View the linked document for the QR code to register.
- 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.
SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:
NEW! 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.
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION. MINORITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS. See link for eligibility and details. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JAN 15
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS: SENIORS who have applied to UMBC. undergraduate.umbc.edu/meyerhoff. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JAN 15 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Howard University Humanities & Social Science Scholars Program. SENIORS applying to Howard University who are committed to pursuing a PhD in a humanities or social science discipline. Questions should be directed to h3sp@howard.edu. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: FEB 15 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: The Horatio Alger Scholarship. JUNIORS with plans to enter a college in the US no later than the fall after graduation. Financial need requirement. Visit scholars.horatioalger.org. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 15
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship by SkillPoint Foundation. SENIORS. Applicants must be planning to pursue a trade-related program at a trade/vocational school or two-year college. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 31
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: The Louis Goaziou Lodge #1953 Scholarship Quiz. SENIORS. Minimum 2.5 GPA. Click HERE to access the Quiz. Additional information available on the sponsor’s Facebook page. Questions should be directed to ldh.lglscholarship@gmail.com. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 31
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Esperanza Education Fund. SENIORS. Students are eligible for the scholarship regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. For more information about the scholarship, visit www.esperanzafund.org. Application opens January 1. Questions should be directed to: apply@esperanzafund.org. Information sessions will be held during the 2023 application period. Check the scholarship website for dates and times. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: APRIL 1 | Post 2 Dec 2022 |
Eligibility:
- Must have been born outside the U.S. OR have two parents who were born outside the U.S.
- Must be a 2023 graduating senior at a high school in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia OR have earned a GED within the last four years and reside in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia
- Must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public two-year community college or four-year university in the US for the 2023 - 2024 academic year
- Must have had a household income in 2022 of less than $100,000
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: ALEX POPECK NEVER BACK DOWN FOUNDATION. SENIORS. $2,500 award. Applicants must participate in extracurricular activities. Questions should be directed to: Alexpopecknbd@gmail.com. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: APR 22
REMINDER SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION SESSION for MONTGOMERY SCHOLARS: SENIORS. Dr. John Wang, Director of the Montgomery Scholars Program at Montgomery College, will be hosting three virtual MC Scholars Information sessions in December. Dr. Wang will review the program and application process and answer any questions the students may have. A session will be held on Tues., 12/13, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Topic: Montgomery Scholars Program Information Session / Q&A
Join Zoom Meeting
https://montgomerycollege.zoom.us/j/95322105267
Meeting ID: 953 2210 5267
Find your local number: https://montgomerycollege.zoom.us/u/a8iDaiSnP
Students must complete the MC Online Credit Application no later than December 1. Program Information | Application Guidelines | DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION: JAN 8
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: 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.
NEW: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, December 8
Get information about Flu/RSV guidance, how to watch the upcoming operating budget presentation live, new Board of Education leadership and more.
Board Approves School Year Calendar that Allows for More Professional Days and Fewer Disruptions
The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 school year calendar at its Dec. 6 business meeting. The new calendar offers an increased focus on professional development for teachers, while aiming to limit instructional disruptions.
Tune in to Superintendent’s Operating Budget Presentation Dec. 19
Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight will deliver a presentation on her Recommended Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 on Dec.19. Hear how the district plans to invest in students’ academic experience 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)MCPS Board of Education Welcomes New Members and Appoints New Leadership
Newly elected members Grace Rivera-Oven (District 1), Julie Yang (District 3) and re-elected members Brenda Wolff (District 5) and Karla Silvestre (At-Large) were ceremonially sworn in on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville. Ms. Silvestre (At-Large) and Shebra Evans (District 4) will now lead the Board as president and vice president, respectively.Flu/RSV Guidance
MCPS continues to work with the local health department to closely monitor local disease trends and provide support to schools and worksites. COVID-19 and influenza rates have increased in our region. We continue to reinforce good infection control and health behaviors that help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Check out fact sheets from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and MDH’s resource pages for influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).GOOD NEWS: Students Spend Time with First Ladies Jill Biden and Brigitte Macron During France State Visit
More than 100 Silver Spring International Middle School students had the opportunity to participate in the state visit for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden invited the students, who are a part of the French Immersion Program, to greet the first ladies, participate in a poetry reading, and engage with them over an interactive book device in the library at the Planet Word museum in Washington, D.C.
For the latest News and Information, visit: MCPS News Center.
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Athletics and Activities Calendar for the Week of December 12 - December 18
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: Staff Appreciation Gift Wrapping and Dessert Bar: 12.16.22
Season's Greetings! One of the most popular staff appreciation events is quickly approaching and we need your help! On Friday, December 16th, will be offering gift wrapping for our amazing staff! They bring their holiday gifts to us in the morning and by the afternoon, they return to pick up beautifully wrapped packages! As an added bonus, we'll have a table of delicious desserts for the staff to enjoy. Please help show some holiday appreciation for our wonderful staff by donating your time as a "wrapper" or by donating wrapping essentials and/or goodies for the dessert table! Wrapping essentials may be dropped to the main office any school day 7:15 am - 3:45 pm by December 12th. Dessert donations may be dropped to the main office on Thursday, December 15th from 7:15 am-3:45 pm. Thank You and Happy Holidays! Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044ba4af2da75-volunteersdonatio1
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: 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: 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: 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