Northwest News
Mr. Smith's Newsletter for the Northwest Community
Sunday, November 5, 2023
NEW: This Week's Message from Mr. Smith
Northwest High School Families,
I hope everyone this message finds everyone well on this Sunday evening. With Daylight Savings Time now ended, hopefully you all remembered to turn your clocks back one (1) hour. A special congratulations to our Golf, Cross Country, Girls and Boys Soccer, Field Hockey, Girls Volleyball, Football, and Cheerleaders for all of your post-season performances over the last couple weeks. Some of you still have upcoming matches this week so we wish you good luck. If you did not get a chance to see our drama departments' production of 67 Cinderellas, you missed out! Be sure to pay close attention to the upcoming musical production in the spring. More details in the coming months.
Important Senior Events:
Wednesday, November 8th - 8:30 - 9:30 am - Auditorium - Senior Meeting in the Auditorium for all Graduating Seniors - Cap and Gown information
Wednesday, November 8th - 9:30 am - NWHS Stadium (weather permitting) -Senior Panoramic Photo Re-do
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.
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. 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 things like the Ulysses Fair and graduation ceremony.
Ulysses Tee Shirt Sale - Fall 2023
Yearbook Updates!
Yearbooks are for sale here
Senior Baby Picture ads ($25) and Senior Memory Ads (prices vary) are due 1.26. Directions and examples are here.
Senior Baby Pic ads require two steps: Purchase an add-on on the Jostens site and then upload the content (picture and quote) on this google form. The Senior Memory pages are purchased and content added to theJostens site.
Students at Northwest High School will be registering online for the 2023-2024 AP exams. This registration will take a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access. Students will complete the registration process in their AP courses.
Online Exam Registration will continue through Monday, November 6th, 2023. This year the cost of AP exams will be paid for by MCPS. Please read this letter for more information. Contact our AP coordinator, Ms. McClintock (amy_m_mcclintock@mcpsmd.org) with any questions.
NWHS in partnership with the MD Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will be administering the Maryland Learners Permit Test at Northwest HS on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 2:30 pm. Any student interested in taking the test must be at least 15 years & 9 month of age or older. Students can pick up the permission slip in the main office and must be returned to the main office by Friday, November 10th by 1:00pm.
In this week's newsletter, you can find new and important items such as tomorrow night's Winter Sports Registration en espanol, important senior reminders, underclass make-up photos this week, a meeting sponsored by the Black and Brown Coalition, College and Career Updates, the Silent Auction this Thursday night, the PTSA reflections program, the Key Club's Peanut Butter and Jelly drive, Horticulture Club information, a call for donations by our Latinos y Hispanos Unidos, PTSA fundraiser at Five Guys, a fundraiser for the Class of 2025 at Noodles and Company, and Things you need to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 2.
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 information for our upcoming Open House on Friday, November 10, a Congrats to our Questbridge Scholarship Finalists, the annual holiday giving project, MSP's upcoming community get-together, MCPS' Pathway to College and Career Readiness, our canned food drive, a call for free store donations, ways to join the PTSA and Booster Clubs, the face coverings policy in effect, 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: Winter Sports Registration en Espanol!
El departamento de atletismo de Northwest ha organizado un evento para familias de habla hispana que necesitan ayuda para registrar a sus estudiantes para los deportes de invierno. Únase a nosotros el lunes 6 de noviembre de 5:30 a 7:30 en la Biblioteca de Northwest. Los estudiantes deben asistir con sus padres/guardianes y traer su Chromebook. Carnitas Don Javier (food truck) estará en la escuela tambien. Las familias pueden obtener más información sobre la registracion aquí.
Northwest Athletics will host an open house for Spanish-speaking families who need help registering their students for winter athletics. Please join us on Monday, November 6th from 5:30-7:30 in the Media Center. Students should attend with their parent/guardian and bring their Chromebooks. Carnitas Don Javier will be on campus. Families can get more information about the registration process here.
NEW: Underclass Make-up Pictures for Thursday, November 9
- This photo day is for students who were absent, new to the school, or who were not happy with their original package (students are required to return their original package to the photographer). In an effort to minimize unnecessary student absence from class , we have a list of criteria for underclass makeup day to reference here, vosphoto.com/retakes.
- Parent/ Guardian questions can be sent using the following email: underclass@vosphoto.com
- Anyone who has not ordered can still do so using the link: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001030509#login
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. For details on all college career information and resources, visit the college career webpage. Questions? Reach out to Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org
Attention seniors applying to MC! It’s time to complete the online application! REMINDER! MC will host an Info Session @ Northwest on November 8 @ 10 AM. Register in Naviance to attend!
SESSIONS ONGOING! Girls in Technology (GIT) is led by a committee of women volunteers who are dedicated to initiating programs to excite, inspire and create awareness for girls interested in Technology. The program is for girls in grades 9 through 12 and includes five in-person 2-hour sessions. Our sessions offer networking and mentoring opportunities while featuring guest speakers / panelists who share their experiences on topics such as Technology careers. Sessions will be held in person on the Rockville, MD Montgomery College campus. NEXT SESSION: NOVEMBER 15
Scholarships are competitively awarded based on application submissions and GIT program engagement. Financial awards are for the pursuit of Technology-focused experiences or to further Technology-related educational opportunities. Sessions continue through March 20. All session times are 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Maryland location is Montgomery Community College (51 Mannakee Street, Rockville MD). Questions should be directed to GIT.MP-Mentors@womenintechnology.org. Click HERE for more information and to apply.
NEW! ASVAB Parent Information Session Returns on NOVEMBER 20, 2023 at 6:00PM. This is an amazing opportunity for PARENTS to gain awareness of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program and all it has to offer. The virtual Q&A session will be held via Zoom. Details below.
Zoom Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601222764?pwd=K0I2bCtVODNwUHdNb3g2UFplSzhaZz09
Meeting ID: 160 122 2764
Passcode: Parent
REMINDER! Are you interested in becoming a better leader of character? Northwest HS has been invited to send two males & two females from the Class of 2024 to join the West Point Society of DC on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the George Mason University Law School, Arlington Campus for the 17th annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference (WPLEC). You can expect a full day of great guest speakers, working in groups of fellow high school juniors from across the DMV to develop solutions to ethical challenges, learning from young military and civilian professionals, and bringing what you learn back to our school! Check out this link for video from the 2022 conference. To attend you must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and have demonstrated leadership in and out of the classroom.
For program consideration complete this Google form no later than Friday, December 8.
REMINDER! US Military Academy West Point Admissions Event. Meet with an Admissions Counselor and learn more about what West Point has to offer, life as a cadet, and the application process. Saturday, November 4. 9:30 am. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (608 N Horners Ln, Rockville, MD 20850) RSVP HERE. For more information: Community Influencers USMA | Imagine Yourself at West Point | 24 October 2023 |
REMINDER! Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair sponsored by Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Saturday, November 4 from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm with activities on Sunday at 11:00 am and 1:15 pm. Register online @ https://mtcbc.org/hbcu/. FREE event.
REMINDER! Attention Class of 2026 - Calling 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 2024 event (student provides transportation to and from Towson U.) The event is scheduled to take place June 6-9. Interested? Complete the Ambassador Request Form HERE before November 6. Learn more about HOBY at www.hoby.org. | Post 13 October 2023 |
REMINDER! CARSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM $1,000 scholarship opportunity for students in grades 9, 10 & 11. One nomination by high school. Students requesting nomination must have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 and community service above and beyond what is required. Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong humanitarian qualities. Use this form to request nomination by November 15. The student selected to move forward in the competition will complete an online Carson Scholars application that will include an essay and teacher recommendation.
REMINDER! GO TO HIGH SCHOOL, GO TO COLLEGE 18TH ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR. Saturday. November 11 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex. 7007 Bock Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Student Registration | Parent Registration | Click the HERE to Download the Flyer and see a list of confirmed colleges |
REMINDER! ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC., ETA PI ZETA CHAPTER Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop. Clarksburg Cottage. Sunday, November 12 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. 23201 Stringtown Road, Clarksburg MD 20832. Questions? Contact etapizetascholarship@gmail.com. Get proven writing prompts to help differentiate your scholarship application. Register HERE.
REMINDER! National Apprenticeship Week Open House Event. November 15. 9 am until 2 pm. 8510 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Carpenters’ Training Center. Click HERE to register for the National Apprenticeship Week Event!
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.
NEW! The MARYLAND STATE POLICE is Now Hiring for Cadets: The Maryland State Police offers one of the most attractive law enforcement compensation packages in the State of Maryland. Applicants must be 18 years of age upon hire. Applicants must have a high school diploma/GED. Questions should be directed to msp.recruiting@maryland.gov | 410-653-4348 | Updated Post 11 October 2023 |
NEW! Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center is hiring with a $5,000 bonus. Find out more at www.JoinModo911.com | MC911.Recruitment@montgomerycountymd.gov | (240) 773-5300
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).
REMINDER! What You Need to Know About the 2024-2025 FAFSA Event: In this event, students can learn all about the 2024-2025 upcoming FAFSA changes! The events will be held on Wednesday Nov. 8, 1-2pm in the student services building lobby on the Rockville campus → Tuesday Nov. 14, noon-1pm in the Germantown campus cafeteria → Wednesday Nov. 15 and Thursday Nov. 16, 1-2pm in the student services building cafeteria on the Takoma Park campus. No registration is required for these events.
REMINDER! Paying for College Workshop: to be held in person and virtually this year. Students get a chance to work one-on-one with Financial Aid Counselors on their 2024-2025 FAFSA or MSFAA! The Paying for College Workshop events will be held on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11am-2pm at the Rockville Campus in the Student Services Building and on Thursday, Feb. 1st, 2024 from 4-7pm at the Takoma Park Campus in the Student Services Building and virtually. Please visit our website to register at bit.ly/FA_Help.
College Career Calendar → High School Visits:
Alfred University - Tuesday, November 7, 9:30 am
Coppin State University - Tuesday, November 7, 10:30 am
Montgomery College - Wednesday, November 8, 10:00 am
University of California-Berkeley - Monday, November 13, 10:30 am
Salisbury University - Thursday, November 16, 9:30 am
United States Military Academy, West Point - Tuesday, November 21, 9:30 am
Delaware College of Art and Design - Tuesday, November 28, 10:30 am
REMINDER! Military Academy West Point Cadet Allen Liu, USMA ‘25, MCPS ‘21, will be at Northwest High School on Tuesday, November 21 @ 9:30 am to share West Point experiences! Interested students should sign up to attend this visit in their Naviance account.
**REMINDER! Admissions Event @ Northwest High School!
Salisbury University Admissions Interviews on Monday, November 27 @ 9:30 am. Application to Salisbury required prior to November 24. Register to participate HERE before Tuesday, November 21.
Remember:
- Students register for all high school college career visits through their Naviance account.
- Once a student is registered for a visit an email is sent to the student’s mcpsmd.net account.
- This email should be shown to teachers requesting permission to attend (print or on your electronic device). Students should request to leave their current class AND let the teacher know they may be late to the class they will return to. Visits are scheduled based on the availability of our admissions representatives and not necessarily based on our class schedules.
- When attending a visit, students scan a QR-Code linked to a Google form for attendance. This form lists the student’s information, the visit information, and the period teachers (from and to). This information goes directly to the attendance office.
If there is ever a question or concern, please reach out to: Rochelle_Davis@mcpsmd.org.
NEW: Silent Auction - Thursday, November 9
You are cordially invited to attend the Booster Club Silent Auction on Thursday, 11/9/23 from 6:30-9:30pm at Bretton Woods Recreation Center, 15700 River Road Germantown, MD 20874. There are hundreds of items up for bid. All proceeds benefit the NWHS Booster Club. Visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/silent-auction/ to view the full auction catalog, browse item photos, access absentee bidder form, and more!
NEW: NWHS PTSA Reflections Program: Art Submission Deadline 12.1.23
We are excited to announce NWHS PTSA's participation in the National PTA's Reflections program. The Reflections Program is a national arts recognition and achievement program for students. Since 1969, over 10 million students across the nation have taken part in this popular PTA program.
NW students submit their works of art based on this year's theme" I am Hopeful Because..." and Northwest selects its top three entries in each category (listed below) to submit to the county PTA for judging (MCCPTA). From there the county recognizes the outstanding students in each category and submits the best to state, state winners move on to the national competition. Students may participate in the following categories:
•Visual Arts – Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
•Photography – Film or Digital
•Music Composition – Instrumental or Vocal
•Film Production – Live Action, Documentary, Animation
•Dance Choreography – Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
•Literature – Short Story, Essay, Poem
Visit https://www.nwhsptsa.org/reflections/ for more information.
NEW: Things to know from MCPS for Thursday, November 2
1. Schools Recognize Mental Health Awareness Week
Schools across Montgomery County kicked off Mental Health Awareness Week with a variety of activities for students, staff and the community. A virtual resource fair and panel this Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. will offer information on MCPS mental health resources, providers and community partners to students and their families.
- Video message from district leaders
- School activities
- Amplifier student magazine focuses on student mental health
2. We Want to Hear from You! Join Us for Upcoming Operating Budget Forums on Nov. 2 and Nov. 14
Your voice matters and we are eager to hear your insight! Join us for the next virtual Operating Budget Forum. Participate in a collaborative initiative brought to you by Board of Education members and MCPS leadership.
RSVP to let us know you'll be attending.
- TONIGHT, Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30–8 p.m., virtual forum. This event will be livestreamed on the MCPS homepage. Meeting link
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8, virtual. Meeting link
There is also a forum on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Gaithersburg High School, open to students only.
3. Application Deadline Extended to Nov. 8 for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs
Grade 8 students can apply to Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs. Information sessions will be available for students and families. All dates can be found on the special programs webpage.
Applications are due by Wednesday, Nov. 8. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and open house dates are available on this website.
Applications for the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) for the 2024-2025 school are due Friday, Nov. 3. Applications for the waitlist for Semester 2 of the Virtual Academy’s 2023-2024 year are also due on Nov. 3. Applications submitted after Nov. 3, 2023, but by Feb. 9, 2024, will be added to the 2024-2025 waitlist. Visit the MVA website for more information.
4. Events and Opportunities
Join Our Transportation Team
MCPS is hosting a job fair for bus drivers, bus attendants and mechanics from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. The fair will be held at the Shady Grove Transportation Depot, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Read more.
FREE English Classes available to MCPS Parents
The Class to Community (C2C) organization offers free English as a Second Language (ESL), GED and college prep, and digital literacy classes. Visit the C2C website for more information
A Chance to Win Cash and Earn SSL Hours
Enter the Speak Up, Save a Life PSA Contest. The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is hosting a contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens.
5. Bright Spots This Week
Students Learn How to Write and Present Board of Education Testimony
High school students attended a one-day workshop to learn how to write and present Board of Education (BOE) testimony in front of Board members to effectively advocate for the changes they want to see in their schools. Read more.
The fall county championship season wrapped up this week. Check out the list of teams who came out on top.
MCPS, in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a Student Environment Volunteer Day on Nov. 1 at Gaithersburg High School. Read more.
Nearly 200 middle school students participated in the Montgomery County Junior Council’s (MCJC) first General Assembly of the year. first county general assembly this school year. to represent their schools and let their voice be heard. Learn more about student leadership opportunities.
Montgomery County Public Schools
REMINDER: Upcoming Open House on Friday, November 10
On Friday, November 10th, we will hold an open house for any caregivers. Caregivers will have the opportunity to participate in an information session with our counseling department, and then attend classes with their student(s). Parents are welcome from 8:30-11:15 but must pre-register using the following Google Form.
REMINDER: Questbridge Scholarships Congratulations!
The QuestBridge Scholarship Foundation offers students full scholarships to some of the most renowned colleges and universities in the United States. Northwest has two finalists this year who will strive to win those scholarships. Congratulations to NW's finalists Hanbit Kang and Fela Ralte! Please wish them luck as they continue on to the next round in the scholarship competition.
REMINDER: Holiday Giving Project
Each year the Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County provides food at Thanksgiving and food and gifts for the December holidays to low-income households. The Holiday Giving Project Coalition coordinates this seasonal program in conjunction with a variety of religious, business and nonprofit organizations. Families can be referred by School Counselors. Contact your student’s counselor if you are interested in receiving these services. The deadline for requesting services for Thanksgiving is October 26th, 2023. The deadline for requesting services for the December Holidays is November 20th, 2023. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. Please contact your student’s School Counselor if you have any questions.
MCPS Pathways to College and Career Readiness
REMINDER: Canned Food Drive
Northwest High School’s Key Club is initiating our yearly canned food drive. Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone. Every donation of food matters- which is why we are asking for your help on voicing our event.
The canned food drive will take place during all of October and November. Each classroom will have their designated box/bag and students are expected to bring non perishable, canned items and drop them off in their first period class. Some examples include canned soups, canned beans, canned fruit, powdered milk, and canned peanut butter. Last year, we came in third place based on the amount of cans collected out of all the Montgomery County Public Schools. Nonetheless, this year we are striving for first place!
REMINDER: Yearbook Sale Information
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. Please add names and grades.
Pick up your 2023 yearbook supplement that features spring sports, graduation, prom, spring musical. If you purchased a yearbook, these are included in the price. Pick up in 250 or 261 before school, during lunch, after school until 2:45. Ask for Ms Koutsos.
The 2024 yearbook is available for purchase.
The first sale price is $90
The 2nd sale price is $95
Then the rest are $100
$105 in person at distribution
Senior only can purchase ad space in the back of the book. Personalized ad space is available for sale. And baby pics/quotes space can be purchased for a community page.
REMINDER: Free Store Supplies are in Demand!
Many NW students visit The Free Store daily. Because of high demand, the Free Store has run out of composition books and spiral notebooks! If you have any gently used, no longer needed school supplies, please donate them to the Free Store, room 264. We also always need calculators, backpacks, and test prep books. We take donations all year long. We will also be collecting donations during Back to School Night. Thank you, NW community, for your support!
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: Face Coverings Policy is in Effect!
For the safety of our school environment, face coverings may be worn indoors only for health, religious and/or cultural purposes. When used for health protection or to prevent disease transmission, acceptable and effective face coverings are well fitting surgical masks, KN95-style masks or N95 respirators. With the exception of face coverings worn for
religious or cultural purposes, individuals will be asked to remove other types of face coverings (such as a ski mask, neck gaiter, or scarf over one’s face). If the alternate face covering is worn for health purposes, NWHS will provide surgical masks for student, staff or visitor use. If a face covering is needed at school for health purposes, NWHS will provide surgical masks for students, staff or visitors who do not already have access to one at school.
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