Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, December 3, 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. Happy December! We are thrilled to kick off the winter season with winter sports, concerts, a pep rally and so many other amazing events happening this month. A congratulations to the winners of our Northwest Got Talent show. Students, remember that interims will be updated on Monday, December 11 so stay focused and reach out to teachers for help.
NW HS in partnership with the MD Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will be administering the Maryland Learners Permit Test at Northwest HS on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 2:30 pm. Any student interested in taking the test must be at least 15 years & 9 month of age or older. Students can pick up the permission slip in the main office and must be returned to the main office by Friday, December 8th by 2:30 pm.
MP1 Straight A’s Picture Day is Thursday, December 7, 2023
All students who earned a 4.0 for marking period 1 received a pass to have their picture taken on Thursday, December 7, 2023. If your student did not receive a pass please have them come to the Main office to get a pass from Ms. Veirs.
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
The application for the Ulysses Signature Program Class of 2028 at Northwest is now open! Interested 8th graders who live in the Northwest cluster are eligible to apply. The application can be found on the Northwest website, under the Quick Links menu option for “Ulysses Signature Program.” You can also find the application linked here along with more information about the program. The deadline for submitting applications is February 16th, 2024. If you have any questions about the application process or the Ulysses Program, please contact Mr. David Parks david_p_parks@mcpsmd.org.
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.
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 upcoming Newcomer Resource Fair on Saturday, December 9, the on-site admission event being held at Seneca Valley High School in January, College and Career Updates, our upcoming Winter Pep Rally, a call from our Booster Club for Winter Sports Concessions help, a way to support the Class of 2026 this week, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 30, and the athletics and events calendar for the 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 information regarding important upcoming Minority Scholars Program (MSP) events, the annual PTSA Staff Appreciation Gift Wrapping and Dessert Bar event, an opportunity to raise some funds for our After Prom, the Free Store's Jewelry and Trinket Giveaway, school cash online, the annual holiday giving project, Yearbook sales information, 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
MCPS College Career Information Center School Clusters present On-Site Admit Events:
Attention Seniors! Still looking to apply to college? Want to receive an immediate admissions decision without having to wait weeks or months? Participate in these regional on-the-spot admissions events! Students interview with college representatives and receive an on-the-spot admissions decision! Students may also find out if they are eligible for scholarships. Seniors from all MCPS high schools are welcome to attend any of these events. For planning purposes, please register ahead of time if you plan to participate.
Northwood High School | December 5th and 6th | Click here for the flyer with more information | Click here to register
Richard Montgomery High School | December 13th | 6pm - 8pm | Click here for the flyer with more information | Click here to register
Seneca Valley High School | January 11th | 6pm - 8pm | Click here for the save-the-date (registration information and link to be released soon). Northwest HS is part of the team coordinating the event to be held at Seneca Valley.
College Spotlight: New U University, located in Washington DC. NewU University opened its doors to a first class of students just last year. Students and parents save an entire year of time and money on college because NewU has the first 3-year bachelor’s degree program in the US. The university has a modern campus next to The White House near internships and job opportunities. Classes are only Monday – Thursday 10 am – 3 pm. NewU offers scholarships that make it one of the most affordable college options around. Average cost of tuition, fees, and books is only about $3,000 per semester. Students really like the program, the campus, and the fact they don’t have to take any student loans to afford college.
Applying to NewU is free, fast, and easy. You fill in a short form, enter your GPA, and you get an offer of admission. You can still choose to go to another college, but this is a good option for you to consider.
To get admitted, visit https://newu.university/instant-decision. Once you receive your letter of admission (it’s instant because they use AI to process applications) you can get one of their generous scholarships, too. Apply now at https://newu.university/instant-decision.
New U University will host an information session and offer on-site admission at Northwest High School on Monday, December 11 at 10:30 am. The event will take place in the College Career Information Center, Room 126. SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ON-SITE EVENT USING YOUR NAVIANCE STUDENT ACCOUNT!
NEW! MCPS Athletics Presents: NCAA Eligibility Center Coach, Student, and Parent/Caregiver Information Night | Monday, December 4 from 6:30 until 8 PM
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 → 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).
HIGHLIGHTS:
- ONGOING SCHOLARSHIP: AMERICAN INDUSTRIES VET TECH SCHOLARSHIP. This scholarship was created to empower current and former foster youth pursuing a college degree in veterinary studies by providing up to $24,000 to help recipients cover their educational expenses, making the path to a successful career in veterinary studies more accessible.
- SCHOLARSHIP: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AWARDS. Available to JUNIORS. The Ida F. Haimovicz Visual Arts Award and the Fran Abrams Creative Writing Award benefit high school juniors enrolled in a public or non-public high school in Montgomery County and graduating in the class of 2025. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 15
- SCHOLARSHIP: The Coolidge Scholarship. Available to JUNIORS planning to attend college in the fall of 2025. Applicants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States of America. Award is a full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. This one-of-a-kind scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university in the U.S. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 18
- SCHOLARSHIP: PEARLS OF HOPE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP. Available to college bound high school SENIORS. Awards range from $1,000 to $8,000 over four years. Applicants must reside in Montgomery County and/or attend a Montgomery County Public high school. Applicants must reside in Maryland District 14. DEADLINE TO APPLY: FEBRUARY 29
College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
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: Our Booster Club NEEDS YOU!
The NW Athletic Department and the Booster Club want to provide our athletes and fans an awesome experience at each and every home game. To make that happen, we need your help to VOLUNTEER at the concessions stand. Parent and community member support is crucial to have a successful year! If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to open the concessions stand.
Pick a slot or two or three...because WE NEED YOU! Sign up here.
There are multiple sports events to choose from. We want you to watch your athletes compete so please come help at other games so those parents can watch their athletes. Don't have a child playing a sport? Come out anyway. It's a great way to connect with other NWHS parents! Remember, concessions volunteers get into the games for free and all proceeds go directly toward supporting all of our students! Please put the sport/club you represent in the Comment section! (Please note all volunteers must be adult volunteers.)
Thank you from your 2023-2024 Concessions Committee! Questions? Email Susan Strawser at strawserfamily@verizon.net or text 301-442-8278.
NEW: Support the Class of 2026
Support the Class of 2026 at BobaPop in the Kentlands on December 6, 2023. Mention Northwest when you order or type NWHS in the special instructions if ordering online at https://www.bobapopdmv.com/order-online#gaithersburg. Thank you for supporting the Class of 2026!
NEW: Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, November 30
1. Tune in Live Dec. 14 to the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget Presentation
MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight will present her recommended Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at Odessa Shannon Middle School. The public is invited to watch the presentation live on the MCPS website, on the MCPS-TV YouTube channel, and on the MCPS-TV channels in English and Spanish.
2. Reminder: Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
With winter weather just around the corner, remember that MCPS offers numerous ways to learn about school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals when there is inclement weather. Learn more about how weather decisions are made and how to receive information about any changes.
3. Winter Sports Spectator Safety & Security
To kick off the winter season, MCPS Athletics will conduct its Spirited Sportsmanship and Spectator Safety Week from Dec. 5-9. MCPS is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and communities. Be sure to review the MCPS Athletics Safety Plan which drives operations and procedures for athletic events. The winter season’s opening night is Tuesday, Dec. 5.
4. Events and Opportunities
Summer RISE 2024 Hosts
Are you interested in preparing the next generation for the workforce and growing your talent pool? Help rising high school juniors and seniors learn about your workplace and career field as part of the Summer RISE 2024 program. Read more.
Awards Season Is Underway; Nominate Today!
Is there a staff member, administrator or teacher who deserves recognition? Nominations are open for several awards to honor exceptional staff, teachers and administrators.
5. Bright Spots This Week
MCPS TV Feature: Lunchtime Ride at Damascus High School
After 30 years as an MCPS educator, Damascus Principal Kevin Yates still has a valuable lesson to teach his students. Every day during open lunch, he rides his bike around campus and the community, greeting juniors and seniors and encourages them to stay safe and get active.
Seneca Valley Senior Wins Councilmember for a Day Contest
Folashade Epebinu, a senior at Seneca Valley High School, won this year’s Councilmember for a Day competition, hosted by Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando. Read more.
Students, Teachers and Staff Partner with County to Help Plant Trees
Students and staff from S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School joined the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection on Nov. 30 to plant trees and commemorate Maryland’s Five Million Trees Initiative.
Check out the MCPS News Center for news and information, the latest photo galleries and videos.
NEW: Athletics and Events Calendar for the week of December 3 - December 10
REMINDER: 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
REMINDER: 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: 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.
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!