Coming up:

11/1 Systemwide Professional Development Day – Schools Closed for Students

11/5 Election Day- Schools Closed

11/14 Report Cards Distributed

11/19 & 11/20 Picture Day

11/27 School closes 3 hours early-Thanksgiving Break Starts

11/28-11/29 No School Thanksgiving Break

Just a friendly reminder that early dismissal ends at 2:30pm.

Q1 has been full of exciting progress and performance for our NAHS Lions! We are so proud of the efforts of our students both inside and outside the classroom.

As we move into quarter 2, please be on the lookout for NAHS events such as Family Math Night, Winter Concert Night and Denim Day for the grade with best attendance!

Please take some time to review your students progress via Schoology. This is also a great time to check on your student's school supplies and binder organization!

Lastly, we have included the uniform vendor information for those who would like to purchase NAHS Cold weather gear such as track jackets and quarter zips. Please make sure your student is prepared for success.

Northwest Academy of Health Sciences | Kre8ing Your IdeaS

Northwest Academy – Main Street Embroidery

Mark your calendars for Parent Advisory Panel: November 20 at 6pm!

A friendly reminder that students are required to follow uniform expectations at all times while in the building. As the weather changes and temperatures drop, students may wear a plain crew neck, cardigan, or fleece jacket that corresponds to their uniform color. They may also wear a long sleeve shirt under their uniform polo. No hooded sweatshirts or jackets are permitted.

Please take some time this weekend to ensure your student has something that aligns to their uniform colors and is permitted for cooler weather days.

Grade 6- Red or Gray

Grade 7- Light Blue or Black

Grade 8- Burgundy or Gold

Thank you for your support and adherence to this expectation.

If you are unable to provide proper cooler weather items for your child, please email Jmiranda@bcps.org

The Focus SIS System Now Has a Mobile APP

BCPS’ Focus Student Information System now has an accompanying app that can be used from mobile devices. The application can be used by Staff, Parents/Guardian’s, and Students.

Google Play Store: Team BCPS - Focus - Apps on Google Play

Apple App Store: Team BCPS- Focus- Apple App Store

More information from BCPS about Focus App For Parents can be found here!
Directions on using the Focus App and logging in can be found here!
Directions on Creating a Parent Account can be found here!

Hello!

My name is Jessica Miranda and I am Northwest Academy's CARE Liaison! Please take a look at the resources and links provided below.

My email address is Jmiranda@bcps.org

Please let me know if I can help in any way. I have access to many resources available in our community so please don't hesitate to reach out if you or your child needs anything.

My Northwest Academy's family involvement goals are:

• To educate parents on the important role they play in assisting in their child’s education.

• To encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education at school.

• To communicate with parents as full partners in their child’s education.

• To provide parents with opportunities, skills and tools to help them engage in meaningful parent-child learning activities.

Local Resources:
Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214
Crisis text line: Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support
Maryland Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

Baltimore County DSS: 410-887-TIME

Maryland Food Bank: 410-737-8282

211 Maryland: 211, https://211md.org/ or text 898-211

Additional resources: Baltimore County Resource Guide * BCPS Meal Sites * BCPS Social Emotional Support Page * MD Crisis Hotline * MD Food Bank * Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214 * Crisis Text Line (Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support)

American Education Week 11/18-11/22!
Click the links below to sign up:

Donuts with Principal Robinson https://forms.gle/osK6yv1DYai2RX3s7

Chat and Chew:
- 6th Grade with Ms. Brindza https://forms.gle/78pjpFswNk9eApVu6
- 7th Grade with Ms. Morrison https://forms.gle/nSzWJf4iwGJeGmdP6
- 8th Grade with Mr. Chapman https://forms.gle/RAwhe2AnSno8fgi57

Family Activity Stations:
https://forms.gle/FLi8nUJksrAjNdtAA

Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you!

If you are interested in being a chaperone on a field trip or volunteering this year at NAHS please follow the directions in the link below. You will need to complete the application, watch the training video and get the certificate.

When completed please email the application and certificate to me at Jmiranda@bcps.org or turn it into the main office.

BCPS Volunteers - Baltimore County Public Schools

Baltimore County Student Councils (BCSC) invites all middle and high school students to join a student seminar focused on mental health and BCPS resources. The seminar will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. To join, go to meet.google.com on your BCPS account and use code BCPSSeminar.

Families needing assistance with paying for or obtaining internet access for their children while at home should be directed to the Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit (MEBB) service. The State of Maryland has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides eligible families access to free or reduced internet access for their homes. This internet access can be used for virtual learning, and access to online resources such as job postings, health resources, and other benefits for adult family members and children.

Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit can be accessed through the MEBB website by going to a Baltimore County Public Library and using the available internet access.

Baltimore County Public Libraries also has a ‘Long Term Device Lending Program’ where patrons of the library can sign out either a ChromeBook and/or a cellular hotspot for up to six months. More information is available on the Baltimore County Public Library website (https://www.bcpl.info/services/longterm-lending.html ).

An alternative method is to contact the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program directly by calling (877) 384-2575. Services are available in multiple languages. Families must qualify for the service. A family can also contact one of the internet access/broadband providers on the attached listing directly to find out more about the application process.

Links to these resources are available on the BCPS Office of Network Support Services webpage. BCPS will not be providing cellular hotspots to students for virtual learning days. Only students who are verified as being in need, as defined by the Title I office, will be eligible to receive BCPS-provided hotspots. The MEBB, ACP, and BCPL lending programs are administered outside of Baltimore County Public Schools. All questions should be directed to either the Federal Communications Commission, the State of Maryland, or the Baltimore County Public Libraries as it relates to the appropriate program.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): Greg Vukov, Director 443-809-9888

NAHS will be participating in a state mandated Youth Risk Survey in November. Selected classes will be bringing home an information sheet and an opt out form. Participation is encouraged.

The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is to get a flu vaccine. You can get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. Find your flu vaccine. The injectable quadravalent vaccine will be available, which is not the high-dose vaccine recommended for people 65 and over. See your healthcare provider to obtain the high-dose vaccine. In addition, many local pharmacies offer free flu shots in your community. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most up-to-date information on seasonal flu. If you are unable to attend a clinic, find a location offering vaccinations near you. https://www.vaccinefinder.org/

REMEMBER THE FLU FACTS Residents are encouraged to remember the flu FACTS in order to prevent the spread of contagious viruses, including seasonal flu: • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. • Always get an annual flu shot. • Cover coughs and sneezes.

Parent University offers resources, videos, workshops, and system updates to support the needs of your family. Our program goals align with the BCPS Compass: Our Pathway to Excellence - Focus Area 4 - Community Engagement and Partnerships.

Hello Math Families,

As the first marking period ends, take this time to help your student reflect on their progress. Help them identify areas of growth and ways they can build on their strengths. The National PTA has created a family resource for “today’s math.” Your student is learning to solve problems not just for the classroom, but future problems in our “rapidly changing world.” Check out this valuable family resource using the hyperlink below. https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/family-resources/2018/family-guides/familyguide-math.pdf

Together we can!

Greeting NAHS community!

Quarter 1 closed out on Thursday, October 31. We read some very intriguing stories and completed thought provoking tasks. Now we are ready to head into Quarter 2. Please see what we will be learning and be sure to engage in conversation with your child about their learning.

Grade 6 - Unit 2: Natural Allies

Unit Essential Question: How do animals and people interact?

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will learn about the special relationship between people and animals, considering how humans and animals can benefit each other. Students will read selections about interactions between people and animals, as well as what scientists have learned by studying animals closely. Students will also read selections that explore how the relationship between animal species is similar to and different from the relationship between animals and people. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on informational writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Grade 7 - Unit 2: Living Among the Stars

Unit Essential Question: Should we make a home in space?

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will learn about space exploration, considering concepts related to space missions and colonizing other worlds. Students will gain knowledge of the possibilities and challenges of human space travel by reading selections that shed light on the risks and rewards of humans living in space. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on argumentative essay writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Grade 8 - Unit 2: Resilience

Unit Essential Question: What do stories of resilience teach us about the human spirit?

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will learn about major historical events and how they impacted humanity, including the Holocaust, refugees, and the Civil Rights Movement. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group learning, they will read a play about Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust, as well as a speech delivered by Elie Wiesel that reflects on his own Holocaust experience. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on informative essay writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Greetings Northwest Academy families! We are a little over halfway through the 1st Marking Period. The 1st Marking Period ends on October 31st and report cards will be distributed on November 14th.

We would like to welcome Ms. Helen Tracey to the Northwest Academy School Counseling Team! She will be working with our 7th Grade students and families. Ms. Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, and we are grateful to have her join the NAHS Family.

Northwest Academy have a partnership with GIFTS Mental Health Clinic. GIFTS provides counseling services for students during the school day or in their office and is a great source of support for students requiring assistance with concerns such as:

· Anxiety, panic, or stress

· Intense sadness

· Conduct and behavior

· Impulse control issues

· Emotional regulation difficulties

· Difficulty getting along with others

· Grief and loss

· Traumatic experiences

· Feelings of loneliness and worthlessness

· Difficulty sleeping

If you are interested in their services, please reach out to Ms. M. Jones.

8th Grade: The BCPS Magnet Application is live! The deadline to apply is November 1st at 1:00pm. For application and program details, please click here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

To schedule an appointment with your grade level counselor please click here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/NorthwestAcademyofHealthSciencesCounselingOffice@bcpscloud.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/

Tonya Linton, 6th Grade School Counselor tlinton@bcps.org

Helen Tracey, 7th Grade School Counselor htracey2@bcps.org

Monica Jones, 8th Grade School Counselor and Department Chair mjones25@bcps.org

Deborah Carroll, Registrar dcarroll2@bcps.org