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Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, May 19, 2024
NEW: A Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope this message finds everyone enjoying their Sunday evening! It looks to be a warm week ahead so be sure to dress accordingly. We have many fun senior events this week as they close out their final week of school. Be sure to check out the schedule for the week below. A special shout-out to our students, parents, staff, and volunteers who made both Prom and After Prom such a huge success. It was a beautiful night that reminded us all how truly special it is to be a part of the Northwest community.
Congratulations to our spring sports athletes as many closed our their seasons last week during regional playoff contests. A special shout-out to our Coed Volleyball team for winning the county championship game and to our track and field athletes who are advancing to the state meet.
Attention Seniors! Your last week is this week, May 20-24 and you must be prepared to turn in all textbooks, materials, etc. Additionally, you should have your chromebooks and chromebook chargers ready to also turn in. Be sure to have them with you on your last day.
The Senior Class Office has put together a Class of 2024 Commits page to highlight what our amazing Class of 2024 will do after graduation. Please view the page here: https://www.instagram.com/nwhscommits24 If a senior would like to submit to be highlighted, please fill out this form! The officers will post two to three a day to make sure everyone gets a chance to shine.
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 the schedule for seniors this week, information about the Senior Commits day, information about "Girls Wired for Fire Week," this week's College and Career Updates, and things to know from MCPS for Thursday, May 16.
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 some free store updates, the upcoming Senior Sunset, the Naviance Senior Exit Survey, links and resources regarding the FAFSA, information about the arrival of our Yearbook, an opportunity to receive help on writing the college essay, College and Career summer workshops, Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, summer events of Peace sponsored by the Street Outreach Network, information about our Junior Jags program, a call for a Booster Club President and Concessions Manager, 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: 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!
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: 05/17/2024. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
NEW 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.
NEW 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 TO FILE YOUR FAFSA…
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.
FAFSA and financial aid resources on the web @ FAFSA Completion Resources & Video Tutorials
FAFSA @ StudentAid.gov
MD CAPS One App @ https://mhec.maryland.gov/
REMINDER CRACKING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT: Say Goodbye to Essay Writing Anxiety & Learn to Perfect the Personal Statement; June 5, 6:45 PM
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!
REMINDER Senior Exit Survey: MCPS requires each high school to report the plans of their graduates and the total number of scholarships graduates were offered. The data is reported collectively and not by each individual graduate. Click HERE for survey instructions. The survey will be completed using Naviance. Please complete the survey by May 24. | Post 22 April 2024 |
REMINDER COLLEGE CAREER SUMMER WORKSHOPS | 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 SUMMER JOB RESOURCE 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.
SCHOLARSHIPS RESOURCE: 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 HIGHLIGHTS:
- SCHOLARSHIP: 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 REMINDERS:
- SCHOLARSHIP: Washington DC Chapter of the NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (DCNNOA) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. Opportunities to high school minority SENIORS from the DC metropolitan area (Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern VA). We are a non-profit 501(C3) organization. Awards start at $1,000 based on academic achievement, positive community involvement, commitment, and financial need. Scholarship recipients select their major and attend the college or university of their choice without any obligation to join or affiliate with the military. An applicant needs to submit only one application package and he or she will be considered for any of our scholarships for which they meet the requirements.
An online application form to apply for our scholarships is available here: https://nnoa.org/chapter-dcnnoa/. If this hyperlink is blocked by your exchange server, please copy the secure (https) link information into your web browser. As a measure to accommodate continued challenging times, “unofficial” transcripts are acceptable. Applications should be completed to the student’s best ability and certified by a school counselor or staff for accuracy of grades and extracurricular activities. Students must submit a COMPLETE application package that is verified by his or her school by May 24, 2024 in order to be considered for a scholarship. NOTE: Students selected to receive a DCNNOA scholarship will be notified directly via telephone call. Please ensure an active telephone number is listed on the application form. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 24 | Post 3 May 2024 |
- SCHOLARSHIP: 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: 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: 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: Things to Know from MCPS for Thursday, May 16
Students Awarded More Than $2.3 Million in Scholarships
The MCPS Educational Foundation recognized more than 225 recipients of 18 scholarships and awards, including the 2024 Ruth and Norman Rales-Patricia Baier O’Neill Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence, at the Evening of Excellence celebration on May 15. Read more.
Two MCPS Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars
Two Richard Montgomery High School students have been named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Angelina Xu and Maximilian P. Belyantsev are two of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to their school and community. Read more.
Attendance Matters: A Look At the Attendance Works Program at Bel Pre Elementary
In this video, Bel Pre Elementary School staff share how they have worked with families and students to reduce absenteeism and to significantly increase attendance. MCPS remains committed to working closely with families to support student attendance.
A student is considered chronically absent if they are absent 10 percent or more of the days they are enrolled. Please make every effort to send your child(ren) to school every day. If you have any barriers to sending your child(ren) to school, reach out to a trusted staff member at your school. They are there to help.
Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events For Students and Families
Click on the titles to learn more
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. – 15th Annual Gaithersburg Book Festival at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg.
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. – Montgomery County Newcomer Resource Fair at Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring.
Tuesday, May 21, 6–7:30 p.m. – Student Webinar on Understanding and Addressing Anti-Asian Hate, Zoom.
Thursday, May 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m. – Virtual Event on Jewish History in MCPS’ Social Studies Curricula, Zoom.
Saturday June 1, 1:30– 5 p.m. – Pride Community Day at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway.
Student Service Learning Hours Forms Due May 31
The deadline to have Student Service Learning (SSL) forms turned in is Friday, May 31. All SSL forms for any service completed after June 1, 2023, must be submitted to a student’s SSL middle school coordinator or high school coordinator by the systemwide deadline of Friday, May 31. After May 31, SSL forms will no longer be accepted for service completed during the 2023–2024 school year or the summer prior. Students must earn 75 SSL hours in order to graduate from high school.
Learn more about the required SSL documentation and find SSL opportunities ahead of the summer months.
Twenty-Eight Hispanic Seniors Recognized for Academics, Leadership
The Hispanic Alliance for Education held its annual Distinguished Hispanic Scholars Awards ceremony on May 9. Twenty-eight Latinx students were honored for outstanding academic achievement, community engagement and leadership. Check out a photo gallery from the event.
May is Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) Month! Join us in expressing our deepest appreciation to the MCPS PPWs for their critical work supporting students and their families! Pupil personnel workers (PPWs) act as case managers for identified students, making program changes and monitoring progress. They collaborate with administrators, parents, counselors and teachers, and use knowledge of MCPS programs and community resources to determine interventions and placement for students.
2023-2024 Pupil Personnel Worker School Assignments by School
REMINDER: Free Store Updates!
Celebrate the end of AP testing by donating your old test prep books to the Free Store in room 264! Please donate through June 7th. Also, pick up free test prep books for next year. Come to room 264 during lunch. Get the best selection at the end of this year. We are always in need of gently-used school supplies--especially composition notebooks and backpacks.
Thank you for helping support Northwest!
REMINDER: The Yearbook is here!
The 2023-2024 Silver Paws Yearbooks are here, and the staff is working to organize and prepare them for distribution.
The Senior Signing Party will be held in the stadium on 5.22, beginning at 1:00, after period 5. We will distribute underclass books at lunch and after school beginning on 5.22, out of 261. Ask for Ms Koutsos.
We have a limited number of books still available for purchase at this link. Please note: The main part of the book will not include spring functions such as prom, graduation, the musical, and spring sports. But the supplement will! This is the 2nd year Northwest has done a spring supplement, and It is included in the cost of the book.
The spring supplement will arrive mid-July. All purchasers will receive an email notifications (to the email given to Jostens at purchase) about when they will be available for pick up, once they arrive. The spring supplement is designed to attach to the main part of the book.
Happy Jewish American Heritage Month!
Happy Asian American & Pacific Islander Month!
REMINDER: Class of 2024 Next Level Celebration!
We are collecting information from senior athletes who are moving on to compete in a sport in college. Linked below is a google form that MUST BE COMPLETED BY Friday May 10th by anyone who has committed to compete in a sport for a college or university. This means you have a formal agreement with the school. If you are playing NCAA Div 1, 2, or 3, NAIA, or have committed to a NJCAA school, we want to recognize you! If you are competing in a sport not represented at Northwest, we still want to recognize you. Please complete this form as soon as possible so I can begin planning. The event will take place on Monday, May 20th after school in the auditorium. Students participating in the event, as well as their coaches and families, will receive further communication at a later time.
Please complete this google form to register.
Please note- if you are planning to try to walk on to a program once you get to college, that is awesome! That's exactly what I did when I attended Slippery Rock University some time ago and joined the Softball team. Many schools and sports are reliant on walk-on athletes to complete their rosters, so don't feel like if you weren't recruited, your journey is already over! Once you get to campus, find out how it works at your school. If collegiate athletics isn't in your future, many schools offer teams at the club or intramural levels. Whatever you do, don't stop looking for opportunities to keep playing the sports you love!
REMINDER: Booster Club seeking President & Concessions Manager for 2024-2025
The Northwest Booster Club is seeking a President and 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.
President: Presides over meetings, oversees events and fundraising, works with principal, athletic director, Booster Club officers, and chairpeople to ensure the Booster Club mission is upheld and served
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 either of these positions, 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!
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!