Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, March 26, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
Happy Sunday! For those who celebrate, Ramadan Saeid! We are entering the last week of marking period three (3). Friday, March 31 is a professional day for staff and the beginning of Spring Break for students. Because of the break, the next edition of Northwest News will be Monday, April 10. Students and Staff return on Tuesday, April 11. Let's finish this marking period strong!
For those who are interested in running for class office or SGA leadership, pay close attention to this week's newsletter as there are two (2) informational sessions occurring this week, Tuesday, March 28 during lunch and Wednesday, March 29 after school. Applications begin being accepted from March 29 through April 11. We urge students to get involved! Good luck to all who apply!
We have an administrative staff change for the 2023-2024 school year as we share bittersweet news about Ms. Banjo. Beginning July 1st, Ms. Temidayo Banjo, currently assistant school administrator here at Northwest High School, will leave our staff to become assistant principal at Paint Branch High School. While Ms. Banjo is a loss for the Northwest community, I know you join me in appreciation for the dedication and commitment Ms. Banjo has demonstrated and shown to the Northwest community. You can find both my letter and Ms. Banjo's departing words linked here.
A reminder that for students who are interested in getting their learners permit, you will have two more opportunities to take the Learners Permit test at Northwest on the afternoons of Tuesday, March 28 and Tuesday, April 18. The test will begin promptly at 2:30 in room 100. You should stop by the main office to pick up a permission slip.
A reminder that NW is looking for children (age 4) to join the junior jags program! It runs 4 days a week for about 3 hours a day! It is a great opportunity for children to learn social skills in an environment with high school role models. To find out more information, please review the Junior Jags section on the Northwest Website. It can be found here: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/northwesths/academics/childdevelopment/
In this week's newsletter, there are several new AND important items including our upcoming Art Show, important information for our upcoming Prom on April 28, updates from our College and Career Center, five (5) things to know from MCPS for Thursday, March 23, Activities and Athletics Calendar events this week, Class of 2023 fundraiser at Berries and Bowls and a way to support the After Prom through purchasing from Tastefully Simple.
The rest of this week's newsletter contains reminders including ways for senior parents to order yard signs to celebrate your grad, this year's upcoming RespectFest, a way to support the Class of 2024 at Bobapop Tea, Women's History Month happenings, information regarding the 2023-2024 SGA and Class Office elections, the Mulch giveaway in partnership with our PTSA and Potomac Garden Center, a way to donate to the After Prom Party on April 28-29, an opportunity to take our new AP African American Studies course, a sponsorship with K&G for prom attire, a PTSA fundraiser for After Prom, free store and key club book giveaway, 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 ahead!
NEW: Upcoming Art Show
The Northwest High School Art Department welcomes the NWHS community to our Spring Art Show, where artwork from each art student will be exhibited. All students who are currently enrolled in an art class are required to attend one night of the Spring Art Show. The purpose of this event is twofold; first to experience how artists display their finished works in a gallery setting, and secondly to evaluate works of art completed by other art students at Northwest.
The Spring Art Show will be open for viewing to the public Wednesday, April 26th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, April 27th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Auxiliary gym at Northwest High School. Parking will be available in the Northwest lower lot (stadium parking lot).
Please mark your calendars for this upcoming event as attendance and a completed written evaluation are mandatory. The required assignment at the Art Show will take no longer than thirty (30) minutes to complete. The students will hand in the assignment at a designated hand-in box on the stage. The art show assignment must be stamped by a staff member or National Art Honor Society member for validation prior to handing in completed work.
In the event a student cannot attend, please notify your teacher in advance, and it will be reviewed by the teacher for approval. Emergencies do occur but notification must follow (by the next day) for an illness, etc. If it is known that the student cannot attend this event on either day because of sporting events (not a practice), work related issues, childcare issues, etc. prior notification of at least one week must occur for distribution of the alternate assignment which will be due by May 5th. An alternate assignment must be completed by May 5th. The alternate assignment will be a written research based project, which will be determined by the Northwest High School Art Department.
The Northwest High School Art Department looks forward to seeing you at the Art Show; students will be awarded ribbons, in various categories. Please bring friends and family to view the achievements of all our artistic and gifted students at Northwest High School.
NEW: Northwest Prom 2023
Northwest High School invites Juniors and Seniors to attend this year's Behind the Mask, A Masquerade Prom on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Gaithersburg. After Prom will be held at Northwest High School. The ticket price includes entrance into After Prom. You do not need a separate ticket to attend after prom. Your name will be on a list when you check in.
- Ticket sales for Northwest High School students will be sold online only through SchoolCash Online.
- Once purchased, NWHS students can pick up their ticket during lunch or after school on 4/20, 4/25, and 4/26, outside of the Business Office, Room 322. In order to pick up your ticket, all obligations must be cleared, including all current AP exam fees.
- Ticket prices will increase to $90.00 beginning April 22nd.
- Northwest High School students are permitted to bring one MCPS student guest to this event. Each guest must complete a Guest Approval Form and have the form signed by parents/guardians and their school administrator. This form can be picked up in the Main Office and must be signed prior to submitting payment for the event. Guest tickets can be purchased by cash or check (made payable to Northwest High School) on 4/20, 4/25, or 4/26.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
Prom Rules:
-Must have school ID and ticket to enter.
-Students must remain in designated area of event.
-No re-admittance.
-Selling or swapping tickets is prohibited.
-Respectful and appropriate behavior expected at all times.
-Unacceptable behavior will result in removal from dance.
SCO Registration Information:
The SchoolCash Online (SCO) site which can be found here, and you will need to register for an account if you have not already done so. Once you registered, it will ask for you to add a student to the account. For this, you will need the SCO PIN number (this is not the student ID). This was something that was sent to parent/guardians email addresses on file with MCPS in early August and then again in early September, and came from SCOPINPROCESS@mcpsmd.org. If you cannot locate this PIN, please email Mrs. Jacqueline Miller, financial specialist, at Jacqueline_N_Miller@mcpsmd.org. Please include your student’s name and ID in the email.
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
NEW! If you missed the Class of 2024 College Career Post-secondary Planning Program on March 21, 2023 visit the counseling or college career web page!
NEW! MILITARY B.R.A.T.S. (Building Readiness in Adolescents That Serve) Basketball Camp. This is a character-building basketball camp focused on financial literacy and mental health for 150 military kids featuring former NBA Star, Drew Gooden, as the camp's guest speaker and former WNBA/Overseas Star, Kenya Robinson, as the camp's basketball instructor. This is a free event for our military families. Registration is needed @ https://www.allblackab.com/projects because space is limited.
Who: Girls & Boys, ages 6-17
Where: Montgomery Blair High School GYM, Silver Spring, Maryland
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023
Time: 1pm-5pm (check-in at 12 noon)
Contact: Tara "Coach T" Gibson 386-451-5678 or tara@allblackab.com
HIGHLIGHT ON MONTGOMERY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP: MONTGOMERY COLLEGE RAPTOR READY. SENIORS. Montgomery College offers a $500 tuition scholarship to help 2023 spring Montgomery County high school graduates jump into their academic program in fall 2023. The $500 scholarship will be applied to fall 2023 tuition and fees at Montgomery College. The program is for spring 2023 Montgomery County high school graduates who are Montgomery County residents who register for and attend at least 6 credit hours at Montgomery College in the fall 2023. The scholarship cannot be used for any other semester. Complete the Raptor Ready Scholarship application online at Raptor Ready. The first eligible 1,500 applicants will be considered for the scholarship. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: AUGUST 1 | Post 16 March 2023 |
College Career High School Visits are BACK:
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.
March 29: Johnson & Wales University (in person) - 10:00 AM
April 12: Towson University (in person) - 10:00 AM
April 13: Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (in person) - 8:00 AM
April 13: U. of South Carolina (in-person) - 10:00 AM
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights & Reminders:
For a complete list of available scholarships, 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. View the complete list with reminders and alerts about upcoming scholarship deadlines!
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship. SENIORS. African American MALE. Applicants must have received college acceptance and a plan to enroll as a full-time student in the fall following graduation. Log on to the website. Scroll to "Begin Application". Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and should be active in extracurricular activities or work-related activities. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: APR 21 | Post 20 March 2023 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Senator Nancy J. King Senatorial Scholarship. SENIORS. Applicants MUST reside in the Maryland District 39 (to check your legislative district, visit http://mdelect.net/). Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to Northwest graduates (renewable up to four years). Applicants must plan to attend a two or four-year college or university in the state of Maryland. Applicants must have filed the FAFSA or MSFAA by March 1 (the first two pages of the Student Aid Report (SAR) are required. Confirmation of MD CAPS creation required. Scholarship recipients will be notified at the Senior Awards Program. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: APR 30 (Received by in the Northwest College Career Information Center, Room 126) | Post 21 March 2023 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: 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 | Post 22 March 2023 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Walter Hardy Memorial Scholarship. SENIORS. Onetime $5,000 scholarship. Student-Athletes who have overcome challenges to achieve success in the classroom and competition.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must:
- share a significant obstacle (off the field or court) that they have overcome on their way to becoming a successful student-athlete.
- have earned at least two varsity letters during their time in high school.
- have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
Applicants must submit ALL the following items on or before May 1, 2023.
- a completed application
- a copy of the letter of acceptance from the college of choice or a written statement of post-high school plans
- an unofficial transcript
- a Statement of Achievements – athletic, academic, and community achievements
- Essay explaining the obstacle they have overcome.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 1 | Post 17 March 2023 |
NEW! SCHOLARSHIP: Sardi’s Philip G. Sardelis Memorial Scholarship. SENIORS. Applicants must plan to continue their education at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Applicants must
- Reside within 10 miles of any Sardi’s Pollo a La Brasa restaurant (a list of locations is here).
- Be class of 2023 high school graduates.
- Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university for the 2023-2024 academic year.
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 2 | Post 17 March 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, March 23
1. Revised Message Regarding the Use of Inclusive Texts
MCPS expects all classrooms to be inclusive and safe spaces for students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ or have family members in the LGBTQ+ community. A broad representation of personal characteristics within curricular or instructional materials promotes this desired outcome. Therefore, as with all curriculum resources, there is an expectation that teachers utilize these inclusive lessons and texts with all students.
As is standard practice, when planning for instruction teachers/schools are encouraged to utilize a variety of resources to continue to promote an inclusive environment as outlined in the MCPS Core Values and Board Policy. Students and families may not choose to opt out of engaging with any instructional materials, other than “Family Life and Human Sexuality Unit of Instruction'' which is specifically permitted by Maryland law. As such, teachers will not send home letters to inform families when inclusive books are read in the future.2. Kindergarten Registration Opens March 27 for the Next School Year
Registration opens on March 27 for parents who wish to register their child for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023. For more information about eligibility guidelines, registration or required documents to complete an application, call 240-740-4006 or visit the kindergarten enrollment website.
Learn more about the online registration process.
3. Next Family Fentanyl Forum Set for Saturday, March 25
Montgomery Goes Purple, in partnership with MCPS, is hosting a third Family Forum on Fentanyl from 9 a.m.–noon on Sat., March 25, at Paint Branch High School. This forum will focus on in-depth learning opportunities with dozens of sessions, as well as Narcan training, resource tables and opportunities for fitness. The forum will include sessions for youth and adults, individually and jointly, in English and Spanish. Discussion topics will include:
Starting a conversation with your child
Starting a conversation with your parent
Mental health care
Finding and accessing resources
Healthy boundaries with friends
Paint Branch is located at 14121 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.
4. SSL Hours Documentation Deadline is March 30
Students who wish to earn the Certificate of Meritorious Service (for seniors who have 240 or more SSL hours documented on their record) or the Superintendent’s SSL Award (which is awarded one time to students who meet the 75 hour graduation requirement during middle school), must submit all SSL forms to their school’s SSL coordinator by March 30.
MCPS students must earn at least 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school, and Spring break is a wonderful time for students to participate in SSL opportunities! All other SSL forms should be submitted on a rolling basis, but no later than the deadline of June 2.5. Spotlighting our Great Students and Staff
Students Named Carson Scholars
Three MCPS students have been named Carson Scholars, earning $1,000 college scholarships. Carson Scholars are students in grades 4-11 who excel academically, donate their time and talents to others, and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and humanitarian qualities. MCPS students who are first-time scholarship recipients are:
Taian Chen, Northwest High School
Claire Kirner, Odessa Shannon Middle School
Allison Xu, Walter Johnson High School
Six additional MCPS students reaffirmed their status as Carson Scholars for maintaining a 3.75 grade point average. Read more.
Hundreds of students participated in the 12th Annual Minority Scholars Retreat
The Minority Scholars Program (MSP), a student-led initiative, held its 12th annual retreat at Northwest High School on March 18. Seventeen years ago, MSP began as a student-driven initiative aimed at tackling the opportunity gap. Through student leadership and activism, it has served as a vehicle and a blueprint for creating change.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Activities and Athletics Calendar for March 27 - April 2
REMINDER: NW & Potomac Garden Center Mulch Sale: 3.1 - 3.31
Order bulk or bagged MULCH from Potomac Garden Center during the month of March. MUST mention NW to cashier at register or type NW Fundraiser in optional note during checkout. 15% of all mulch sales where NW is mentioned will be donated back to the Booster Club! Order here: https://potomacgardencenter.com/product-category/mulch/. Thanks!
REMINDER: Northwest After Prom Party: 4.28-4.29
Northwest will once again host an all-night after prom party on 4.28.23 to keep our kids safe, off the roads, and away from negative forms of entertainment on prom night! This incredible event includes food, games, DJ, entertainment, activities, tons of prizes and giveaways, and more!
We need to raise a significant amount of money and are in need of many volunteers to make this event successful!
It’s important for ALL grade levels to contribute in some way as these juniors and seniors are your children’s classmates, teammates, neighbors, and friends. Any amount appreciated. Suggested donation is $23 for 'the 23 After Prom Party.
Click here to donate: https://nwhsafterprom.com/donate/
Click here to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044ba4af2da75-2023#/
Thank you for your support!
REMINDER: AP African American Studies!
Next year, Northwest will pilot the new AP African American Studies course. We are one of only three MCPS schools that will offer the course. If your student would like to attend a brief information session about the course, or sign up to take the course please complete this google form. Any questions can be directed to our Social Studies Resource Teacher, Mr. Gordon (Jonathon_m_Gordon@mcpsmd.org), or our AP Coordinator, Ms. Mason (amy_m_mason@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