Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 26, 2023
NEW: This Week's message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back after what we hope was a wonderful, much-needed Thanksgiving Holiday. We are excited to be entering December with the beginning of Winter Sports, Winter concerts, and many other wonderful events. Interim time for marking period two (2) is just a few short weeks away so be sure to stay focused.
Important Reminder! Students should not be parking in neighborhood streets across from the school. We have received complaints and our neighbors are noting they will have to call tow trucks if the problem persists.
Hall Sweeps are continuing and if a student is caught in a hall sweep more than once, they will be assigned an after-school detention. Prioritize regular, prompt attendance to all classes.
Interested in donating to our community? Click this link to support any of our families in need.
The Ulysses Senior Research class is hard at work preparing their culminating projects. Students will present their work to classes in December, and at the Ulysses Fair in January. We are launching our Tee Shirt Sale to help us raise funds for Ulysses activities and support the program. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please follow the link below. All proceeds will go towards things like the Ulysses Fair and graduation ceremony. Ulysses Tee Shirt Sale - Fall 2023
Yearbook Updates!
Yearbooks are for sale here
Senior Baby Picture ads ($25) and Senior Memory Ads (prices vary) are due 1.26. Directions and examples are here.
Senior Baby Pic ads require two steps: Purchase an add-on on the Jostens site and then upload the content (picture and quote) on this google form. The Senior Memory pages are purchased and content added to the Jostens site.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as the on-site admission event being held at Seneca Valley High School in January, College and Career Updates, important upcoming Minority Scholars Program (MSP) events, the annual PTSA Staff Appreciation Gift Wrapping and Dessert Bar event, Black Friday deals on Northwest Swag, an opportunity to raise some funds for our After Prom, and the Free Store's Jewelry and Trinket Giveaway. This Thursday, November 30 is our Winter Meet the Coaches Night.
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Amharic]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Chinese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [French]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Korean]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Portuguese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Spanish]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Vietnamese],
There are some important reminders including information regarding school cash online, the upcoming community townhall meeting, the PTSA reflections program, a call for donations by our Latinos y Hispanos Unidos, the annual holiday giving project, MCPS' Pathway to College and Career Readiness, a call for free store donations, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, a call for parents to join our parent councils, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and ways to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: College and Career Updates!
COLLEGE CAREER Community e-NEWS BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS: View the complete e-NEWS Bulletin on the college career web page and click on the e-NEWS link for all details. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
NEW! MCPS College Career Information Center School Clusters present On-Site Admit Events:
Cluster Schools: Sherwood HS* | Springbrook HS | Blake HS | Paint Branch HS | *Host School | click on the image to download the event flier |
Cluster Schools: Seneca Valley HS* | Watkins Mill HS | Gaithersburg HS | Damascus HS | Clarksburg HS | Northwest HS | Quince Orchard HS | Poolesville HS | *Host School |
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.
Resume Resources: There is a resume template included in the Jag JOBS Bulletin (last pages). Use your Naviance account and the Resume Builder feature. Additional resources on the College Career web page!!
Money Matters → Scholarship Highlights & Reminders:
For a complete list of scholarships, including details for those listed below, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. Post date refers to the first date published in the Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin. Additional Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format).
NEW opportunities published in the Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web.
College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
Delaware College of Art and Design - Tuesday, November 28, 10:30 am
New U University - Friday, December 1, 8:30 am
Montgomery College & Scholars Programs - Thursday, December 14, 1:00 pm
College Career High School Visits Info:
- Students register for all high school college career visits through their Naviance account.
- Once a student is registered for a visit an email is sent to the student’s mcpsmd.net account.
- This email should be shown to teachers requesting permission to attend (print or on your electronic device). Students should request to leave their current class AND let the teacher know they may be late to the class they will return to. Visits are scheduled based on the availability of our admissions representatives and not necessarily based on our class schedules.
- When attending a visit, students scan a QR-Code linked to a Google form for attendance. This form lists the student’s information, the visit information, and the period teachers (from and to). This information goes directly to the attendance office.
If there is ever a question or concern, please reach out to: Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.
NEW: Upcoming Minority Scholars Program (MSP) Events
11/30/23 Lunch and part of 5th pd. Joint presentation MC and USG. Focus on programming, $, transfer, student life, etc. Focus on Juniors and Seniors without specific plan or who are just starting to planning. Hoping to have a minimum of 30 students!
12/8/23 RM 252 Navy Federal Credit Union Lunch and Learn (lunch) They provide info and snacks. Focus on $ management and fraud alerts/concerns and developing a credit score.
1/19/23 6-9pm NWHS Annual Diversity Night sponsored and supported by NWHS MSP, SGA, and the NW PTSA. Plenty of room for all clubs and performance groups! Please send kids and groups our way! Club sponsors will receive an email next Monday with more details.
1st County MCPS Film Festival Open to all and due by 1/22/2023. Street documentary style.
3/16/2024 MSP Retreat Kennedy HS
NEW: PTSA Staff Appreciation Gift Wrapping and Dessert Bar 12/15/23
Season's Greetings! One of the most popular staff appreciation events is quickly approaching and we need your help! On Friday, December 15th, 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 11th. Dessert donations may be dropped to the main office on Thursday, December 14th from 7:15 am-3:45 pm. Thank You and Happy Holidays! Sign up here to volunteer or donate: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044BA4AF2DA75-46149234-volunteersdonatio#/
REMINDER: Important School Cash Online Access!
MCPS has transitioned to a new online payments system called SchoolCash Online (SCO). This will be the preferred method of payment for all school-related fees, excluding school lunches. SCO will help increase efficiency and security at schools by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. A processing fee will be included on all items available for purchase, regardless of the type of payment used on SCO or at the school.
As of Monday, August 21, 2023, parent/guardians will no longer need an SCO PIN number to add their student(s) to their SCO account. Guardians will automatically get emails from SCO (noreply@schoolcashonline.com) with instructions if the email address is on file with the school. For approved parent/guardians who do not currently have an SCO account, an automated email was sent out with an invitation to create an account. For approved parent/guardians who already have an SCO account but have not yet linked their student(s) to their account, an automated email was sent from SCO for each unlinked student. The email had an “Accept” button, that once clicked, will attach that parent/guardian’s child to their account automatically. If you need support with the registration process, please email the Parent KEV group support drop box at parenthelp@kevgroup.com, or can call at 866-961-1803.
MCPS ha hecho la transición a un nuevo sistema de pagos en línea llamado SchoolCash Online (SCO). Este será el método de pago preferido para todas las cuotas relacionadas con la escuela, excluyendo los almuerzos escolares. SCO ayudará a aumentar la eficiencia y la seguridad en las escuelas al realizar pagos directamente en las cuentas bancarias de las escuelas y eliminar la necesidad de que los maestros manejen dinero. Se incluirá una tarifa de procesamiento en todos los artículos disponibles para la compra, independientemente del tipo de pago utilizado en SCO o en la escuela.
A partir del lunes 21 de agosto de 2023, los padres/tutores ya no necesitarán un número PIN de SCO para agregar su(s) estudiante(s) a su cuenta de SCO. Los tutores recibirán automáticamente correos electrónicos de SCO (noreply@schoolcashonline.com ) con instrucciones si la dirección de correo electrónico está registrada en la escuela. Para los padres/tutores aprobados que actualmente no tienen una cuenta de SCO, se envió un correo electrónico automático con una invitación para crear una cuenta. Para los padres/tutores aprobados que ya tienen una cuenta de SCO pero que aún no han vinculado a su(s) estudiante(s) a su cuenta, se envió un correo electrónico automatizado desde SCO para cada estudiante no vinculado. El correo electrónico tenía un botón "Aceptar", que una vez que se hace clic, adjuntará al hijo de ese padre/tutor a su cuenta automáticamente. Si necesita ayuda con el proceso de inscripción, envíe un correo electrónico al buzón de apoyo del grupo de padres KEV al parenthelp@kevgroup.com, o puede llamar al 866-961-1803.
REMINDER: NWHS PTSA Reflections Program: Art Submission Deadline 12.1.23
We are excited to announce NWHS PTSA's participation in the National PTA's Reflections program. The Reflections Program is a national arts recognition and achievement program for students. Since 1969, over 10 million students across the nation have taken part in this popular PTA program.
NW students submit their works of art based on this year's theme" I am Hopeful Because..." and Northwest selects its top three entries in each category (listed below) to submit to the county PTA for judging (MCCPTA). From there the county recognizes the outstanding students in each category and submits the best to state, state winners move on to the national competition. Students may participate in the following categories:
•Visual Arts – Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
•Photography – Film or Digital
•Music Composition – Instrumental or Vocal
•Film Production – Live Action, Documentary, Animation
•Dance Choreography – Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
•Literature – Short Story, Essay, Poem
Visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/reflections/ for more information.
REMINDER: Holiday Giving Project
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. Contact your student’s counselor if you are interested in receiving these services. The deadline for requesting services for Thanksgiving is October 26th, 2023. The deadline for requesting services for the December Holidays is November 20th, 2023. 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.
MCPS Pathways to College and Career Readiness
REMINDER: Yearbook Sale Information
We have a community upload spot for candids. Please upload any pics of your student(s) that may end up as features in the yearbook. Please add names and grades.
Pick up your 2023 yearbook supplement that features spring sports, graduation, prom, spring musical. If you purchased a yearbook, these are included in the price. Pick up in 250 or 261 before school, during lunch, after school until 2:45. Ask for Ms Koutsos.
The 2024 yearbook is available for purchase.
The first sale price is $90
The 2nd sale price is $95
Then the rest are $100
$105 in person at distribution
Senior only can purchase ad space in the back of the book. Personalized ad space is available for sale. And baby pics/quotes space can be purchased for a community page.
REMINDER: Free Store Supplies are in Demand!
Many NW students visit The Free Store daily. Because of high demand, the Free Store has run out of composition books and spiral notebooks! If you have any gently used, no longer needed school supplies, please donate them to the Free Store, room 264. We also always need calculators, backpacks, and test prep books. We take donations all year long. We will also be collecting donations during Back to School Night. Thank you, NW community, for your support!
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: Northwest Parents' Councils Questionnaire
We hope that you and your family will join us for future events and that you will consider becoming a part of the Northwest Hispanic Parent Council, African American Parent Council and the Asian American Parent Council. Please take some time to respond to this questionnaire and let us know how you would like to become involved. This questionnaire has been translated into Spanish.*
Please contact the following administrators for more information about the Hispanic, African American, and Asian Parent Councils at Northwest High School.
Hispanic Parent Council: Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org
African American Parent Council: Tara-dee_S_Henry@mcpsmd.org
Asian American Parent Council: Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org
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 2027 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2026 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2025 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2024 (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
Northwest High School serves over 2400 students and is home of the Jaguars!