Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, October 30, 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 beautiful weekend. As we close out marking period 1 this week, it is important that students work hard, stay focused, and finish strong! There is no school next Monday, November 7 for a professional day and Tuesday, November 8 for election day.
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.
As a reminder, students and families seeking mental health resources and support for grief and loss can reach out to their School Counselor or administrator. Students may be connected to a variety of supports, both inside and outside of school. This year, we are happy to have additional wellbeing supports available at Northwest, including services offered by a School Social Worker and the staff from our new Bridge to Wellness Center. Assistance for a crisis is available 24-7 through the Montgomery County Crisis Center and also by calling/texting 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In addition, mental resources can be found on the MCPS website.
Registration for Winter Sports is open! Parents/Guardians should register their student in ParentVue. Students need a current physical. You can find more information at NorthwestAthletics.org. Registrations must be submitted by November 12 to make sure they have been processed in time for tryouts on November 15.
Attention Seniors! Please see some important messages and links below.
Senior portrait make-ups are November 2.
Purchase Senior Group Panoramic Photograph
*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 like this week's College and Career Center Updates, SGA's Halloween Costume Contest, a special congrats to our QuestBridge Scholarship Finalists, a note about November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month, things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 27, Matsunaga Elementary School's Veterans Day Concert, a way to support the Class of 2024 at Chipotle, the athletics and activities calendar for the week.
There are a few important reminders including the the information about our Manna Food Pantry, an important AP exams update, information about our school's project pantry, the NW Jewelry and Trinket giveaway, a way to enter a video for the Choose Respect video contest, Northwest specific grading and reporting guidelines, Montgomery County's Holiday Giving Project, 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: 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: Salisbury University wants to meet and have a conversation with Northwest seniors who have applied to Salisbury during this college application season. The goal is for Salisbury to get to know their applicants! This admissions interview is a great way for the applicant to share information about themselves, their application, and ask questions. Northwest admissions counselor, Jenna Payne, will be conducting interviews the morning of November 28, starting at 9 AM. Use this On-Site Admissions Event Google Form to SIGN UP @ https://forms.gle/E7axsvAJRmvFjjaGA! Sign up no later than Monday, November 21, 2022.
NEW 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.
REMINDER: Attention all seniors! Applications still being accepted!! 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. For students who would like more information, please direct them to 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.
REMINDER: Request nomination to attend the spring Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Program! Northwest will pay your $250 fee to attend. The spring seminar will be a three-to-four day event typically held on a college or university campus. Learn how to be an effective leader, network with state leaders - from CEOs to business owners to doctors to media experts - participate in panels and group discussions about real-world issues. To learn more and express interest, complete the HOBY Interest Form no later than November 1. One Northwest sophomore and one alternate will be selected.
College Career Calendar & Events:
REMINDER: Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair. Saturday, November 5 from 9:30 am until 2:00 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.
College Career ‘School Specific’ NEWS
NEW: Rensselaer Admissions, in collaboration with members of the Black and Latinx communities at Rensselaer, invites academically talented, underrepresented students to participate in the Science, Technology, and Arts at Rensselaer (STAR) Program. STAR is an opportunity for prospective students to explore our academic offerings, learn about the admissions and financial aid process, and connect with current students involved with our multicultural student organizations. This year, the STAR Program will be held virtually to allow for a deeper dive into our culturally vibrant institute. This event will begin at 4 p.m. EDT on Sunday, November 6 with a Welcome and Academic Overview from Ulysses deArmas, Associate Director of Admissions. Following the Welcome, students will meet with current students to learn about the full student experience at Rensselaer in breakout sessions. Register for the event here. Questions can be emailed to STAR@rpi.edu.
REMINDER: Miami University is removing barriers for students who want to earn a Miami degree. That’s why we’re waiving our application fee for students who apply by Nov. 1.
College Career High School Visit Calendar: (October 31 - November 4)
October 31 - Stevenson University 1:00 PM
November 1 - Gettysburg College 10:00 AM
November 2 - Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities virtual @ https://umn.zoom.us/j/95583969329
1:00 PM
November 3 - Washington College 10:00 AM
November 3 - Washington Adventist College 1:00 PM
November 4 - Wilkes University 10:00 AM
November 4 - SUNY Cortland virtual @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6686196853 10:00 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: Financial Aid
NEW: Montgomery College (MC) is hosting a forum for parents and students on paying for college from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Learn how to get help paying for college or workforce training from current college students and MC staff.
- Get information on financial aid, scholarships, and grant money.
- Get help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA). Help will also be available from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus.
This event will be held in the Theatre Arts Arena on the Rockville campus, 51 Mannakee St. in Rockville. This event is in person with a virtual viewing option. Register. | from the MCPS Bulletin release posted 26 October 2022
REMINDER: The Maryland Higher Education Commission is happy to announce that the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) are now available.
To submit your FAFSA please visit: https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES
OR
To submit your MSFAA please 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 deadline to submit the FAFSA or MSFAA is March 1, 2023.
Money Matters: Scholarship Highlights for New Posts & Reminders
SCHOLARSHIP: CARSON SCHOLARS. FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, & JUNIORS. High school nomination required. ONE student selected from invited high schools will compete for a $1,000 scholarship. Nominees must have a minimum 3.75 GPA (4.0 scale). Nominees must display strong humanitarian qualities with community service above and beyond what is required. Selected nominee will complete the online Carson application that includes an essay and teacher recommendation. To request nomination, click here. More information about the Carson Scholars Program is available at carsonscholars.org/scholarships/. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: NOV 15 | Post 19 Oct 2022 |
SCHOLARSHIP: The Elks National Foundation’s “MOST VALUABLE STUDENT 2023” Competition. SENIORS. Applicants must be US citizens. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,500 per year. To apply visit https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm. Questions should be directed to Suzanne Noonan, via email to scholarships@washington-rockville-elks.com or by phone to 301.908.8706. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: NOV 14 | Post 18 Oct 2022 |
SCHOLARSHIP: Montgomery College MONTGOMERY SCHOLARS. SENIORS. Students selected for the Montgomery Scholars program for the fall 2023 semester will be offered two-year (four academic semesters), full-tuition (30 credit hours per year at the in-county rate*) merit scholarships. Students must complete the MC Online Credit Application no later than December 1. Program Information | Application Guidelines | Information Session October 29, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Theatre Arts Arena on the Rockville Campus. Register for the session here. DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION: JAN 8 | Post 18 Oct 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: Congratulations to our QuestBridge Scholars!
NEW: 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
NEW: Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, October 27
Here are nine things to know for Thursday, Oct. 27. You will find information about the district’s efforts on electric school buses, recent progress on student literacy and mathematics, national principal month upcoming live music experience for students, high-performing student musicians, and some reminders about how to get information about closures and inclement weather.
October is National Principals Month!
As National Principals Month wraps up, MCPS salutes principals and assistant principals, such as Parkland Middle School principal Aaron Shin. Shin is the Montgomery County Council of PTAs’ 2021 Principal of the Year. Principals work tirelessly each day as visionaries, assessment experts, community builders, public relations experts, budget analysts, facility managers and so much more.
Spotlight: District Leaders Recognize Two Elementary Schools for Significant Literacy and Mathematics Gains
Rolling Terrace Elementary School achieved 39 percentage point gains in literacy and Washington Grove Elementary School achieved 29 percentage point gains in mathematics as measured by MCPS’ Evidence of Learning framework. The progress is thanks to the leadership and innovative strategies implemented by principals Jessica Palladino and Dr. Amy J. Alonso.
In the News: MCPS Celebrates Largest Fleet of Electric Buses in the U.S.
The district held an event to celebrate the country's single-largest deployment of electric school buses at Walter Johnson High School on October 24th. The use of electric buses will reduce fuel costs and the school system's overall carbon footprint. The initiative is being implemented through a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets. Watch video
Playoffs and Competition Season is in Full Swing
The Poolesville High School golf team captured the first state championship of the year this week at the 2A-1A State Championship. Come support and cheer on the student-athletes who cheer for you Saturday, Oct. 29 at the MCPS Cheerleading Championship Competition at Montgomery Blair High School. Tickets are available here for each division. Follow all of your favorite teams at the MPSSAA State Championship Central site.
Fifth Graders Experience Blues Music at Strathmore
More than 12,000 fifth graders across the district are experiencing live music concerts at the Music Center at Strathmore this week. The students have been studying blues music at school in preparation for these concerts. All second graders will visit Strathmore in November.
MCPS to Host Virtual Curriculum Night on Nov. 2
Don’t miss an opportunity to learn more about MCPS curriculum during live virtual presentations on Nov. 2 from 6-8:30 p.m. Sessions will focus on topics such as the shift to structured literacy in elementary school, English language arts in middle and high school, mathematics at all levels, the shifts in science requirements for graduation and high school health education. All sessions are virtual and access to all presentations will be posted here. Registration is not required to participate and all Zoom links are included in the agenda on the webpage.
Spotlight: MCPS Student Musicians Selected for Prestigious National Ensembles
Four MCPS students were selected for the prestigious All-National Honor Band and All-National Honor Orchestra ensembles this year. Sara Bock, clarinet, of Thomas S. Wootton High School and Shisui Torii, French horn, of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School were selected to the band. Bassoon player Jackson Bernal and double bass player Anderson Bernal of Thomas S. Wootton High School were selected to the orchestra. Four out of the five students chosen in Maryland are from MCPS.
2022 Marching Band Showcase: Loud and Proud
For the first time since 2019, the MCPS Marching Band Showcase was held on Oct. 22, at James Hubert Blake High School. The showcase featured performances from Clarksburg, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill, Paint Branch, Col. Zadok Magruder, Damascus, Albert Einstein, Montgomery Blair and Blake high schools, and, new this year, a middle school massed band kicked off the event. All the high schools came together for a final massed band performance at the end of the program. Video Link (Turn up the volume and enjoy!)
https://youtu.be/f6ee4JWMXuQClosing Notes: Ongoing Reminders
- Anonymous Safe Schools Tipline
The Maryland Safe Schools Tipline is an anonymous and free reporting system to report any school or student safety concerns. (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233)
Learn more. - Free Tutoring Available to All MCPS Students
- FEV Tutor
More information in English and Spanish
Offers tutoring without cameras for students in grades 3-12 who learn best without a camera.
To set up tutoring: mcps@fevtutor.com - Tutor Me Education
More information in English and Spanish
To set up tutoring: MCPS@tutormeeducation.com or 240-618-2549
- FEV Tutor
- Canceling or delaying a bus route is a decision of last resort. If your child’s route is delayed or canceled, a ConnectEd message is sent. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date with MCPS!
Impacted routes are published the day before or the morning of by 6:15 a.m.Information published on MCPS website and ConnectEd message is sent to families
Department of Transportation continues to identify possible drivers for impacted route Updates for afternoon routesBus route information dashboard updated every 15 minutes until 9:30 a.m.
Updates for afternoon routes: Bus route information dashboard updated by 1:30 p.m.
- Anonymous Safe Schools Tipline
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Manna Food Pantry
The Key Club is once again holding their annual food drive for Manna Food Pantry. The food drive is being held through first period classes where you will find bags or boxes with attached fliers. It will run from October 25th through November 14th. We are challenging our school community to provide at least one can or non-perishable food item per student and staff. Our goal is to reach at least 2500 items to provide for the many individuals in Montgomery County through Manna Food Pantry.
Please help us fight hunger and continue to provide for those in need.
Thank you for your support.
Mr. Maradei and the Northwest High School Key Club
REMINDER: AP Exams Update!
All AP students must register for their respective AP exams by Friday, October 28th in order to have an exam ordered for them to take in May. Registration took place in AP classes throughout October. Students should check their College Board accounts (https://myap.collegeboard.org/login) to ensure that they are registered for their exam(s). AP teachers can provide specific exam registration codes for their respective courses. Exam payment information will be provided in December. There is a $40 late order fee for any registrations after Friday, October 28th. If you have any questions about registration please contact our AP coordinator Ms. Mason (Amy_M_Mason@mcpd.org).
REMINDER: 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.
REMINDER: Northwest Grading and Reporting
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: 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