Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, October 29, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. We have an important week ahead as we close out the first marking period on Tuesday, October 31 and start marking period two (2) on Thursday, November 2. Students, let's finish off the marking period strong! It is important for students to know that if they choose to dress up in a Halloween contest on Tuesday, no masks or weapons (even plastic) are allowed.
Hall Sweeps are continuing and beginning Thursday, November 2, if you are caught in a hall sweep, you will be assigned an after-school detention. Prioritize regular, prompt attendance to all classes.
Interested in donating to our community? Click this link to support any of our families in need.
The Ulysses Senior Research class is hard at work preparing their culminating projects. Students will present their work to classes in December, and at the Ulysses Fair in January. We are launching our Tee Shirt Sale to help us raise funds for Ulysses activities and support the program. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please follow the link below. All proceeds will go towards things like the Ulysses Fair and graduation ceremony.
Ulysses Tee Shirt Sale - Fall 2023
Attention Seniors! Yearbook Early Bird Senior Congratulatory Ad Deadline
The early bird senior congratulatory ad deadline is 10/31/23. Order before 10/31/23 to save! Prices increase 11/1/23. The final deadline to purchase your senior congratulatory ad for the yearbook is 1/26/24. CLICK HERE to create your ad today! Payment plan options available at checkout.
Students at Northwest High School will be registering online for the 2023-2024 AP exams. This registration will take a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access. Students will complete the registration process in their AP courses.
Online Exam Registration will continue through Monday, November 6th, 2023. This year the cost of AP exams will be paid for by MCPS. Please read this letter for more information. Contact our AP coordinator, Ms. McClintock (amy_m_mcclintock@mcpsmd.org) with any questions.
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, November 14, 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, November 10th by 1:00pm.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as our upcoming Open House on Friday, November 10, our upcoming Fall Play production of 67 Cinderellas, a Congrats to our Questbridge Scholarship Finalists, SGA's upcoming costume contest, the fall fest on the afternoon of October 31, the annual holiday giving project, our upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week happenings, College and Career Updates, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 26, and the athletics and activities 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 Maryland's Seal of Biliteracy reminders, MSP's upcoming community get-together, MCPS' Pathway to College and Career Readiness, our canned food drive, the Speak Up, Save a Life Video Contest, PTSA's call for Silent Auction Donations yearbook information, a call for free store donations, parking permit information, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, the face coverings policy in effect, 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: Upcoming Open House on Friday, November 10
On Friday, November 10th, we will hold an open house for any caregivers. Caregivers will have the opportunity to participate in an information session with our counseling department, and then attend classes with their student(s). Parents are welcome from 8:30-11:15 but must pre-register using the following Google Form.
NEW: Questbridge Scholarships Congratulations!
The QuestBridge Scholarship Foundation offers students full scholarships to some of the most renowned colleges and universities in the United States. Northwest has two finalists this year who will strive to win those scholarships. Congratulations to NW's finalists Hanbit Kang and Fela Ralte! Please wish them luck as they continue on to the next round in the scholarship competition.
NEW: 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.
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
Attention seniors applying to MC! It’s time to complete the online application! REMINDER! MC will host an Info Session @ Northwest on November 8 @ 10 AM. Register in Naviance to attend!
NEW! The CSS Profile Line-By-Line Webinar. This FREE webinar is November 2nd at 7pm ET/ 4pm PT. We'll cover critical mistakes, login details, submission tips, and more. Register, and event if you are unable to attend, a link to the recording will be sent to you. | 26 October 2023 |
NEW! Are you interested in becoming a better leader of character? Northwest HS has been invited to send two males & two females from the Class of 2024 to join the West Point Society of DC on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the George Mason University Law School, Arlington Campus for the 17th annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference (WPLEC). You can expect a full day of great guest speakers, working in groups of fellow high school juniors from across the DMV to develop solutions to ethical challenges, learning from young military and civilian professionals, and bringing what you learn back to our school! Check out this link for video from the 2022 conference. For program consideration complete this Google form no later than Friday, December 8.
NEW! US Military Academy West Point Admissions Event. Meet with an Admissions Counselor and learn more about what West Point has to offer, life as a cadet, and the application process. November 4. 9:30 am. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (608 N Horners Ln, Rockville, MD 20850) RSVP HERE. For more information: Community Influencers USMA | Imagine Yourself at West Point | 24 October 2023 |
REMINDER! Attention Class of 2026 - Calling Sophomores! Be A Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Ambassador for Northwest High School! Represent your high school this spring on the campus of Towson University. HOBY is open to sophomores who are potential leaders in their school and communities. Northwest will send one current sophomore for the 2024 event (student provides transportation to and from Towson U.) The event is scheduled to take place June 6-9. Interested? Complete the Ambassador Request Form HERE before November 6. Learn more about HOBY at www.hoby.org. | Post 13 October 2023 |
REMINDER! Admissions Event @ Northwest High School! Salisbury University Admissions Interviews on Monday, November 27 @ 9:30 am. Application to Salisbury required prior to November 24. Register to participate HERE before Tuesday, November 21.
REMINDER! Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair sponsored by Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Sat., Nov. 4 from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm with activities on Sunday at 11:00 am and 1:15 pm. Register online @ https://mtcbc.org/hbcu/. FREE event.
REMINDER! GO TO HIGH SCHOOL, GO TO COLLEGE 18TH ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR. Saturday. November 11 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex. 7007 Bock Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Student Registration | Parent Registration | Click the HERE to Download the Flyer and see a list of confirmed colleges |
REMINDER! ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC., ETA PI ZETA CHAPTER Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop. Clarksburg Cottage. Sunday, November 12 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. 23201 Stringtown Road, Clarksburg MD 20832. Questions? Contact etapizetascholarship@gmail.com. Get proven writing prompts to help differentiate your scholarship application. Register HERE.
REMINDER! National Apprenticeship Week Open House Event. November 15. 9 am until 2 pm. 8510 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Carpenters’ Training Center. Click HERE to register for the National Apprenticeship Week Event!
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:
REMINDER! What You Need to Know About the 2024-2025 FAFSA Event: In this event, students can learn all about the 2024-2025 upcoming FAFSA changes! The events will be held on Wednesday Nov. 8, 1-2pm in the student services building lobby on the Rockville campus → Tuesday Nov. 14, noon-1pm in the Germantown campus cafeteria → Wednesday Nov. 15 and Thursday Nov. 16, 1-2pm in the student services building cafeteria on the Takoma Park campus. No registration is required for these events.
REMINDER! Paying for College Workshop: to be held in person and virtually this year. Students get a chance to work one-on-one with Financial Aid Counselors on their 2024-2025 FAFSA or MSFAA! The Paying for College Workshop events will be held on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11am-2pm at the Rockville Campus in the Student Services Building and on Thursday, Feb. 1st, 2024 from 4-7pm at the Takoma Park Campus in the Student Services Building and virtually. Please visit our website to register at bit.ly/FA_Help.
College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
- Gettysburg College on Monday, October 30 @ 9:30 am
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville on Monday, October 30 @ 10:30 am
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Monday, October 30 @ 1 pm
- Arcadia University on Thursday, November 2 @ 9:30 am
- Randolph College on Thursday, November 2 @ 1 pm
- Hood College on Friday, November 3 @ 8:30 am
- Notre Dame of Maryland University on Friday, November 3 @ 10:30 am
THIS JUST IN… Military Academy West Point Cadet Allen Liu, USMA ‘25, MCPS ‘21, will be at Northwest High School on Tuesday, November 21 @ 9:30 am to share West Point experiences! Interested students should sign up to attend this visit in their Naviance account.
Remember:
- 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: Things to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 26
1. Halloween Safety Message
Halloween can be a fun time with friends and neighbors. However, it is also a high-risk time for injuries. Even if you are not participating in Halloween activities, you can take action to keep our neighborhoods safe:
Drive slowly and carefully in neighborhoods where families are trick-or-treating. Pedestrians may be crossing roadways or driveway entrances.
Review pedestrian safety with children and pre-plan safe routes with older children.
Practice food safety. Be mindful of food allergies and choking hazards for younger children. Consider giving them a snack at home before trick-or-treating to prevent sampling from the treat bag. Be sure an adult checks the treats before kids dig in.
Take precautions to prevent common halloween injuries, such as falls related to costume features that make it difficult to see or walk safely.
Additional resources:
HealthyChildren.org: Halloween Health and Safety Tips / Cómo ayudar a que la Noche de Brujas o Halloween sea segura para los niños
National Fire Prevention Association: Halloween Fire Safety Tips
Allergy and Asthma Network: How to Stay Safe on Halloween with Asthma and Allergies
2. We Want to Hear from You! Join Us for Upcoming Operating Budget Forums on Nov. 2 and Nov. 14
MCPS is hosting a series of forums to learn more about the process for the 2024–2025 operating budget. Join us for a discussion with MCPS leadership and an opportunity to engage in breakout sessions. Please let us know whether you will attend and whether you will need Spanish or American Sign Language interpretation. Events will be held:
Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30–8 p.m., virtual forum. This event will be livestreamed on the MCPS homepage. RSVP.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8, Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda. RSVP.
There is also a forum on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Gaithersburg High School, open to students only.
3. Applications Due Nov. 3 for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs and the Maryland Virtual Academy
Grade 8 students can apply to Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs. Information sessions will be available for students and families. All dates can be found on the special programs webpage.
Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 3. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and October open house dates are available on this website.
Applications for the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) for the 2024-2025 school are due Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Applications for the waitlist for Semester 2 of the Virtual Academy’s 2023-2024 year are also due on Nov. 3. Applications submitted after Nov. 3, 2023, but by Feb. 9, 2024, will be added to the 2024-2025 waitlist. Visit the MVA website for more information.
4. District Events and Opportunities
Waymaking Special on Student Mental Health on Nov.1
From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Richard Montgomery High School, former professional football player turned mental health expert and advocate, Dr. Jay Barnett, will speak to students about the importance of mental health, breaking down stigma and seeking help. Students may earn up to 9.5 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for watching videos, attending virtual workshops and participating in follow-up advocacy action during Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 30-Nov. 4).
Read more about Mental Health Awareness Week events.
Help the Environment and Earn SSL Hours!
Calling high school students: Join Us Nov. 1 for Environmental Volunteer Day at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg.
Make a PSA and Earn SSL Hours
A chance to win $1,000: Speak Up, Save a Life PSA Contest
Know a student interested in public policy? Enter the Councilmember for a Day Contest
5. Bright Spots This Week
Sports Insight is a TV and web video series highlighting student-athletes, teachers, coaches and support staff who make MCPS athletics an exciting addition to our community and a valuable learning experience for our students. Episode 30 features pickleball as a new corollary sport this fall. Hear from MCPS Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Sullivan, coaches and players about how the pilot is going, as well as the future of pickleball in MCPS.
First Annual Girls’ Summit
Nearly 900 people came out to the MCPS Girls’ Summit on Oct. 21. The summit provided informative workshops, fun activities and a culminating fashion show for middle and high school girls.
Athletics County Championships
Congratulations to students at six high schools for winning the following county and district championships:
Poolesville–2A/1A Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s (MPSSAA) District Championship in Golf
Winston Churchill–3A/4A MPSSAA’s District Championship in Golf
2023 MCPS county championships
Quince Orchard girls’ soccer team
Damascus boys’ soccer team
Winston Churchill field hockey team
Thomas S. Wootton boys’ cross country team
5th Annual STEAM Festival
Students of all ages and their families participated in the annual STEAM Festival at Wheaton High School on Oct. 21. The event included hands-on activities, talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances.
Band Showcase
Twelve high school bands delighted the crowd at Col. Zadok Magruder High School on Oct. 21 as they performed during the annual Marching Band Showcase.
National Principals Month
In honor of National Principals Month, second grade students at Fairland Elementary School surprised Principal Lakeisha Lashley and Assistant Principal Colleen Johnson with lunch and their rendition of Tina Turner’s hit, “Simply the Best.”
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, October 30 - Sunday, November 5
MCPS Pathways to College and Career Readiness
REMINDER: Canned Food Drive
Northwest High School’s Key Club is initiating our yearly canned food drive. Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone. Every donation of food matters- which is why we are asking for your help on voicing our event.
The canned food drive will take place during all of October and November. Each classroom will have their designated box/bag and students are expected to bring non perishable, canned items and drop them off in their first period class. Some examples include canned soups, canned beans, canned fruit, powdered milk, and canned peanut butter. Last year, we came in third place based on the amount of cans collected out of all the Montgomery County Public Schools. Nonetheless, this year we are striving for first place!
REMINDER: Speak Up, Save a Life Video Contest - 10 SSL Hours
Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office of Montgomery County is hosting a contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. It is open to all 6th thru 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500 all donated by Magnolia Plumbing in honor of two young Montgomery County residents who lost to their lives to illicit fentanyl; Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudoun.
Students can enter the contest on their own or as a group; however, students may only participate in ONE entry. If a student in any way participates in more than one PSA video, all of those entries will be disqualified. Please see instructions for submitting video here.
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: Parking Permit Information
Parking permit applications and payment will be accepted by the Business Office, Room 322, before school (7:25–7:40 a.m.), during lunch (11:11–11:56 a.m.), or after school (2:30–2:45 p.m.). Students must not have any outstanding financial obligations to the school and must be academically eligible (2.0 cumulative GPA with no more than one E) to be eligible for a parking permit. The price for a full year parking permit is $78.00 (processing fee included) payable by cash, check (made out to Northwest High School), or online using a credit card through SchoolCash Online. To pay online, a link will be sent to the student’s school email once the application has been received and approved for eligibility.
During the first three weeks of school (August 28-September 15), students may use any parking space in the lower parking lot. All approved parking permits will be distributed to students before school, during lunch, or after school in front of the Business Office, Room 322, on September 14 and 15. Beginning Monday, September 18, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2023-2024 parking permit and be parked in the student’s assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or that do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
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: Face Coverings Policy is in Effect!
For the safety of our school environment, face coverings may be worn indoors only for health, religious and/or cultural purposes. When used for health protection or to prevent disease transmission, acceptable and effective face coverings are well fitting surgical masks, KN95-style masks or N95 respirators. With the exception of face coverings worn for
religious or cultural purposes, individuals will be asked to remove other types of face coverings (such as a ski mask, neck gaiter, or scarf over one’s face). If the alternate face covering is worn for health purposes, NWHS will provide surgical masks for student, staff or visitor use. If a face covering is needed at school for health purposes, NWHS will provide surgical masks for students, staff or visitors who do not already have access to one at school.
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