NEW: Your Sunday message from Mr. Smith
Dear Northwest High School Families,
Happy Sunday! We hope all are dry on this rainy evening. We are looking forward to a great week ahead with some rainy days, but exciting events as our fall sports continue and our fall play auditions start! Don't forget that this Thursday, October 3 there is no school in celebration of Rosh Hashana. For those who celebrate, Shanah Tovah!
A reminder that ALL students must wear and display their IDs while on campus. If you need an ID, a lanyard or a clear ID holder, stop by the main office.
A reminder that MCPS will pay for exam registrations for students enrolled in the AP course and registered by November 15, 2024. Students will register for their exams, through AP classroom in their AP classes.
- Students registering late, canceling the exam, or not present to take the AP exams will be responsible for the AP fee of $41.75/exam.
- Students who elect to take an AP exam and are NOT enrolled in the corresponding AP course will be responsible for paying the AP exam fee of $94.
- Students enrolled in an AP course for the 2024-2025 school year are expected to participate in the corresponding AP exam.
- Schools are NOT permitted to charge an administrative fee for AP exams.
Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society Applications are open! The application is currently only open to Seniors in the Class of 2025. Applications are due by October 4th. Criteria for recognition can be found in the application. Please email Ms. Emily McDermott (she/her) at emily_f_mcdermott@mcpsmd.org with questions.
Application Link: https://forms.gle/G9L5GHDTBfi46Pxd8
In this week's newsletter, there are just a few new items. Please see them listed below and check out the details in the newsletter.
- A Class of 2026 Fundraiser at Tortacos
- The Chick-Fil-A Battle of the Schools Fundraiser
- College and Career Updates
- The Upcoming College Fair
- Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
- Financial Aid Workshops
- The College Readiness Seminar
- FAFSA information
- A seminar on paying for college tuition
- SAT information
- ACT Dates
- Athletics and Events Calendar for the Week (September 30 - October 6)
There are some important, and timely reminders this week. Check them out below.
- Hispanic Heritage Month happenings
- The Northwest Free Market
- Picture Ordering
- Parking Permits Reminder
- Homecoming Information
- Date, Time, How to buy a ticket
- Digital Library Information
- Important early dismissal and absence procedures
- Our upcoming Diversity Night
- Our new Cell Phone Policy
- Our new ID policy
- The new policy for chromebooks, chromebook chargers and the costs for families to replace them
- An opportunity to join the Principals' Advisory Council
- The Free Store
- A call to support our Booster Club
- A call for submitting photos for this year's yearbook
- ParentVue resource
- A call for parents to join our parent councils
- Ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs
- College T-Shirt Tuesdays
- Class spirit gear
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make it a great week!
NEW: College and Career Updates
UPCOMING EVENTS:
NEW: Conceptos básicos de ayuda financiera
Date & Time: Oct 3, 2024, 06:30 PM
REGISTER NOW to receive the link for the event.
NEW: Navigating the High School Transition: Practical Tips for Success with Revolution Prep
Wednesday, September 25th | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Is your child about to make the transition from middle to high school? The high school years can be exciting and transformative, but they can also be challenging and stressful. As the importance of standardized tests, grades, course rigor, and extracurricular activities increases, it's crucial to be prepared and equipped to succeed. There is one key underlying skill area that can better predict a student's academic performance in high school—and no, it's not IQ...it's executive function! In this presentation, you'll be provided with practice tips and strategies to help you and your child navigate the transition from middle to high school successfully.
NEW: Introducción a la admisión a la universidad en español with Towson University
Jueves 26 de septiembre | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aprenda más sobre el proceso de solicitud universitaria durante esta sesión informativa en línea con uno de nuestros Consejeros de Admisión. Tendrá la oportunidad de hacer cualquier pregunta que tenga a través de la función de chat en línea durante la sesión. La sesión se llevará a cabo en español, seguida de preguntas en inglés y en español. Después de registrarse para este evento, recibirá una confirmación por correo electrónico con un enlace a la sesión informativa en línea.
HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE
NEW: Creating a College List With Affordability in Mind with Collegiate Directions
Wednesday, October 9th | 6:30 p.m.
There’s so much to consider when creating your college list, and for most students, affordability is an important factor. Not sure how to determine which schools fit your budget? Considering public and private options? Trying to estimate costs after financial aid? Whether you have a complete college list or are just getting started, this workshop will help you estimate college costs using reliable resources, understand various sources of financial aid, and build a college list that includes affordable options.
NEW: Financial Aid Basics: Understanding How Financial Aid Can Help You Pay for College with Collegiate Directions
Wednesday, October 23rd | 6:30 p.m.
With all the changes to the FAFSA recently and the evolving state-based financial aid for undocumented students, it can be hard to get familiar with everything you need to do to prepare for paying for college. Join us for this free webinar at which you'll be able to get a jump on how you can be in the best position to maximize your financial aid options.
LAST CALL: The Career Council National Hispanic College Fair Field Trip. JUNIORS & SENIORS. ONE bus reserved. FREE.
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Destination: Universities at Shady Grove, Rockville, MD
Bus Departure Time: from Northwest @ 10:30 am
- Students should plan to report to the College Career Information Center at the end of period 3.
Bus Return Time: 12:00 noon
- Students will be instructed to bring a bag lunch with consideration given to those who need a lunch prepared by our cafeteria.
Permission forms and fair registration must be submitted to the College Career Information Center no later than student lunch on October 1. Permission Packets will be available on the College Career webpage and with counselors.
NEW: Hispanic College Fair Financial Aid Workshops
October 1, 2024
English Session
6:30 pm
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 850 5332 9918
Passcode: 318196
October 2, 2024
English Session
6:30 pm
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 884 8337 5163
Passcode: 586785
October 3, 2024
Spanish Session
6:30 PM
To register please use this link.
NEW: College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
For a complete list of all college career high school visits use Naviance or view the Jag Events Calendar or our website |
Students must register for all high school college career visits using their Naviance account. Select colleges → Select college visits
Monday, September 30:
- Washington College @ 8:45 am
- The University of Tennessee - Knoxville @ 9:40 am
- Towson University @ 1:00 pm
Tuesday, October 1:
- Stony Brook University @ 9:40 am
- James Madison University @ 10:30 am
- University of Notre Dame @ 12:05 pm
For virtual visits, students can bring their Chromebook and headphones to the College Career Information Center (Room 126) to log on for the visit. Virtual visit links are sent the evening before the visit to students who registered. Students can request permission from a teacher to remain in class and log in. Attendance QR-Codes are scanned if the student attends a virtual visit in the College Career Information Center.
Students who attend Montgomery College and do not have a college class during the visit time are welcome to attend. Based on the honor system, there is no attendance taken for those students.
If there is ever a question or concern, please reach out to: Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.
NEW: Towson UTeach, Towson University’s program to prepare future secondary school mathematics and science teachers, is pleased to announce the availability of Kahlert Foundation Scholarships ($3,000 per year for up to four years) to be awarded to incoming freshmen who enroll at the university in Fall 2025 and plan to pursue a career in secondary school mathematics or science teaching. The scholarship committee will begin considering completed applications on December 2, 2024.
| Application Information |
Students who complete the Towson UTeach Program earn a bachelor’s degree in their chosen content area (mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth-space science, physics, or computer science) along with the necessary education coursework for secondary school (grades 7-12) teaching certification in Maryland. Towson UTeach incorporates several novel approaches to teacher preparation: 1) early and frequent field placements in local public schools starting in the freshman year; 2) education courses focused on and dedicated to the pedagogy of mathematics and science; and 3) master teachers, former exemplary public-school teachers, who serve as coaches throughout the students’ four years. Additional information about our program can be found at our website www.towson.edu/uteach or via our information video.
JAG Jobs: All job opportunities are published in the latest Jag JOBS Bulletin available to download at any time from our College Career web page ‘Jag Jobs’ under College & Career Quick Links. https://bit.ly/3sKZRVw.
NEW: JOB POSTING: 355Code.com is an AI Coding Startup with 100+ students and 20+ teachers. We're Hiring Fall 2024! $20/Hour 100% Remote! Apply Here: https://www.355code.com/jobs. See additional opportunities highlighted below. For more information or questions, reach out to Tim Yang at 355Code.com. @ tim@355code.com
Social Media Intern (100% Remote, $20/hour, 2-3 hours/week)
- Linkedin/Instagram/YouTube
- Learn Digital Marketing and inspire students to learn AI!
Computer Science Intern (100% Remote, $20/hour, 2-3 hours/week)
- Python/Java
- Write AI Curriculum, make AI YouTube Videos!
Business Intern, Spanish-Speaking (100% Remote, $20/hour, 2-3 hours/week)
- Launch a Coding School for Spanish-Speaking students!
- Learn Digital Marketing, use AI to make YouTube Videos in Spanish
NEW: JOB POSTING: MONTGOMERY PARKS. Recruitment Open House. Cabin John Ice Rink @ 10610 Westlake Drive., Rockville, MD. October 4. 2 until 7 pm. PT positions available. Register @ https://mncppc.attract.neogov.com/icerinkjobs .
Hiring for Cabin John Ice Rink & Wheaton Ice Arena in the following areas:
- Front Desk Staff
- Pro Shop Attendants
- Managers on Duty
- Customer Service
- Freestyle Monitors
- Ice Skate Guards
- Concession Attendants
- Custodians
- and more
FINANCIAL AID 101… DID YOU KNOW?
What you should know:
- What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. By filing the FAFSA, you can become eligible for federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships, grants, merit aid, and self-help aid (like work-study and federal student loans).
2. What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is an online application that some colleges and scholarship programs use to award non-federal financial aid.
3. When do the applications open?
The 2025-2026 FAFSA (the application you'll file in senior year of high school) is set to open on October 1, 2024 in a limited capacity. It will be open to all students on or by December 1, 2024. Be mindful of priority filing deadlines set by each college.
The 2025-2026 CSS Profile will open on October 1, 2024. Be mindful of priority filing deadlines set by each college.
4. Do I need to complete the applications?
Every student, regardless of their post-secondary plans, should file the FAFSA in their senior year of high school, and then refile each year they continue in trade school, community college, or 4-year university.
If your college requests the CSS profile, you should file it in addition to the FAFSA each year.
Money Matters → Scholarship Highlights & Reminders:
For a complete list of scholarships, including details for those listed below, download the latest publication of our Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin on the web. Post date refers to the first date published in the Jag Scholarships ‘Apply Now’ Bulletin. Additional Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format)
FAFSA rollout for the Class of 2025 is anticipated to be December 1. More to come on FAFSA and financial aid upcoming seminars!
NEW: SCHOLARSHIP from The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Nu Chapter (Montgomery County, MD)
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Nu Chapter (Montgomery County, MD) wants to recognize graduating senior African American males during their November 13, 2024 Achievement Week. Last year, the chapter gave $32,000 in scholarships and celebrated 32 African American male Montgomery County Public Schools students.
The Achievement Week application is linked HERE. The top 4 students can win a $5,000 scholarship to attend the college of their choice. The deadline for the Achievement Week application is October 20.
- This program is only for graduating high school African American male seniors.
- A transcript must accompany their application and a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA and/or 3.0 unweighted GPA is required for Achievement Week honors. All students will receive a certificate and a monetary award. The top 4 students will receive a $5000 scholarship.
- The deadline to email the application/essay to Shawn Wilkerson is October 20, 2024. The application/essay must be sent to wilkywilk615@hotmail.com.
Students can also apply to compete in the International High School Essay Contest by writing an essay on the topic identified. The local essay contest winner will receive a $200 check at Achievement week on November 13, 2024.
- No GPA is required for the essay contest. The local essay contest winner will receive $200 and will compete for a $5,000 national award. The deadline to submit the high school essay is October 31.
NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: HISPANIC HERITAGE YOUTH AWARDS. SENIORS. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage. GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Grants up to $4,000 available. We are looking for students who have made remarkable achievements in the classroom, made an impact in their communities, and demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following categories:
Community Service ➧ Education ➧ Engineering ➧ Entrepreneurship & Business ➧Green Sustainability ➧Healthcare & Science ➧ Media & Entertainment ➧ Public Service & Social ➧ Justice ➧ Technology
DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 3, 2024 | Post 25 September 2024 |
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS:
- COCA COLA SCHOLARS PROGRAM. Available to SENIORS. Students need a 3.0 GPA and to complete an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts. DEADLINE TO APPLY: SEPTEMBER 30; 5:00 PM EST | Post 29 AUG 2024 |
- Delegate Acevero Scholarship for high school graduates residing in Maryland District 39. SENIORS. Applicants should complete the FAFSA. Online application includes a short essay of 250 words or less (topic specific). Scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis. DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 1, 2024
- The Jefferson Scholars Foundation offers Jefferson Scholarships for undergraduate study at the University of Virginia. Students must be nominated by their high school to complete. If selected as the Northwest nominee, you will be asked to complete the online Jefferson Scholar application, provide a recommendation, and upload a photo. UVA Jefferson Scholars information can be found HERE. FAQ's HERE. Submit this Google Form no later than October 10. The one nominee will be selected by the end of October and will have until November 13 to complete the UVA Jefferson Scholars application. | DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCTOBER 10
REMINDER: Picture Day was last week
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two to three weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001141457#login
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email underclass@vosphoto.com
REMINDER: Parking Permits
As a reminder, beginning tomorrow, Monday, September 16, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2024-2025 parking permit and 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 and towed at the owner’s expense. If you would like to a pickup or turn in a student parking permit application, please go to the Business Office (room 322) before school, during lunch, or after school until 2:45 p.m.
REMINDER: Early Dismissal and Absence Procedures
If you plan to pick up your child for early dismissal, please arrive before 2:15 p.m. To ensure a smooth process, send a written note or email with your child’s full name, student I.D. number, and the full name of the parent or guardian picking them up. Upon arrival at school, the parent or guardian must present identification at the attendance office. Without prior notification via email or note, please be aware that it may take 10 to 15 minutes to locate and dismiss your child from class.
For absences to be excused, your child must bring a note from a parent or guardian that includes the student’s full name, I.D. number, and the parent or guardian’s full name. If your child will be absent for more than three days due to travel, please provide a letter in advance detailing the dates of absence and the reason for missing school. This will help us maintain accurate attendance records and support your child’s learning during their time away.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us manage early dismissals and absences efficiently!
REMINDER: Cell Phone Policy
*For a copy of the agreement to this policy that ALL students are expected to sign is linked here.
REMINDER: ID Policy
In order to maintain a safe and secure school environment, all staff and students are required to wear their ID badges at all times while on campus.
Key Points:
ID Visibility: Your ID must be worn around your neck and visible at all times. We will be providing a lanyard for all students the first week of school.
Replacement: If you lose your ID or it becomes damaged, you can get a new ID for $5 from the security office.
School Events: Students must have their school ID to attend all school sponsored events.
*For a copy of the agreement to this policy that ALL students are expected to sign is linked here.
REMINDER: NWHS Principal's Advisory Council (PAC)
The focus of the PAC is to give students regular opportunities to provide important input and feedback to the principal on policy and climate issues facing our school and to weigh in on decisions that impact us all as members of our school community. 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. 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 2023-2024 PAC, please complete this brief application. Applications are due by October 4, 2024. All members will be notified by October 25, 2024.
REMINDER: The 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, spiral notebooks, calculators, and test prep books. Please bring items to the front office or to The Free Store in room 264. We will also have a table at Back to School Night.
Once school starts, The Free Store is open most days at lunch in room 264 and is available to all NW students and staff. Thank you for reusing materials, and thank you for your support.
REMINDER: NWHS Booster Club needs YOUR Help!
Fall is here and the Jags are back in action!
The NW Athletic Department and the Booster Club want to provide our athletes and fans with an awesome experience at each and every home game. To make that happen, we need your help to VOLUNTEER at the concessions stand. Parent and community member support is crucial to have a successful year! Please note all volunteers must be adult volunteers. If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to open the concessions stand.
Pick a slot or two or three...because WE NEED YOU!
There are multiple sports events to choose from. We want you to watch your athletes compete so please come help at other games so those parents can watch their athletes. Don't have a child playing a sport? Come out anyway. It's a great way to connect with other NWHS parents! Remember, concessions volunteers get into the games for free and ALL proceeds go directly toward supporting all of our students! Please put the sport/club you represent in the Comment section!
Thank you from your 2024-2025 Concessions Committee!
Questions? Email Alida Kodjanian at akodjanian@gmail.com or text 202-903-6200.
REMINDER: ParentVue Resources
What is ParentVue?
ParentVUE provides a way to view all school related information and data for all your students. Register for athletics, special programs, communicate with teachers and verify your student information annually. For more information, please check out the "quick guides" linked below in various languages.
ParentVUE Quick Guides for Parents
ParentVUE Support Guide (link to translated version is in the footer of every page)
REMINDER: Northwest Parent Councils' Questionnaire
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. This questionnaire has been translated into Spanish.*
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: Tara-dee_S_Henry@mcpsmd.org
Asian American Parent Council: Danielle_M_Abdelsalam@mcpsmd.org
REMINDER: 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!
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