Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, January 16, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
We are heading into the last week of the first semester which starts with no school tomorrow, Monday January 17 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Across the United States and in Montgomery County, this is considered a day of service. While weather may dampen some plans, I do hope students are able to complete a service activity or reflect on how they themselves can continue to live out the message of service left by Dr. King himself.
Schools across MCPS are addressing ways to continue instruction for students in quarantine and new this past week, schools will be working on a case-by-case level to address and provide instruction for students who are not in quarantine but have concerns about COVID-19. More to come regarding these details.
Please continue use this FORM to report positive COVID-19 cases in students or staff. Any individual who tests positive MUST isolate for 10 days (regardless of vaccination status or symptoms). Please view the isolation and quarantine calculator to determine return to school date.
In-Person Extracurricular Activities May Resume Tuesday, Jan. 18
All in-person extracurricular activities may resume effective Tuesday, Jan. 18. All participants were required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit their results no later than this past Friday, Jan. 14. New this week and through Sunday, January 23, no spectators are allowed at extracurricular activities. These activities are assessed on a daily basis based on emerging public health science and data, and are subject to change over the coming weeks in response to the Omicron variant.
Daily Reminders:
On a daily basis, announcements/reminders are made regarding the importance of adhering to the best mitigation practices (proper mask wearing, constant hand-washing, sanitizing, staying home when sick and getting tested for COVID-19) to slow the spread.
In this week's newsletter, there are some important updates from MCPS regarding the Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, January 13, public transit supports for on-going MCPS bus disruptions, this week's college and career information, the HBCU college fair, non-athletic extracurriculars update, winter athletics schedule for this week, common sense media program, AP exam information, academic advisement information, incoming 9th grade parent night, Ulysses presentations and the Choose Respect PSA video contest. Additionally, underclass (grades 9-11) make-up pictures will take place on Tuesday, January 25.
There are also some important reminders including last week's message from Interim Superintendent McKnight, obtaining second semester parking spots for students, this month's message from the Student Member of the Board, a way to say thank you to staff, how to report bullying/harassment, student tutoring opportunities and a few other items.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: Six Things to Know from the MCPS Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, January 13
Dear MCPS Community,
Here are six things you need to know for Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. Included below is a recap from the Jan. 12 MCPS Community Conversation, key factors considered for any individual school to move to temporary virtual learning, information about students’ masks, take-home rapid COVID-19 testing kits, and more.
- MCPS Community Conversations Address Overarching Community Questions
School district leadership and county leaders participated in a live online community conversation on Jan. 12 that can be viewed here. Elected officials and school system leaders answered questions on school health and safety protocols, coronavirus testing, and guidance for transitioning to virtual learning.
Following the community conversation, the dialogue continued with students live on Instagram, in a discussion between Student Member of the Board Hana O’Looney. Watch here. - Possible Future Transitions to Virtual Learning
To determine if any individual schools will transition to virtual learning in the future, MCPS will be looking at trends in: staff absences; unfilled substitute teacher requests; student absences; unserved bus routes; and positive case rates for students and staff over a 10-day period. See a visual example of these key factors. When a school is high in multiple areas as compared with other schools, MCPS will confer with the Department of Health and Human Services and then convene a team including central office representatives, the school’s principal, staff representatives, and parent leaders at the school. This team will make a recommendation to the Superintendent’s Cabinet.
If an individual school is determined to transition to virtual learning, notification to staff, students and community will occur on the website, through email, Connect-ED, and school-based social media, if it exists. The entire process of decision-making, notification and transition will take no longer than two business days, and parents will be notified at least one day in advance of a school transitioning to virtual learning for 10 calendar days. - Plans for Students to Access Instruction Virtually
During the Board of Education meeting on Jan. 13, MCPS staff presented instructional plans for any students not in school due to isolation and quarantine. Watch that presentation here.
At the Elementary Level (Beginning Jan. 18):- Students at home can access on-demand video screencast recordings of class through their MCPS Canvas portal (not through Zoom)
- Instruction will prioritize literacy and math
- There will not be interaction with teachers or high-stakes assignments
- This model will apply for any student in quarantine learning beginning Jan. 18
- Individual teachers are currently serving students in quarantine through either: Zooming students into their class for live streaming or meeting with them during a non-instructional period of the day
- KN95 Masks for Students
This week, all staff members at schools and central office locations received KN95 masks. KN95 masks for students were delivered to secondary schools. MCPS is procuring child-sized KN95 masks for younger students and those will begin to arrive at elementary schools next week. We strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities, where masks continue to be required. - Take-Home Test Kits
Students and staff have received take-home rapid test kits. Parents are asked to help students administer these tests at home and to report whether their child has tested positive or negative using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. (You may also call your child’s school if you are not able to submit the information electronically.) All students and staff are strongly encouraged to use these kits and report all results, both positive and negative, by Friday, Jan. 14. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. Any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test, or 10 days from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earlier. Central office and non-school based staff also received masks and rapid test kits this week and are strongly encouraged to use these kits if showing any symptoms and to report positive test results. Tests for both students and staff will continue to be distributed over the coming weeks. - Bus Transportation Disruptions Decreasing
Since returning to school on Jan. 5, staffing shortages due to COVID-19 illness and vacant positions have caused disruptions and cancellation of multiple routes. Those numbers are trending downward, declining from a peak of over 100 routes affected to only 29 today, Jan. 13.
Staff in the MCPS Department of Transportation are continuing to recruit, hire and train bus drivers. The Department of Transportation continues to: - Communicate specific routes and affected schools by posting daily updates on this page.
- Prioritize routes that serve students with special needs.
- Continue to use available staff to drive multiple routes serving one school.
Montgomery County Public Schools
NEW: Public Transit Supports for On-going MCPS Bus Disruptions
If your school bus route is cancelled due to MCPS bus driver shortages, please remember that many MCPS schools are accessible by public transit, especially by Ride On or Metrobus. To identify a bus route that may substitute for your school bus route, there are many tools available to you.
Google Maps includes transit route and schedule information. Use Google maps as you normally would but select "By Public Transit" to use public transportation for your trip. You can also select a future date and time by clicking the "Show options" button. Metro service is also available on Google Maps so your trip planning request will show connecting Metrobus or Metrorail service.
Get the Google Maps app for your phone or tablet.
Ride On's System Map shows Ride On service, and other Montgomery County transportation including Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC commuter rail, and MTA commuter bus service.
View/download System Map (PDF) | Get printed System Map
Metro's Trip Planner provides information on service for the entire Washington metropolitan area including Maryland, DC and Virginia.
Currently Ride On is free for all riders through at least July 2, 2022. When fares return, remember that kids ride free.
Metrobus routes in Montgomery County (C2, C4, C8, F4, J1, J2, K6, L8, Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5, Q6, T2, Y2, Y7, Y8, Z2, Z6, Z7, Z8, and Z11) are also free for children from ages 5-18. You may use your student ID or the YouthCruiser SmartTrip card (available at most middle and high schools) to board.
NEW: This Week's College and Career Information
College Career e-NEWS updates below:
- e-NEWS PDF attached
- e-NEWS Bulletin @ https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/northwesths/careercenter/enews-bulletin---google-docs---webpublication.pdf
- e-NEWS highlights below
- e-NEWS content captured below
e-NEWS Bulletin Highlights:
Updates to SAVE THE DATE: Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair
NEW: HBCU Seminar registration information. Seminar kick off date is January 22, 2022
REMINDERS:
- Grades 10-12: The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is coming to Northwest. February 16, 2022
- All grades: Elite Leadership Academy for Latinas. Apply by January 31
- Several scholarship reminders with upcoming deadlines
NEW:
- FREE HOBY Virtual Seminar for sophomores. Specific criteria.
- Maryland Boys State is accepting applications from high school males in the Class of 2023.
- JAG Job opportunities have been updated, including one summer job announcement for staff.
- Two scholarship updates and opportunities for seniors with varying criteria, award amounts & deadline dates.
- Financial Aid & FAFSA assistance provided by video, including line by line FAFSA completion and creating the FSA ID and Maryland State scholarships.
e-NEWS Bulletin Content:
College Career Information Center e-NEWS Bulletin
Week Ending: January 14, 2022
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
Get Ready for the HBCU Virtual College Fair! All grades are invited to attend! On-the-Spot Admissions Interviews offered to seniors.
HBCU Seminar Series kicks off on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Register here.
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships. Saturday, January 22, 2022. 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- HBCU Overview on Saturday, January 29, 2022. 10:00 am to 12 noon.
- HBCU Homecoming Edition. Tuesday, February 16, 2022. 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, February 18, 2022. Virtual MCPS 14th Annual HBCU College Fair. 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
The virtual on the spot admissions interviews for seniors will take place Monday, February 14 through Thursday, February 17. If you are in the school building you will come to the College Career Information Center at an appointed time for your interview. Schedules with Zoom links should be emailed to participants by Monday, February 7.
Northwest students interested in participating in the virtual college fair and/or the virtual on-site admission interviews are asked to complete the HBCU College Fair Northwest Student Participation Google form no later than February 4. The Google form lists the participating colleges and the specific requirements needed to be completed to participate in the on-site admission interviews. Click here to access the Google form.
Seniors who plan to interview must have completed their online college application (on the college platform) and submitted all supporting documents no later than February 4.
Students in grades 9-11 who wish to be a part of the virtual fair on Friday, February 18 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm should look for a link to the event to post on the College Career web page.
Thank you for helping the committee and MCPS make this an event that will benefit YOU! | Information updated 7 January 2022 |
NEW for Sophomores: Registration is OPEN for the HOBY Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW). This FREE virtual event will be held on January 29 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Invitation to register is open to 10th grade students who identify as black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC)! A link to register is below.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and will close on Sunday, January 23rd at 11:59pm.
The January 29th program will take place from 10:00am-4:00pm EST via Zoom. The program is a partnership between the Connecticut and Maryland HOBY Chapters, so our students will get to meet peers from not only around their own state, but from another state as well. Students attending the program will receive an email a few days prior to the program with a Zoom link so that they are ready to go!
We have some outstanding speakers lined up for this virtual program (including a HOBY Alumna who had an amazing role in Marvel's Hawkeye!).
If you have any questions about this program, reach out to Natalie Gaudette @ natalie@hobymd.org!
NEW for Juniors: Maryland Boys State is reaching out to high school juniors interested in Leadership, Government, Politics???
Eligibility:
- Male 2021-2022 High School Juniors with at least 1 semester remaining in Senior Year (Females apply for Girls State at https://www.facebook.com/ALAMDGS/)
- Not participated or planning to participate in any other Boys State Program
Maryland Boys State will be held June 19-25, 2022 at McDaniel College. Tuition is free to the student and family. A local American Legion Post will sponsor the student application. Apply by May 1, 2022. For additional information or help finding a sponsor call 410.752.1405 or email boysstate@mdlegion.org.
ASVAB testing for career exploration is coming to Northwest! Wednesday, February 16 @ 7:45 am. Parent/Guardian permission is required. Submission of the ASVAB Career Exploration Parent Permission form will act as parent signature. Submit the permission form by February 1.
ASVAB participants are not under any obligation to the Military as a result of taking the ASVAB. But a senior can use their scores from the ASVAB to enlist in the Military after graduation. The scores are good for two years. Many students take the ASVAB for career exploration and have no interest in military occupations.
To prepare for the ASVAB visit ASVAB Career Exploration Program at https://www.asvabprogram.com/student.
ELITE Leadership Academy for Latinas who have a desire to lead the future. Latinas in grades 9 through 12 are invited to apply. Program starts in March and meetings will be using the Zoom platform. Session topics include business and social etiquette 101, netiquette, personal branding, resume development and interviewing skills and public speaking. Learn more here. Apply by January 31.
Job opportunities posted in the latest Jag JOBS Bulletin.
SUMMER YOUTH TEACHING ASSISTANT at the SMITHSONIAN Summer Camp. Held on the National Mall. Applicants must be 15 to 18 years of age. Position commitment is from June 21 until August 19. The deadline for applications is March 7.
Visit https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/adventures/yta/ to apply.
THE YMCA: CAREERS WITH A CAUSE. Frederick County. Before and After School Directors. Child Care Teachers. Child Care Aides. Apply by emailing your resume to humanresources@frederickymca.org.
SENECA CREEK STATE PARK & PATUXENT RIVER STATE PARK Now Accepting Applications for Seasonal Positions: www.jobapscloud.com/MD/ (search for Seneca). Positions available until filled. Park Ranger | Maintenance Technician | Park Naturalist | Boat Center Positions | Contact Station Attendant | Call 301.924.2127 or email senecacreek.statepark@maryland.gov with questions.
The Washington, DC Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Program now accepting applications for Apprentice Training for 2022/2023. Applicants must apply online at local5training.org. Questions should be directed to info@plumbersualocal5training.com. The application process is open year-round. The school calendar operates from September through July.
Steamfitters Local 602 JATC Apprenticeship Program accepts applications in person at their Landover Maryland location (UA Mechanical Trades School, 8509 Ardwick Ardmore Road, Landover, MD 20795 (301) 341-1555) or Springfield Virginia location (UAM Steamfitters Local Union 602, 7552 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA 22150 (703) 569-0602. Exciting careers in Pipefitting, Welding, Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Construction, Service & Maintenance! Visit 602training.org for more information about the programs offered and to apply.
Scholarship Transcript Request Form on the web! Counseling & College Career Financial Aid & Scholarships pages. Requests by electronic submission @ https://forms.gle/dNp4SSPQvFN83mHE6
SCHOLARSHIP NEWS & ALERTS: Details on all the opportunities listed below, including links to apply, can be found on the College Career Financial Aid & Scholarships page of our school website.
NEW for Seniors: DEADLINE EXTENDED to JANUARY 20 for Montgomery College MC Scholars.
NEW for Seniors: Masonic Charities of Maryland Scholarship. Awards vary based on level achieved in the competition. Visit the college career ‘financial aid & scholarships’ page for details and a link to the application. At the top of the page, select ‘scholarship applications’. Apply by March 1.
REMINDER for Seniors: AFCEA DC STEM Scholarship. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university in a full-time STEM curriculum for computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or other STEM related fields. Apply by February 26.
REMINDER for Seniors: Alpha Wives Club of Montgomery County HBCU Scholarship. Applicants must be a high school senior planning to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the fall of 2022. 2.5 minimum GPA. Awards up to $3,000. Apply by February 28.
REMINDER for Seniors: Difference Maker Scholarships offered by the Alex Popeck Never Back Down Foundation. $2,500 award. Apply by April 30.
REMINDER for Seniors: Foundation 649 Scholarship. Seniors who identify as Asian American/Pacific Islander. $1,000 renewable award. Apply by March 1.
REMINDER for Juniors: The CollegeBoard BigFuture Scholarships are now available. Become eligible by taking steps to plan for college. Open to apply until February 28, 2023.
REMINDER for Juniors: The Horatio Alger Association National & State Scholarship Programs open for application. Applicants must be a high school junior and a US citizen. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income). Counselor online Certification Form required. Minimum 2.0 GPA. For additional information and to apply, visit scholars.horatioalger.org. Open to apply until March 15, 2022.
REMINDER for Juniors: The Coolidge Scholarship. Applicants must be very strong academically and have an interest in public policy. Full tuition scholarship, including room & board and expenses. Apply by January 16, 2022
REMINDER for Seniors: Amazon Future Engineers Scholarship & Paid Internship. Financial need required along with a minimum 3.0 GPA with a plan to pursue a career in the field of engineering. $40,000 award & paid internship. Apply by January 25, 2022
REMINDER for Seniors: Montgomery College Board of Trustees Academic Specialty Scholarship. Full-tuition one year scholarship with possible renewal for year two. Application to MC required. 3.0 minimum GPA required. Letters of recommendation and essay required. Apply by March 1, 2022
REMINDER for Grades 9-12: 2022 BLACK HISTORY ORATORY COMPETITION. WJZ’s Black History Oratory Competition will begin on January 1, 2022 at 12:01am and end on January 25, 2022 at 11:59pm. To participate in the competition, entrants will choose from one of three quotes and express in an original essay of 500 words or less, typed and double spaced, what it means to them; to view the quotes, entrance and submission requirements visit wjz.com. $600 awards. Apply by January 25, 2022; 11:59 pm
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!
Financial Aid REMINDERS for the Class of 2022:
Resource REMINDER:
- How to Create the FSA ID for FAFSA (YouTube video)
- Line by Line FAFSA Completion Instruction Video
- Maryland State Scholarship webinar hosted by Mount St. Mary's University. Click here to access the webinar on YouTube.
Resource REMINDER: Financial Aid Channel on YouTube. Supported by Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov).
Resource REMINDER: Northwest fall 2021 Financial Aid webinar. Click here.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing period for the incoming freshmen class Fall 2022 opened October 1! The deadline to file for the state of Maryland is March 1. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) @ studentaid.gov
MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application) is available to students who are graduating Maryland high school seniors and are ineligible to receive federal aid using the FAFSA. MSFAA application is through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) MDCAPS (Maryland College Aid Processing System) platform. MHEC is a resource for state financial aid. The MSFAA filing deadline is March 1.
Montgomery College FAFSA & MSFAA Days. Help with completing the FAFSA and MSFAA will be available by remote access. Registration is now open.
THE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE CAREER VISIT SCHEDULE: Currently our school buildings are open to current students and staff only. Please continue to check our Google Event Calendar for updates on college career visits.
NEW: Non-Athletic Extracurricular Activities begin Tuesday, January 18
We will begin to host our afterschool, in-person extracurricular and co-curricular activity program beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022. As a reminder, all students and staff involved in activities beyond the school day must continue to follow the MCPS mitigation strategies regardless of test results.
Students were asked to participate in the MCPS testing process and self report their results using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form by January 14, 2022.
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (English)
MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form (Spanish)
- The MCPS form provides the school administration a filtered list of any positive cases for their school.
- ECA sponsors can poll their students asking if they have completed the testing process and cross verify any positives with the admin list if needed.
For ECAs with rosters under 25:
Should there be an activity where there are 3+ cases of COVID-19 related to the activity, all in- person activity shall be placed on pause for 10 days.
For ECAs with rosters over 25:
Should there be an activity where there are 5+ cases of COVID-19 related to the activity, all in- person activity shall be placed on pause for 10 days.
Practices, meetings, performances, and other events related to the activity can be held virtually during this 10-day period. The 10 day pause begins from the last exposure (team activity).
(Updated on 1/14/22; aligned with MCPS Systemwide Athletics)
All overnight travel is cancelled through January 30. An update will be provided on or before January 29 regarding future overnight travel restrictions.
(Updated on 1/14/22; aligned with MCPS Systemwide Athletics)
In order to minimize indoor gathering sizes, account for potential reductions in staffing, and prevent the spread of COVID-19, spectators are still not allowed at contests in MCPS facilities through January 23. An update will be provided on or before January 22 regarding future spectator limitations.
Note the following:
- For non-MCPS facilities, operations will comply with the procedures and protocols of the host facility and/or jurisdiction.
- There are no limitations for outdoor events.
(Updated on 1/14/22; aligned with MCPS Systemwide Athletics)
In effort to keep our programs operating in person, there are several ways for our community to help:
- Get tested. If you suspect that you have been exposed or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test and stay home until you receive the results.
- Say Yes to the Test. Give permission for the random and rapid COVID-19 screening programs in MCPS schools. This is critical to identifying cases and reducing the number of students in quarantine.
- Get the shot. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and available for everyone aged 5 and older.
- Get the booster shot if you’re eligible for one. The booster shot to ensure you are sufficiently protected is now available for everyone 16 and above.
- Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whenever you are in an MCPS building or in public buildings.
- Wash your hands frequently before and after eating or touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Socialize outdoors. If you meet with others indoors, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. See more recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Important Resources
- Need the shot? Visit the Montgomery County Health and Human Services website to find a clinic and to register for a free vaccine. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/
- Do you have symptoms? Did you travel? Did you gather with others? Get a free test. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing.html
- Get the latest news and information about COVID-19 in Montgomery County. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/news/index.html
NEW: Winter Athletics Schedule for January 17 - January 23
NEW: Common Sense Media Program
Now in 2022, realistic expectations and understanding of the impact of technology use is important for all families. Our students are tech savvy but still need direction and practice making positive choices with technology and social media. Whether they are 8 years old or 18 years old, finding a way to connect and check-in on a regular basis about technology use, screen time, actions online, and overall social media access and use is important.
Common Sense Media has several tools available to support families and students on having conversations. This is a link to the Family Media Agreement: https://www.commonsense.org/education/sites/default/files/tlr-asset/document-common-sense-family-media-agreement.pdf Please take a moment to review and adjust to your families’ needs. Students will receive a variety of lessons on these topics through the school year in 9th and 10th grade. If you have any questions or would like more resources, please reach out to our media specialist at Northwest High School, Ms. Autumn Myers.
In addition to a Family Media Agreement, here are links to some tip sheets in English and Spanish to support families in having important, ongoing conversations about digital citizenship. Links below.
News and Media Literacy Spanish
NEW: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Student AP exam payments must be paid in full by March 25th. Each exam is $96. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify. For information about online payment, and fee reductions, please click on the AP Exam Payment quick link on the Northwest website. Payments can also be made in person at the business office. If you have any questions, please contact one of the Northwest AP Coordinators; Amy Mason (amy_m_mason@mcpsmd.org) or Autumn Myers (autumn_k_myers@mcpsmd.org).
NEW: Academic Advisement for the 2022-2023 School year
Course registration for the 2022-2023 school year kicked off for current Northwest High School students on January 5, 2022. The counseling department visited students through science classes to share information about the course registration process and course offerings. Starting January 12th, students are meeting individually with their counselor to review and finalize course selections. All registration materials are posted on the Northwest website on the Courses/Registration quick links tab. If students or parents have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor.
Important Dates:
- January 5 - January 11: Counselors visit Northwest science classes to give presentations on the course registration process and distribute the course offerings worksheet.
- January 11 - Deadline for Rising Grade 10 students to enter courses on StudentVue
- January 19 - Deadline for Rising Grade 11 students to enter courses on StudentVue
- January 30 - Deadline for Rising Grade 12 students to enter courses on StudentVue
NEW: Incoming Ninth Grade Parent Meeting
Class of 2026 students and families, please join us on Thursday, January 27 at 7:00pm for our Incoming Ninth Grade Parent Meeting via zoom webinar. Members of the Northwest leadership team will be sharing information about the course registration process for the 2022-2023 school year, including information about special academic programs, course offerings, and graduation requirements. The zoom information will be posted on the Northwest website on January 27th at least one hour prior to the meeting start time. All presentations will be recorded and materials posted to our school website.
NEW: Ulysses Presentations
Congratulations to the Ulysses seniors who dazzled us with their class presentations this past week. Next week we look forward to the Ulysses Fairs in the auditorium on January 19 and January 20. Click the dates to Meet the Ulysses Seniors for each day of the fair. In keeping with pandemic guidelines, visitors from outside of the building are not permitted to attend. We hope to welcome visitors to our spring Ulysses Fairs on April 27 & 28. Thank you!
NEW: Choose Respect PSA Video Contest
MCPS is currently hosting the annual Choose Respect Montgomery 2022 PSA video contest. The contest is an opportunity for students to share their ideas by creating a 60-second video about dating violence. The top five videos will be awarded with prizes and be voted on by middle and high school students for a Fan Favorite Award and viewed on the Montgomery County Public Schools and Choose Respect Montgomery webpage (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/chooserespect/). The deadline to submit videos on the Chose Respect Webpage is February 28.
REMINDER: January 9 Community Message from Dr. McKnight
Dear MCPS Community,
The past week has been extremely challenging for everyone in our community. Evolving COVID-19 guidance, bus staffing shortages and inclement weather caused disruptions to teaching and learning and school operations. While the circumstances leading to these disruptions are beyond our control, we should have done a better job communicating with you about these challenges and clarifying our response. I apologize for any stress this caused our staff, students, and community members.
The health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We continue to believe that in-person learning is the best way to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of our students and will continue to prioritize keeping our school buildings open. Switching any school to virtual learning—even for a short period of time—will be a last resort and that decision will be based on the best information available and the guidance of national, state, and local health professionals.
The remainder of this message outlines what steps we are taking to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families; updates to school operations; and when we will consider switching a school to virtual learning. This includes information about:
- The distribution of KN-95 masks and rapid test kits to all students and staff;
- New isolation and quarantine procedures for staff, based on revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and
- An update on school operations, including bus service and the resumption of extracurricular activities;
- An upcoming community conversation to discuss school system operations; and
- How you can help us make informed decisions about keeping schools open.
I know that many of our families are struggling with the impact of the pandemic right now, and that includes my family: I tested positive for COVID-19 early last week. Thankfully, my symptoms have been mild, and I am working at home while isolating. Together, I know we can make it through this difficult time. Our community is strong and our commitment to our students is unwavering. Thank you for your support of MCPS, our students, and our outstanding staff.
Sincerely,
Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
KN-95 Masks for All Students and Staff
Last week all staff members received KN-95 masks, and we will be providing KN-95 masks to all students over the course of the next two weeks. These masks provide a higher level of protection than most other masks, and we strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities as masks continue to be required.
Rapid Test Kits for All Students and Staff
Students and staff will receive take-home rapid test kits this week. Parents are asked to help students administer these tests at home and to submit whether their child has tested positive or negative using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. (You may also call your child’s school if you are not able to submit the information electronically.) Please report all results, both positive and negative, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools by this Friday, January 14. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. Any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test, or 10 days from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earlier.
Eleven Schools Currently in Virtual Learning
We have 11 schools that transitioned to 14 days of virtual learning last week. Out of recognition that many families have made plans based on the information provided, these 11 schools will remain in virtual learning this week. They will return to in-person learning effective Tuesday, January 18. Rapid test kits will be distributed at these schools this week; all students and staff are strongly encouraged to take the rapid test and report the results by this Friday, January 14.
Moving forward, MCPS will work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to examine schools on a case-by-case basis to determine if any particular school needs to transition to virtual learning for a designated period of time due to health or operational reasons. Factors considered will continue to include the number of students and staff who have tested positive; the number of students in quarantine; the number of staff absent for COVID-related reasons; and the level of spread of the virus in the school.
MCPS Bus Transportation
While we continue to work to respond to the COVID-19 related bus driver staffing challenges, we will take the following actions in an attempt to minimize disruption:
- Communicate specific routes and affected schools through updates on this page and on the MCPS homepage. The initial list for each day will be posted by 7:00 pm on the prior evening; however, there may be additions each morning.
- Prioritize routes that serve students with special needs.
- Continue to use available staff to drive multiple routes serving one school.
- Also, use available transportation support staff and supervisors to cover routes.
Additionally, we are exploring numerous recruiting strategies and a variety of other options to meet both short-and long-term staffing shortages in the Department of Transportation. Thank you very much for your patience. Apply here.
Virtual Community Conversation on COVID-19 Response
We value ongoing dialogue with our community and will be scheduling a virtual community conversation this Wednesday, January 12, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. More details will be shared in an update early this week.
Revised Isolation Guidelines for Staff
- Staff who test positive for COVID-19 or have suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home for at least 5 full days from the date of symptom onset if symptomatic or the date of the positive test if no symptoms.
- After Day 5, if the individual has no symptoms without the use of fever-reducing medication, the individual may return to school as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days, and as required by MCPS and MSDE guidelines regarding mask use in schools.
- If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least a full 10 days.
In the future, the number of isolation days may be reduced for students as community-level data regarding the transmission or outbreak of the virus decreases.
Revised Quarantine Guidelines for Staff
These quarantine guidelines apply to staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and are unvaccinated; adults 18 years and older who have completed the primary series of Pfizer vaccine over 5 months ago or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted; or have not had COVID-19 in the past 90 days:
- These staff must stay home for at least 5 full days after the last close contact.
- After Day 5, if the individual has had no symptoms, the individual is encouraged to get tested and may return to work as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days.
- If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least 10 full days.
- If the individual develops symptoms at any point, they should remain at home, get tested and follow the isolation guidelines above.
- All other staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine.
In-Person Extracurricular Activities May Resume Tuesday, Jan. 18
All in-person extracurricular activities may resume effective Tuesday, Jan. 18. All participants are required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit the result no later than Friday, Jan. 14. No spectators are allowed at extracurricular activities. These activities are assessed on a daily basis based on emerging public health science and data, and are subject to change over the next month in response to the Omicron variant.
How You Can Help
We need your help in keeping our students and staff safe and ensuring we have complete information. Here’s how you can help!
- Report results on the system-provided rapid COVID-19 test
Please report all results, both positive and negative, by this Friday, January 14, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. The way to report this information is by using this electronic form. - Keep children home if they have any symptoms of illness.
It’s important that students don't spread their illness to others. Please keep them home when they are sick and have them tested for COVID-19 as an extra precaution. - Say Yes to the Test.
Parents must give their permission for in-school testing and they can do so by completing this form. For more details, please visit our "Say Yes to the Test" website.
Social-Emotional Health and Well-Being
This is a difficult time for everyone in our community. The pandemic remains a source of anxiety for many, and MCPS is committed to providing resources to support students, staff and families as we move through the pandemic. Schools will have counselors and psychologists available, and all staff are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program for support and resources.
Important Resources
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) A Parent Resource
(English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic)
REMINDER: Second Semester Student Parking
As a reminder, beginning Tuesday, January 25th, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2021-2022 Full Year or Semester 2 parking permit and must be parked in their assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Students who purchased a first semester parking permit, plan to drive the remainder of the school year and have not yet purchased a second semester permit, should go to the business office, Room 322, before school, during lunch, or after school. A new application is not necessary. Any student who currently has a first semester parking permit and does not purchase a second semester permit by the due date will forfeit their spot effective Tuesday, January 25th. Students who do not currently hold a parking permit but would like one for the second semester may apply by filling out an application also located in the business office. As a reminder, students must be cleared of all obligations and have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be eligible for a student parking permit.
REMINDER: January Message from Student Member of the Board
Happy New Year! My name is Hana O'Looney, the current Student Member of the MCPS Board of Education emailing again this month to share my monthly message. Please see below and linked.
Google Drive (Only Accessible Through MCPS Accounts): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NEwFtYTbcW0XrBClSUMvYDHsAoKvWTJI/view?usp=sharing
YouTube: https://youtu.be/MoK-RdzU7Kc
REMINDER: Thank a Staff Member!
Please take a moment to send a note and let the staff at Northwest know how much you appreciate them. You can complete this google form to say Thanks Snow Much! The form can be completed as many times as you would like. The staff member will receive an email with your note of appreciation.
REMINDER: Tutoring Opportunities
We are pleased to announce that our honor societies have tutoring programs to assist students in their different courses. Students should fill out the google form or contact the sponsor directly to receive this service. Students will have access to this information on our school website as well.
Below you will find the tutoring schedule:
Math Honor Society
Mrs. Krott - Rachel_M_Krott@mcpsmd.org
- Tutoring will be in math teachers classrooms at lunch or after school everyday.
- Math Tutoring Request
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
- NHS Tutoring Request
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
- English Tutoring Request
Rho Kappa - Social Studies Honor Society
Mrs. 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 1, 4, and AP: Available on Tuesdays room 202
- French 2: Available on Thursdays room 214
- French 3: Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays room 219
- Email Mrs. McKenna
REMINDER: Parents, we need YOU!
We hope that you and your family will join us for future events and that you will consider becoming a part of the Northwest Hispanic Parent Council, African American Parent Council and the Asian American Parent Council. Please take some time to respond to this questionnaire and let us know how you would like to become involved.
Please contact the following administrators for more information about the Hispanic, African American, and Asian Parent Councils at Northwest High School.
Hispanic Parent Council: Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org
African American Parent Council: Edward_Pegues@mcpsmd.org
Asian American Parent Council: Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org
Northwest Class Spirit!
It's a long-standing tradition at Northwest for each grade to wear their assigned CLASS COLOR on Pep Rally days! Each class sits in a designated section at the rallies so make an impact for YOUR CLASS by wearing your grade level color and make your presence known! Although participation with wearing class colors is optional, we hope you will join in the FUN!
The grade level colors are as follows:
Freshmen (Grade 9): YELLOW
Sophomores (Grade 10): GREEN
Juniors (Grade 11): RED
Seniors (Grade 12): BLUE
You can wear any clothing and/or accessories in your assigned color as long as you adhere to the school dress code. You can opt to wear clothing that you already own in your grade level color, you can purchase a shirt from the PTSA/Booster Club website for $4: 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 $4) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!
Class of 2025 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2024 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2023 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2022 (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