Northwest News

Happy Sunday, Northwest Families!

I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. We have just two (2) weeks until winter break but this Friday, December 13 marks the interim day for marking period two (2). It is important that students stay focused and head into the last few weeks of 2024 as strong as possible. As I announced last week, we will have daily hall sweeps to ensure students are prioritizing promptness to class.

Attention Seniors! For those of you who have not yet had your senior portraits taken, the last day to do so is Friday, December 13. Additionally, do not forget to order your caps and gowns. They are $80 through 1/31/25. Cash and check will be accepted. Do you want to purchase the Panoramic Pic of the Entire Senior Class that was taken 11.13? Purchase here. ($20) by December 13.

The application for the Ulysses Signature Program Class of 2029 at Northwest is now open! Interested 8th graders who live in the Northwest cluster are eligible to apply. The application can be found on the Northwest website, under the Quick Links menu option for “Ulysses Signature Program” then navigating to the “Admissions” tab. You can also find the application linked here along with more information about the program. The deadline for submitting applications is February 14th, 2025. If you have any questions about the application process or the Ulysses Program, please contact Mr. David Parks david_p_parks@mcpsmd.org.

The application for the Middle College (MC2) Program at Northwest is now open! Interested 9th and 10th grade students and current 8th grade students who reside in the Northwest HS cluster and missed the deadline to apply through the MCPS common application are eligible to apply via this application. The application can be found on the Northwest HS website, under the Quick Links menu option for “Middle College Program” then click on NWHS In Cluster Application. You can also find the application linked here along with more information about the program.The deadline for submitting applications is February 14th, 2025. If you have any questions about the application process or the Middle College Program, please contact Mrs. Lisa Shapiro at Lisa_M_Shapiro@mcpsmd.org.

Northwest High School's very own Academy of Biotechnology has been named a finalist for BioBuzz's Workforce Champion of the Year. This is a huge honor, but we need your help. Each day, fill out this form to vote for the Academy of Biotechnology in the BioHealth Capital Region. The recognition will help us to expand our impact by connecting us with more organizations in the region that we don't yet have contacts at. Here is the link to vote. You can vote once each day between now and December 13th! Vote here!

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.

In this week's newsletter, there are only a few new items. Please see them listed below and check out the details in the newsletter.

• We need your Instrument Donations!
• Welcome to MealViewer
• College and Career Updates
• Upcoming Financial Aid
• Financial Aid Workshops
• Bilingual FAFSA events
• Athletics and Events Schedule for the week (December 9 - December 15)
• 10 Days of Winter Spirit - December 9 - December 20
• ASL Honor Society Shirt Fundraisers
• Ways to Support the Class of 2025
• Candy Fundraiser to benefit the SGA
• Computer Science Education Week

There are some important, and timely reminders this week. Check them out below.

• Important Chromebook Updates
• PTSA Staff Appreciation Gift Wrapping and Dessert Bar 12/13/24
• Ordering your Cap and Gown for the Class of 2025

• Save the Date for the TENTATIVE Class of 2025 Graduation
• Ulysses T-Shirt Sales

• Jewelry and Trinket Giveaway
• School Supplies Recycle Collection
• NexTrek Recycling
• Free Market Updates
• Important AP Exam Updates
• Still need to purchase a Yearbook?
• Important early dismissal and absence procedures
• Our Cell Phone Policy
• Our ID policy
• The policy for chromebooks, chromebook chargers and the costs for families to replace them
• The Free Store
• 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!

We are excited to announce a new class at Northwest High School designed for students who have never had the opportunity to play an instrument before. To help make this opportunity possible, we are seeking donations of musical instruments in working order or those needing only minor repairs. If you have an instrument that you no longer use, please consider donating it to our music department. You can drop off any donations at the Northwest main office. Your contribution could give a student a chance to experience the joy of learning to play an instrument—an opportunity that might otherwise be out of reach. Thank you for supporting the musical growth of our students!

NEW! Service Year Maryland Information Session

Tuesday, December 10th | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Service Year Maryland is a program signed into law by Maryland Governor Wes Moore. A service year is an opportunity to develop real-world skills through hands-on service. There are over 65,000 service year opportunities in a variety of issues across the country. This session will provide information on how the program works and what opportunities are available.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NEW! For Sophomores & Juniors!

On Wednesday, December 11th from 6:30 - 7:30 Jordan Kanarek from Collegewise and Kanarek Consulting will be talking about how students can plan for college during the summer. Please join us on zoom.at:

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/83040896278?pwd=9qP19wYldIfGfpF39iNjayHL3Z1C3b.1

NEW! For Sophomores & Juniors. How to Get Started with College Research. Jordan Kanarek from Collegewise and Kanarek Consulting. Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 PM on Zoom. Click HERE to view the flyer with Zoom agenda.

REMINDER: From Federal Student Aid: Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, as we host a free one-day virtual event! This live webinar series will guide you through submitting the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and is tailored for both independent and dependent students. Register HERE.

This event will feature the following:

• A live demonstration of the 2025–26 FAFSA form

• An overview of the financial aid process, available programs, and funding sources

• Key facts and common myths about financial aid

• A guide on creating and accessing your StudentAid.gov account

• A demonstration on where to find certain information on StudentAid.gov

REMINDER: Bilingual In-Person FAFSA Completion sessions:

• Wednesday, December 11 @ 6 pm
• Wednesday, January 15 @ 6 pm
• Tuesday, February 18 @ 6 pm

Details on location are available on the Registration Form. Register for any of these events here!

Please check out the Northwest College Career e-NEWS Bulletin for additional Financial Aid Events and Workshops. New Financial Aid resources have been published on our website from 2024-2025 presentations

NEW Event! You are cordially invited to a Joint United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy Admissions Event. A unique opportunity to delve into the world of both academies. RSVP to reserve your place for what will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Academy, whether it is the right fit, and how to apply.

Event Details:

• Date: 11 December 2024
• Time: 6:00-8:00 PM EST
• Location: US Navy Memorial Plaza
  701 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  Washington, DC 20004-2608
  United States
• RSVP: Washington D.C.

During the Admissions Brief, we will discuss:

1. What the Academies Offer: Learn why USMA and USNA stand as premier institutions for leadership development, academic excellence, and character growth.
2. Life as a Cadet/Midshipman: Gain firsthand insights into the daily life of a Cadet and Midshipman, including academics, athletics, and leadership training.
3. The Application Process: Understand the steps to apply and gather valuable tips to enhance your application.

Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot at the event and RSVP as soon as possible.

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)

RESOURCE FOR SENIORS applying to Montgomery College: Institutional Grants & Scholarships are available.

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: APIA Scholars offers a range of scholarships to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students who are underserved, with a focus on those who are living at or below poverty level, are first-generation college students, and who represent a geographically or ethnically diverse AANHPI community. SENIORS. Scholarship awards range from one-time $2,500 awards up to multi-year $20,000 awards. You may be eligible for a scholarship with APIA Scholars if:

• Be able to describe your ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry in relation to the countries, territories, or lands in Asia or the Pacific Islands
• Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the U.S. ; citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply
• Be enrolling or continuing as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. college or university in Fall 2025

Apply Now. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 15 2025 | Post 26 NOV 2024 |

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: WJZ Black History Oratory Competition. ALL GRADES 9-12. Students write an original essay (500 words or less) based on one of these quotations:

“Service to your people is the rent you pay for living on this earth.” Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson

“We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity, and society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members without receiving the curse on its own soul.” Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." Jackie Robinson

The Top 20 Students with the highest-scoring essays will be invited to perform their Speeches in person, in front of an audience of family, friends and judges, to compete for scholarship prize money. The Speech Event will be streamed LIVE on CBS News Baltimore at WJZ.com. WJZ will announce the Winners on the air, during the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition Awards Special, where the Top Speeches will be broadcast on TV!

All essays and signed application forms must be emailed to Oratory@wjz.com by 11:59 pm on Monday, January 20th. Note, essays are due early this year! Awards range from $250 to $1000.

Essay Prompt, Application Form, and Official Rules are Available for Download Online: https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/wjz-black-history-oratory-competition-2025/

For More Info, Visit: wjz.com/oratory | Questions? Email: Oratory@wjz.com DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 20; 2025 11:59 PM | Post 4 DEC 2024 |

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: MC MONTGOMERY SCHOLARS – open to SENIORS planning to attend MC; in order to be competitive, applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA; official transcript required; college test scores not required but recommended; two letters of recommendation required; resume and essay required; full scholarship with summer experience included in the award. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 31, 2025, | Post 4 DEC 2024 |

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: MC MACKLIN BUSINESS INSTITUTE SCHOLARS (2-year program) – open to SENIORS planning to attend MC with a focus in business; official transcript and official test scores required; two letters of recommendation required; resume and essay required; apply to MC by December 15. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 31, 2025 | Post 4 DEC 2024 |

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: MCPS Educational Foundation’s Student Scholarships & Awards Application Launch. SENIORS. The primary goal for our scholarships and awards is to fund students who are passionate about pursuing educational goals, and face opportunity gaps in achieving those goals.

To be eligible for any of our student scholarships and awards, you must:

• Be an MCPS senior
• Graduate with class of 2025
• Plan to pursue education after high school

Each opportunity has additional preferences and eligibility criteria. Visit our website to see if one of our student scholarships or awards is right for you! Apply today at www.MCPSFoundation.org/Scholarships. Please email (Ed_Foundation@MCPSMD.org) or call us (240-740-3216) with questions. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 24, 2025 | Post 18 NOV 2024 |

To celebrate this week, the Computer Science Honor Society has created a virtual escape room competition for students. Find QR codes on flyers or in room 308 or 279 to access the virtual escape room and complete the challenges. All those participating are eligible for prizes such as candy, giftcards, Northwest swag, and more! Even if you have no experience with computer science, this activity is designed for YOU! We will also have students available to help you during lunch on Tuesday and Thursday in rooms 308 and 279. This opportunity is available for all Northwest students, so feel free to bring your friends to complete this fun and easy challenge.

Beginning after Thanksgiving, all students using the media center during the instructional day with a teacher signed pass will need to Sign In/Out electronically. Two Chromebooks are available at the circulation desk and a QR code for ½ day students. Please enter your Student ID Number, reason, teacher. An email will be generated and sent to your teacher to let them know you arrived. You will also need to sign out for the restroom or to move to another location. The expectation is that you email in the media center location or return to your classroom location during the period.

At this time, due to the turnover of different models of Chromebooks, we do not have any loaners. Please do not send students to get a loaner Chromebook at this time.

Additionally, all freshmen and sophomores should have upgraded their Chromebook to the light grey touchscreen with the 65 watt chargers. If you have not done this already, please do so before December. Chromebook style C771 is being disabled. An email went out to approx. 200 students asking them to return their Chromebooks for an upgrade. After December 4th, 2024, these Chromebooks will not work. Pictured below is how you can tell you have a model C771. Please bring these Chromebooks to the media center as an upgrade.

Season's Greetings! One of the most popular staff appreciation events is quickly approaching and we need your help! On Friday, December 13th, we will be offering gift wrapping for our amazing staff! They bring their holiday gifts to us in the morning and by the afternoon, they return to pick up beautifully wrapped packages! As an added bonus, we'll have a table of delicious desserts and hot drinks for the staff to enjoy. Please help show some holiday appreciation for our wonderful staff by donating your time as a "wrapper" or by donating goodies for the dessert table! Dessert donations may be dropped to the main office on Thursday, December 12th from 7:15 am-3:45 pm. Thank You and Happy Holidays! Sign up here to volunteer or donate: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044BA4AF2DA75-50443756-volunteersdonatio#/

The Ulysses Senior Research class is hard at work preparing their culminating projects. Students will present their work to classes in December, and at the Ulysses Fair in January.

We are launching our Tee Shirt Sale to help us raise funds for Ulysses activities and support the program. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please follow the link below. All proceeds will go towards materials for the Ulysses Fair and other events. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Parks david_p_parks@mcpsmd.org.

Thank you!

Ulysses Tee Shirt Sale - Fall 2024

• All students who are enrolled in AP classes are required to take their corresponding AP exam(s) in May (a schedule of exams can be found here). ALL AP students must be registered for their AP course(s) in AP classroom.
• Joining the corresponding AP Classroom creates an order for the exam. Students should have already registered for their AP Classroom(s) at the beginning of the school year. ALL students should login to their AP Accounts and check that all their courses are listed. If they are missing a course their AP teacher(s) can provide them with the join code. Students must be registered by November 15th to have their exam(s) ordered free of charge.
• Any exams ordered, after November 15th, will be assessed a late order fee of $41.75.
• Any student who orders and exam and then does not take the exam in May will be assessed an unused exam fee of $41.75. These fees are set by the College Board and MCPS. If you have any questions please contact Ms. McClintock (amy_m_mcclintock@mcpsmd.org) the Northwest AP coordinator.
• Any students who have account issues, creating an account or logging in to an existing account, must call the College Board for assistance (888-225-5427). Northwest does not have access to account login information and can't help troubleshoot account issues. The name on your account should match your legal name and the name used on any accommodation paperwork to ensure you receive the correct exams.
• If there are any questions or concerns about AP exams, AP Classroom, or registering for an exam please contact Ms. McClintock (amy_m_mcclintock@mcpsmd.org) the Northwest AP Coordinator.

Still Need to Purchase a Yearbook?

Purchase Link: Then the rest are $100; $105 in person at distribution

Seniors must select the picture that they want to appear in the yearbook by December 2. Or the photo company will select for you. We have a community upload spot for candids. Please upload any pics of your student(s) that may end up as features in the yearbook. We are currently seeking students who participate in hobbies outside of the school building.

Purchase Yearbook Space for Your Senior!!

If you would like to submit a business ad, these prices apply as well.

Personal Ads (upload text and pics online):

Full page: $360

½ page: $195

¼ page: $110

⅛ page: $70

Baby Pic ad Link to pay

Link to Upload pic and quote $25

Purchase this as an add-on when purchasing a yearbook in the 1st link. THEN upload quote and pic to the 2nd link to the left.

Final Deadline for all ad space: 1.20.2025

We still have the 2024 spring supplement available for pick up from the vestibule of the main office between 7:45-3 pm OR in room 250 or 261 before school, during lunch, and after school until 2:45.

Seniors With Siblings. It's a yearbook tradition. Help us keep it alive! Please complete this form to be included in the yearbook page by November 8. FREE!

Want a copy of the Panoramic Pic of the Entire Senior Class? Purchase here. ($20) by December 13.

We are reviving the LIT MAG. Come join us for the Creative Writing Club on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in room 250. See Ms Koutsos for details in room 250. Next meeting: November 20.

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!

All electronic devices (e.g., smart phones, iPods, etc.) must be turned off and out of sight in classrooms and during class time, unless students have been given permission by the teacher to use the device for instructional purposes. Items will be confiscated if students do not adhere to the school policy, and confiscated items must be picked up by a parent. Northwest will assume no responsibility or liability for lost, stolen, or confiscated devices or for the unauthorized use of any such device.

*For a copy of the agreement to this policy that ALL students are expected to sign is linked here.

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.

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.

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

• English
• Spanish
• Korean
• Chinese
• Amharic
• Portuguese
• French
• Vietnamese

ParentVUE Support Guide (link to translated version is in the footer of every page)

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

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!

Email: Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://northwestjags.org
Location: 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-7100
Twitter: @NorthwestJags