Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, April 24, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this week's newsletter finds everyone well after an exciting Prom weekend! It was truly a beautiful Friday night when we were able to host Prom and After Prom for the first time in three (3) years. Students looked amazing and the evening went off smoothly. A special "THANK YOU" to our senior sponsors, Ms. Kate McKenna and Ms. Michelle Boruah along with Ms. Singleton, assistant principal and our financial specialist, Ms. Miller for all their work to ensure students had a phenomenal night! Thank you also to Ms. Summers, PTSA President and all parents/volunteers who transformed the ground floor of our building into a superhero-themed fun house for After Prom!
A reminder about Ulysses Fairs! Celebrate our Ulysses seniors by visiting the Ulysses Fairs April 27 & April 28 in the auditorium. The fairs showcase the final research projects of our Ulysses Seniors. Each day is different! See flyers for details.
A reminder for seniors that starting May 1st, the Business Office will no longer accept checks as a form of payment for obligations for seniors. You can pay by credit card using the Online School Payment (OSP) system, or by bringing cash to the Business Office, Room 322.
In this week's newsletter, you will find this week's college and career center updates, things you need to know from MCPS on Thursday, April 21, information regarding our school's converting of heat to air conditioning in the coming weeks, this week's Athletics/Events Schedule, this week's Class of 2024 Spirit Night opportunity and CTE summer school opportunities.
There are some important reminders including information regarding the Maryland State Schools Survey, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), really important information for the Class of 2022, continued tutoring opportunities, how to report bullying/harassment and a continued call for parents to get involved!
Be sure to continue to report positive cases ONLY of COVID using this linked FORM.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Information
College Career Information Center e-NEWS Bulletin
Week Ending: April 22, 2022
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
e-NEWS Bulletin At-A-Glance | Download the e-NEWS Bulletin on the Web
May 1 Decision Day is coming soon. What are your plans for after graduation? Senior Survey coming soon!
SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Calling ALL high school students ages 16-18: Speaking Up About Mental Health! This is My Story is an essay contest for high school students ages 16-18 to address ways to eliminate and/or reduce mental health stigma that young people may need to overcome when seeking mental health treatment. The My Story challenge is soliciting essays to raise the awareness of mental health, as well as provide students the opportunity for self-expression about mental health concerns. Topics may include:
- Resilience and coping during challenging times
- School policies or practices that could help reduce stigma
- Conversations about mental health or related stigmas
- Barriers to mental health treatment
- Other areas of concern to individuals and their communities with respect to mental health
Visit the challenge.com website for more information, including how to apply. The deadline for application is April 30. Awards up to $15,000.
NEW! TowerCares Foundation Scholarship. 5 scholarships of $5,000 awarded. Seniors majoring in the STEM fields or foreign language linguistics. Apply by May 16. Find out more HERE.
NEW! Tri-Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. offers male seniors of color the opportunity to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Apply by May 6. Click HERE to apply.
More end of April deadlines for scholarship applications:
- Rural Women’s Republican Club Scholarship. Seniors. Vocational, trade school and/or certificate program. Apply by April 29.
- Alfred Street Baptist Church Educational Foundation Scholarship. Seniors. Apply by April 30.
- Difference Maker Scholarship. Seniors (Montgomery County only). Apply by April 30.
- Positive Coaching Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship. Junior student-athletes. Apply by April 30.
Additional scholarship opportunities are listed in the Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin, along with links to applications, download the Bulletin HERE. 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!
COLLEGE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
NEW: Go to College Fairs presents Learning Differences Virtual College Fair. Wednesday, May 4 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm (ET). This fair will provide information to assist students and families in the post-secondary transition planning. Questions addressed include: What are my post-secondary options → What are the differences between high school and college → How do I receive my accommodations in college → Which colleges are best for me. Register HERE.
NEW: HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PASS! Planet Fitness Free Summer Membership.
Teens 14-19 work out FREE all summer long. May 16 - August 31. Beginning May 16, sign up at planetfitness.com/summerpass (under 18 can sign up with a parent/guardian online or in-club). Enter to win a $5,000 scholarship. Find out more HERE (after May 2). Download the opportunity flier HERE.
NEW: PITTSBURGH INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS Aviation Technician Exploration Event. Saturday, May 14. 11:00 am. All campuses (Pittsburgh, PA | Hagerstown, MD | Myrtle Beach, SC | Youngstown-Warren, OH | RSVP at pia.edu or call 1.800.444.1440.
REMINDER: Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority just for the ladies... Free Virtual Girls Conference. Got the POWER! Saturday, April 30 from 1 until 4:00 pm. For middle and high school girls. Encouraging, Engaging and Empowering workshops. Parent(s) College Readiness and Scholarship Strategies workshop. Registration is required. After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with a meeting link to follow. Free prizes!
COLLEGE CAREER 'SCHOOL SPECIFIC' NEWS
Wellesley College (MA) will be test optional for the next four years. Emphasis will be on the applicant’s writing and quantitative skills in the application review process.
Learn more about Wellesley College HERE.
The University of Chicago is hosting a series of virtual events for students and parents. Students can engage with U. Chicago current students during their Student Salons, participate in virtual campus tours and information sessions. Visit their Virtual Events web page to find out more about the University of Chicago.
Seniors! Still undecided about your after high school path? Find out more about Montgomery College HERE.
Class of 2022: Penn State is still accepting applications from students for summer or fall 2022. Whether your students choose to use the MyPennState application, the Common App, or the Coalition application, Application fees will be waived if students use the MyPennState application and visit one of their 19 commonwealth campuses before submitting the application.
COLLEGE CAREER CALENDAR: Virtual and in-person visits currently on the schedule are published on our Google Event Calendar. All visits will take place in the College Career Information Center, Room 126. Students will need to bring their Chromebook and headphones for the virtual visits. Students must register in Naviance to attend each visit except for visits held during lunch.
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..
NOW HIRING: DogiZone. Located in Rockville, MD. Positions available include pet care technicians, front desk receptionists, inside sales representatives, groomer techs and retail associates. Starting at $15/hour. Training provided. Call 301.637.4666 and ask for Danie or email Danie @ dgenschorck@dogizone.com.
NOW HIRING: Montgomery County Recreation Summer Employment Opportunities. Positions available include: directors, assistant directors, lead counselors and counselors at all Summer Fun Centers and Therapeutic Recreation Camps. Starting at $15 per hour. Must be 16 years old to apply. To apply visit www.mocorec.com.
NOW HIRING: River & Trail Outfitters. For the outdoor enthusiasts! Hiring for retail staff, river guides and support staff. Visit riverrail.com/employment.
NOW HIRING: Capital Dental. Student Worker - Sterilization Technician. $15 per hour. Seeking a bright, personable, and motivated individual to assist with the clinical work overflow and sterilization procedures. Located in the heart of Bethesda. Ideal candidate has an interest in the medical/dental industry. No experience needed. Training provided. Click here for position details and instructions on how to apply (by resume).
Montgomery Parks is hiring! Visit mocoparks.org/jobs. Over 100 positions in all classifications. Montgomery Parks | The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission | 2425 Reedie Drive | Wheaton, MD 20902
SUMMER INTERN: North Potomac Orthodontics. Student Worker - Sterilization Technician. $15 per hour. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, positive attitude and be detail oriented. Interest in the dental or medical profession is a plus. Click HERE for position details and instructions on how to apply (by resume).
Montgomery Village Foundation Department of Recreation & Parks is hiring for summer. Positions for students ages 14 & up. Summer jobs @ montgomeryvillage.com (MVF and click on Job & Volunteer Opportunities). For more information, contact Petra Padilla at 240-243-2363 or email ppadilla@mvf.org.
Eaman Physical Therapy is hiring Physical Therapy and Rehab Aides (Tech) in their Germantown, Gaithersburg and Rockville locations. Training is available. Full and Part-time positions.
MONEY MATTERS:
Financial Aid Reminders & Resources available on the Northwest College Career ‘Financial Aid & Scholarships’ web page. Select ‘Financial Aid Resources’ at the top of the page.
TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION:
From our Registrar’s Office (located in the Counseling Department suite):
- Authorization to Release Records Form must be completed and on file in the Counseling Office before any records (including transcripts) can be released.
- Transcript Requests Form for the 2021 College Application Cycle.
- REMINDER: Mid-Year Transcript Requests: Mid-year transcripts will be available to be sent from our registrar's office around the middle of February. Do not use this form for INITIAL transcript requests.
- Scholarship Transcript Request Form
SUMMER PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES:
College career related summer programs and opportunities are too numerous to mention them all! Highlights will be posted in our e-News Bulletin. Visit college websites where there is interest to search for summer programs.
- Penn State Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP). Open to students accepted to Penn State University and are first-generation college students. For more information visit summersession@psu.edu or reach out by email to leap@psu.edu or via phone at 814.863.4174.
- Ball State University Youth Interior Design Forum
- Gettysburg College Summer Programs
- Landmark College (VT) Specialized Summer Programs for students who learn differently.
- American University Summer Programs: Community of Scholars | High School Summer Scholars
- REMINDER! OPPORTUNITY for Juniors: Maryland Boys State is reaching out to high school juniors interested in Leadership, Government, Politics???
Apply by May 1, 2022. For additional information or help finding a sponsor call 410.752.1405 or email boysstate@mdlegion.org. Information regarding Girls State can also be found on the Maryland Boys State website (linked above).
NEW: Things to know from MCPS for Thursday, April 21
Here are the key things to know for Thursday, April 21. They include an important message about mental health and wellness from Interim Superintendent Dr. McKnight, upcoming community engagement events, summer program registration and more.
Welcome Back from Spring Break
Earlier this week, Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight sent a letter to the community on the importance of community well-being and mental health. The message included resources MCPS has and is working toward to support the mental health and social-emotional health of students and staff as we bring the school year to a strong close.Get the Shot: Vaccination Is Essential to Remaining Vigilant and Combatting COVID-19 Spread in our Community
Individuals 5 and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. They are free, safe and readily available. MCPS is hosting vaccine clinics on Saturday, April 30; the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services also has ongoing vaccine opportunities. Learn more on the MCPS website and the DHHS website.May 2 Save the Date: Out-of-School Time Wellness Day
As part of a districtwide day devoted to wellness, students are encouraged to participate in one of many out-of-school time opportunities that focus on physical, mental and emotional well-being. Activities include fitness, yoga, dance, art and music. Both virtual and in person opportunities are available. For more information, please visit the OST webpage. MCPS staff will have many of the same opportunities and will receive more information soon.More than 200 Come Together for Community Engagement Event with Dr. McKnight;Next Event April 27
The first of three events, called All Together Now: Putting Our Students First, was Wednesday, April 20 at Gaithersburg High School; two more events are set for April 27 and May 7. These events are bringing together families, students, staff and the community to discuss the district’s strengths, priorities and opportunities for how MCPS can better serve its students.
The next events will be held:Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Walter Johnson High School cafeteria, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda
Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m., Paint Branch High School cafeteria, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
RSVP is encouraged. Limited MCPS bus transportation will be provided.
Registration for Most MCPS Summer Programs Now Open
MCPS will offer free programs for elementary, middle and high school students this summer. Most programs will be in July, and high school credit courses and the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program in Title I elementary schools will be offered during June, July and August. Generally, in-person programs will take place in the morning through midday. Afternoon programs sponsored by county and municipal agencies and outside providers will be available in some schools. Learn more here, or visit the Summer Programs website.Watch Live: Champions for Children Event on Thursday, April 28
Who will be the MCPS Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023? Three finalists will be celebrated during the annual Champions of Children program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. They are:- Irma Najarro, dual-language fourth-grade teacher at Washington Grove Elementary School
- Michael Edwards, world studies and global humanities sixth-grade teacher at Julius West Middle School
- Johnathan Dunn, choral teacher at Sherwood High School
You can watch the big announcement via the MCPS website, MCPS YouTube channel or on MCPS-TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88).
NEW: Athletics/Events Schedule for the Week of April 25 - May 1
REMINDER: Maryland State School Survey
Maryland requires that all public schools survey students about school climate as a part of our accountability system. The purpose of the survey is to gain valuable information about the quality and character of the learning environment in each school so that they can promote a climate that supports student learning. Northwest High School students in grades 9 through 11 will take the survey in their Social Studies classes between March 21st through April 1st. The survey will take about 30 minutes and will ask students about topics such as student engagement, interactions with adults and with other students in the school, the school environment, bullying, and safety. The survey will not ask about a student’s personal experiences and will not ask the student to provide any information that might violate his or her privacy. For more information about the Maryland State survey, please read the memo linked here.
REMINDER: Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)
Northwest High School will be conducting the Spring Administration of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). The MCAP provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student growth and achievement. We will begin assessing all 12th grade students who have not yet met this state requirement in April. Students in grades 9 through 11 will take the assessments in May. For more information about the MCAP assessments, please read the memo linked here. If there are any questions, please email Dayo Banjo (Temidayo_O_Adia@mcpsmd.org) or Edward Pegues (Edward_Pegues@mcpsmd.org).
REMINDER: IMPORTANT Senior (Class of 2022) Information!
Due to a technical error on the Jostens website, we are extending the deadline to order a cap and gown package to Friday, March 25, 2022, to ensure that families have ample time to purchase packages once the issue is resolved. If you/your senior has not yet ordered a cap and gown package, please find the link to the Jostens flyer below. Check this site periodically in the event that the technical issue is resolved. We will also send notification to everyone once the website is accepting orders again. Click on the cap and gown package image to access the ordering site from the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OMUoVIRoQTe7nRDPW7f4p675YPA-2YQk/view?usp=sharing
Another important deadline is approaching for seniors, and that is the deadline to submit Student Service Learning (SSL) hours on Friday, April 22, 2022. All students in the state of Maryland are required to complete as many as 75 SSL hours as a graduation requirement. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this requirement was waived for the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021, but no waiver was instated for the graduating class of 2022. Therefore, all seniors are required to fulfill the requirement before their diploma is confirmed this year.
If you/your senior needs to earn SSL hours, there are many in-person, virtual, and project-based opportunities accessible to them that are approved and/or sponsored by MCPS or Montgomery County. You are also able to seek your own opportunities (must be pre-approved) which meet the guidelines articulated by MCPS. Please review the presentation linked below for resources, Northwest-specific opportunities, and much more. One upcoming opportunity for seniors will take place this Wednesday, March 23rd, during SAT testing (7:45am - 12:00pm). Counselors and other staff members will be available in rooms 175-179 to support seniors as they develop and implement an action plan to navigate earning their remaining required hours. Students with a large number of SSL hours left to earn will receive a direct invitation to attend and all others are welcome. (Note: most SSL-earning activities provided on the morning of March 23rd are also available virtually now and can be found in the resource within the linked presentation.) https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1f5hJAvqV-x6xuJCCh89R57nyGtVswMlKbjw3x1Wrye0/edit?usp=sharing
Additionally, the following link connects you with the Montgomery County volunteer resource center: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/
As a reminder, you can find all of our senior class information on the Northwest website homepage in the "News" section, "Senior Class Resource Bank." Click here for the Northwest High School website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/northwesths/
If you have any questions or concerns about your senior's graduation status or requirements, please contact their counselor. Stay tuned for more information, as the junior/senior prom and after prom, senior class awards, and graduation will be here before we know it! If you have any questions at any time, please contact us at Northwest (240-740-7100).
REMINDER: Tutoring Opportunities
We are pleased to announce that our honor societies have tutoring programs to assist students in their different courses. Students should fill out the google form or contact the sponsor directly to receive this service. Students will have access to this information on our school website as well.
Below you will find the tutoring schedule:
Math Honor Society
Ms. Schuler - Arielle_E_Schuler@mcpsmd.org
- Tutoring will be in math teachers classrooms at lunch or after school everyday.
- Math Tutoring Request
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
- NHS Tutoring Request
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
- English Tutoring Request
Rho Kappa - Social Studies Honor Society
Mrs. 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 1, 4, and AP: Available on Tuesdays room 202
- French 2: Available on Thursdays room 214
- French 3: Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays room 219
- 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. All levels welcome.
CARES Tutoring
Ms. Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
Tutoring available after school in person or via zoom
Contact sponsor
REMINDER: Parents, we need YOU!
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.
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: Edward_Pegues@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 $4: 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 $4) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2025 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2024 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2023 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2022 (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