Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, October 9, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening after a wonderful homecoming weekend. It was great week last week celebrating our athletics teams, welcoming alumni from as far back as 2002, and watching all our Jags enjoying Saturday evening on the dance floor. There is so much for which to be #JagProud every day!
For a few snapshots of the wonderful week, check out the images below.
As a reminder, I encourage parents to check out this ParentVUE to Canvas App Support Guide. This will support all in setting up your ParentVue so that you can access our myMCPS classrooms, or canvas.
*Sign up for "Seniors With Their Siblings" picture.
We will contact you and let you know when to come to room 250 for the picture.
Yearbook purchase link, personal ads, and baby pic ad info:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJSlmCUxsW_mFU_w1MfYPY8vdK2yABafR4_Vep1PcI0/edit?usp=sharing
In this week's newsletter, you will find information regarding an opportunity for seniors with the Maryland General Assembly Page Program, activities for Mental Health Awareness Week, this week's College and Career Center Updates, the Financial Aid Webinar taking place on Thursday, October 13, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 6, the athletics and events schedule for the week, our school-wide fundraiser at Chipotle for this Wednesday, October 12, and our Cluster Night at the October 28 Football Game against Walt Whitman High School.
There are a few important reminders including our school-wide, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, updated information for our upcoming PSAT day on Wednesday, October 12, our upcoming open house for Monday, October 10, a call for parents to help at concessions, Maryland Center for School Safety presentations, opportunities for students to serve on Election Day, an important message from MCPS about enhanced safety measures at Athletic Events, information about the upcoming State's Attorney Sessions on School Safety, important information regarding AP exams, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, information about our school's 5K in October, lunchtime expectations, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and a way to buy Class spirit gear! Additionally, a reminder that we will be holding our school-wide assembly to hear the State's Attorney's Presentation of School Safety this week. Grades 10 and 12 will be on Thursday, October 13 and grades 9 and 11 will receive the information on Friday, October 14.
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: Maryland General Assembly Page Program
For students who would like more information, check out this document, which includes the Maryland General Assembly Page Program flier, the Student information sheet, and application process. There are two applications that must be completed electronically by Monday October 31st, 2022 at 5pm.
NEW: 2022 MCPS Mental Health Awareness Week
MCPS and Northwest High School are organizing a variety of activities to help raise awareness of mental health and wellness during Mental Health Awareness Week, October 10-14. Throughout the week students will learn about mental health resources and can engage in activities to help promote wellness, such as therapy dogs, art projects, yoga, and more. Additionally, students can earn up to 9 SSL hours this week for viewing videos, attending virtual workshops, and participating in follow-up advocacy action. Check out www.MCPSmentalhealth.org for details on the SSL opportunities.
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:
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Attention all seniors! If you are interested in government or history and you’re looking for an opportunity to learn more about the Maryland State Legislature, apply to be a Page for the Maryland General Assembly 2023 Legislative Session! This is a great opportunity to experience and learn more about the legislative process. The page program is a two-week program, which takes place during two non-consecutive weeks between January 2023 and April 2023. For more information about the program and how to apply go to: https://bit.ly/MGAPageProgram23. Applications are due by 5pm on Monday October 31st, 2022.
College Career Calendar & Events:
COLLEGE FAIR UPDATE:
Career Council Inc. National Hispanic College Fairs, Inc. In-Person College Fair Field Trip
DATE & TIME: October 13, 2022; Northwest Bus departure at 9:40 am; return to school at 11:40 am
LOCATION: The Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg MD
Students who have returned permission forms for this event should report to the auditorium lobby at the beginning of period 3 (9:29 am). Bring a bag lunch. The bus should return to Northwest by 11:40 am.
EVENT UPDATE: REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the Alfred Street Baptist Church 20th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) Festival, a hybrid event being held October 7-8, 2022. Click HERE to register and for more details.
SAVE THE DATE: Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair. Saturday, November 5 from 9:30 am until 2 pm. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 608 N. Horners Lane, Rockville MD. Registration required @ mtcbc.org/hbcu. Option for on-site admissions for current high school seniors.
REMINDER: United Christian Fellowship (UCF) Events - SAT/ACT BOOT CAMP & GAME CHANGER CONFERENCE:
- Fall Virtual SAT/ACT Boot Camp. Advance registration required.
- Sunday, October 9 from 3 pm to 5 pm
- Monday, October 10 from 6 pm to 8 pm
- Tuesday, October 11 from 6 pm to 8 pm
- Game Changer Conference. October 22 from 8:30 am until 1 pm. Information and updates will be coming soon on TheGameConference.org.
REMINDER: Congressman David Trone Service Academy Nomination Information: The deadline for Service Academy Nomination is October 14th at 5:00pm. To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, complete this application form on our website. For more information about the Nomination Process, read more about our Service Academy Nomination - General Information HERE.
College Career High School Visit Calendar:
The college career high school visits are currently using both a virtual format and in-person setting based on the college/career school admissions preference. Students in all grades are welcome to attend. Priority seating will be given to seniors on a space available basis. 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 MUST come to the visit location prepared with headphones and a Chromebook. BRING A CHROMEBOOK AND HEADPHONES for virtual visits!
October 10 - 14 Calendar
October 10 - Loyola University Maryland 9:00 AM
October 10 - University of Miami * https://miami.zoom.us/j/99986795330 10:00 AM
October 10 - St. Bonaventure University 1:00 PM
October 11 - University of Maine 8:00 AM
October 11 - Stevenson University 9:00 AM
October 11 - Montgomery College 1:00 PM
October 13 - Juniata College 8:00 AM
October 13 - Penn State 9:00 AM
October 13 - Wake Forest University 10:00 AM
October 13 - Bridgewater College 1:00 PM
October 14 - Georgia State University* https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82633736813?pwd=anBUOWdNRkNuWVU0ckN4S25zaFBKUT09 9:00 AM
October 14 - Seton Hill University 10:00 AM
October 14 - Saint Joseph’s University 1:00 PM
*Virtual
Visits continue to be scheduled through November. 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
REMINDER: Northwest High School resources for the college application 2022-2023 cycle can be found HERE.
REMINDER: College Application Support will be available in the College Career Information Center on Wednesday’s from 2:45 until 3:30 pm!
REMINDER: 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
REMINDER: Class of 2023 Financial Aid Webinar. Thursday, October 13 @ 6:30 pm. Rob Maddox, Director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be our host and presenter.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing period for the Class of 2023 is from October 1 - June 30. Northwest 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!
Northwest will be offering opportunities to get FAFSA help as well as Maryland State Financial Aid:
- Thursday, October 20 from 2:30 until 3:30
- and on Tuesday, December 6 from 2:30 until 3:30
- 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 Registration Form and event details.
OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC., Mu Nu Chapter, is proud to honor Black male achievement in Montgomery County at its 2022 Achievement Week celebration on November 16, 2022 at the Silver Spring Civic Center at 7 pm.
Achievement Week Honorees:
- The fraternity will provide 50 Black male students who have a minimum 3.0 unweighted or 3.5 weighted GPA a certificate of achievement and honor them if they complete the application and send a transcript. The top 50 students will be notified and invited to attend.
- 4 to 5 students who have the highest GPAs and leadership experiences will receive a minimum $3,000 scholarship funded by the Rudolph Snowden Scholarship Foundation.
- Students must send their application and a copy of their transcript to Shawn.Joseph@Howard.edu by Friday, October 21, 2022.
The Chapter also invites any high school senior to submit an essay to compete in the fraternity's national essay contest.
SCHOLARSHIP Essay Contest:
- Students must address the theme of the essay contest: A world crisis has caused a paradigm shift for health disparities and social justice; what are your suggestions for positive change?
- The student must be a college-bound senior of any gender or race.
- A minimum $500 award will be given to the local winner on November 16, 2022, and we will submit the essay to be considered for the national $5,000 award.
- More information can be found by clicking the "Essay Contest" link.
Students should reach out to Dr. Shawn Joseph, Assistant Professor, Howard University, at Shawn.Joseph@Howard.edu if they have questions
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: UVA Jefferson Scholars. SENIORS planning application to the University of Virginia. Scholarships offered on the basis of leadership ability, scholarship ability, and responsible citizenship; Jefferson Scholarships provide the entire cost of attendance at UVA and many supplemental enrichment experiences; consideration is by high school nomination only; click HERE to access the Google form required for Northwest High School consideration; DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCT 10 | post 7 Sept 2022 |
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) MEYERHOFF SCHOLARS PROGRAM. SENIORS planning application to UMBC. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a desire to pursue the STEM fields. $5,000 - $15,000 scholarship for in-state tuition. High school nomination is encouraged. Northwest HS UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Request for Nomination Form. DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCT 10 | Post 22 Sept 2022 |
SCHOLARSHIP: COCA-COLA SCHOLARS. SENIORS. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA and meet additional requirements listed at CokeURL.com/Scholarships. School and community activities, grades, and service hours are required to list as part of the application. Initial application does not require essays, recommendations, or transcripts. Awards up to $20,000. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: OCT 31 | post 20 Sept 2022 |
UPDATED Scholarship Resource: C. D. Motes, Jr. Incentive Awards Program (IAP) with the University of Maryland College Park and MCPS UMD Accepted Students. If you are applying to UMD College Park and demonstrate qualities like leadership, being service oriented, committed to striving to be best and perseverance, you may want to learn more about IAP. Applicants must apply to UMD by November 1 and be accepted. The FAFSA must also be completed by January 1 and the applicant must be eligible for the Pell Grant. The IAP application is completed between February 1 and March 1. The program offers a summer bridge program, full tuition, room and board along with guaranteed housing and a study abroad component. Learn more on the IAP website. Click HERE to learn more about Becoming A Scholar. NEW! Attend the IAP Live Webinar on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Click HERE to download the flier with a direct link to register for this webinar. | web post 27 September 2022 |
REMINDER: 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: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 6
Here are seven things to know for Thursday, Oct. 6. They include a request for student input on the school calendar, an eighth-grade common application for high school programs, an athletic trainer update, mental health week reminder and other important upcoming items.
Be Sure to Tune In to Mental Health Awareness Week, Oct. 10–15
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will host free virtual events Oct. 10–15 to allow youth and families to hear from mental health experts on issues that are important to them. The weeklong expo will feature daily themes, dynamic speakers and informational videos, and two live events: a Waymaking Special on Student Mental Health and a resource fair and Q&A session on Saturday, October 15.
Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week.
See mental health information and resources.Student Input Sought on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
The process for community input for next year’s school calendar is underway. The survey seeks to gauge the community’s interests as calendar scenarios are developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will present the scenarios at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Share your interests by Thursday, Oct. 13, and encourage your students to complete the survey as well so their voices are heard.
Take the survey.MCPS Eighth Grade Application for High School Programs to be Released on Friday, Oct. 7
MCPS offers several academic programs to help students achieve their college and career goals. In addition to rigorous cat their local high school, Grade 8 students may be eligible to apply for regional or countywide programs. The application for eighth-grade students is available in multiple languages in ParentVue. A student eligibility report will also be available in the StudentVue and ParentVue documents folders. In addition, for Grade 9–11 students, the interest form for upper grade college and career readiness part-time programs will be available Friday, Oct. 7, on the MCPS Special Programs website. The deadline to submit interest for both programs is Friday, Nov. 4.
Parents and students are encouraged to attend open houses to learn more. Visit the MCPS Special Programs website for meeting dates and times.Get Smart on Dangerous Internet Challenges
Many youth view or participate in fad challenges circulating on the internet or social media. While some can be considered harmless, silly or entertaining, others involve activities that can lead to significant injury. Common Sense Media and the American Academy of Pediatrics offer helpful advice on why these challenges appeal to kids and how to support them in making safe decisions.Update: Filling Athletic Trainer Positions
There continues to be a shortage of athletic trainers impacting MCPS and school districts across the state. Schools without a full-time athletic trainer receive part-time in-person coverage, as well as other resources and support such as telehealth, coach consulting, injury management and training room office hours. Community members who wish to refer qualified candidates should contact Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, director of systemwide athletics, or Mrs. Angela McIntosh-Davis, director of procurement.Board of Education Extends Comment Period on Community Involvement Policy
The Montgomery County Board of Education has extended the comment period on proposed amendments to Board Policy ABA, Community Involvement, to update guidelines and practices for engagement related to Board decisions. The policy has been available for comment since March 30, 2022. The public comment period will be open until Friday, Nov. 4.Important Upcoming Item:
Board of Education to Receive Antiracist Audit Report
Watch the Board of Education business meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at noon. The presentation will be live on Comcast 34, (1071 HD), Verizon 36, RCN 88, the MCPS website, and the MCPS YouTube page. Learn about the antiracist audit.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Activities and Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, October 10 - Sunday, October 16
NEW: Dine at Chipotle Fundraiser
Dine at Chipotle in the Kentlands on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm and 33% of sales will go back to NWHS PTSA when you do one of the following (delivery or third party food delivery service orders do not count):
- SHOW the digital or paper flyer to the cashier prior to paying
- MENTION the Northwest fundraiser to the cashier prior to paying
- USE the Promo Code 3Y6NBR3 at checkout when you order online or through the app
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
REMINDER: PSAT Day on Wednesday, October 12
This letter is to provide information regarding the modified schedule for October 12th, 2022. On this day we are administering the PSAT/NMSQT(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to all 10th grade students and 11th grade students that registered to participate. A revised bell schedule, highlighted in the letter, has been created for this day which accommodates the required testing environment as well as the additional activities taking place that day. If there are any questions regarding the testing day after receiving the letter, please do not hesitate to contact your student's counselor, administrator, or Ms. Henry, our PSAT administrator.
*All students who are participating in the test should be on the lookout for a message from Ms. Henry, assistant principal on Sunday, October 9.*
REMINDER: Help Needed at Concessions
For the Football Game vs. Seneca Valley on Friday, October 14th, the Booster Club plans to open a satellite concessions stand by the visitor’s stands to help manage the crowds waiting for concessions. Therefore, we need more parent volunteers to work our concessions stands.
Please consider helping out at these and other games. Concessions helps to raise funds to support ALL extracurricular activities at NW including athletics and other clubs! We appreciate your time and commitment to making sure our students have an excellent extracurricular experience at Northwest! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044eaba87-fall
REMINDER: Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County
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. All Northwest students will receive a paper copy of the Holiday Giving Consent Form to bring home this week in their 2nd period class. If you are interested in receiving these services, completed forms should be submitted to the Northwest Counseling Office by Friday, October 21, 2022 to meet the Thanksgiving deadline. 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.
REMINDER: Election Day Service Opportunities
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, to serve as Election Day student aides. Its main goal is to increase civic participation and knowledge of the political process. Serving as a student election aide gives students their first exposure to the actual logistics of the democratic process in the United States. Students leave the program with experience in how elections are set up and a greater understanding of and trust in American democracy. Student election aides are not offered any monetary compensation, but they are given Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for every hour they work.
FAQ’s: Montgomery County Board of Elections: Future Vote FAQs (montgomerycountymd.gov)
To apply: Board of Elections (montgomerycountymd.gov)
Questions: Email future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov
NPR News: The midterm elections need workers. Teens, veterans and lawyers are stepping up | MPR News
Deadline: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
High School Poll Worker Program
The Montgomery County Board of Elections Future Vote Student Election Worker Program provides high school students with an exciting opportunity to serve as election workers. Depending on the number of days served, volunteers may choose to earn up to 65 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or up to $630 stipend for their service along with a great hands-on introduction to the democratic process. Students with bilingual skills in Spanish and other languages encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Interested students must meet the following requirements to participate as a student election worker:
• Must be at least 16 years of age by the time of registration
• U.S. Citizen of the United States
• Registered to vote in Maryland
• Must have parental consent for workers under 18 years old
Info: High School Poll Workers - Montgomery County MD
Video: https://youtu.be/IEFI7PlYEds
To apply: Board of Elections (montgomerycountymd.gov)
Questions: Email election.judge@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-8533
NPR News: The midterm elections need workers. Teens, veterans and lawyers are stepping up | MPR News
Deadline: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Questions?
Gilberto Zelaya, PhD, CERA
Community Engagement/Public Relations Officer
Montgomery County Board of Elections
18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(O) 240-777-8532
(F) 240-777-8632
(C/T) 240-508-4820
REMINDER: Enhanced Safety Measures underway at MCPS Athletic Events
MCPS Athletics Safety Plan
Dear MCPS Community,
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will implement a number of enhanced security measures at athletic events beginning this Friday, Sept. 23.
The move comes after an instance of unacceptable and abhorrent behavior during a recent varsity football game, including the inexcusable off-field altercations during the Sept. 16 matchup between Northwest and Gaithersburg high schools.
MCPS is committed to the safety and security of students, families and community members who want to enjoy various athletic contests, and will not tolerate the indefensible and violent behavior and actions that have occurred in the opening weeks of this fall season.
To ensure the safety of all spectators and game participants, beginning Sept. 23, the following tiered actions will go into effect at all high school games:
- Students of the participating schools will be allowed to attend with a valid ticket and with their student ID or Synergy verification of their schedule. All other school-aged spectators must be accompanied by an adult chaperone—this includes all elementary and middle school students and high school students from other schools. Adult chaperones must stay and supervise students for the duration of their stay at the game. Spectators are asked to be patient at the gate, as admission may take additional time.
- Students and spectators must sit in the stands during the game. While there will be potential gatherings at halftime and postgame, large gatherings will not be allowed during the game.
- There will be no re-entry and spectators will not be admitted after halftime.
- Backpacks will not be allowed.
- Only student-athletes, coaches, game officials, athletic department staff, and credentialed personnel and media are permitted on the sidelines.
- Event security personnel will use separate entrances, staggered exits and additional support in high-traffic areas.
- Inappropriate and unruly behavior may result in suspension from subsequent MCPS athletic activities.
These changes will be in effect for all high school athletic events for the remainder of the season.
Should other incidents occur, other tiered security interventions will be implemented. These could include spectator capacity limitations and game time/date adjustments. Additional actions will be based on the following criteria or guidelines:
- Level of anticipated spectator attendance.
- Historical rivalries between schools.
- Historical occurrence of incidents, including this year and previous years.
Facility layout, including lighting, spectator seating and parking lot layout.
- Incidents in the community that may impact school and athletic event operations, which will be communicated through a collaborative process with police partners.
Any teams that engage in severe or inappropriate behaviors may be excluded from postseason competition or suspended for multiple games.
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: MCPS Message about State's Attorney's Office Assemblies in High Schools
Dear MCPS High School Families,
We want to bring to your attention the concern we all share around the impact of guns on our communities, youth and schools and they present an increasing and significant danger nationwide. As a result, Montgomery County Public Schools in collaboration with Montgomery County State’s Attorney's Office and the Montgomery County Police Department are partnering to educate our high school students about how to keep schools and students safe. This important partnership importantly rests on awareness, knowledge, and education as key ingredients in doing so.
Here are the facts:
National data from the Gun Violence Archive reports that the number of teenagers killed or injured by guns has nearly doubled since 2014 and the number of teenagers involved in unintentional shootings has risen by 44 percent. There are alarming numbers in Montgomery County, too; 790 illegal guns have been seized this year as of Aug. 14, up nearly 75 percent since 2020, when there were 452 guns seized. In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone to possess a firearm until 21 years of age. In fact, anyone 16 or older found in possession of a gun will be charged as an adult.
What students will learn:
Through scheduled high school assemblies throughout the fall of 2022, students will be provided with information on the law and consequences if broken, strategies for youth to solve problems without weapons or violence, and the importance of vigilance and a “see something, say something” approach. The assemblies will also offer information on how to recognize signs that someone may choose violence to harm themselves or others, the anonymous Maryland Tip Line and the importance of a violence-free community.
What you need to know:
These assemblies will begin in the coming days and weeks. Schools will share specific information about when they are scheduled at your child’s high school. We appreciate your continued partnership with MCPS and as parents, guardians and caregivers, we ask that you echo these messages at home. Students must seek a trusted adult for support rather than choosing violence. Families can choose to opt-out their child from these lessons by simply contacting their school administrator.
As a reminder: there is a longstanding policy and discipline established concerning weapons brought to school. Essentially weapons of any kind may not be brought to any MCPS school. Any student found in possession of a gun or other weapon may also be subject to serious disciplinary actions in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct and potentially in violation of local, state and federal law.
We thank the State’s Attorney’s Office for its commitment and partnership; together, we can work for a safer, vibrant, thriving community.
Dr. Monifa B. McKnight
MCPS Superintendent of Schools
John McCarthy
State’s Attorney, Montgomery County
Important Resources:
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233), online at safeschoolsmd.org
In an emergency, call 911
Montgomery County Public Schools BeWell365
REMINDER: AP Exams Information
Students at Northwest High School will be registering online for the 2022-2023 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 7th, 2022
To register, students should click on the link provided on the school website or visit: https://myap.collegeboard.org/.
To complete registration, students must create or log in to their College Board Account. ALL students will join the AP Classroom for their course(s). By joining their AP Classroom, students are registered for the corresponding AP exam. If a student does NOT wish to take one or more of their AP exams, a parent or guardian must contact Ms. Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org) by 3:00 pm on Friday, October 28th, 2022. If your student is unsure if they want to take their AP exam(s) they should speak to their AP teacher and/or couselor to discuss their decision.
If a student registers for an exam and does not test, they will be responsible for the $40 return fee for the unused exam(s).
If a student drops an AP course after exams are ordered on November 15th, 2022, they will be responsible for the $40 unused exam fee.
All exam(s) registrations after October 28th, 2022 will be assessed a $40 late order fee.
Each AP Exam is $101. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify, please complete this form. The form is also available on the Northwest Website via the AP Exam Information Quick Link.
Information about exam payment will be available in December.
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations only if they have been approved by the College Board. Students who have been approved for special accommodations with an eligibility letter from Services from Students with Disabilities and who already possess an SSD number should provide the number on the registration website.
For questions regarding test accommodations for an IEP, please contact our SSD coordinator Gabby Bezou (Gabrielle_Bezou@mcpsmd.org).
For questions regarding test accommodations for a 504 plan, please contact your counselor.
Please visit the AP website for complete information about taking AP Exams: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam. For further questions, please contact Ms. Amy Mason (Amy_M_Mason@mcpsmd.org), AP Testing Coordinator for Northwest High School.
**If you are not sure about whether your student(s) should take the AP exam, you can review this document which outlines the benefits.**
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!
REMINDER: Get Ready for the Northwest 5K on 10/29!
The Booster Club is excited for the first ever Northwest 5K on Saturday, October 29th! Runner registration is now open and we are seeking event sponsors. Please visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/5k for more information. Go Jags! 🐾
REMINDER: 2022-2023 Lunch Expectations
The Northwest HS lunch plan for the 2022-2023 school year aims to maximize available seating options to reduce density at lunch in shared spaces. Students may eat lunch:
In a school hallway (Only on floors 1 and 2)
In a classroom under staff supervision
In the center school courtyard (weather permitting)
If students have any questions about our school lunch plan, please contact the Northwest HS main office at (240)740-7100.
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