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Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, June 2, 2024
NEW: A Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
It's June! I hope this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening! We have just a few short days until we close out the 2023-2024 school year. We have just four (4) days this week as the school is closed this Thursday, June 6 for our graduation ceremony. Students in grades 9-11 will return to school Friday, June 7.
A reminder to all seniors, you all MUST attend the graduation rehearsal on Wednesday, June 5. This is mandatory to receive your caps and gowns. We will begin promptly at 7:45 am. Please also see below the flyer about the elementary school clap-out occuring that afternoon at 2:45 pm.
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.
There are many amazing things happening during the school day to support the learning of our students! At times, some students need some extra support to master new learning. MCPS has gathered resources that are free or low cost to families. These resources directly align with our curriculum used to teach our students each day. Let us know if you have any questions about your student’s academic progress. Family Resources
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, this week's College and Career updates, tips on writing the college essay, a way to support our PTSA at Paisano's this Thursday, June 6 and free store 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, the senior clap out at our local elementary schools, 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, our graduation date for the Class of 2024, 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 it a great week!
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!
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. Publication date: 05/31/2024. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
NEW! There are several STEM opportunities available for high school students this summer and fall.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched the NOAA Young Changemakers Fellowship application for the 2024-2025 school year. This program is for high school students passionate about the environment, climate, ocean, Great Lakes and/or coasts. Program participants receive mentorship, skill-building opportunities, and financial resources to design and lead an action project in their own communities. Full participation comes with an $800 stipend and paid travel to Washington, D.C., for a kick-off summit in July. More information is available on the NOAA Young Changemakers Fellowship webpage. Applications are due Monday, June 10.
The University of Maryland, in conjunction with the Maryland Forestry Foundation, is offering high school students the chance to learn about urban forestry at a new camp in conjunction with the University of Maryland, College Park. The camp will be held at the College Park campus, July 7-13. Forty students will be selected through the application process by a committee to have housing, meals and materials covered by a grant through the Foundation. For more information and to apply, visit the website.
STEM Ready: STEM Ready Pathways is a partnership between MCPS, Montgomery College, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and The Universities at Shady Grove for students starting sophomore year of high school. The program offers STEM coaches to support students’ academic journeys and career support. For more information, fill out this interest form.
These opportunities are highlighted in the latest publication of the MCPS Bulletin.
NEW! The Boys & Girls Clubs in Germantown, MD will provide 2 opportunities this summer for Teens. We have the Junior Leader program and we have Teen Camp. In addition, we provide after school Teen Programs and Student Service Learning Hours opportunities throughout the school year.
In the Junior Leader program, Teens (grades 9-12) will assist with daily activities and work with the campers. Junior Leaders will learn leadership skills and skills to work with youth. The Junior Leader program allows the Teen members to have a memorable and rewarding summer, gain work experience and training, while earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
Complete the online version by clicking this link, Junior Leader Application. Apply by June 7, 2024.
In Teen Camp, Teen Club Members will participate in activities that fall under Boys & Girls Clubs of America Core Program Areas of:
- Character & Leadership
- Education & Career
- Health & Wellness
- Arts
- Sport, Fitness, & Recreation
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
Post 1 May 2024 |
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:
Next month (6/11), 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
FREE FAFSA HELP!
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
For one-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA or questions regarding your FAFSA submission!
Start by requesting an appointment using the EOC Intake Form.
(EOC is a grant funded institution. Information captured in the Intake Form is confidential and used only to support the grant funding)
- Contact the office by phone 240-567-5644
- Email us at mceoc@montgomerycollege.edu
May 15: Maryland Priority Deadline to submit the FAFSA and required documents to be considered for the Guaranteed Access Grant.
June 1: State of Maryland Final Deadline for FAFSA submission.
Perfecting the personal statement or brainstorming the supplemental essays can be a daunting task—especially when students are applying to multiple colleges. Join Jordan Kanarek, Founder of Kanarek Consulting and Partner of Collegewise to learn about approaches to essay writing and how students can take their essay writing to the next level. This seminar will share insight on:
- The personal statement and why it's important
- Important factors to consider when writing the Common Application personal statement
- What to avoid in college application essays
- Timeline tips and tricks
Discover the secret sauce to strong essay writing and how you can best use the coming summer to get ahead before senior year starts!
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. Additional Northwest High School Scholarship Resource (PDF format).
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS: (for details on all opportunities listed below, download the latest Jag Scholarships Bulletin ‘Apply Now’ available on the web)
- SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: The POSSE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS offered to JUNIORS. (link to Posse’s Partner Colleges & Universities - DC). Full-tuition scholarships to Posse DC partner schools (see website for details); school nomination required; applicants should be able to demonstrate extraordinary leadership and must also excel academically (no GPA and/or SAT/ACT requirement). DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: JUNE 7 | Post 15 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: American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship Program. Available to high school students in ALL GRADES. $1,000. DEADLINE FOR ESSAY SUBMISSION: JUNE 1 | Post 24 April 2024 |
- 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: 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 |
NEW: Free Store Updates!
Cleaning out your backpacks at the end of the year? The Free Store needs your donations! We take all gently used school supplies but we especially need backpacks and composition books. Please bring items to The Free Store in room 264 or drop off materials in the main office by Wednesday, June 5th.
Stop by the Free Store today to get a jump on next year’s school supply shopping! We have composition notebooks, binders, dividers, and more to give you. The Free Store is going to be packed up on June 10th, so hurry!
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!