Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, June 9, 2024
NEW: A Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone enjoying this warm, Sunday afternoon. We have made it to the final week of the school year and as we close out the last few days, in this last 2023-2024 edition of Northwest News, I want to thank the community for contributing to a great school year. As we wrap up another remarkable school year, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and well wishes to all students, staff, and families. This year has been filled with incredible achievements, memorable moments, and resilient efforts from everyone. As we look forward to a well-deserved summer break, I encourage you to reflect on your accomplishments, cherish the friendships made, and take pride in the growth and learning experienced. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant school community, and I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer. See you in August!
Mark your calendars for the 2024-2025 Northwest Cluster Back to School Fair on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 - 1:00.
Attention families of Graduates, Congratulations again! We hope you had a wonderful ceremony with us and are just as proud as we are of your graduates!
Activity Busses: There will be no activity busses June 10-13, 2024. There is also no after school supervision in the media center.
Current Juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, please take time to do an inventory of your Chromebook. We want to make sure that every student has a working, touch screen, Chromebook and charger. If there are any issues with your Chromebook (missing keys, cracked screens, log in issues, batter issues, etc.) please see the media center staff to get this taken care of before ending the school year. If the media center is closed for an event, please just knock on the next door labeled back office so we can assist you. We need all broken Chromebooks so they can be repaired over the summer. Please make sure that you return any loaner or older modeled Chromebook with chargers as soon as possible.
Media Center books: Any student who wished to check out some books for summer reading should mention that at check out. We would love you to get a head start on summer reading, try a classic, enjoy a new series, or check out a different genre then what you are used to reading! Lists and how to access our online books and audio books will be share next week!
Free Market: It's not too late to donate! The clothing and shoes provided to the Free Market are going fast. Would love to offer more summer options before school is out. If you are summer cleaning, please consider donating to our store.
We still have a limited amount of yearbooks for sale. Once you order online, or if you haven't picked up a pre-ordered book, come to room 261 during lunch or after school to pick up your book.
Yearbook Pictures are available for purchase. Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc use your student ID when prompted for the online code. For questions regarding school pictures, please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Hall Sweeps are continuing and if a student is caught in a hall sweep more than once, they will be assigned an after-school detention. Prioritize regular, prompt attendance to all classes.
Interested in donating to our community? Click this link to support any of our families in need.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as a call for a concessions manager for the 2024-2025 school year, and this week's College and Career updates.
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Amharic]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Chinese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [French]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Korean]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Portuguese]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Spanish]
Remind Quick Guides for Parents [Vietnamese]
There are some important reminders including the complete list of Senior Awards, a reminder about the free market, information about "Girls Wired for Fire Week," summer events of Peace sponsored by the Street Outreach Network, information about our Junior Jags program, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, a call for parents to join our parent councils, College T-Shirt Tuesdays, and ways to buy Class spirit gear.
We thank you for your continued support and trust. Let's make the last week a good one!
NEW: Concessions Manager for 2024-2025
The Northwest Booster Club is still seeking a Concessions Manager for the 2024-2025 school year. The one-year term begins July 1, 2024, with the option to continue after that time period.
Concessions Manager: Leads concessions committee to stock and staff the concessions stands for the fall, winter and spring sports seasons as well as two drama productions in the fall and spring.
If you are interested in gathering more information about this position, please contact Ms. Kim Summers, Booster Club President at president@nwhsboosters.org or Mr. Smith, Principal at Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION!
NEW: College and Career Updates!
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COLLEGE CAREER Community e-NEWS BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS: View the complete e-NEWS Bulletin on the college career web page and click on the e-NEWS link for all details. END OF SCHOOL YEAR Publication date: 06/07/2024. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
SUMMER COLLEGE CAREER WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES:
| MCPS College Preparedness Summer 2024 | | Local Lineup | Just added to the Local Lineup “The Common App Explained” Tuesday, July 23 @ 11 AM
REMINDER: Rock Creek Conservation Corps
The Rock Creek Conservation Corps (RC3) program provides individuals aged 14 to 24 with a paid summer job in the conservation field. Participants will gain hands-on field experience and learn about environmental restoration work. The RC3 program runs from June 24 to August 2, 2024. This program not only imparts environmental education but also fosters lasting connections to Rock Creek’s parklands, while also earning a stipend for their involvement! Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
- To apply, go to https://secure.everyaction.com/dc0iRn0QukC3FV11fWC1Ug2.
- Contact volunteer@rockcreekconservancy.org with any questions.
REMINDER:Tuesday, June 11, 8 PM ET, BigFuture Real Talk (a career and college exploration initiative for Black students and families) is hosting a special Real Talk event, "Celebrate Juneteenth: Find the HBCU for You!" This event will celebrate Juneteenth and help students and families find the HBCU that is the best fit for their personal journey. Dr. Brandi Waters, the person behind the College Board creation of AP African American Studies course, and several HBCU administrators and students will serve on our event's virtual panel.
REMINDER: From the University of Maryland College Park: We’re excited to share an upcoming opportunity for your students and their families! On Saturday, June 22, 2024 the University of Maryland will host its 25th annual College Access Conference (CAC). CAC is designed to offer information and guidance to first-generation and underrepresented 10th and 11th grade students and their families, as they prepare to navigate the college admission process.Throughout the day, guests will be able to attend sessions and learn about topics such as applying to college, writing a college essay, getting involved on campus, qualifying for merit scholarships, and applying for financial aid. They’ll also have a chance to tour our beautiful campus and meet representatives from our academic programs and campus services. Registration is required.
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.
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.
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS:
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA ROCKVILLE CHAPTER Thomas W. Fisher Conservation & Environmental Studies Scholarship. IWLAR is offering six $2000 scholarships to qualified Montgomery County MD SENIORS. The Chapter’s Thomas W. Fisher Conservation Scholarships are awarded to young people studying conservation or environmentally related disciplines. Application includes a 500-word essay and two personal letters of recommendation. An unofficial transcript is also required. Visit the IWLAR website for the application and more information @ iwlar.org/scholarships-and-service-learning/. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 18 | Post 1 May 2024 |
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: Dreamers Scholarship for UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS! The Daisy DACA Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding the rights and future of immigrant children in the United States.
Every child deserves a chance to pursue their dreams and build a bright future, regardless of their citizenship status. Unfortunately, there are many unique challenges that children brought to this country by immigrant parents face when growing up, which can make it difficult to access the world of higher education.
This scholarship seeks to support students who aren’t U.S. citizens but are passionate about working hard to achieve their goals. Any undergraduate student who has at least a 3.0 GPA and isn’t a citizen may apply for this scholarship opportunity.
$5,000 award. To apply, respond to the following essay prompt in 400–600 words:
Please tell us a bit about yourself and how this funding will help impact your education and future. Please share about your background as a non-US citizen and how this has impacted your educational journey thus far.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY! DEADLINE TO APPLY: AUGUST 15 | Post 20 May 2024 |
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: 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 by a committee beginning April 10. Funds will begin disbursement by Mary 1. DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 1 2024 | Post 18 April 2024 |
REMINDER: Jaguars Free Market!
Please consider donating as you “Spring Clean” and/or “Spring Shop”:
- Jeans, shorts, capri’s, athletic shorts (xs-2x), short sleeve tee’s, etc.
- All items should be clean and ‘new’ or ‘like new’ so that we can easily sort, make available, and store as needed (Please no holes or stains)
- New flip flops or like new canvas style shoes sizes 6-10, new low-rise socks
- Small or travel size toothpaste, wrapped/boxed toothbrushes, deodorants, sunscreen, chap sticks, and feminine products.
All items can be dropped off at the media center. This has been a huge hit with students! We would love to have items available like sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, chapstick, etc. in addition to items listed above!
REMINDER: Girls Wired for Fire Week
Do you want the experience of a lifetime?
Learn that you have what it takes to be a firefighter/EMT.
July 22 - 26, 2024
When?
The inaugural event will be held July 22 - 26 8AM to 5PM (with two days ending later). Graduation to be held on July 26th - open to parents.
Where?
Class is at the Public Service Training Academy:
8751 Snouffer School Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Who?
The event is open to ladies from the ages 16-20.
What?
During Girls Wired for Fire Week, young ladies will experience:
· Fire scenarios
- EMS scenarios
- Rescue scenarios
- Physical training
- Nutrition
- Hard work and empowerment
- Working at a fire station to see the ins/outs of what it takes
- Building relationships and lifelong friendships
The program is FREE of charge. Uniforms and gear will be provided. The experience is limited to a certain amount of applicants, so apply early!
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: Northwest Parents' 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
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 2027 (9th Grade): Yellow
Class of 2026 (10th Grade): Green
Class of 2025 (11th Grade): Red
Class of 2024 (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
Northwest High School serves over 2400 students and is home of the Jaguars!