Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 20, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone warm on this cold Sunday evening. A reminder that this week is quite short with no school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 23-25. Both Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22 are half days to allow for parent-teacher conferences. You can sign up to see specific teachers on zoom via this link.
Students who received Straight A's in Quarter 1 will have their photos taken in the auditorium on Friday, December 2.
Attention students in grades 9-11! You can order your student photos by visiting vosphoto.com/uc. Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
Purchase Senior Group Panoramic Photograph
The FINAL date for paying and ordering is Monday, November 28.
Yearbook purchase link, personal ads info:
The FINAL date for reserving ad space is January, 27, 2023.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit?usp=sharing
In this week's newsletter, you will find important information about student password changes, all the after school tutoring opportunities for Northwest students, this week's College and Career Center Updates, ways for you to provide input into the 2023-2024 school calendar, a way you can donate Warm Winter Clothes, information on our upcoming community fundraiser at Five Guys on December 1, and things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 17.
There are a few important reminders including the upcoming Key Club events/dates, ways to support our new "Our Closet" Club, the upcoming Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich making event, upcoming events at the Black Rock Center for the Arts PTSA Fundraiser for After Prom on December 3, a special congrats to our QuestBridge Scholarship Finalists, a note about November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month, the information about our Manna Food Pantry, information about our school's project pantry, the NW Jewelry and Trinket giveaway, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: IMPORTANT Student Passwords
As you know, students now have the ability to set and change their passwords for their MCPS accounts. Because this practice started last November, there are large numbers of students (about 50,000) whose passwords are going to expire by November 30th.
myMCPS Classroom (Canvas) Course
To help alert students to change their password, we have created a new district-wide Canvas Course (Student Password Reset) that the central technology teams will use to target students whose passwords are about to change. During the month that students need to reset their password, students will be enrolled in the course and will be assigned a no-submit assignment to change their password. This will trigger an alert as well as an action item on the student’s to-do list in Canvas. This, in conjunction with the email, will help create an awareness for students using Canvas regularly as part of their school experience.
Chrome PopUp
In addition to the email and myMCPS Classroom course assignment alerts, we have created a chrome popup for students. When students log into their chromebook, this message will pop up in the corner reminding them to reset their password.
Directions for Student Password Changes
As was shared with the students in the email notifications, they simply need to go to https://SPM.mcpsmd.org and log in with their current username and password. That will allow them to reset the password.
NEW: NWHS After School Tutoring Opportunities
CARES Tutoring
High Dosage Tutoring in All Current Classes, Credit Recovery, Original Credit, & Edmentum
All Students are Eligible
Assistance in All Subjects
Small Tutoring Groups Led by NWHS Teachers
Online & In-Person Tutoring Opportunities
Flexible Scheduling
Sign-Up Today! Fill-Out the Registration Form @ https://forms.gle/dGyfNwMDzfTsMvQj9
Reach out to CARES Lead Teacher - Emily Turner - Emily_C_Turner@mcpsmd.org
High School+
Focus on Credit Recovery for All Core Subjects (Math, English, Science, History)
All Students are Eligible
Small Tutoring Groups Led by NWHS Teachers
Support available after school; Activity buses are available for students with transportation needs
See your counselor to get more information and if you are interested in working on other subjects
Reach out to High School+ Coordinator - John Gordon - jonathon_m_gordon@mcpsmd.org
Available to all MCPS students
*On-demand and scheduled tutoring through FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education (virtual)
*School-scheduled in-class tutoring using FEV Tutor (virtual)
Access additional information here
FEV Tutor
*best for grades 3-12
*no camera for tutor or student; WHY???
FEV found that some students work best without a camera, the idea of being seen is a barrier
-privacy issues - some families do not want eyes into their homes
*highly interactive
*chat, two-way work space, voice to text, text to voice, 25 language toggle
*in-class tutoring
*virtual
*1:1
*sessions are recorded, progress notes taken each session
*Students access through logging into their Clever account
Tutor Me Education
*best for grades K-12
*camera for tutor and student
*highly interactive
*chat, two-way work space
*virtual
*1:1
*sessions are recorded, progress notes taken each session
*Students access through logging into their Clever account
MCPS Weekend Tutoring
*for students referred by the school
*families can choose the school closest to them
*Saturdays and Sundays
*8:00AM - 4:00PM - sites are open to schedule one hour sessions
*taught by MCPS tutors and, if needed, Tutor Me Education tutors
Available to all school-selected students
*MCPS staffed tutoring at local sites before/after school virtual and/or in-person)
*MCPS staffed weekend tutoring at Belmont, Eastern, Julius West, Little Bennett(in-person)
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
College Career Information Center e-NEWS
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
College Career e-NEWS Highlights:
REMINDER for the Class of 2024: West Point Society of DC is holding the 16th Annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference (WPLEC) for the National Capital Region. This will be an in person event on Thursday, March 16, 2023. 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. If you are interested in attending, complete the Student Interest Google Form no later than Friday, December 16.
NEW! Save the Date for the 15th Annual HBCU College Fair. Friday, February 17, 2023 from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. During the fair, workshops will be provided on financing college, college life and more.
College Career Calendar & Events:
UPDATE: Northwest seniors who expressed interest in the Salisbury University On-Site Admissions Conversations will be receiving their invitation and interview time before the Thanksgiving break. Interviews will be held on Monday, November 28, starting at 9 AM. Interviews will be about 10 to 15 minutes each. Invitations will be sent by email and delivered to classes!
NEW Princeton Review is hosting Cracking the Test Week. From December 4th to December 8th. Experts will show students what they need to do to crack the SAT®, ACT®, PSAT®, and AP® Exams. Access the Cracking the Test Week flier here, including links for students to register for each event.
Sunday, December 4, 2022
8PM ET
Monday, December 5, 2022
10PM ET
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
8PM ET
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
8PM ET
Thursday, December 8, 2022
8PM ET
College Career High School Visit Calendar: (End of Semester I)
November 21
US Military Academy West Point Cadet
10:00 AM
December 5
Savannah College of Art + Design (SCAD)
9:00 AM
All visits are available to view in Naviance and on the Jag Events Calendar on the web. Additional information about high school college career visits can be found HERE.
College Application Resources
Northwest High School resources for the college application 2022-2023 cycle can be found HERE.
College Application Support will be available in the College Career Information Center on Wednesday’s from 2:45 until 3:30 pm!
JAG Jobs
All job opportunities are published in the latest Jag JOBS Bulletin available to download at any time from our College Career web page ‘Jag Jobs’ under College & Career Quick Links. https://bit.ly/3sKZRVw
Money Matters:
RESOURCES FOR COMPLETING THE CSS PROFILE:
- @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ekz8WCzqDU (2:20 minutes run time)
- @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_QX1LmyyHE (30 minutes run time)
The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. This financial aid application is completed in addition to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
From the Maryland Higher Education Commission:
2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) visit: https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES
OR
The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) visit: https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will review the information that you provide on your FAFSA or MSFAA to determine your eligibility for certain state scholarships and grants for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Maryland priority deadline to submit the FAFSA or MSFAA is March 1, 2023.
To view a complete list of all state scholarships and grants we offer, please visit https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx
NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL will offer opportunities during the school year to help with the FAFSA process!
Help starts with the Class of 2023 completing the Financial Aid Planning Form. Let us know if you plan to complete the FAFSA and what help you may need. Click HERE to access the form!
Workshop opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as help with the Maryland State Financial Aid process:
- Tuesday, December 6 from 2:30 until 3:30 pm
- with an evening virtual event on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 8:00 pm
Registration is required to participate in any or all events. Registration includes completion of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Intake Form. The Intake Form is a confidential form for the EOC office. Completion of this form allows EOC to provide free financial aid support to our community. Events will be facilitated by the Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid and the Educational Opportunity Center. Click HERE to access the Event Registration Form and event details.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights for New Posts & Reminders
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: IDA F. HAIMOVICZ VISUAL ARTS AWARD & FRAN ABRAMS CREATIVE WRITING AWARD. JUNIORS. Awards include a cash prize of $750 for the runner ups and a grand prize of $1,500. Application workshops are available to assist students with their application preparation. Register for workshops HERE. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: DEC 16; 11:59 PM | Post 11 Nov 2022 |
Ida F. Haimovicz Visual Arts Award
Monday, November 21, 2022
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fran Abrams Creative Writing Award
Monday, November 28, 2022
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
NEW SCHOLARSHIP: Montgomery College MACKLIN BUSINESS INSTITUTE (MBI) SCHOLARS PROGRAM. SENIORS applying/planning to attend MC. Students should have an interest in pursuing a career in business. Two-year honors-level business courses, weekly seminars, guest speakers, mentoring opportunities, and putting leadership skills to the test by managing the MBI Student-Run Cafe on the Rockville campus. Students must complete the MC Online Credit Application no later than December 15. Program information & link to apply | DEADLINE FOR MACKLIN SCHOLARS APPLICATION: JAN 31 | Post 15 Nov 2022 |
For a complete list of available scholarships, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. 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!
NEW: Donate Warm Winter Clothes!
DO YOU HAVE WARM WINTER ITEMS TO DONATE? As the season of gratitude has arrived and the Winter holidays are just around the corner, the Student To End Poverty club is in need of winter clothes for local and surrounding communities. We are accepting new or gently used warm winter clothing in "good, clean condition" for toddlers, young children and adult. We appreciate donations of any in-season clothing, especially if they are for children such as gloves, hats, scarves, coats, warm sweater and pants, diapers and wipes (in unopened packages) and new packages of new underwear and socks.
Items will be donated to "Clarksburg Closet" in December, 2022.
When: November 18, 2022 - December 14, 2022
Drop off locations: Media Center, Main Office, and Counseling Office
Find more information on Instagram posts @nwstepoverty.
NEW: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 17
Here are eight things to know for Thursday, Nov. 17. Get information about vital steps taken to support our school buses, another chance to learn about the budget process, the 2022-2023 winter athletics safety plan, how to make sure your voice is heard on the upcoming school calendar, upcoming ESL classes for parents, a call for more crossing guards, exciting wins for our students in sports and music, and reminders about the upcoming school closure.
New Measures Announced to Support School Bus Routes
Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight announced new efforts this week to ensure student safety in the midst of the national challenge of recruiting bus operators. The district will reinstate a driver pay benefit for any bus operator who drives extra routes during a morning or afternoon shift, provide a “sweeper bus” to pick up any students remaining at bus stops experiencing cancellations, and partner with Community Engagement Officers who will receive notification of canceled or delayed routes, patrol those areas and help coordinate transportation. Read the full messageJoin Us Virtually to Learn About the District’s Budget Process
MCPS will host the second of three community budget information sessions Monday, Nov. 28. This is an opportunity to learn about how Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight plans to build her recommended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The meeting will be held virtually from 6:30–8 p.m.Join us on Zoom
Dial-in Option: 3017158592
Webinar ID: 858 0599 3380
Passcode: 551492Learn About the MCPS Athletics Safety Plan for the Winter 2022-2023 Season
This plan provides appropriate modifications of the initial Athletics Safety Plan to account for factors specific to large, indoor events. This season’s plan continues to address guiding principles, actions the department can take and the decision-making process. Read the Winter Athletics Safety Plan.Provide Your Input on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
We want to hear from you! Please share your input for next year’s school calendar. This quick survey seeks to gauge the community’s opinions on the calendar scenarios developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will use your feedback to develop a final recommendation to be presented at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Share your input by Wednesday, Nov. 30. Access the survey.MCPS to Host Virtual Conversations about ESL Classes for Parents
MCPS will host a series of virtual conversations with the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) to discuss English as a Second Language classes available for adults. The conversations will be hosted in English, Chinese and Spanish. The LCMC is offering English as a Second Language classes free to MCPS parents and guardians. There will be virtual and in-person options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any parent for whom English is not their first language. Interest form for ESL classesCrossing Guards Needed to Help Keep Our Community Safe
The Montgomery County Police Department has openings for crossing guards. The position involves helping schoolchildren and other pedestrians cross the street, and providing traffic control at designated crossings. Click Here for hours, benefits and how to apply.GOOD NEWS
A Winning Fall Season for Student Athletes
The Poolesville HS boys cross country team and the Damascus HS cheerleading team won their respective 2A State Championship titles over the weekend. This is the first-ever cheerleading championship title for MCPS. Congratulations to teams who also made it to the championship finals – Winston Churchill HS boys’ cross country and girls’ field hockey, Walter Johnson HS girls’ cross country, Poolesville girls’ cross country, and Sherwood High School’s cheerleading team which came in third. Walt Whitman girls soccer will play Quince Orchard at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Loyola University in the first-ever all-MCPS 4A state championship!!Marching Bands Win Top Honors at Regional/State Championships
Thomas S. Wootton HS won the Maryland Marching Band Association (MMBA) Western Regional Championship in the Open-Small Class, while also earning awards for Best Color Guard, Best Overall Effect, Best Music Performance and Best Visual Performance. Quince Orchard HS won the Class 1A State Championship and Clarksburg HS won the Class 3A State Championship at the MMBA State Championships on Nov. 6. Quince Orchard also won the award for Best Music Performance in its class, while Clarksburg won Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, Best Visual Performance and Best Overall Effect in its class. Congratulations to all MCPS marching bands that competed this year: Montgomery Blair, Clarksburg, Quince Orchard, Rockville and Wootton!Reminder: Schools and Offices Will be Closed Nov. 23, 24 and 25
Also, a reminder that Nov. 21–22 are early release days. The Things to Know Thursday message will return on Dec. 2. In the meantime, visit our website for information you may need.- Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
MCPS offers numerous ways to learn about potential school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals when there is inclement weather. Learn more about weather decisions and how to stay in touch with MCPS:
Stay Connected
How To Receive Emergency Information
- Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Upcoming Key Club Events/Dates
- The Canned Food Drive continues but ends on Monday, November 14.
- As in years past, we are making Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches on the afternoon of the half day, Wednesday, December 7. These sandwiches will benefit a local food pantry.
- We have an upcoming Blood Drive that takes place on Friday, December 9. If you want to participate, you should submit forms to Mr. Maradei by Thursday, December 8.
REMINDER: Support our New Club "Our Closet"
The Northwest " Our Closet" Club would like your help to keep our community members warm this winter. Please bring coats, jackets, gloves, mittens, hats, and/or warm socks to Room 261 anytime from November 14th- December 16th. All items will be donated to local shelters.
REMINDER: PTSA AR Workshop-Frederick FUNdraiser for After Prom: December 3, 2022
Join us at AR Workshop-Frederick on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Pick your project and register using link below! Then look forward a great night with other NW staff and parents. All proceeds to benefit the Northwest HS After Prom Party. Let's fill 30 spots by 11/10 so we can have our own private party! Questions? Contact president@nwhsptsa.org. Thanks and we look forward to a fun event!
Register here: https://www.arworkshop.com/events/frederick/343261
REMINDER: Congratulations to our QuestBridge Scholars!
REMINDER: November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
The Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation was established by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in 2019 to promote a better understanding of its history and legacy of African Americans in the county.
In response, Montgomery County Public Schools will observe Remembrance and Reconciliation Month by supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations, providing schools with age-appropriate lessons on local historic African American communities, and virtual changemaker workshops for students and their families in English and Spanish on November 15 - 17, 2022. Register here to attend a changemaker workshop.
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
REMINDER: Great News from the Green Team!
NEXTrex Plastic film recycling is back. Reduce your plastic waste by bringing "plastic film" items to be recycled at our school. Check out the linked flier below for details about what can be placed in the NexTrex Bins.
Bin locations: Gym lobby, hallway outside the main office, and media center.
Acceptable Plastic Film List: https://recycle.trex.com/view/educate#materials1
Thank you for your Support --- NWHS Green Team
REMINDER: Free Store
Do you have any school supplies you no longer need? The Free Store would love your donations! We take all gently used school supplies, but at the start of the year, we especially need backpacks, composition books, calculators, and test prep books. Please bring items to the front office or to The Free Store in room 264.
The Free Store is open most days at lunch in room 264 and is available to all NW students and staff. Thank you for your support.
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
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