Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, March 17, 2024
NEW: A Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone is having a great, spring-like weekend. We have just five (5) school days until spring break and when we return on Tuesday, April 2, there is only a week until the end of marking period three (3). Be sure to stay focused. I will not send a community message next Sunday, March 24 but be sure to look out for my post-spring break message on Monday, April 1.
Spring Sports are underway and the Booster Club needs your help! Be sure to sign up to support our concessions during the season through this link.
Attention AP Families! All students enrolled in an AP class need to verify their AP exam order. To do so, students should log in to their College Board account (myap.collegeboard.org). Students should see each of their exams, and their order status listed. The cost of exams is being fully paid for by MCPS this school year. If a student is missing an exam, they should email the Northwest AP Coordinator, Ms. McClintock (amy_m_mcclintock@mcpsmd.org), to have an exam ordered. If a student no longer wants to take an exam listed, they should also email Ms. McClintock (amy_m_mcclintock@mcpsmd.org) to drop the exam. We must have an accurate number of test takers to provide the correct number of proctors on test day.
Attention All Parents/Guardians of Juniors and Seniors: If your student currently has any outstanding obligations, letters will be sent in the mail this week detailing all outstanding items. This letter will also give you information on how to pay the obligations or who to contact with any questions.
On April 2nd through April 8th, all students will participate in the Maryland State School Survey. Please take a moment to review the linked letter which provides detailed information about the survey and any additional questions you may have. Please contact Ms. Tara Henry or Ms. Nikki Morales, the administrators over the survey, for any additional information.
There are many amazing things happening during the school day to support the learning of our students! At times, some students need some extra support to master new learning. MCPS has gathered resources that are free or low cost to families. These resources directly align with our curriculum used to teach our students each day. Let us know if you have any questions about your student’s academic progress. Family Resources
A reminder that our TENTATIVE Graduation date is Thursday, June 6 at 9:00 am at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Mark your calendars.
Yearbook Pictures are available for purchase. Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc use your student ID when prompted for the online code. For questions regarding school pictures, please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
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.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as this week's post secondary planning program for the Class of 2025, the extension for purchasing Class of 2024 yard signs, an SGA scholarship opportunity, this week's College and Career Updates, things to know from MCPS from Thursday, March 14, and a way to support the Class of 2026 at Playa Bowls this week.
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 updates regarding the SAT School Day for the Class of 2025, the bell schedule for Wednesday, March 20, the upcoming SGA and Class Officer Elections for the 2024-2025 school year, an Earth Day opportunity, the upcoming MCCPTA West Area meeting on March 20, the College Fair field trip for the Class of 2025 on March 19, information regarding the PTSA/Booster Club scholarship opportunities for all graduating seniors, an opportunity for those interested in Computer Science, the Great Book Giveaway, the annual Prom Dress Giveaway, an opportunity to learn about job opportunities on April 10, the upcoming PTSA and Booster Club sponsored 5k, the free store, a way to support the SGA through fundraising, the advertisement for the spring musical, Mean Girls, our tentative graduation date for the Class of 2024, 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: SGA Scholarship Opportunity!
The Northwest SGA Leadership Scholarship is now open!
Each year, the Northwest High School SGA awards scholarship funds to Northwest seniors that demonstrate a deep understanding of leadership and service through their time at Northwest and beyond. This year, we will be awarding one $1000 scholarship. All seniors are encouraged to apply. Winners will be announced and recognized at the 2024 Northwest Senior Awards Ceremony.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
In order to qualify for the NWHS SGA Leadership Scholarship you must meet the requirements listed below:
- Be a graduating Senior from Northwest High School, Class of 2024
- Have received a letter of acceptance and plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school
- Have completed a minimum of 100 SSL Hours
- Submit a 250 to 400 word essay based on prompt listed below
Application is due by Sunday, April 21, at 11:59pm.
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. Publication date: 03/15/2024. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
CLASS OF 2025 College Fair Field Trip Announcement!
If you returned a permission form to the College Career Information Center by the March 12 deadline, please report to the Cafeteria on Tuesday, March 19 @ 10 am to prepare to board buses for the field trip!! Bring a bag lunch unless you have requested one be provided for you. No food will be provided at the fair. There will be areas for students to eat. Dress for comfort and weather.
Be prepared to show your College Fair Registration Student barcode to your period 3 teacher to leave the classroom at 10 am. Buses should return to Northwest by 12:15.
NEW! An invitation from Montgomery College to "Spend Spring Break with Us" March 25-28, 2024. Get ready for a move to Montgomery College? The MC Spend Spring Break with Us activities are designed to preview how Montgomery College can fit into after-high school plans. During the week:
- Sit in on classes
- Visit our state-of-the-art nursing program simulation lab
- Tour campuses in Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring
- Tour labs for automotive, building and construction, digital fabrication, and workforce technologies at our Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education (GITE)
- Discover the student experience from current students
- Join virtual information sessions on criminal justice, biotechnology, MC athletics, and Making a Smooth Transition to College
Check out the week's At-A-Glance schedule of activities. SIGN UP NOW! | Post 13 March 2024 |
REMINDER! GSK Apprenticeship 2024 information session Wed Mar 20 at 5:30 pm online. Are you interested in working in the Biotechnology industry and in earning your degree with no college debt? Consider a GSK apprenticeship. Apprentices start on Aug 1; you must be 18 years old by then. Apprentices work full-time at GSK, get a full-time salary plus benefits, and get paid to attend Montgomery College and earn a biotech degree. Want to know more? Register for the information session. Application information is at https://us.gsk.com/en-us/careers/early-talent/apprentices/
REMINDER! ASVAB Career Exploration Program Parent Q&A. March 18 @ 6 pm. The ASVAB CEP is designed to help your student learn more about themselves and the world of work. Explore occupations in line with interests and skills. Discover all the ways to enter the career fields they are best suited for and develop strategies to achieve career goals. The ASVAB - It Is Not Just a Military Test! Zoom Meeting Link HERE. Meeting ID: 160 122 2764 | Passcode: Parent
REMINDER! The Berkeley Research Group (BRG) Summer Leg Up Program registration is now open! Washington, DC office (located at1800 M Street NW, Second Floor | Washington, DC 20036. July 15-18. High school students in grades 9-12 are invited to register using this LINK. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Once registered, students will receive an email to join a short call with BRG Leg Up Program administrators to confirm interest. SAVE the DATE: Information Session webinar will be held on Saturday, April 6. Add the webinar event to your calendar by clicking the registration link HERE. Questions about the program visit thinkbrg.com or reach out to Carmen Ríos | Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion @ O 202.480.2700 | M +1 321 277-4074 | CRios@thinkbrg.com.
REMINDER! ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE INVITED TO EXPLORE POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS IN THE SERVICES & TRADE FIELDS! James Hubert Blake High School on Thursday, March 21 from 6:30 until 8 pm. No registration required. Questions? Contact Cynthia Gleason at cynthia_m_gleason@mcpsmd.org
REMINDER! The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women will host “A Virtual Career Exploration for Her,” a free virtual career guidance session for middle and high school female students from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21. The Zoom event is free, but registration is required. Register here. Students completing a brief survey at the event's conclusion can earn two hours of student service-learning (SSL) hours. The event will offer an opportunity for middle and high school female students to begin exploring careers of their interest and that are non-traditional for women.
REMINDER! MCPS Out of School Time has partnered up with Grow Your Own to offer students an amazing opportunity on April 10th to attend a Grow Your Own Career Fair with community partners. This is the perfect time for students to learn about job applications, interviewing, and possibly get an interview on the spot. Register for this event HERE.
REMINDER! FAFSA in Spanish! Thursday, April 4th from 6-7pm. Priscyla Aguilar-Villatoro from Montgomery College will be presenting information via Zoom, to our Hispanic families about FASFA, application process, how to apply, and much more.
Zoom link | Meeting Passcode: 003403
REMINDER! SAVE THE DATE. April 17 at 6:30 pm. Virtual Financial Aid Information Night for the Class of 2024 - After the FAFSA. Register HERE.| Post 9 February 2024 |
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 SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- NEW SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE Deadline Extended: DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter 2024 Scholarship Program. SENIORS. Must reside in Montgomery County. This year we will be awarding multiple scholarships to Montgomery County, MD seniors. Multiple awards. Amounts vary with award. Minimum GPA 2.0 required. Available for graduates planning to attend a two or four-year college or university, trade or vocational school. Visit https://www.mcacdst.org/programs/scholarship-2/ for more information and to apply. Please note: To be considered for a scholarship, a completed application must be uploaded using the following Jotform link: Submission Form. DEADLINE TO APPLY: Extended to MARCH 31 | Updated Post 12 March 2024 |
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS: (for details on all opportunities listed below, download the latest Jag Scholarships Bulletin ‘Apply Now’ available on the web)
- REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Scholarship: Available to Montgomery County Public Schools high school SENIORS. 3.0+ GPA required. DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 22 | Post 7 February 2024 |
- REMINDER! SCHOLARSHIP: JOSHUA SNYDER MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Available to Northwest High School (Montgomery County, MD) SENIORS. DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 22 | Post 31 January 2024 |
NEW: Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, March 14
1. BOE Launches Search for Next Superintendent
The Montgomery County Board of Education has launched a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, who will assume the role on July 1, 2024. In its commitment to secure the best candidate to lead the school system and prepare students for success in college, career and community, the Board will hire a search firm to recruit and vet the candidates. While the Board selects the firm, it will begin a conversation with the community about the most important characteristics in a new superintendent.
The Board is hosting three in-person town halls the first week of April:
April 2–Seneca Valley High School, 6 p.m.
April 3–Richard Montgomery High School, 6 p.m.
April 4–Wheaton High School, 6 p.m.
A virtual forum is being planned. A date and time have not yet been finalized.
Watch message from Board President Karla Silvestre.
2. Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday, March 18
Kindergarten registration opens on Monday, March 18 for the 2024-2025 school year. Children who will be five by Sept. 1, 2024 are eligible. Based on community feedback, current kindergarten classes will not be canceled to hold orientations this year. Schools will determine appropriate options to welcome incoming kindergarten students and families.
Registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal. If your family is new to MCPS, you will need to create a ParentVue account here. For more information about eligibility and the registration process, visit the MCPS Kindergarten Enrollment webpage or contact your local elementary school.
3. Join a Virtual Interactive Session on the Community Engagement Officer Program Starting March 18
The MCPS Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management invites high school families to join us for an interactive virtual community engagement session to delve into the MCPS Community Engagement Officer (CEO) 2.0 program. CEOs are sworn officers from the Montgomery County Police Department who work directly with schools. This session offers an opportunity to learn about the program, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation. Meetings will take place via Zoom from 6–7 p.m. on March 18, 19 and 20 on assigned dates for each high school cluster. Click here to review the flyer and register for a session here.
4. Update On Districtwide Approach to Educating, Preventing and Addressing Hate-Bias
MCPS convened an action team to work with internal and external stakeholders to develop a Districtwide Approach to Educating, Preventing and Addressing Hate-Bias to build on the district’s foundation to combat incidents of hate-bias. This framework and group’s work will be shared with the Board of Education on Tuesday, March 19. Click here to watch a video message providing a brief overview.
5. A Chance to Let Your Voice Be Heard: Districtwide Survey Deadline Extended
MCPS is inviting ALL students, staff and parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district and/or experience working at MCPS.
The deadline to complete surveys has been extended to Friday, March 22.
Click here for more information and to access the survey.
MCPS students will receive time during the school day to fill out their surveys.
6. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources
Reminder: Register for the Upcoming National College Fair
The 2024 Montgomery County National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19 and 20, at the Maryland SoccerPlex and Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse in Germantown, from 9:45 a.m.–1 p.m. for students in Grade 11. On Tuesday, the fair is open to all high school students and their families from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. Read more.
Career Day For Students Set For April 10
MCPS will host a “Grow Your Own” career day from 9 a.m.–noon on Wednesday, April 10, at Northwest High School when students are off from school. High school students are invited to learn about job opportunities and careers available in Montgomery County and take advantage of on-the-spot job interviews. Please RSVP by April 1.
Visit the Out-of-School-Time website to learn more about opportunities offered through the year.
Come Out to the Next Youth Climate Summit April 10
Attention middle and high school students! MCPS is hosting the 3rd annual Youth Climate Summit from 8:30 a.m.–3:35 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Tilden Middle School. Read more.
Game Changer Conference Set for April 20; Essay Contest Deadline: April 10
Calling all parents/caregivers of young male students Grades 4-12! Register your student for the spring 2024 Game Changer conference and help empower and ignite their path to success. The conference will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Universities at Shady Grove, 8 a.m–2 p.m. Transportation may be available through MCPS from your area. Registration closes Wednesday, April 3. Spaces are limited.
7. MCPS News
Three Finalists Selected for Supporting Services Employee of the Year
Three supporting services employees have been named finalists for the 2024 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This year’s annual awards are recognizing Chaula Butterworth, paraeducator, Farmland Elementary School; Robin McCue, administrative secretary III, Department of Athletics, and Bruno Smith, building service manager III, Mill Creek Towne Elementary School.
Read more about the finalists.
Girls’ Summit
More than 1,000 attendees participated in the second annual Girls’ Summit. Girls from sixth through twelfth grades and their parents/caregivers took part in workshops on mental health, physical wellness, healthy eating, self-esteem, relaxation, creative arts therapy and more.
Families Enjoy STEM/Math Night at Brookhaven Elementary School
More than 350 students and parents attended a STEM and Math Night at Brookhaven Elementary School last week. Families also participated in activities, gathered valuable information and connected with vendors.
MCPS and MoCo EmpowHER Host Leaders Luncheon
The MCPS Student Leadership & Extracurricular Activities Unit and MoCo EmpowHER held the first EmpowHER Leaders Luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day. Read more.
Students Shine at Montgomery County History Day Competition
More than 350 students from 35 MCPS middle schools and five high schools took part in the Montgomery County History Day competition last week at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School. Read more.
Takoma Park Middle School won first place in the 2024 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge. Takoma Park was the only MCPS school to compete this year; it was their fifth time winning first place in the last six years.
REMINDER: An Update about SAT School Day - Wednesday, March 20
On March 20, 2024, all members of the Class of 2025 will take part in the digital SAT exam. There will be no scheduled activities for 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students, however, regular transportation will be available for all students. Transportation services will operate as usual for all students. Any student who is not participating in SAT testing will report to the cafeteria from 7:45 am -11:15 am for study hall. Seniors who have been selected to participate in Edmentum and College Application support programs will receive invitations through their mcpsmd.net accounts. For more questions, please email Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org
Bell Schedule for Wednesday, March 20 - SAT School Day
REMINDER: Earth Day Opportunity!
To celebrate Earth Day, the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association (MCR-SGA) is calling on students in grades 6-12 to submit any physical art piece (drawings, painting, collages, etc) to the 2024 MCPS EnviroTHON! Share your opinion/knowledge on an environmental issue and show us why you care about the Earth!
Winners will receive 6 SSL hours and all selected entrants will receive a 2! This is an excellent chance for students to celebrate Earth Day and take their first step into our countywide SGA and the world of student advocacy.
Please see this flyer for more information and submit your entry at bit.ly/EnviroTHON24 by April 10, 2024. We’re excited to see all your amazing work! Please contact us with the email in the link with any questions.
REMINDER: Are you interested in Computer Science?
Getting an internship prior to entering the full-time job market is amongst the most beneficial things you can do to advance your career. Abhi Mukherjee has been fortunate enough to receive offers from companies such as Meta, Capital One, Comcast, Deloitte, PwC, E.Y. and more. With the job market becoming more competitive–a problem that will only continue to get worse as time progresses–it is imperative that applicants know how to stand out. This Spring, Abhi will be holding a 10-week program on how to successfully recruit. There will be sessions ranging from technical interview prep, networking, behavioral interviews, and more. If you are interested, you can find more information here.
REMINDER: Free Store Updates!
Thank you Northwest Community for all of your donations to the Free Store! We average several visitors a day, and as the new semester begins, students are looking for replacement school supplies. As always, we accept all gently used school supplies, such as paper and binders, but right now we are in particular need of composition and spiral notebooks, and backpacks. Cute trinkets are always welcome to make shopping at the Free Store an especially fun experience. Please drop off donations in the front office or have your child bring them to room 264. Thank you!
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!