Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, May 14, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone enjoying this beautiful Sunday! To all the Mothers in Jag Nation, Happy Mother's Day! I hope you all have enjoyed a much deserved day all about you! Congratulations to both the Softball and Baseball teams for advancing on to another round of the playoffs. A special shout-out to our Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse and Coed Volleyball teams for a great season.
Regarding Class of 2023 Yard Signs...they're in!
You can pick-up your yard sign on the dates and times listed below.
- 5/10/23 @ 2:45pm-4:15pm in front of the gym doors in the lower parking lot of NWHS
- 5/13/23 @ 9am-11am in front of the gym doors in the lower parking lot of NWHS
- 5/16/23 @ 6pm-8pm in front of the gym doors in the lower parking lot of NWHS
Two Northwest students have earned 'Scholar' recognition for their work as a National Cyber Scholar. Congratulations to Alexander Nguyen (12th grader) and Saliou Gueye (11th grader)!
Senior Yearbook Distribution Singing Party:
5.15, Stadium, 9:30-11 am. Seniors who purchased yearbook can pick up their books, enjoy donuts, and get a gel pen for signing. They can sit in the bleachers with friends, checking out the book and signing one another's books. Music will be playing. And a VERY limited amount of yearbooks will be for sale via a QR code. No cash or checks will be accepted.
Underclass Yearbook distribution:
Underclass may pick up yearbooks in room 112 during lunch and after school 5.16-19. There MAY be a limited amount of books left for sale. Any books not picked up will be delivered to classes periods 1 and 2, beginning May 22. No cash or checks will be accepted.
The Ulysses Signature Program is hosting its graduation ceremony on Monday, May 22, at 6 pm in the NWHS auditorium. The purpose of the graduation ceremony is to celebrate Ulysses seniors who have successfully met the academic and extracurricular requirements of the Ulysses program for graduation. Ulysses seniors and their families are invited to attend the ceremony, and Ulysses teachers and NWHS administrators will also attend to join the celebration! For more information, please check the emails from Doona Kim, the Ulysses Program Coordinator, or contact her at doonachristi_kim@mcpsmd.org with any questions.
Celebrate the end of AP testing by donating your old test prep books to the Free Store in room 264! Please donate through May 26th. Pick up free test prep books for next year beginning on June 1st. Come to room 264 during lunch. Get the best selection on the first day. Thank you for helping support Northwest!
Got extra calculators? In preparation for AP and other end-of-year exams, please donate unwanted calculators to The Free Store. Need a calculator? Check the Free Store in room 264.
Is your family experiencing hardship?
If you need assistance accessing food, diapers, and other resources, please contact our Parent Community Coordinator, Ms. Patricia Santos, at 240-506-6536 or via email at Patricia_ubiera@mcpsmd.org.
¿Está su familia experimentando dificultades?
Si necesita ayuda para tener accesso a alimentos, pañales y otros recursos, comuníquese con nuestra Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres, la Sra. Patricia Santos, al 240-506-6536 o por correo electrónico a Patricia_ubiera@mcpsmd.org.
In this week's newsletter, there are only a few new items including this week's College and Career Updates, five (5) things to know from MCPS from Thursday, May 11, and another opportunity to purchase yard signs to celebrate your Class of 2023 Senior!
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including information about MCPS' Pride Town Hall, the Senior Yearbook Signing Party, election results for both SGA and class office, graduation information for the Class of 2023, the state testing schedule, a free store update, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, all the after school tutoring opportunities for Northwest students, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear!
Thank you for your continued support and trust. We are looking forward to a great week!
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
COLLEGE CAREER 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. Highlights include:
- REMINDER! Honor Student Reception: Connecting Students of Color to Top Colleges. For rising seniors of color, with a GPA of 3.5 or above and their families. Friday, May 19, 2023, from 6 PM until 8:45 PM. Universities of Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD. Learn from experts about financial aid, scholarships, and the college admissions process. Register NOW at https://rb.gy/ncaf. Click here for more program details. | Posted 1 May 2023 |
- REMINDER! Senator Chris Van Hollen invites you to a Virtual U.S. Service Academy Information Event. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 4 pm until 5:30 pm ET. Learn about what the United States Academies have to offer and the admissions and nominations process. Services academics represented include the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Army ROTC. Register HERE. Questions? Please contact Senator Van Hollen's office by email at academynominations@vanhollen.senate.gov or by phone at (301) 545-1500. | Posted 2 May 2023 |
- NEW! Unity Christian Fellowship, Inc. May Activities. Register for all activities on the unfinc.org website!
- SAT/ACT VIRTUAL Boot Camp (May 21, 22 & 23) Register at www.ucfinc.org. Spring SAT/ACT Boot Camp Virtual will be conducted using the Zoom platform. SCROLL down to the center page, and click on Register HERE for ALL UCF Activities, (SAT/ACT Boot Camp, including Parent Waiver Form).
- VIRTUAL UCF Monthly Youth Engagement Meeting. Saturday, MAY 20, 2023. USTEM/NSBE @ 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics career fields. YOUTH MEETING Starts @ 11:00 a.m. ALONG WITH Parents Workshop (Academic Warrior with Mr. Donald Wharton).
- UPDATE! Berkeley Research Group “BRG” Leg Up Summer Program is still accepting applications for summer 2023. A FREE 4-day summer seminar for grades 9-12. Program dates are July 23 - July 26. Students will work on-site at the Washington DC headquarters and will have exposure to career options in the world of business, economic, and related industries. Transportation options will be available. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale), consistent attendance, and take the most rigorous course load available. To learn more about the "BRG" Leg Up Summer Program and register to attend, click HERE. Application portal is open until June 1. Questions should be directed to Amanda Gray @ AGray@thinkbrg.com| Director of Human Resources | BRG | D 202.909.2809 | O 202.480.2700 | M 571.286.9331 | Repost 9 May 2023 |
- REMINDER! The Princeton Review is offering a free SAT® Practice Test for students who wish to get in some prep before their next official College Board Exam. Students can take this test anytime over the summer; registration can be found here. Directions for completing the exam will be emailed, and students will receive a full-length score report upon completion of the exam. Offer dated: 4 May 2023. Questions should be directed to Nacy Veach | The Princeton Review, Outreach Specialist, High School Programs, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pronouns: she/her/hers, 202-851-6320.
- 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.
- NEW! PepsiCo is hiring! We are currently approaching what we call 100 Days of Summer! As our consumers are stocking up on Pepsi beverages for the hot summer months, we are hiring more employees to meet their needs! Whether you are looking for a summer job or a start to a fruitful career, Pepsi summertime comes with plenty of opportunities for graduates like you! If you enjoy a fast-paced and team-oriented environment, apply for a role such as our Merchandiser or Warehouse Loader today. | Post 11 May 2023 |
- CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Gannett Fleming is looking for entry-level construction inspectors in the water and wastewater industry. No experience is necessary, and all essential training will be provided. Are you a smart, computer-literate, dependable, and self-driven person looking for a career in the engineering field? Contact Mike Trail, CCM, Construction Manager @ mtrail@gfnet.com (301) 458-1555. | Post 9 May 2023 |
College Visit REMINDER: UMD College Park presents The College Search & College Applications. Juniors. Virtual @ 1:15 PM on May 22. Visits will be held in the College Career Information Center (Room 126) unless otherwise noted. Naviance registration is required. If the visit is virtual, students should plan to come to Room 126 with headphones and a Chromebook.
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.
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Montgomery College Board of Trustees ACADEMIC POTENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS. A one-year full time cost of tuition and fees (at the county resident tuition rate) award. The award requires high school nomination and is based on academic achievement and potential, not financial need. Minimum 3.0 high school weighted GPA required. Applicants must plan full time enrollment at Montgomery College in the fall following graduation. Request nomination @ https://bit.ly/42LGDyG. DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: MAY 22 | Post 10 April 2023 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: AMERICAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION (ACF) VISIONARY SCHOLARSHIP. Eligible grades: 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026. Our Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline - with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. The application is free, and the student does NOT need to demonstrate financial need to qualify. ACF Visionary Scholarship complete details. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JUNE 1 | Post 9 May 2023 |
- NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: W. EDWARD BOHRER MEMORIAL CHARACTER COUNTS! SCHOLARSHIP. SENIORS residing in the City of Gaithersburg. Check residency HERE. The scholarship program is designed to recognize and support graduating high school seniors in the City of Gaithersburg who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, community service, and leadership qualities. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students must also submit a completed application form, proof of household income, official high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an essay. The scholarship award varies and may be awarded to multiple applicants. Awards can be used to offset the costs associated with attending an accredited college, university, or trade school. For more information and to download the application form, please visit the W. Edward Bohrer Memorial CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Program webpage. Questions or concerns about the program or the application process, please contact Mary Armbruster at mary.armbruster@gaithersburgmd.gov or 240-805-1827. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JUNE 1 | Post 11 May 2023 |
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY National Alumni Association, Inc. Montgomery County Chapter SENIORS applying to Bowie State University for fall 2023. GPA requirement of 2.5 or higher. Official transcript required. One-time monetary award for freshman year only, based on academic success in high school. To apply, visit https://www.mccbsunaa.com/scholarships. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 15 | Post 3 Nov 2022 |
- SCHOLARSHIP: REMINDER: The TowerCares Foundation offers an annual college scholarship program for STEM and foreign language linguistics majors. SENIORS. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who attend an accredited two- or four-year college/university full-time. Learn more. This year, the foundation will award up to 30 $5,000 scholarships. Additional consideration will be given to children/dependents of active-duty military and veterans from all branches of the armed forces, including reserve and guard units. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 15 | Post 25 April 2023 |
- SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE!: The POSSE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP. JUNIORS. Full-tuition scholarship to attend ONE of the Posse DC partner institutions. Nomination required. Juniors requesting nomination should be able to demonstrate leadership within their high school, community, or family. Applicants must be willing to apply Early Decision to one of the six Posse DC schools and attend a mandatory large group interview in the fall of senior year. Posse DC partner institutions: Bucknell University (PA), Lafayette College (PA), Lewis & Clark College (OR), University of Rochester (NY), Sewanee The University of the South (TN), University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI). DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: APR 28 extended to MAY 22 | UPDATED Post 26 April 2023 |
No time to download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web? 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: Five (5) Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, May 11
1. MCPS Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, MCPS wants to honor the amazing educators who have made an incredible impact on our students' lives. The role of a teacher is one of the most important and challenging jobs out there, and their hard work and dedication should be recognized. Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight recorded this video message expressing her appreciation for our teachers and acknowledging the extraordinary efforts they have made to ensure students receive an excellent education.
2. Board of Education Seeking Comment on School Counseling Policy
The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Board Policy IJA, School Counseling, to help the public understand the programs, services and professionals responding to the social-emotional and mental health needs of students. The policy will be available for comment through Monday, Sept. 4. It has been available for comment since April 26, 2023.
The draft amendments propose—
- A name change to Policy IJA, Social-Emotional and Mental Health Programming and Services for Students, to include school psychologists, school social workers and other pupil personnel who work with school counselors to address the social-emotional and mental health needs of students.
- Teams at each school to organize available professionals to respond to students’ needs.
- Regular opportunities for students to meet with professionals at their schools.
- Communication to students and families to understand the professionals, programs and services at each school.
Translations will be posted as soon as they are available.
Submit comments on Policy IJA.
3. Annual Pride Town Hall Set May 20
The annual Pride Town Hall will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 20 at Walter Johnson High School. All are welcome to attend.
The event will feature workshops, a keynote speaker, activities for elementary students, community building for middle and high school students, and a resource fair.
Workshops will be held on a range of topics, including:
- Interrupting Bias for Real: Intervention Techniques for Everyone
- Strategies for Supporting Children of LGBTQ+ Families
- LGBTQIA+ Affirming MCPS Policies and Forms
- Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Children: From the Mouths of Middle Schoolers
- Inclusivity in MCPS Athletics
- Transitioning in MCPS
Walter Johnson is located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda.
LGBTQ+ information and resources
4. Next Health and Wellness Fair Set for May 20 at Seneca Valley High School
On Saturday, May 20, parents/guardians, students, staff and community members are invited to a Health and Wellness Fair at Seneca Valley High School from 9 a.m.–noon. Attendees can choose from multiple dozen educational sessions and activities for adults and students in English and Spanish. Topics include:
- Mental health and wellness
- Self-care and time management for students
- Emergency response
- Music Therapy
- Refusal skills & “escape hatch” planning
- Narcan training
- Sports and Wellness
- How to have tough conversations
- Zumba
- Sports and Wellness
Seneca Valley High School is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD 20874
5. Bright Spots This Week
Flora Singer Educator Wins Shirley Lowrie Award
Shirley Yuan, second grade teacher and team leader at Flora M. Singer Elementary School, is the winner of this year’s Shirley J. Lowrie “Thank You for Teaching” Award.
National Board Pinning Ceremony
Seventy-one MCPS educators achieved certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in 2022, and 45 were on hand to receive their pins in a ceremony on May 8. Another 90 successfully maintained their certifications.
Seventeen Students Receive National Merit Scholarships
Seventeen MCPS students from seven high schools have been awarded National Merit $2,500 scholarships financed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.The students are among 44 high school seniors in Maryland to be selected in the latest group of National Merit Scholarship Program recipients.
The Hispanic Alliance for Education recognized some of our brightest Hispanic scholars for their academic achievements and community engagement at a ceremony Monday evening. Congratulations to our students!
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Pride Town Hall Set for May 20
The annual Pride Town Hall will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 20 at Walter Johnson High School. Students and their families, staff, youth service providers and community members are welcome to attend.
The event will feature workshops, activities for elementary students, community building for secondary students and a resource fair.
The keynote speaker is Elizabeth Graham, a local advocate who speaks to her lived experiences as a transgender, autistic woman. Elizabeth works with the LGBTQIA+ community, helping to run a peer-led transgender support group. She is dedicated to supporting transgender and neurodivergent people.
Walter Johnson is located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda.
REMINDER: IMPORTANT Graduation Information for the Class of 2023!
For the commencement exercises for the Class of 2023, each graduating senior will receive five (5) tickets for their family and friends to attend the graduation ceremony at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Every guest, with the exception of children under 2 years of age, must present a ticket in order to enter the ceremony. Tickets will be distributed Wednesday, May 31; Thursday, June 1; and Friday, June 2, based upon students' last names and can be picked up between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm in the counseling lobby on those dates. Tickets not picked up on those dates can be picked up on Monday, June 5, following graduation rehearsal. No student or parent/guardian is permitted to sell graduation tickets. All obligations must be cleared in order to receive graduation tickets. (Please note that graduating seniors do not need tickets.)
Dates of Ticket Distribution:
Wednesday, May 31: Last Names Beginning With- A - G
Thursday, June 1: Last Names Beginning With- H - N
Friday, June 2: Last Names Beginning With- O -Z
We will distribute up to two (2) additional tickets to the graduation ceremony based on requests from parents in the order that requests are received. To effectively allocate these additional tickets, we are requesting that the parent/guardian of each graduating senior complete the ticket request form. If you know that your family will not need all five (5) of the allotted tickets, please indicate that on the form as well so that other families may use them. All requests and information must be received by Monday, May 15. Requests must be receiving using the electronic form, linked below, OR the paper form.
Electronic Ticket Request Form
Paper Version (obtain a copy from the main office or print out and return to the office):
Finally, please make sure your students mark their calendars for the mandatory graduation rehearsal on Monday, June 5, 2023. All graduates must report to the Northwest cafeteria to sign-in by 7:45am. Cap and gown packages will be distributed following rehearsal. All graduating seniors must attend the rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Dofflemyer, graduation liaison. We look forward to celebrating the momentous occasion of your/your child's graduation with you!
REMINDER: IMPORTANT Message regarding Spring MCAP Testing
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 administer these exams on the following dates:
May 2, 2023: LS MISA
May 4, 2023: HS GOVT
May 12, 2023: ALG 1
May 15, 2023: ELA 10/MAP (9th Grade)
May 16, 2023: ELA 10/MAP (9th Grade)
Please note that although we do not have a delayed opening schedule, only students who will be testing are expected to attend. Students who are expected to test will receive an Information Sheet during JagPaws on April 26th. Any student who does not receive an Information Sheet is not expected to test and will report to the cafeteria for study hall for the duration of testing. Lunch will occur following testing (11:02 am - 11:46 am) and classes will be held following lunch. Please refer to the schedules below. All ninth and tenth grade students are required to report to school to complete their MCAP and MAP Assessments. If there are any questions, please email Tara Henry (Tara-dee_S_Henry@mcpsmd.org) or Nikki Morales (Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org).
REMINDER: Free Store Update!
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 for those that have worn out. As always, we accept all gently used school supplies, such as paper and binders, but right now we are in particular need of pencils, test prep books, and backpacks--especially 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: Northwest Grading and Reporting
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