Northwest News

Dear Northwest Students and Families,

Welcome back to school for the 2024-2025 school year! We are thrilled to welcome our over 2,300 students tomorrow morning and are ecstatic for what we know will be a great year! As noted in my back to school newsletter, I will be sending the newsletter for the Northwest community, Northwest News every Sunday evening. This newsletter will detail important upcoming dates, schedules, information and pertinent information for families, students and staff.

As we return to school for the first day, it is important to note that car-riders should be dropped off through the lower, gym lobby entrance. Car drop-offs/pick-ups are not allowed in the upper, bus lot during arrival hours, 7:00 - 7:55 or dismissal hours, 2:20 - 2:55. Plan ahead! The earlier you arrive to school, the smoother and less congested both Richter Farm Road and the school lots will be. Be Safe! Keep your eyes open for both pedestrians and bike riders. Slow Down! Pay close attention to the posted speed limits and remember that there are thousands of students and staff for whom we want to arrive safely.

In this week's newsletter, there are a lot of important pieces of information to get us started off with a smooth week. You will find this week's bell schedule as we have homeroom for the first two (2) days of school, Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27, and a Pep Rally on Friday, August 30. Additionally, our seniors will be holding their Senior Sunrise celebration this Friday, August 30.

You will also find the updated counselor/administrator assignments, the updated administrative duties chart, information about the free store, the 3rd annual Latina Legacy Conference, a NEW cell phone policy, a NEW ID policy, our continued College T-Shirt Tuesday tradition, information for buying parking permits, Class of 2028 elections information, things to know from MCPS from Thursday, August 22, the upcoming activities fair, an ask from our Booster Club, the activities and athletics events happening this week, an ask for pictures for our yearbook, important arrival/dismissal reminders, a reminder about Back to School Night, ParentVue information, a way for parents to get involved, and a way to buy class spirit gear!

Don't forget to mark you calendars for Back to School Night which is this Thursday, September 5. More details below.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Northwest. We are looking forward to welcoming each and every one of our students back to school!

Please find the breakdown of the counselor and administrator assignments for the 2024-2025 school year here. Do not hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor and/or administrator with any question/concern.

To see the complete list of roles and responsibilities for the 2024-2025 Northwest Administrative team, refer to this document. Families, if you have any questions regarding each respective aspect of the roles and responsibilities of the administrative team, please reach out to them directly.

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.

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.

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.
  

Parking permit applications and payment will be accepted by the Business Office, Room 322, before school (7:25–7:40 a.m.), during lunch (11:10–11:56 a.m.), or after school (2:30–2:45 p.m.). Students must not have any outstanding financial obligations to the school and must be academically eligible (2.0 cumulative GPA with no more than one E) to be eligible for a parking permit. The price for a full year parking permit is $78.00 (processing fee included) payable by cash, check (made out to Northwest High School), or online using a credit card through SchoolCash Online. To pay online, a link will be sent to the student’s school email once the application has been received and approved for eligibility.

During the first three weeks of school (August 26-September 13), students may use any parking space in the lower parking lot. All approved parking permits will be distributed to students before school, during lunch, or after school in front of the Business Office, Room 322, on September 12 and 13. Beginning Monday, September 16, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2024-2025 parking permit and be parked in the student’s assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or that do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year

We are so excited to welcome you to a new school year! On Monday, Aug. 26, close to 160,000 students will walk through the doors to begin the school year. MCPS is committed to excellence, and by working in partnership with our families and the community, we will pave the pathway to a bright future for all of our students. We encourage you to visit the Back-To-School Resource Website, including a list of back-to-school nights.

Stay Up-to-Date with Holidays, Professional Days and More with the School Calendar

• 2024-2025 Traditional School Year Calendar
  español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / ማርኛ

• 2024-2025 Innovative School Year Calendar (Arcola Elementary School only)
  español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / ማርኛ

Annual Back-to-School Fair - This Saturday, Aug. 24

Join us on Saturday, Aug. 24 for the annual MCPS Back-to-School Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. Enjoy free family activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. This year’s vendors include KID Museum, Glenstone Museum, Imagination Stage, Montgomery County Recreation, the Montgomery County Police Department’s Community Opioid Prevention Education trailer. Students and families will have assistance with ParentVue. There will also be a free immunization clinic.

Free shuttles to the event from six high schools will be available starting at 9 a.m. Visit the fair’s webpage for shuttle locations and departure times.

New to MCPS? Sign Up for ParentVUE

Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more.

ParentVUE Quick Guides

English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Help Us Ensure Safe Transportation for All Students

Parents and guardians can help us open the school year smoothly by following simple guidelines and tips to ensure the safety of all students. Access important information on school bus transportation, including bus routes and times (scroll to section labeled “bus routes”), the Ride by the Rules campaign, and about riding the school bus and safe routes on the MCPS website.

All You Need to Know for Lunch

The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for the 2024–2025 school year. Families must renew their FARMS application each school year even if their child qualified the previous year. Students at schools participating under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) are eligible for free meals and do not need to apply for FARMS. We encourage all families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application. All meals are free for students who qualify for the program. Visit the Division of Food and Nutrition Services webpage for information on prices, updated menus, including new menu items representing student picks and vegetarian options, how to add money to your child's account through “MySchoolBucks” and more.

Share Your First Day of School Pictures!

We Want to See Those Smiles!

MCPS invites parents/guardians to submit first-day-of-school pictures on Monday, Aug. 26. Pictures will be shared on the district’s website and social media pages beginning Monday morning. By submitting a photo, you are agreeing to publication on the MCPS website or social media channels. You may submit a photo by emailing us at pio@mcpsmd.org or tagging us on social media—#MCPSFirstDay or #MCPSForward.

Fall is here and the Jags are back in action!

The NW Athletic Department and the Booster Club want to provide our athletes and fans with an awesome experience at each and every home game. To make that happen, we need your help to VOLUNTEER at the concessions stand. Parent and community member support is crucial to have a successful year! Please note all volunteers must be adult volunteers. If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to open the concessions stand.

Pick a slot or two or three...because WE NEED YOU!

There are multiple sports events to choose from. We want you to watch your athletes compete so please come help at other games so those parents can watch their athletes. Don't have a child playing a sport? Come out anyway. It's a great way to connect with other NWHS parents! Remember, concessions volunteers get into the games for free and ALL proceeds go directly toward supporting all of our students! Please put the sport/club you represent in the Comment section!

Thank you from your 2024-2025 Concessions Committee!

Questions? Email Alida Kodjanian at akodjanian@gmail.com or text 202-903-6200.

The school will be open at 7:00 a.m. every morning and unless staying after school for an extracurricular activity, students are expected to exit by 2:45 p.m. daily.

If students are arriving by car, they must be dropped off at the lower gym lobby entrance until 7:45am. After 7:45 am, car riders must be dropped off at the upper main entrance. Students who walk to school may arrive at the main entrance or the gym lobby. All buses will drop students off at the upper main entrance. Please note that these procedures are the same for dismissal in the afternoon.

Families, please remember to adhere to the speed limit on Richter Farm Road. Additionally, please do not let students out of your vehicles on Richter Farm Road. We want everyone to arrive to school safely.

Our annual Back-to-School Night will be on the evening of Thursday, September 5. The evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a Community Information Fair in the hallway between the main office and the auditorium. The PTSA, Booster Club, and various other student and parent groups will have tables containing information about student activities and ways that parents can become involved in the life of the school. After the Community Information Fair, there will be a brief welcome in the auditorium at 6:30 pm, and then you will have an opportunity to visit each of your child's classes. Northwest Ambassadors will be available to assist you in locating specific classrooms. The program will conclude by 9:00 pm. Based on previous experience, parking will be very tight. Please arrive early and carpool if at all possible.

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