Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, September 25, 2022
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. For those who celebrate, Happy Rosh Hashana! A reminder that in observance of this holiday, there is no school for students and teachers tomorrow, Monday, September 26.
As we move into this shortened week, be reminded that this Wednesday, September 21 is a Jag Paws Day. Additionally, Friday, September 30 is an early release day for students and a professional day for staff in the afternoon.
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 our upcoming Homecoming Week and Festivities, information on how to join Rho Kappa, opportunities for students to serve on Election Day, an important message from MCPS about enhanced safety measures at Athletic Events, a reminder about the upcoming virtual Career Panel, this week's College and Career Center updates, a note about our upcoming Financial Aid Webinar, things to know from MCPS for Thursday, September 25, and this week's activities and athletics calendar.
There are are a few important reminders including a reminder about the upcoming State's Attorney Sessions on School Safety, this week's Academy of Biotechnology Parent Night, Class of 2026 Election Results, an important Graduation Survey for Class of 2023 students and parents, important information regarding AP exams, news from our Green Team, a note about our School's Free Store, tutoring opportunities, an opportunity to join the Principals' Advisory Council, information about our new Social Worker, PSAT Day information for Wednesday, October 12, 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!
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: Rho Kappa Opportunity!
Attention Juniors and Seniors. Applications for the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society are now open for new members. Criteria for membership is in the application. The application is due October 7th. Selected new members will pay a one-time membership fee of $15.
Here is the link to the application: https://forms.gle/YFE2y6FSM8kbEjfZ7
NEW: 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
NEW: 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
NEW: This Week's College and Career Center Update
College Career Information Center e-NEWS
For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Click on the e-NEWS link!
College Career e-NEWS Highlights:
REMINDER: 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.
NEW EVENT: 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.
NEW EVENT(S): 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.
College Career ‘School Specific’ NEWS
NEW Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.'s Fall 2022 Construction Program. The program begins on September 26th and is still open for enrollment! Questions should be directed to the Program Supervisor, Celia Sterling (celia.sterling@cc-dc.org) and/or the Training Specialist (melida.chacon@cc-dc.org). Click here to download the program information flier.
NEW EVENT(S) Upcoming events for high school and community college students hosted by a unique major at the University of Maryland with 100% post-graduation job placement. Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) is one of eleven majors in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at UMD and is the only ABET-accredited undergraduate program in Fire Protection Engineering in the world! Fire Protection Engineers use math, science, and technology to assess and design solutions to fire safety challenges wherever they may occur: in buildings, wildlands, industrial facilities, or vehicles.
Upcoming events:
Fire Protection Engineering Information Sessions
Students interested in learning more about FPE as a major are encouraged to attend an information session. They will get an overview of the field and the classes students take, talk to current faculty and students, and ask questions. All sessions this semester will be hybrid, with an option to join in person at UMD or virtually on Zoom. Advance registration is required.
· Fall 2022 Hybrid Information sessions:
· Saturday, September 24, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
· Friday October 21, 3:30 - 5:30 PM
· Monday November 21, 3:30 - 5:30 PM
For more information and registration (required!) visit: https://go.umd.edu/FPEinfosession
Updated 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.
September Calendar
(View the entire calendar in Naviance or from our College Career Jag Events calendar):
September 27 - Saint Michael’s College 8:00 AM
September 27 - Rutgers University 9:00 AM
September 27 - University of Delaware 10:00 AM
September 27 - Longwood University 1:00 PM
September 28 - Trinity Washington University DC 10:00 AM
September 28 - West Virginia University 1:00 PM
September 29 - Towson University 8:00 AM
September 29 - George Mason University 9:00 AM
September 29 - Tufts University 10:00 AM
September 29 - Salisbury University 1:00 PM
October 1 - 7 Calendar
October 6 - James Madison University* https://jmu-edu.zoom.us/j/89732610197 8:00 AM
October 6 - York College of Pennsylvania 9:00 AM
October 6 - University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown 10:00 AM
October 6 - Chestnut Hill College 1:00 PM
October 7 - Vanderbilt University 9:00 AM
October 7 - Lycoming College* https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2667786625?pwd=Y2pJTjEzSXAzc1UyUjBlaElvd3NRQT09 10:00 AM
October 7 - University of Georgia 1:00 PM
*Virtual
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.
REMINDER: College Application Support will be available in the College Career Information Center on Wednesday’s from 2:45 until 3:30 pm!
Money Matters & Scholarship Highlights
SAVE THE DATE! 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.
REMINDER! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1 for the Class of 2023. 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, beginning on Thursday, October 20, and on Tuesday, December 6 with an evening virtual event on Thursday, February 2. Registration is required to participate in any or all events. Registration includes completion of the Educational Opportunity Center Intake form. 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.
NEW! 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.
- 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
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, September 22
Here are seven things to know for Thursday, Sept. 22. They include information about new safety rules at MCPS athletic events, a student call for respect, free ESL classes for parents, information about Rockville Goes Purple, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and good news about an MCPS music teacher.
Student-Athlete Leaders Call for Respectful Behavior at all MCPS Events
The core values of the MCPS athletics program teach and reinforce respect and sportsmanship, academic excellence, integrity and character, spirited and safe competition, and equity and access. See this video in which MCPS students ask that spectators, athletes and adults reinforce these values by saying no to unruly and disrespectful behavior.
Follow these simple guidelines:- Applaud student-athletes for their efforts.
- Accept the decisions of officials and coaches.
- Appreciate all participants for their commitment.
- Support school personnel in conducting a spirited and safe contest.
- Maintain composure when breaks seem to go against your team.
- Respect the rights of other spectators.
- Reward sportsmanlike behavior through cheering.
- Focus attention on the positive aspects of competition.
- Encourage student-athletes by showing enthusiasm and positive recognition.
- Demonstrate concern for the safety and welfare of student-athletes.
Report any negative or discriminatory comments or behaviors to school personnel.
Students are asking fellow students for their input on how to keep games safe (Student Survey).
Enhanced Security Measures Announced for Athletic Events
MCPS will implement a number of enhanced security measures at athletic events beginning tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 23. The district 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. These tiered actions will go into effect at all high school games beginning Sept. 23.Olympian Tony Hoffman to Give Sept. 27 Talk About Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery
Rockville Goes Purple will feature Tony Hoffman, an all-star athlete who went from prison to the Olympics. A former pro BMX rider and coach, Tony shares his story and the connection between his mental health, substance use and recovery, and explains what students, families, schools and communities can do to prevent or treat mental health and substance use disorders. This event is free and open to the public.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Richard Montgomery High School Auditorium
How: Tickets are available through Eventbrite.Literacy Council Offers Free ESL Classes for MCPS Parents
In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and in-person, and there are options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language. Parents can complete this interest form to receive a placement test.
Parents with questions regarding class availability and the sign-up process should email Kevin Ralph from LCMC at kevin@lcmcmd.org or call 240-665-0471.Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
The Board of Education has proclaimed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, MCPS schools will be celebrating the unique culture and traditions of students, teachers, staff and community members who trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Learn more here.Revised Personal Mobile Device Regulation in Place for MCPS Students
The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved a revised regulation (COG-RA) concerning student possession and use of personal mobile devices. This update to the regulation aligns guidelines with current best practices and was developed collaboratively by a workgroup composed of staff, students and community members.
Learn more.GOOD NEWS: Kennedy High Music Teacher Wins Professional Achievement Award
Congrats to Amanda Herold, instrumental music teacher at John F. Kennedy High School for being selected by the National Association for Music Education for the Professional Achievement Award, which recognized her outstanding dedication and commitment to the field of music education during her time as an undergraduate at Gettysburg College. You can read more about her award here and here.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Activities and Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, September 26 - Sunday, October 2
NEW: Support the Class of 2026!
Support the Class of 2026 and order from Berries & Bowls in the Kentlands on Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 9am-8pm. Mention Northwest to your cashier or use the code NW26 when you order online. Thank you for your support!
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: Academy of Biotechnology Parent Meeting
Is your 9th or 10th grader interested in joining the Academy of Biotechnology? Is your student already in the Academy of Biotechnology? If so, please mark your calendar to join us for a Parent Meeting on Thursday, September 28th from 7 to 8 pm in the media center. This meeting will cover the requirements and benefits of the Academy of Biotechnology, how to join, and discuss upcoming plans for this year including field trips, guest speakers, career fair, and mock interview opportunities. Questions may be directed to the Academy of Biotechnology Coordinator, Avi Silber at Avi_Silber@mcpsmd.org. Hope to see you there!
REMINDER: Class of 2023 Graduation Survey
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: Be a part of Mr. Smith's Advisory Council (PAC)
All students, regardless of previous leadership experiences or GPA, are invited to apply. In order for the PAC to be successful, we need a wide range of voices represented on the PAC. Most PAC meetings will be held during the school day through Jag PAWS time or during lunch. On some rare occasions, an after-school meeting may be required. If you would like to be considered for membership on the 2022-2023 PAC, please complete this brief application. Applications are due by October 3, 2022. All members will be notified by November 1, 2022.
Click Here to Apply: https://forms.gle/JU4tcBnS9EzQyKHH8
REMINDER: PSAT/SAT Day October 12, 2021
Hello Northwest families! We will be offering the following exam on October 12th to our students:
- PSAT/NMSQT (10th and 11th grade students)
This test is free of charge for all 10th grade students, and they are automatically registered for the exam by MCPS. 11th grade students can also take the test to possibly qualify for a national merit scholarship, as well as serve as preparation for the SAT in the spring. The fee for 11th graders is $19, there are opportunities for fee waivers and that information can be found on the College Board website. If current 11th grade students are interested in participating in this opportunity on October 12th, they must complete this linked form by September 16th. Students must fill the form out using their school Gmail accounts. If there are any questions, please contact Ms. Henry.
REMINDER: Parking Permit Information
Parking permit applications and payment will be accepted by the Business Office, Room 322, before school (7:25–7:40 a.m.), during lunch (11:13–11:51 a.m.), or after school (2:30–2:45 p.m.). Students must not have any outstanding financial obligations to the school and must be academically eligible (2.0 cumulative GPA with no more than one E) to be eligible for a parking permit. The price for a full year parking permit is $78.00 (processing fee included) payable by cash, check (made out to Northwest High School), or online using a credit card through SchoolCash Online. To pay online, a link will be sent to the student’s school email once the application has been received and approved for eligibility.
During the first three weeks of school (August 29-September 16), students may use any parking space in the lower parking lot. All approved parking permits will be distributed to students before school in front of the Business Office, Room 322, on September 15 and 16. Beginning Monday, September 19, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2022-2023 parking permit and be parked in the student’s assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or that do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
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