Northwest News

Dear Northwest High School Families,

Happy Sunday! As we close out our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I must congratulate all who made our culminating event this past Friday, October 11 a huge success. A special thank you to Ms. Aguilar, Ms. Suthard, Ms. Morales, Ms. Greenlee and all the staff and students who put in hours to make it such a wonderful event. A reminder that it is Homecoming Week! We will not have school Friday, October 18 as it is a professional day for staff, but our homecoming dance is Saturday, October 19. It'll be a great week!

MCPS is seeking input about the 2025–2026 school year calendar! Please take a moment to complete the MCPS School Calendar Feedback Survey. Your input will be used to select the first and last day of school, as well as other important dates for the coming school year.

The team at Victor O’Neill Studios would like to thank your school for a great picture day! If your school provided emails to the VOS team, be on the lookout for an email from Victor O'Neill Studios. If you do not see it in your inbox, check the spam/junk folder. Otherwise, you can email underclass@vosphoto.com. Any student who has not had a chance to order, it’s not too late!

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 just a few new items. Please see them listed below and check out the details in the newsletter.

• PSAT Day this Wednesday, October 16
• Night of Belonging Wednesday, October 23
• Homecoming Spirit Week
• Holiday Giving
• Online Safety Tips
• NWHS PTSA Silent Auction
• PTSA fundraiser at Ledo's
• College and Career Updates
• The Upcoming College Fair
• Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
• Financial Aid Workshops
• Athletics and Events Calendar for the Week (October 14 - October 20)

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

• Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Exam
• Athletes Give Back
• Still need to purchase a yearbook?
• Think Pink Club and Bake Sale
• Think Pink Fundraiser at Tortacos
• The Chick-Fil-A Battle of the Schools Fundraiser

• 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
• 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!

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, our Grade 10 students and registered 11th graders will participate in the digital PSAT assessment. While there will be no scheduled activities for 9th, 11th, and 12th-grade students during this time, our regularly scheduled MCPS transportation will be available for all students. Any student who is not participating in PSAT testing will report to the cafeteria from 7:45 am to 11:15 am for study hall.

All students participating in the PSAT assessment must bring their school-assigned Chromebook (fully charged) and must report to their testing location by 7:45 am. Students participating in the PSAT will not be allowed to test using their personal laptops and/or iPADS. A separate email will be sent to all testing participants with additional information. Please see below for the schedule for Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

If there are any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with your student(s) counselor or administrator.

Join us for an inspiring evening hosted by the Northwest Latino/Hispanic Parent Council on October 23, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. This special night is an open invitation to come together, learn, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community. Hear firsthand from community members about their advocacy efforts and the positive impact we're making together. Don't miss this unique blend of learning, dialogue, and entertainment. For questions, please contact Nyurka_I_Morales@mcpsmd.org

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.

📱Are you concerned about keeping your kids and teens safe online? We hear you!

💻Join @commonsenseorg for a free 30-minute live webinar to empower your kids and teens to make smart choices online.

🗓️ Online Safety: Parenting Tips for Kids and Teens

Wednesday, October 16, 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET. Sign up and learn more at

https://www.commonsense.org/education/events/online-safety-parenting-tips-for-kids-and-teens

NEW: The Princeton Review is hosting an event with our Editor-In Chief, Rob Franek on Finding Best-Fit Colleges, in partnership with MCPS. Tuesday, October 22, from 6:30 until 7:30 pm. Virtual. Registration required. Registration closes on October 21st and registrants will then receive a Zoom link to the session. Click HERE to link to the registration form.

FINANCIAL AID BASICS

Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm. Virtual with Collegiate Directions. bit.ly/3ZoCOAQ.

Additional workshop opportunities with Collegiate Directions. Getting Started with the Common App. Financial Aid Basics. Completing the CSS Profile. Click HERE for more information and to register.

FIRE SCIENCE ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, October 16 | 6 pm

The Fire Science Cadet Open House for rising Grade 11 and 12 students is scheduled to take place on Oct. 16, 2024, from 6-7:30pm at the Public Safety Training Academy, 8751 Snouffer School Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20879. The High School Cadet program could eventually be linked to post-secondary Recruit and employment with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services. Details on this new Career Path to Fire and Rescue will be communicated at the Open House.

Students and parents are welcome to attend the Fire Science and Rescue Open House, and they do not need to register in advance. Students interested in registering for the Fire Science and Cadet program for the 2025-26 school year, can scan the poster QR code (linked on the college career home page) to learn about the timeline to register and the registration form is called “Grade 9-11 Application” (Link). Grade 9-11 Programs At a Glance & High-Demand Career Readiness Programs links will have additional details on the Fire Science & Rescue program.

SENIORS & FAMILIES

Rob Maddox from St. Mary’s College of Maryland will be explaining all things Financial Aid. Virtual presentation

Thursday, October 17th 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/88425220638?pwd=AgdG4SkbYUlZeRFminLUYzCEf9ddez.1

Meeting ID: 884 2522 0638

Passcode: 107438

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+13017158592,,88425220638#,,,,*107438# US (Washington DC)

+13126266799,,88425220638#,,,,*107438# US (Chicago)

Financial Aid Basics: Understanding How Financial Aid Can Help You Pay for College with Collegiate Directions

Wednesday, October 23rd | 6:30 p.m.

With all the changes to the FAFSA recently and the evolving state-based financial aid for undocumented students, it can be hard to get familiar with everything you need to do to prepare for paying for college. Join us for this free webinar at which you'll be able to get a jump on how you can be in the best position to maximize your financial aid options.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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 |

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 OPPORTUNITY FOR SOPHOMORES: Be A Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Ambassador for Northwest High School! Represent your high school this spring on the campus of Towson University. HOBY is open to sophomores who are potential leaders in their school and communities. Northwest will send one current sophomore for the 2025 event (student provides transportation to and from Towson U.) The event is scheduled to take place in early June. Interested? Complete the Ambassador Request Form HERE before November 8. Learn more about HOBY at www.hoby.org. Questions? See Ms. Davis in the College Career Information Center, Room 126.

NEW: A College Career Opportunity from the Bridge to Wellness Team at Northwest High School. JUNIORS… SENIORS… ARE YOU PLANNING TO GO TO COLLEGE? Come during lunch on Wednesday, October 23 @ the Bridge to Wellness Team Room 211 to participate in a College Information Session to talk about:

• Preparing for applications
• How to pick schools
• Types of degrees/deciding your major
• FAFSA

There will also be discussion about a possible tour of the University of Maryland, College Park. Questions? Contact Allison Sierra (301) 370.4955 | allison.sierra@sheppardpratt.org or allison.g.sierra@montgomerycountymd.net.

NEW: 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.

APPLICATION NOTICE for STEAMFITTERS’ APPRENTICESHIP for the HEATING, AC, REFRIGERATION PROCESS PIPING & ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS FIELDS. Applications accepted ONLY starting November 1 at 8 am and will close on November 30 at 4 pm. Details can be found at https://602training.org/. Visit 602training.org/apply-now to apply. Questions should be directed to 301.341.1555.

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, October 15:

• University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown @ 8:45 am
• Arcadia University @ 9:40a am
• Loyola University Maryland @ 10:30 am

Thursday, October 17:

• University of Scranton @ 8:45 am
• Lafayette College @ 9:40 am
• Montgomery College @ 10:30 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)

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: from The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Nu Chapter (Montgomery County, MD). The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Nu Chapter (Montgomery County, MD) wants to recognize graduating senior African American males during their November 13, 2024, Achievement Week. Last year, the chapter gave $32,000 in scholarships and celebrated 32 African American male Montgomery County Public Schools students.

The Achievement Week application is linked HERE. The top 4 students can win a $5,000 scholarship to attend the college of their choice. The deadline for the Achievement Week application is October 20.

1. This program is only for graduating high school African American male seniors.
2. A transcript must accompany their application and a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA and/or 3.0 unweighted GPA is required for Achievement Week honors. All students will receive a certificate and a monetary award. The top 4 students will receive a $5000 scholarship.
3. The deadline to email the application/essay to Shawn Wilkerson is October 20, 2024. The application/essay must be sent to wilkywilk615@hotmail.com.

Students can also apply to compete in the International High School Essay Contest by writing an essay on the topic identified. The local essay contest winner will receive a $200 check at Achievement week on November 13, 2024.

1. No GPA is required for the essay contest. The local essay contest winner will receive $200 and will compete for a $5,000 national award. The deadline to submit the high school essay is October 31.
2. 
   

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: 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 REMINDER: The Lindsey Vonn Foundation's Summer 2024 Scholarship season starts NOW! Available to GIRLS AGES 10-18. Finances should never be an obstacle for girls wanting to follow their passions, and LVF is here to help them overcome these difficulties with scholarships amounting up to $5,000. 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 | Post 8 AUG 2024 |

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: HISPANIC HERITAGE YOUTH AWARDS. SENIORS. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage. GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Grants up to $4,000 available. We are looking for students who have made remarkable achievements in the classroom, made an impact in their communities, and demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following categories:

Community Service ➧ Education ➧ Engineering ➧ Entrepreneurship & Business ➧Green Sustainability ➧Healthcare & Science ➧ Media & Entertainment ➧ Public Service & Social ➧ Justice ➧ Technology

DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 3, 2024 | Post 25 September 2024

The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Exam which recognizes and rewards excellence in language learnings, will be administered at Northwest High School for Seniors on October 30, 2024, and for Juniors on January 27, 2025. The test is free for Seniors, and Juniors pay $21.

Student Registration Link: https://bit.ly/SealRegisterMCPS25

An Interest Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, during lunch in Room 202.

Seniors’ registration deadline is October 25, 2024, and Juniors’ registration deadline is January 13, 2025. For more information, contact Mr. Sani Adamou the World Languages RT in Room 200 or via email at Sani_M_Adamou@mcpsmd.org

Still Need to Purchase a Yearbook?

Purchase Link

The first sale price is $95 (limited amount); 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.

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):

Early Bird Price until 10.31

Full page: $275

½ page:$145

¼ page:$85

⅛ page:$50

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

Submit a baby picture of your senior along with a quote that conveys a life philosophy. Quotes are subject to admin approval.

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. FREE!

Want a copy of the Panoramic Pic of the Entire Senior Class?

Purchase here. ($20)

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.

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