Northwest News

Dear Northwest High School Families,

Happy Sunday! As we observe Veterans Day tomorrow, we take a moment to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our nation's veterans. We are deeply grateful for the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces, protecting our freedoms and way of life. We salute their commitment and express our heartfelt thanks for their service. Let us remember and appreciate their contributions, not just on this day, but every day.

A CONGRATULATIONS to our fall athletes for their continued post-season performances. Our varsity cheerleaders took third place at regions, our girl flag football team had an amazing performance at the state championship tournament this past Friday, our girls volleyball team ended their amazing season in the regional finals and our cross country teams had impressive performances at states with our girls team finishing 7th and our boys team finishing 8th. A special congrats to Audrey W and Whitney D on the girls team as well as Nassir B and Adam K on the boys side. This Thursday, November 14, our Varsity Football team will take on Seneca Valley for the next round of playoffs.

Attention Seniors: Josten's will be outside of our counseling office on Tuesday, November 12th during lunch. Students can place in person orders with our Jostens rep for the Cap and Gown. $80 through 1/31/25. Cash and check will be accepted. Additionally, We will be having a senior class meeting during Jag Paws on Wednesday, November 13th. (Students will be called down to the auditorium when Jag Paws begins.) Helpful information about senior year will be shared. You will hear about important dates, yearbooks, Cap & Gowns, SSL hours and more! The senior panoramic picture will be taken immediately following the class meeting, at approximately 10am.

The Annual Jewelry and Trinket Giveaway is coming! If you have any jewelry or trinkets you no longer want, please donate them to NW Free Store, room 264, and we will find a new home for them in December.

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.

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.

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

• Class of 2025 Jostens Visit and Cap & Gown Ordering
• Interested in a Winter Sport?
• School Supplies Collection
• Nextrek Recycling
• Free Market Updates
• Northwest Got Talent Auditions
• College and Career Updates
• HBCU Student Panel
• On the Spot Admissions Opportunities
• Financial Aid Workshops
• Athletics and Events Calendar for the Week (November 11 - November 17)

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

• Save the Date for the TENTATIVE Class of 2025 Graduation
• An update to the NWHS PTSA Silent Auction
• Ulysses T-Shirt Sales
• Important AP Exam Updates
• Still need to purchase a Yearbook?

• Class of 2025 - Order your Cap and Gown

• Holiday Giving
• Digital Library Information
• Important early dismissal and absence procedures
• Our upcoming Diversity Night
• Our Cell Phone Policy
• Our ID policy
• The policy for chromebooks, chromebook chargers and the costs for families to replace them
• The Free Store
• A call to support our Booster Club
• 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!

Interested in participating in a winter sport this year? The deadline to register and submit a current physical is Wednesday, November 13th. Most teams begin November 15th. Students should check the list outside Mrs. Tyler's office, room 110 across from the gym, and ensure that their name is on the list and that they are registered. You can get more information about the registration process on NorthwestAthletics.org. If you are trying to register and getting an error message that you have a pre-existing registration, you'll need to go back and delete any old registrations. And make sure that when you get to the green check mark that tells you the registration is complete, that you save and continue and then submit the registration. Registrations submitted after November 13th may not be processed in time to try out. Reach out to Mrs. Tyler if you have any additional questions.

NEW! Financial Aid 101 (click the link to download the PowerPoint presentation). Presented by Rob Maddox. November 6, 2024. | 7 NOV 2024 |

REMINDER: MCPS On-Site Admit Events continue. Next event is Wednesday, November 13 @ Seneca Valley HS! Registration required. Click here to register. Seniors must have applied to their school of interest prior to the event. Events are scheduled for the following dates:

• Wednesday, November 13 @ Seneca Valley HS from 6 until 8 pm - deadline to register is Monday, November 11
• Tuesday, December 3 @ Richard Montgomery HS from 3 until 6 pm - deadline to register is Friday, November 29

REMINDER: Paying for College: FAFSA and Financial Aid. A free, interactive webinar event for the Class of 2025. November 13 @ 6:30 PM. Offered by Going Merry.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER | Download the Program Flier |

REMINDER: FAFSA & FINANCIAL AID in Spanish

Carmen Palacios-Aguirre from Financial Aid at UNC Chapel Hill will be leading a financial aid and FAFSA presentation on November 19th from 6:30-7:30

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/87251880493?pwd=mGhUOit4OezF61K2toihb8FKnN4rqo.1

Meeting ID: 872 5188 0493

Passcode: 159550

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One tap mobile

+13017158592,,87251880493#,,,,*159550# US (Washington DC)

+13126266799,,87251880493#,,,,*159550# US (Chicago)

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Dial by your location

• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Find your local number: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/u/kbxRR2HAT1

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

Tuesday, November 12:

• Roanoke College @ 9:40 am
• West Virginia University @ 1 pm

Thursday, November 14:

• University of the District of Columbia @ 12:05 pm

Monday, November 18:

• York College of PA @ 9:40 am

Tuesday, November 19:

• Alvernia University @ 9:40 am

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)

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: THE HERB BLOCK FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP does not have a required GPA or age to apply. This is a ‘last dollar’ scholarship (meaning that the calculation of a student's need considers all other financial aid awards the student receives). The award covers not only tuition, but also fees, books, and transportation. Applicants can plan to attend one of the 2-year colleges listed below, full-time, or part-time.

DACA, Maryland Dreamers, and Virginia Dreamers are eligible to apply. Applicants need to have a high school diploma or a GED to apply.

1. Northern Virginia Community College

2. Montgomery College

3. Prince George’s Community College

4. Community College of the District of Columbia

DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: NOVEMBER 25, 2024 | Post 6 NOV 2024 |

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION. Graduating minority high school SENIOR. Providing generous four-year scholarships and support services to highly motivated college students with financial need. Applicants must be a US citizen and be able to present evidence of financial need. Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential with a dedication to community service. Applicants must plan to attend a 4-year college or university within the United States and not have accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college. Application includes one recommendation and a high school transcript: four essays and completion of the CSS profile. Have questions about your scholarship application? Good news– Foundation staff will be on hand for a drop-in Q & A session to help answer those questions! The next session is Tuesday, November 21, 2024, 7pm – 8pm. Click here to join. DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 9, 2025 | Post 6 NOV 2024 |

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: KAPPA YOUTH & COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Gaithersburg-Rockville SCHOLARSHIP. Available to African American MALE SENIORS of color. Minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants should be active in extracurricular activities or work-related activities. High school transcript, essay, two letters of recommendation, and college acceptance letter required. Apply online only. Click on ‘scholarship’ on the left side of the Kappa Alpha home page using the link embedded above. DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 20 2025 | Post 31 OCT 2024 |

We’re excited to announce that our annual auction has been rescheduled to a new date to accommodate the Jaguars’ playoff schedule! Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in the Northwest High School Media Center.

Join us for an evening filled with exciting items up for bid, and show your support for our school! For additional details, please refer to the event flyer. We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your understanding and flexibility. Go Jags!

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.

Today 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.

The Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County provides a Thanksgiving meal and December holiday assistance to qualifying families. If you are interested in participating in this program, there are two ways that you can sign up.

1) Download and complete the Referral and Consent Form here, and return it to the Northwest Counseling Office or

2) Call Northwest's counseling office at 240-740-7080 to share your information for a referral. Please leave a message if no one answers, and someone will get back to you at our earliest convenience.

The deadline to request assistance for the Thanksgiving Holiday is October 24th, so please act today! Please feel free to call the counseling office if you have any questions, or email Ms. Kelly Cooper at Kelly_A_Cooper@mcpsmd.org.

Please note: There is only one referral permitted per family. Please include all children attending other MCPS schools. Assistance is based on the county's available resources and is not guaranteed. After referrals are submitted, you will be contacted directly by the organization coordinating distribution. It is the family's responsibility to pick up items at the designated time and location.

El Proyecto de Entrega de Canastas del Condado de Montgomery ofrece comida para el día de Acción de Gracias y asistencia navideña en diciembre a las familias que califican. Si está interesado en participar en este programa, hay dos maneras de inscribirse.

1) Descargue y complete el Formulario de Referencia y Consentimiento aquí, y devuélvalo a la oficina de consejería de Northwest o

2) Llame a la oficina de consejería de Northwest al 240-740-7080 y comparta su información para una referencia. Por favor, deje un mensaje si nadie responde, y alguien se pondrá en contacto con usted lo antes posible.

La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia para las canastas de Acción de Gracias es el 24 de octubre, ¡así que por favor hágalo hoy! Por favor, no dude en llamar a la oficina de consejería si tiene alguna pregunta, o envíe un correo electrónico a la Sra. Kelly Cooper al Kelly_A_Cooper@mcpsmd.org.

Tenga en cuenta: Solo se permite un formulario de referencia por familia. Asegúrese de incluir todos sus niños que asisten a otras escuelas en el Condado de Montgomery. La asistencia se basa en la cantidad de recursos que el condado tiene disponibles y no está garantizada. Después que enviamos los formularios de referencia al condado, la organización que coordina la distribución de sus donaciones, se comunicará con usted directamente. Es responsabilidad de la familia recoger los artículos en el lugar y la hora designados.

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