Northwest News

Dear Northwest High School Families,

Happy First day of Fall! We are looking forward to a great week ahead, with cooler temperatures and important events and activities. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue! This Friday, September 27 is a half day for interims. Students should ensure that all assignments are turned in and they are up to date as we have reached the midpoint of the marking period.

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.

This Tuesday, September 24, we are holding a 9th grade parent night. This is informational and allows our new families a way to check-in after a month into the school year. We hope to see you there!

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.

Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society Applications are open! The application is currently only open to Seniors in the Class of 2025. Applications are due by October 4th. Criteria for recognition can be found in the application. Please email Ms. Emily McDermott (she/her) at emily_f_mcdermott@mcpsmd.org with questions.

Application Link: https://forms.gle/G9L5GHDTBfi46Pxd8

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

• Back to School Block Party
• A PTSA Fundraiser at Thai Titanium
• The Chick-Fil-A Battle of the Schools Fundraiser
• College and Career Updates
• The Upcoming College Fair
• The College Readiness Seminar
• FAFSA information
• A seminar on paying for college tuition
• SAT information
• ACT Dates

• Athletics and Events Calendar for the Week (September 23 - September 29)

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

• Hispanic Heritage Month happenings
• The Northwest Free Market
• Picture Ordering
• Parking Permits Reminder
• Homecoming Information
• Date, Time, How to buy a ticket
• Digital Library Information
• Important early dismissal and absence procedures
• Our upcoming Diversity Night
• Our new Cell Phone Policy
• Our new ID policy
• The new policy for chromebooks, chromebook chargers and the costs for families to replace them
• An opportunity to join the Principals' Advisory Council
• The Free Store
• A call to support our Booster Club
• A call for submitting photos for this year's yearbook
• 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!

REMINDER: The Career Council National Hispanic College Fair Field Trip. JUNIORS & SENIORS. ONE bus reserved. FREE.
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024

Destination: Universities at Shady Grove, Rockville, MD

Bus Departure Time: from Northwest @ 10:30 am

• Students should plan to report to the College Career Information Center at the end of period 3.

Bus Return Time: 12:00 noon

• Students will be instructed to bring a bag lunch with consideration given to those who need a lunch prepared by our cafeteria.

Permission forms and fair registration must be submitted to the College Career Information Center no later than student lunch on October 1. Permission Packets will be available on the College Career webpage and with counselors.

NEW: I’m Eva, a high school student at Montgomery Blair High School, and I’m a director of INTEGIRLS D.C., working to encourage girls and non-binaries in STEM fields through competitions.

The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition Saturday, December 14th from 9 am - 4 pm at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus! Our mission at INTEGIRLS is to encourage girls and non-binaries in STEM fields through math competitions and events. This year, we will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, awards ceremony, provided lunch, and lots of fun STEM activities. Teams of up to 4 students will be able to connect with and enjoy math with other girls and non-binaries around the DMV. There will be a lot of prizes and fun swag for all participants.

Register here directly or go to the INTEGIRLS D.C. website (dc.integirls.org) to learn more about the competition.

Questions should be directed to: eva@integirls.org

NEW: Veterinary Medicine Careers Exploration Virtual Workshop. Saturday, October 19 from 10-12 Noon. Click here for more information and to register! | Post 13 September 2024 |

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

Monday, September 23:

• American University @ 8:45 am
• Johnson & Wales University @ 9:40 am
• Virginia Commonwealth University @ 12:05 pm

Tuesday, September 24:

• George Washington University @ 8:45 am

Wednesday, September 25:

• Lebanon Valley College @ 10:45 am

Thursday, September 26:

• Brown University @ 8:45 am
• UMBC @ 9:40 am
• Ithaca College @ 1 pm

For virtual visits, students can bring their Chromebook and headphones to the College Career Information Center (Room 126) to log on for the visit. Virtual visit links are sent the evening before the visit to students who registered. Students can request permission from a teacher to remain in class and log in. Attendance QR-Codes are scanned if the student attends a virtual visit in the College Career Information Center.

Students who attend Montgomery College and do not have a college class during the visit time are welcome to attend. Based on the honor system, there is no attendance taken for those students.

If there is ever a question or concern, please reach out to: Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.

BONUS: UMD September 17 Northwest HS presentation

What you should know:

1. What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. By filing the FAFSA, you can become eligible for federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships, grants, merit aid, and self-help aid (like work-study and federal student loans).

2. What is the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile is an online application that some colleges and scholarship programs use to award non-federal financial aid.

3. When do the applications open?

The 2025-2026 FAFSA (the application you'll file in senior year of high school) is set to open on October 1, 2024, in a limited capacity. It will be open to all students on or by December 1, 2024. Be mindful of priority filing deadlines set by each college.

The 2025-2026 CSS Profile will open on October 1, 2024. Be mindful of priority filing deadlines set by each college.

4. Do I need to complete the applications?

Every student, regardless of their post-secondary plans, should file the FAFSA in their senior year of high school, and then refile each year they continue on in trade school, community college, or 4-year university.

If your college requests the CSS profile, you should file it in addition to the FAFSA each year.

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)

FAFSA rollout for the Class of 2025 is anticipated to be December 1. More to come on FAFSA and financial aid upcoming seminars!

NEW: SCHOLARSHIP: The Veterans of Foreign Affairs VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AUDIO ESSAY CONTEST. Grades 9-12. Awards range up to $35,000. Click HERE for rules and guidelines. DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCTOBER 31 | Post 16 SEPT 2024 |

• SCHOLARSHIP: COCA COLA SCHOLARS PROGRAM. Available to SENIORS. Students need a 3.0 GPA and to complete an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts. DEADLINE TO APPLY: SEPTEMBER 30; 5:00 PM EST | Post 29 AUG 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. DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 1, 2024
• SCHOLARSHIP: The Jefferson Scholars Foundation offers Jefferson Scholarships for undergraduate study at the University of Virginia. Students must be nominated by their high school to complete. If selected as the Northwest nominee, you will be asked to complete the online Jefferson Scholar application, provide a recommendation and upload a photo. UVA Jefferson Scholars information can be found HERE. FAQ's HERE. Submit this Google Form no later than October 10. The one nominee will be selected by the end of October and will have until November 13 to complete the UVA Jefferson Scholars application. | DEADLINE TO REQUEST NOMINATION: OCTOBER 10
• SCHOLARSHIP: The Lindsey Vonn Foundation's Summer 2024 Scholarship season starts NOW! Available to GIRLS AGES 10-18. There are new eligibility requirements intended to make the application process easier for all — to answer any questions regarding scholarship type, eligibility, and beyond, view our comprehensive guide for detailed guidelines and criteria. DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 31, 2024; 5:00 PM EST

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.

JOB POSTING: AMERICAN POOL. Provides custom swimming pool management and maintenance services for clubs, hotels, apartments and homeowner associations throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC regions.

Each of our employees will go through one of our training classes to become lifeguard/first aid/CPR and AED certified. This is a seasonal job which is perfect for high school and college students. It is a fun first job that also teaches our employees responsibility and communication skills while maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool environment. We have some indoor part time positions available as well for anyone interested in starting sooner than May 2025. Discounted lifeguard certification classes are offered at this time of year. American Pool will be hiring at Northwest on October 17 and December 10. Text SWIM to 464646. Email to APRecruit@americanpool.com. Call 410.363.6800.

REMINDER: from College Board: SAT Fee Waiver Student Self-Identification. Students who are eligible for fee waivers can now request them directly from the College Board. Requests must be initiated 1-2 weeks before the registration deadline.

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two to three weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001141457#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email underclass@vosphoto.com

As a reminder, beginning tomorrow, Monday, September 16, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2024-2025 parking permit and be parked in their assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space, or do not have a valid parking permit, may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. If you would like to a pickup or turn in a student parking permit application, please go to the Business Office (room 322) before school, during lunch, or after school until 2:45 p.m.

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.

The focus of the PAC is to give students regular opportunities to provide important input and feedback to the principal on policy and climate issues facing our school and to weigh in on decisions that impact us all as members of our school community. All students, regardless of previous leadership experiences or GPA, are invited to apply.

In order for the PAC to be successful, we need a wide range of voices represented. Most PAC meetings will be held during the school day through Jag PAWS time or during lunch. On some rare occasions, an after-school meeting may be required. If you would like to be considered for membership on the 2023-2024 PAC, please complete this brief application. Applications are due by October 4, 2024. All members will be notified by October 25, 2024.

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.

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.

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