Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, September 12, 2021
No School this Thursday, September 16
Student Service Learning Hours Graduation Requirement
Middle school and high school students should continue earning SSL hours towards their SSL graduation requirement by engaging in SSL opportunities during the 2021-2022 school year, including traditional in-person opportunities and select virtual/remote opportunities that follow the temporarily amended guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage (www.mcps-ssl.org).
Please refer to important information about the MCPS SSL program provided below:
Nonprofit-Hosted SSL Opportunities
MCPS SSL organizations and opportunities are tagged with the blue MCPS SSL banner and graduation cap icon on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) website
All opportunities (including in-person): https://bit.ly/SSLOpportunities
Virtual/remote opportunities: https://bit.ly/VirtualSSL2020
For additional tips on how to search for opportunities, please go to https://bit.ly/SSLSearchTips
MCPS Form 560-50:
Individual SSL Request Form
Used to obtain pre-approval prior to service with a nonprofit organization not listed on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) website
To request pre-approval for service, please complete https://bit.ly/SSLPreApproval -- for in-person service, submit this form to your school’s SSL coordinator; for virtual/remote service, submit this form to SSL@mcpsmd.org
MCPS Form 560-51:
SSL Activity Verification Form
Used to verify and document SSL hours after service is completed
Student and supervisor must complete the form
SSL Activity Verification Forms (https://bit.ly/SSLReflection) for service completed should be turned into your school’s SSL coordinator. (Due to the pandemic, SSL forms will be accepted for any service completed since June 1, 2019. Please note that after the 2021-2022 school year, SSL forms will no longer be accepted from previous school years.)
Student SSL Records on Student/ParentVUE
Step-by-step directions for viewing a student’s full SSL record
Step-by-step directions may be found at https://bit.ly/SSLonVUE
MCPS SSL Program Overview
Complete overview of SSL requirements, guidelines, process, awards, and forms
MCPS SSL Program Overview may be found at https://bit.ly/SSLOverview2020
MCPS SSL Hub for Students - NEW!
Find SSL forms, translated resources, SSL guidelines, and much more!
Check out SSL forms, resources, and guidelines at https://bit.ly/SSLHubMCPS
If you have any questions about the SSL program, please email your school’s SSL coordinator (https://bit.ly/SSLCoordinatorsMS and https://bit.ly/SSLCoordinatorsHS) or the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!
Parent Academy Session on Leader in Me
Graduation Survey
As a student or parent of a student in the current Class of 2022, please respond to this survey related to commencement venue selection for 2022 MCPS graduation ceremonies. Your input is important as we explore a variety of considerations for these important events celebrating our graduating seniors. Ceremonies held outdoors will have identified inclement weather back-up dates established in advance. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and input with us.
Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month
Northwest High School is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month from September 15th to October 15th, 2021 and to continue to celebrate our Hispanic community and their contributions to the Northwest High School community the entire school year.
This year the theme of Hispanic Heritage month is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” It encourages us to reflect on all the contributions Hispanics have made in the past and will continue to make in the future.
NEW: Apply to be a part of the Principal's Advisory Council
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. On some rare occasions, an after-school meeting may be required. If you would like to be considered for membership on the 2021-2022 PAC, please complete this brief application. Applications are due by October 1, 2021. All members will be notified by November 1, 2021.
Click Here to Apply: https://forms.gle/JU4tcBnS9EzQyKHH8
Annual Notification of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Each year, we are required by law to inform parents/guardians of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, P.L. 93 380, and its implementing regulations (FERPA), as well as their rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, 20 U.S.C. 1232h and its implementing regulations 34 C.F.R. Part 98 (PPRA). PPRA requires educational institutions to notify parents/guardians of their rights concerning the district's conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. The PPRA notice for distribution to parents/guardians can be found online and is available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic, and Portuguese.
FERPA requires MCPS to give parents/guardians the opportunity to request that directory information be withheld. MCPS Form 281-13, Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy, contains the appropriate information, and is available online in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic, and Portuguese on the MCPS website.
Please note that the Directory Withhold form was modified in 2020-2021 to more fully reflect distribution of directory information, including student and family contact information, as permitted under MCPS Regulation JOA-RA, Student Records, and state law. Specifically, prior references to "PTA" have been changed to "organizations of any combination of parents, teachers, and students of a school." Examples of such organizations include, but are not limited to, the NAACP Parents Council and the Minority Parents Council. Also note that such organizations may request additional and updated copies of directory information during the course of a school year.
Note further, Form 281-13 has been revised to remove the interim options added only for the 2020-2021 school year regarding opting out of live classroom sessions online.
Parents/guardians may direct the principal not to release any or a specific part of this directory information if they return the completed form by September 30, 2021. If parents/guardians choose to change their decision at a later date, they need to contact the school directly. Parents/guardians and school staff must understand that if they withhold directory information, the decision affects all lists of or references to students distributed or used outside MCPS, whether prepared by the school, organizations of any combination of parents, teachers, and students of a school, or central services. The form remains in effect until the end of the school year on June 30.
Northwest Involvement Fair
Northwest's SGA and Leadership class are excited to present this year's Involvement Fair on Wednesday, September 15 (grades 9 and 11) and Friday, September 17 (grades 10 and 12). The Fair will take place on the third floor in the main circle (rooms 300-330s). Over 40 clubs and counting will be present to answer student questions and provide information about how to get involved. Getting involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to meet peers with similar interests and learn more about the Northwest community. We hope to see you there!
NEW: MCPS Vaccination Requirements
The Board of Education passed a unanimous resolution requiring that all MCPS staff be vaccinated. The resolution requires that all staff employed by MCPS provide verification that they have received at least the first COVID-19 shot by Sept. 30, 2021, and verification of the second shot by Oct. 29, 2021, unless staff request an exemption based on a medical reason documented by a medical doctor. If a medical exemption is granted, the employee must submit to regular COVID-19 testing as required by MCPS. The Board passed this resolution as an added layer of protection, particularly for younger students who are not eligible to be vaccinated. A series of vaccination clinics hosted by MCPS, DHHS, and other healthcare providers will be conducted across the county.
Students must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in winter and spring sports. Beginning Nov. 15, 2021, all students participating in the MCPS athletics program will be required to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to participation. Exemptions will be permitted if an authorized health care provider certifies that there is a medical reason not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This requirement applies to the winter and spring sports seasons, but students who participate in fall sports are also strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. Vaccinations will allow activities to proceed with minimal disruption and support individual and team health and safety across MCPS Athletics. More information will be shared in the coming weeks regarding the submission of documents. Registration for winter sports will open in mid-October, and proof of vaccination must be submitted as part of the registration process.
Athletics Schedule for the Week of Monday, September 13 - Sunday, September 19
Extra-Curricular Activities Continue this Week!
Our extracurricular activities began last Wednesday, September 8th. Please see our current list of activities here. This list is updated daily. If you have any questions about a specific club, please email the staff sponsor.
Our free dinner program will begin on September 13th.
Activity busses will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 4:30. We have two routes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and one on Wednesdays. Students taking the activity bus should exit at the main entrance.
Bus 1 (Tuesday and Thursday)
Clopper Mill ES (Eligible Riders Only)
Clopper Road and Festival Way
Clopper Road and Steeple Road
Germantown Elementary
Kings Crossing Blvd. and Cornflower
Kingsview MS
McNair ES
Schaffer Road
Wisteria Drive and Circle Gate Drive
Bus 2 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Berryville Road
Black Rock Road
Brown Station ES
Clopper Road and Longdraft Road
Darnestown Road and Ancient Oaks Drive
Diamond ES
Quince Orchard Road and Purchase Street
River Road
Seneca Road (Route 112)
Sioux Lane and Dosh Drive
Springmeadows Drive
West Side Drive
Wednesdays (One Bus Only)
Germantown ES
Kings Crossing Blvd. and Cornflower Road
McNair ES
Wisteria Drive and Circle Gate Drive
Clopper Road and Longdraft Road
Diamond Elementary School
Quince Orchard Road and Purchase Street
Seneca Road (Route 112)
Route 28 & Jones Lane (RSO)
All students staying for an extracurricular activity should check in and wait for sponsors in the cafeteria. Students will be required to complete a google form for attendance. Students will remain in the cafeteria until sponsors arrive to escort students to meeting location.
If you have questions about extracurricular activities or activity busses, please contact Danielle Abdelsalam @ Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org.
Financial Aid Webinar - Wednesday, October 6
Senior Parents please save the date of Wednesday, October 6 at 7 pm for our Virtual Financial Aid Webinar. The webinar will be hosted by Rob Maddox, Director of Student Financial Services at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Topics covered will include an Explanation of Financial Aid, the Cost of Attendance, Understanding your Expected Family Contribution, Types and Sources of Financial Aid and the rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA for the class of 2022. The webinar link will be posted in the News section of our school home page. The intended audience will be graduating seniors and their families.
NWHS Parent Handbook/Back to School Night Presentation
If you have specific questions regarding anything related to your student's respective classes, you can reach out to their teacher directly.
Important Reminders!
- We have installed additional water filling stations throughout the building and water fountains are back in working order. Because of these provisions, students are encouraged to bring water bottles every day so they are able to drink water throughout the day.
- All students have been and still have the ability to receive an MCPS-issued Chromebook to be used for all school-related work. Students are reminded to bring these chromebooks back and forth from home, daily so they can use them for these purposes.
- Personal laptops, ipads, chromebooks and other devices are highly discouraged. If a student chooses to bring their own device to school, all risk is assumed by the owner and the school will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged incurred.
- Study Hours in the Media Center have returned! Beginning this Wednesday, September 8 and every Wednesday throughout the year, students have access to the media center from 4:30 to 8:00. While students cannot check out resources or chromebooks during this time, they are able to meet with peers to work on tasks or in study groups with support from a few Northwest staff members. Students also have access to the Media Center desktops and printers at this time but are highly encouraged to use their own chromebooks.
PSAT/SAT Day October 13, 2021
Hello Northwest families! We will be offering the following exams on October 13th to our students:
- PSAT9 (9th grade students)
- PSAT (10th and 11th grade students)
- SAT (12th Grade Students)
The PSAT9 is an exam to help prepare 9th grade students for the PSAT and SAT. The fee will be $14 dollars for 9th grade students who would like to take this exam. 10th and 11th grade students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT on October 13th. This test is free of charge for all those students. 11th grade students will have the opportunity to earn a national merit scholarship. 12th grade students have the opportunity to take the SAT on October 13th. If you did not take the SAT in the spring you will be able to take the SAT for free. If you want to retake the SAT from the spring the fee will be $55. Please check in with your counselor to check if you qualify for a fee waiver. There is a survey below for 9th and 12 grade students interested in taking either the PSAT9 or SAT. Please complete all of the information if you are interested.
Stopping the Spread of COVID...at Home
As we return to school, we continue to rely on our families and each individual to screen themselves daily for symptoms. To help us avoid quarantine, we are asking that you please continue to screen your children at home and if they have even one symptom of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID test results, please do not send them to school.
This is particularly important as if your child has any of the following single symptoms they will be sent home and not be able to return to school until they have a negative test, alternate diagnosis, or complete a full 10-day quarantine. During that period of time, all other students who have been in their close contact will have to be in a temporary quarantine while the other families wait on the outcome of that testing for your child. This could be potentially disruptive to your children and families moving in and out of quarantine and to avoid it takes all of us working together. It is a collective responsibility that we exercise extreme caution and be conservative in our approach.
The single symptoms that the health room staff screen for and will result in quarantine are cough, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, fever ≥100.4°, sore throat, severe Headache, diarrhea or vomiting. Please do not send your children to school with any of these symptoms. This is essential for us to continue to remain in school without quarantine.
Instruction during Quarantine/Isolation
How will my child receive instruction while on quarantine?
Students will use the materials and assignments posted in the course Canvas page and have access to their course instructor at the time they are available each day. Staff for each course will review course materials and provide targeted explanations for the assignments and other support for learning/work completion.
Click here to see when your student’s teachers will be available for instructional support. The quarantine instructional support schedule is to be used only for students who are in a Health Department determined quarantine and not expected to be used for other student illnesses or absence.
REMINDER: School Day Arrival/Dismissal Procedures/Reminders
If students are arriving by car, they must be dropped off at the lower gym lobby entrance until 7:45am. After 7:45 am, car riders must be dropped off at the upper main entrance. Students who walk to school may arrive at the main entrance or the gym lobby. All buses will drop students off at the upper main entrance. Please note that these procedures are the same for dismissal in the afternoon.
Families, please remember to adhere to the speed limit on Richter Farm Road. Additionally, please do not let students out of your vehicles on Richter Farm Road. We want everyone to arrive to school safely.
REMINDER: 2021-2022 Lunch Expectations
The Northwest HS lunch plan for the 2021-2022 school year aims to maximize available seating options to reduce density at lunch in shared spaces. Students are required to follow the mask compliance when not eating, but socializing. Students may eat lunch:
In a school hallway
In a classroom under staff supervision
In the center school courtyard (weather permitting)
In the stadium in the bleachers or on the track - but not on the grass field (weather permitting)
If students have any questions about our school lunch plan, please contact the Northwest HS main office at (240)740-7100.
REMINDER: Division of Food and Nutrition Services Frequently Asked Questions
Will Students need their ID/Pin Numbers for breakfast or Lunch?
• No, the cafeteria will not need the student name or ID numbers for meals.
How much will breakfast/lunch cost?
• All meals are provided at no charge to all students.
• All students will be offered breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper meals.
Where will the students eat their meals?
• Schools may utilize their cafeterias, classrooms, or outside spaces.
How will snack/supper meals be distributed?
• School Based Supervisors and/or Field Managers will work with the schools to determine best practices.
o Based on Google pre-orders: Snack/Supper meals may be delivered to each class door for pickup.
o Grab ‘n go at central location for pick up (no pre-orders).
How will students and staff purchase a la carte items?
• ID numbers will be required for a la carte purchases. A la carte sales will resume on a school by school basis as they adjust to new reopening meal service.
What will be on the menu for back to school?
• The menu will be our traditional hot meals.
How will students with allergies/special needs be handled?
• The health tech or nurse will provide the manager with the information for each student that needs accommodation.
• Through the line service will be as usual. Meals delivered to a class will need to be separated or tagged for the student.
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